10+ Mediterranean Recipes to Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinners

Mediterranean recipes use simple, fresh ingredients to make flavorful and healthy meals. These dishes come from countries around the Mediterranean Sea.

You can enjoy recipes that focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and lean proteins.

Cooking Mediterranean food is easy and rewarding because you use ingredients found in most stores. Whether you want a quick meal or something to share with family, these recipes offer tasty options.

Trying Mediterranean recipes can help you discover new flavors and healthy eating habits.

1) Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Greek Chicken Souvlaki is a simple and tasty dish you can make at home. Marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and oregano for fresh, bright flavor.

Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill until juicy and slightly charred. Serve souvlaki with pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce for a classic meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill on medium-high heat, about 8-10 minutes, turning often, until cooked through (165°F/74°C).
5. Serve with pita and tzatziki.

For more tips on Greek Chicken Souvlaki, check this recipe with lemon garlic marinade and grilling ideas from Downshiftology.

2) Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This salad is a fresh and healthy choice for any meal. Chickpeas mix with crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers.

Toss everything with tangy feta cheese and fresh parsley for a bright flavor. A simple lemon vinaigrette ties the salad together.

You can make it ahead and keep it chilled for lunch or a side dish. Add olives or roasted red peppers to customize it.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup olives or roasted red peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, feta, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl or jar, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. Add olives or roasted red peppers if you like.

Learn more about this salad at Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – Downshiftology.

3) Spanakorizo (Spinach and Rice)

Spanakorizo is a Greek dish with spinach and rice. It’s light, healthy, and full of lemon and herbs.

Cook the dish slowly with olive oil, onions, and garlic. Add fresh lemon juice at the end for a tangy finish.

You can serve it as a main or a side. It uses basic ingredients you might already have.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups medium-grain white rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in rinsed spinach until it wilts.
4. Add the rice and mix well with the spinach and onions.
5. Pour in 3 cups of water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
7. Stir in lemon juice before serving.

4) Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki

Lamb kebabs are a tasty Mediterranean dish you can make at home. Marinate lamb cubes with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and oregano for juicy, flavorful meat.

While the kebabs grill, mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice to make tzatziki sauce. Serve the kebabs with pita bread and the cool sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lamb, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Tzatziki:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and drained
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add lamb cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Thread lamb onto skewers.
4. Grill on medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C) for 8-10 minutes, turning to cook evenly.
5. Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl and chill before serving.
6. Serve kebabs with tzatziki and warm pita bread.

For more on lamb kebabs, visit Greek Lamb Souvlaki recipe.

5) Roasted Cod with Olives and Tomatoes

This roasted cod dish is simple and full of flavor. Juicy cherry tomatoes, salty olives, and fresh herbs surround the tender fish.

As the cod cooks, the pan juices create a light, lemony sauce. This adds a fresh touch that pairs well with the tomatoes and olives.

You can cook this recipe in one pan for quick cleanup. Just roast everything in the oven and enjoy a balanced dinner.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets
• Cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata or black olives
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Capers
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place cod in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Add tomatoes, olives, garlic, and capers around the fish.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
6. Spoon pan juices over fish before serving.

This recipe is inspired by the Roasted Cod With Burst Tomatoes and Olives recipe.

6) Farinata (Chickpea Flour Pancake)

Farinata is a tasty pancake made from chickpea flour. It’s popular in Italy and is gluten-free and vegan.

Mix chickpea flour with water, olive oil, and salt to make the batter. Bake it until the edges are crispy and the inside is soft.

Add herbs or spices for extra flavor. Farinata pairs well with salads or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: rosemary or black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
2. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or skillet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
6. Slice and serve warm.

Find more details about this recipe here.

7) Crispy Fried Falafel

Crispy fried falafel is a classic Mediterranean dish made with dried chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Soak the chickpeas overnight for the right texture.

Mix chickpeas with fresh herbs, onion, and seasonings, then shape into small patties or balls. Fry them in oil at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

Serve falafel in wraps, salads, or with tahini sauce. Homemade falafel tastes much better than store-bought.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak chickpeas in water overnight (8-12 hours).
2. Drain and pulse chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor until coarse.
3. Shape mixture into small patties or balls.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry falafel in batches for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve.

8) Mediterranean Tilapia Pockets

You’ll love making Mediterranean Tilapia Pockets. They are simple and full of flavor.

Wrap tilapia in prosciutto to keep the fish juicy and add a salty taste. Inside, add tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a tasty mix.

Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C). This dish is quick and easy for weeknight dinners.

These pockets are healthy and filled with Mediterranean flavors like lemon and herbs. Serve them with a fresh salad or steamed veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 tilapia fillets
• 2 slices prosciutto
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub tilapia with olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning.
3. Place tomatoes, olives, and feta on the fillets.
4. Wrap each fillet with prosciutto slices.
5. Put the pockets on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish is cooked through.

9) Lentil Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

This lentil salad is fresh and colorful. Pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweetness and crunch.

You’ll enjoy the mix of tender lentils with juicy fruit and fresh herbs. It’s a great side dish or a light meal.

Add spinach, cucumbers, and lime juice to brighten the flavors. This salad also works as a dip or topping for bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils (black or brown)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 cup fresh spinach or baby greens
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook lentils until tender. Drain and let them cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix lentils, pomegranate seeds, cucumber, onion, spinach, and herbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

You can find a similar recipe at Lentil Pomegranate Salad (Palouse Caviar).

10) Avocado Tapenade with Grilled Chicken

This dish is simple and full of fresh flavors. Marinate chicken breasts in lemon, garlic, and olive oil.

Grill the chicken until juicy and cooked through. The avocado tapenade is creamy and tangy.

Combine diced avocado, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a bit of balsamic vinegar. This topping adds a Mediterranean twist to your chicken.

Serve the grilled chicken with avocado tapenade on top. It’s great for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lemon zest, juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).

4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Cook until the chicken is done.

5. Combine avocado, olives, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar.

6. Serve the chicken with the avocado tapenade on top.