15 Mediterranean-Influenced Dishes

The Mediterranean “diet” has been popular for years, but it’s really not a diet. More so, it’s a healthier eating lifestyle that limits processed foods. It gets its name because it includes foods from regions around the Mediterranean Sea, like Greece, Italy, and Spain. Vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats (such as olive oil) are prominent in recipes. Think Kalamata olives, eggplant, lentils, Greek salads, baba ghanoush, and more. We’ve found 15 Mediterranean-influenced dishes that sound and look delicious.

Mediterranean Pasta

“This healthy Mediterranean Pasta is the breezy social butterfly of the dinner recipe crowd. So effortless! So chic! A light, easygoing mix of angel hair pasta, fresh lemon, and classic Mediterranean ingredients like tomato, Parmesan, and artichoke, this simple but splendid healthy pasta recipe can carry itself at any meal.” – Erin

editerranean Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichokes, and Capers

“Mediterranean Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichokes, and Capers – a one skillet recipe. Easy to make, 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll love the play of flavors in this dish.” – Julia

Mediterranean Tuna Salads

“Mediterranean Tuna Salad – so much flavor and so easy to put together! This mayonnaise-free tuna salad is naturally gluten-free.” – Neli

Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

“Everyone loves a traditional Greek Salad recipe (known as Horiatiki in Greece), a staple of Greek cuisine! It’s so easy to make! It’s an essential summer salad for a backyard Bbq or a Potluck meal. No vegetable salad tastes better in the summertime, especially when using vegetables from your own garden.” – Peter

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

“This vegetarian Mediterranean orzo pasta salad with crunchy vegetables and spinach, briny olives, and feta cheese makes a healthy, easy-to-make, meal-prepped meal or flavorful pasta salad side.” – Heidi

Citrus Marinated Olives and Feta

“This is one of those recipes that is ridiculously easy and has so much flavor. You can use jarred olives or select ones from an olive bar. I combined jarred olives with spices like rosemary and thyme, and then added orange zest, orange juice, garlic, and a chunk of feta that I chopped up. It’s so simple but looks pretty fancy if you ask me!” – Taylor

Karniyarik Turkish Stuffed Eggplant Recipe

“Karniyarik is a classic Turkish stuffed eggplant recipe. Delicious eggplants are stuffed with a tasty ground beef, pepper and tomatoes filling and are baked to perfection.” – Shadi

Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe (Mediterranean Eggplant Dip)

“This is the best authentic Baba Ganoush recipe, the famous Mediterranean eggplant dip and Mezze appetizer. Easy to make, smoky, nutty, flavorful Baba with extra virgin olive oil to enjoy with warm pita bread.” – Sarah

Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs

“With an easy, flavorful marinade, Mediterranean chicken kabobs can be prepared on the grill or in the oven for a quick and delicious year-round gluten-free, dairy-free, Whole30 compliant, weeknight dinner.” – Julie

Easy Shakshuka Recipe

“This easy shakshuka is made with eggs that are gently poached in a simmering mixture of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. A few warm spices and some fresh herbs complete this satisfying one-skillet dish!” – Suzy

Mediterranean Panzanella

“I could eat my weight in panzanella and I confess I kind of did. There is no summer salad that I love more than a panzanella. Made up of large cuts of crisp, fresh vegetables and tangy vinaigrette it’s the perfect salad to accompany any grilled protein.” – Meseidy