Fresh produce, loads of herbs and bold spices are staples in the Mediterranean diet. Here I gathered a list of favorite Mediterranean dinner recipes to inspire you to cook fresh, vibrant flavors, any night of the week. And the best part, all done in under an hour!
Weeknight Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
Lahmacun is one of my favorite Turkish recipes. Usually made with meat, this vegan recipe showcases all of the same bold Mediterranean flavors but made with a hearty vegetable mixture, tangy pomegranate molasses and warm spices. Top the vegan Turkish pizza with sumac onions, lemon and fresh herbs for a fresh pop of flavor.
This was originally a play on a deconstructed baba ghanoush, where I took some of baba’s famous flavors of eggplant and lemon and broke them up a bit. What was created was a fantastic Mediterranean roasted eggplant recipe that is hearty enough to be a main dish on its own. The roasted eggplant halves are flavored with warm spices of cumin and topped with crispy chickpeas, creamy tahini and sweet roasted beets. I also like to add thinly sliced lemon to caramelize with the eggplant.
One pot lovers, unite! This is a new revelation for me to be honest. I am a multi-pot user per the usual, but have been wanting to experiment with one pot dinners. And I mean a true one pot meal. Not a pre-blanch in this pot or another pot to bake it in. Everything in one and done.
20 minutes for the most flavorful side dish. Lemon rice pilaf is cooked with orzo and toasted pine nuts, pistachios and loads of fresh herbs.
A hearty and smoky vegetarian shakshuka recipe loaded with sauteed kale, mushrooms and peppers. The tomato is seasoned with deep spices of cumin and paprika and once the dish is just done cooking, everything is topped with creamy feta and lots of fresh herbs.
Shish tawook literally translates to “chicken skewers” and is widely known in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Chicken thighs marinate in a mixture of yogurt, lemon and warm spices before being grilled over charcoal to create the most tender, juicy and flavorful chicken. This will become your favorite skewer recipe and is perfect served over lavash or salad.
This is the perfect side or salad for when you crave something simple, fresh and flavorful. Inspired by the traditional Greek flavors, this Greek quinoa salad is dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette and tossed with creamy feta cheese, artichoke hearts, olives and loads of fresh mint. I would even suggest adding chickpeas or toasted pine nuts for added texture.
A grilling staple as soon as the weather warms up! Grilled beef and lamb kofta are seasoned with Turkish flavors of grated onion, sumac and tomato paste. As soon as the kofta are hot of the grill, they are placed on top of pita bread so all the delicious meat juices impart it’s flavor onto the bread. Then drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce and there is nothing better!
Inspired from bold flavors of chicken shawarma, this salmon shawarma salad uses the same marinade for intense flavors. Served on top of a crisp crunchy salad and finished with a creamy dill sauce. This will most certainly be your favorite weeknight salmon recipe to make!
A flavorful and colorful falafel bowl recipe filled with fresh greens, Israeli chopped salad, homemade falafel and finished with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce.
A flavorful weeknight chicken tagine recipe made in nearly 30 minutes. With just a handful of bold spices, salty preserved lemons and buttery olives.
Delicious and vibrant one pot garlic chicken is cooked with white wine, aromatic saffron, Israeli couscous and fresh vegetables.
Preserved lemon chicken is marinated with tangy yogurt creating a vibrant and full flavored recipe. Wrap chicken in lettuce leaves or skewer for kabobs.
Simply charred salmon served over Israeli couscous and fava beans tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette are what weeknight dinners are made for.
Mediterranean salmon burgers made with wild caught salmon with bright flavors salty preserved lemon, loads of fresh herbs and warm spices.
Full of bold flavors of smoked paprika, mint and lemon, this Turkish lentil soup is full of hearty grains such as lentils and rice and is gluten free and made in nearly 30 minutes.
A simple beef sauté, Lebanese hushwee is full of warm spices of cinnamon and tossed with toasted pine nuts and layered on top of creamy tahini.
Middle Eastern chicken shawarma will be your favorite way to cook chicken on a weeknight, flavored with bold spices of turmeric and cumin, lots of bright lemon juice and savory garlic. Serve chicken shawarma bowls with quinoa, hummus and creamy tahini.
A hearty fattoush salad loaded with fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables and grilled salmon right on top. Dress the salad with a tangy vinaigrette and creamy feta cheese to bring it all together.
When you need to whip up a quick salad, this one is a favorite. Chopped kale is massaged with a bright and creamy tahini dressing and savory chickpeas. The perfect kale salad for when you want something quick and incredibly delicious. Also holds up for a day or so very well!
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