Mediterranean recipes

Mediterranean cooking draws on the coastal kitchens of southern Europe, North Africa and the Levant, with plenty of vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish, olive oil and herbs. This page gathers quick grain bowls, salads, seafood, chicken, pasta and mezze-style dishes. Everything here takes 20 minutes or less.

5 recipes, most popular first.

These recipes are good for weeknights and lunch prep, since many hold up well and taste great at room temperature. Keep canned chickpeas and tuna, jarred roasted peppers, olives, lemons, feta and quick-cooking couscous or orzo on hand. Use the tips to swap proteins or make dishes vegetarian or dairy-free.

Common questions

What is Mediterranean food?

Mediterranean food refers to the cooking of countries around the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Lebanon and Morocco. It emphasizes vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, olive oil, herbs and moderate amounts of cheese, yogurt and meat. Flavors vary a lot by country, but simple, fresh ingredients are common.

What are quick Mediterranean dinners?

Lemon garlic shrimp with orzo, chickpea and feta salad, baked salmon with tomatoes and olives, chicken pita bowls with tzatziki, and couscous with roasted vegetables all come together fast. Canned beans and quick grains like couscous, which only needs about five minutes to soak, help speed things up considerably.

Can I meal prep Mediterranean dishes?

Yes, many work well. Grain salads with couscous, farro or orzo, chickpea salads and cooked chicken keep in the fridge for three to four days. Store dressings and crisp items, such as cucumbers or leafy greens, separately and add them when serving. Bring grain salads to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.