These nutritious and flavour-packed Mediterranean Diet Recipes focus on fresh, balanced meals that are beginner-friendly. Each dish uses everyday ingredients such as olive oil, grains, vegetables, and lean protein to create food that feels both light and filling.
The Mediterranean way of cooking is built on everyday staples and easy techniques, making it ideal for new cooks. From quick rice dishes to baked fish and fresh salads, this collection is a good place to start for anyone who wants to eat well effortlessly.
Prawn Saganaki
Prawn Saganaki, or Garides Saganaki in Greek, is a classic dish where prawns are cooked in a tomato-based sauce and topped with feta cheese. The word saganaki refers to the small two-handled pan traditionally used for dishes like this.
To learn more: Greek Shrimp Saganaki - Garides Saganaki
Mediterranean Baked Salmon
Mediterranean Baked Salmon is a simple yet impressive and delicious dish, whether you serve it as the centerpiece of a holiday dinner table for special occasions or as a quick weeknight dinner.
It is the perfect combination of fresh salmon fillet marinated with Mediterranean flavors such as lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic.
To learn more: Mediterranean Baked Salmon
Turkish Okra Stew
Bamya, also known as Bamia or Bamyeh, is a classic Turkish stew dish made with okra, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and lemon juice.
This delicious and healthy stew traditionally contains lamb, beef, or chicken, and the secret to its rich flavor is the long, slow simmering process that gently brings the flavors together.
To learn more: Bamya - Turkish Okra Stew
Turkish Orzo Soup
Arpa Şehriye Çorbası, or Turkish Orzo Soup, is a comforting and delicious tomato-based soup made with orzo pasta, and chicken stock, and flavored with garlic, mint, and flaked chili. This Turkish favorite is super easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and works beautifully as a quick starter or a light, comforting meal.
To learn more: Arpa Şehriye Çorbası - Turkish Orzo Soup
Hummus
Hummus Dip is a Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern spread made with chickpeas and tahini, then seasoned with lemon, garlic, and cumin. This extremely creamy, smooth & fresh dip comes together in just 25 minutes!
To learn more: Mediterranean Hummus Dip
Green Bean Stew
Etli Taze Fasulye Yemegi, or Green Bean Stew with Meat, is a traditional Turkish vegetable stew where fresh green beans and meat are simmered in a simple tomato sauce until tender. This delicious and simple summer dish has been a family favorite in our household for many years.
To learn more: Etli Taze Fasulye - Green Bean Stew with Meat
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Türlü is a healthy and delicious Mediterranean dish made with a mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and tomato. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that’s full of soft, tender vegetables and warm spices.
To learn more: Turlu - Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Guvec - Lamb and Vegetable Casserole
Kuzu Guvec is a Turkish Lamb Casserole dish made with lamb and vegetables slowly cooked in an earthenware pot. This authentic dish has rich, earthy, and smoky aromas, and is low in calories, nutritious and gluten-free.
To learn more: Kuzu Guvec (Turkish Lamb Casserole)
Papoutsakia
Aubergine Papoutsakia (or Patlıcan Pabucaki) is a delightful vegetarian stuffed aubergine dish from Greek and Turkish cuisine. While it traditionally includes ground meat stuffing similar to Greek Moussaka (Musaka), I prefer this vegetarian version as a lighter option, especially during the summer.
To learn more: Papoutsakia - Vegetarian Greek Stuffed Eggplants
Mujadara
Mujadara (or Mujaddara) is a simple yet delicious Lebanese Recipe made with Lentils and Rice and flavored with caramelized crispy onions.
It is extremely easy to make with only a few simple ingredients, which you probably already have in your pantry. Additionally, this beautiful dish is inexpensive to prepare, packed with nutrients, and gluten-free.
To learn more: Mujadara - Lebanese Lentils and Rice
Falafel
This Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe is perfect for you if you want to learn how to make perfectly crisp and extremely flavourful falafels.
Whether you serve them stuffed in warm Laffa - Iraqi Flatbread or along with a bowl of refreshing Lebanese Fattoush Salad, this iconic street food will be a family favorite!
To learn more: Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe
Green Lentil Soup
Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a healthy, budget friendly, yet incredibly flavorsome dish made with green lentils, onions, carrots, and celery cooked in a tomato-based broth.
It is flavored with bay leaves and cumin and then brightened with a generous amount of lemon juice.
To learn more: Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Vegan Lentil Meatballs
Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs) is a healthy and flavourful Turkish dish made with fine bulgur, red lentils, onions, tomato & red pepper paste, and spices. These aromatic vegetarian meatballs are inexpensive and very easy to make.
Just like Easy Meatless Cig Kofte, they are usually served as an appetizer, a healthy snack, or a part of a mezze platter.
To learn more: Mercimek Kofte (Vegan Lentil Meatballs)
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