17 Mediterranean Dishes That Mix Fresh and Bold

Mediterranean flavors shine in this collection of fresh, bold, and satisfying recipes. From zesty pasta and grilled seafood to vibrant salads and creamy dips, each dish brings together herbs, spices, and ingredients like feta, olives, lemon, and roasted vegetables. A few are simple sides or small bites, while others build into complete meals. Whether you’re layering a grain bowl or serving crispy halloumi, these recipes bring brightness and depth to any spread.

Beet Salad with Feta

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Roasted beets and crumbly feta come together in this tangy, colorful salad. A simple vinaigrette adds brightness. It’s chilled, easy to prep, and great with added herbs or nuts. A fresh side with bold contrast.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Shirazi Salad

This finely chopped salad mixes cucumber, tomato, and red onion with lemon and fresh herbs. It’s juicy, crisp, and light. Works well alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing start. Serve chilled or room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Mediterranean Baked Fish

White fish fillets bake in a mix of tomatoes, olives, and lemon. The result is tender, flavorful, and easy to make. Serve over rice or with crusty bread. A light main that still feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Baked Fish

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Roasted pumpkin adds a rich depth to this creamy hummus. It’s slightly sweet and earthy with a smooth texture. Perfect with pita, vegetables, or as a spread. A seasonal twist that still tastes classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

This tuna salad skips the mayo and goes for olive oil, lemon, and crunchy vegetables. Olives and herbs add a briny bite. Serve over greens or in a wrap. A lighter, more vibrant version of a familiar dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad

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.

Pasta is tossed with lemon juice, crumbled feta, and wilted spinach. The combination is zesty, creamy, and quick to prepare. It’s light enough for lunch but filling enough for dinner. Best served warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

The Best Baked Feta Recipe

A block of feta is baked with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs until soft and golden. Once warm, it spreads easily on bread or mixes into pasta. The tomatoes burst and create a natural sauce. Bold, creamy, and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta Recipe

Efi’s Baklava

Layers of crisp phyllo are stacked with spiced nuts and soaked in syrup. Each piece is flaky, sticky, and just sweet enough. A classic finish to any Mediterranean meal. Serve in small squares.
Get the Recipe: Efi’s Baklava

Spicy Harissa Pasta

This pasta uses harissa paste to bring heat and smoky depth. It coats each noodle in rich flavor. Add cheese or greens for extra balance. Fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta

Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are seared until their skins split and juices concentrate. Garlic and herbs add another layer of flavor. Serve with bread or spoon over grains. Juicy, bursty, and full of character.
Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

Shrimp is marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs before grilling. The result is juicy, charred, and lightly citrusy. Serve with rice, salad, or flatbread. A fast protein option with lots of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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 grilled shrimp, herbs, vegetables, and lemon. It’s filling, colorful, and great served cold. Every bite is packed with texture. Works well for lunch or as a dinner side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi cheese is cut into strips and pan-fried until golden and crisp. The inside stays chewy while the outside turns crunchy. Serve with dipping sauce or lemon. A savory snack with a salty bite.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Chicken Marsala

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

Chicken breasts are cooked in a Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. The flavor is deep, slightly sweet, and savory. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes. A comforting and elegant meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala

Beef Kafta

Ground beef is mixed with herbs, onions, and spices, then shaped and grilled. It’s juicy and flavorful with a bit of char. Serve in pita or with rice. A staple that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

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.

Chewy farro is tossed with olives, roasted peppers, salami, and cheese. A vinaigrette ties everything together. It’s savory, filling, and keeps well. A great prep-ahead lunch or picnic dish.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Farro Salad

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 builds layers with grains, vegetables, olives, cheese, and a zesty dressing. Add chicken, chickpeas, or grilled shrimp for more protein. It’s customizable and satisfying. A full meal in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl