Bright herbs, bold spices, and fresh ingredients are at the heart of these Mediterranean-inspired dishes. This list includes grilled seafood, colorful salads, zesty pasta, and dips full of character. From creamy feta to smoky eggplant and vibrant tomato-based sauces, each recipe delivers something satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re building a spread or keeping things simple, these dishes bring variety and punch to the table.

Efi’s Baklava

Efi’s Baklava. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This version of the classic dessert layers crisp phyllo dough with chopped nuts and spiced syrup. Each bite is sticky, flaky, and just sweet enough. The top stays golden and crisp. A finish that feels celebratory.
Get the Recipe: Efi’s Baklava

Mediterranean Baked Fish

A white plate with baked fish fillet topped with tomato sauce, onions, capers, and herbs—perfect for fans of fresh Mediterranean recipes.
Mediterranean Baked Fish. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender white fish bakes with tomatoes, olives, herbs, and lemon. The juices form a light sauce right in the pan. It’s simple, fast, and full of flavor. Serve with rice or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Fish

Beet Salad with Feta

Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Earthy roasted beets pair with salty feta and a drizzle of vinaigrette. The colors pop on the plate. It’s chilled, tangy, and works well as a side. Add walnuts or herbs for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Shrimp is marinated with garlic, lemon, and herbs before hitting the grill. It cooks quickly and picks up charred flavor. Serve skewered or over greens. Great for warm nights.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cherry tomatoes cook until their skins split and juices concentrate. A touch of oil and garlic boosts flavor. Serve warm with bread or toss into pasta. Bursty and bright.
Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Two grain bowls are shown on a white marble counter with forks, a red linen, dill, and a lemon.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This bowl layers cooked grains with fresh vegetables, olives, cheese, and a zesty dressing. Each bite mixes textures and flavors. Add protein like chicken or chickpeas. It’s customizable and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This pasta is tossed with crumbled feta, lemon juice, and wilted spinach. Light and tangy with a touch of creaminess. Serve warm or at room temperature. Easy to pull together in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

The Best Baked Feta Recipe

The Best Baked Feta Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Feta bakes with olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs until soft and golden. Stir it into pasta or spread on bread. The cheese becomes creamy and rich. A little heat brings out even more flavor.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This chopped salad mixes cucumber, tomato, and onion with lemon and herbs. It’s fresh, crunchy, and bright. Serve alongside grilled dishes. It’s a refreshing reset on any plate.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Chicken Marsala

Roasted chicken with mushrooms and potatoes in a cast iron skillet.
Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: .

This dish features chicken cooked in a rich mushroom and wine sauce. It’s savory and slightly sweet from the Marsala. Serve over pasta or with vegetables. A comforting classic.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi is sliced and fried until golden with a crisp shell. The inside stays chewy and salty. Serve with dips or a squeeze of lemon. Great as a starter or snack.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Beef Kafta

Beef Kafta on a plate with veggies.
Beef Kafta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef is mixed with herbs, onion, and spices then shaped and grilled. The result is juicy and well-seasoned. Serve with rice, pita, or yogurt sauce. A reliable favorite with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Spicy Harissa Pasta

Spicy Harissa Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This dish uses harissa paste to give pasta a smoky heat. Add-ins like tomatoes, greens, or cheese can round it out. It’s quick with a bold finish. A good way to shake up the usual sauce.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Four Mediterranean Tuna Salad stuffed avocados on a white plate.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Tuna is combined with olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and vinaigrette instead of mayo. It’s light and full of crunch. Serve in a wrap, over greens, or with crackers. A fresh twist on a staple.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Orzo pasta is tossed with shrimp, lemon, herbs, and vegetables. Each forkful brings a mix of flavor and texture. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Bright and filling.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness to this creamy dip. Roasting brings out depth in the flavor. Serve with veggies or pita. A fun seasonal spin on hummus.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Antipasto Farro Salad

A salad on a plate with mixed greens, mozzarella balls, prosciutto, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and grains, garnished with herbs.
Antipasto Farro Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Farro forms the base of this hearty salad loaded with olives, peppers, cheese, and salami. A vinaigrette ties it all together. It’s chewy, savory, and great for make-ahead meals. Serve cold or room temp.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Farro Salad

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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