With cuisine from Greece, Lebanon, and Israel, and packed with the strong flavors of fresh herbs and spices, here are 20 delicious Mediterranean dinner recipes.
In a meal planning rut? Love fresh, bright flavors? Then I highly suggest adding Mediterranean food into your dinner rotation. And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve compiled a list of 20 Mediterranean dinner recipes.
What is Mediterranean Cuisine?
Mediterranean cuisine consists of food from both European and African countries that surround the Mediterranean sea. 21 countries in total. The countries that come to mind when I think of Mediterranean food include Greece, Israel, Italy, and Lebanon. However, I draw inspiration from those and more.
Three core ingredients in the Mediterranean, regardless of region, are olives, wheat, and grapes. Primary flavors also include lots of fresh herbs, like basil, mint, garlic, and saffron. When thinking of classic Mediterranean cuisine, think hummus, shawarma, and souvlaki.
The Mediterranean Way
You may have heard about the “Mediterranean Diet” or “eating the Mediterranean way.” While this post isn’t about the diet, I will point out that Mediterranean food is a fantastic way to cook colorful, delicious meals that you can feel good about eating and serving to your family. The main points consist of this:
Eat lots of: veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil.
Eat moderately: chicken, eggs, and dairy.
Eat rarely: red meats.
Avoid: added sugars, refined grains and oils, and other highly processed foods.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Middle Eastern food considered Mediterranean?
Yes, the Middle East includes many countries that border the Mediterranean sea.
What is the most popular Mediterranean dish?
I think that most people would consider shawarma or falafel to be the most popular, but there are too many to say a definitive “most popular.”
Did you try any of these Mediterranean recipes and love it? The next time you make one, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish, I hope you enjoy!
20 Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
Mediterranean Sautéed Shrimp
4.80 stars average
25 minutesminutes
This 15-minute seafood recipe is made with shrimp, peppers and onion sautéed with garlic and white wine then finished with feta cheese.
Very popular in several Mediterranean countries and a family favorite, these Lebanese meat stuffed grape leaves are filled with beef, rice, and lemon juice.
Greek-style turkey burgers are grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy garlic and dill tzatziki sauce. Protein packed and exploding with flavor, these Greek burgers are a healthy addition to any BBQ.
Tomato kibbeh is a vegan version of the traditional Lebanese dish, kibbeh nayeh, typically made with raw beef, onions, and bulgur wheat. This vegetarian rendition is made with tomatoes, bulgur wheat, onion, red peppers, and fresh herbs.
This Greek-inspired sheet pan dinner recipe is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, potatoes, peppers, onions, and hearty eggplant roasted in garlic, olive oil, and oregano. It's the easiest no-mess dinner recipe the whole family will love!
This lemony, garlicky Lebanese chicken marinade results in tender, juicy chicken every single time. Serve chicken tawook on salads, over rice or in a pita.
The lunchtime classic gets a major upgrade with this Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich made with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil.
Lebanese Baked Fish with Tahini Sauce and Toasted Pine Nuts
4.43 stars average
30 minutesminutes
An easy, 20 minute seafood recipe, white fish is baked with olive oil until flakey then drizzled with a lemony tahini garlic sauce and topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley.
A healthy version of the ballpark classic, sausage and peppers, I’ve added in lean chicken breast, hearty potatoes and plenty of peppers and onions in this easy slow cooker dinner recipe.
The most flavorful shawarma you'll ever have! Yogurt, lemon and warm spices tenderize the beef to create a delicious and succulent Middle Eastern dish.
This quick and easy vegetarian pasta recipe is made with grilled peppers, eggplant and onions tossed in olive oil, oregano, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
