Though the Mediterranean Sea is surrounded by more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe, there are some common flavors and ingredients that are interwoven throughout the various coastal cuisines. Fresh tomatoes, olives, fish, lemon, feta, mint, za'atar, and more make their way into delectable dishes like stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, shish kebabs, and fattoush salad. Discover traditional Mediterranean food and riffs on the region's classic flavors with this collection of Mediterranean recipes.
01of 30
Gyros
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Gyros-FT-RECIPE1023-e892c23e0a20476ea12f07f3ec0f3fc6.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (1)")
Gyro meat is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, but this home-cooked version calls for a boneless leg of lamb that’s seasoned with fresh oregano and steamed before roasting to keep the lemony, garlicky meat moist. It's served with a rainbow of fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt-basedtzatziki enlivened with fresh dill and cucumbers.
Get the Recipe
02of 30
Artichoke and Shrimp Gratins
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Shrimp-and-Artichoke-Gratins-FT-MAG-RECIPE-0424-7db56f00c8e34df5bae1eb85fd2113a4.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (2)")
A marriage between risotto and the velvety French onion sauce soubise, these miniature Italian- and French-inspired gratins are filled with sweet onions, artichoke hearts, and arborio rice.
Get the Recipe
03of 30
Chicken with Lemon, Oregano, and Feta
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/chicken-with-lemon-oregano-and-feta-cheese-FT-RECIPE0224-042_preview-aee9e0af4efc4e30a6d060182e8e5503.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (3)")
With just a few ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how simple yet elegant and delicious this dish is. Chicken is drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice before it's sprinkled with oregano, salt, and pepper and roasted. It's then topped with feta and broiled.
Get the Recipe
04of 30
Seafood and Chicken Paella with Chorizo
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FAW-recipes-seafood-and-chicken-paella-chorizo-hero-02-da067ee352434fb8887afa3971c7b18e.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (4)")
If you ever make just one paella recipe, this is the one to try. Fresh chorizo, sliced dark meat chicken, and a seafood trio of shrimp, mussels, and co*ckles come together on a bed of saffron-infused arborio rice for this sumptuous Spanish dish.
Get the Recipe
05of 30
Greek Salad with Shrimp and Kamut
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/greek-salad-with-shrimp-and-kamut-FT-RECIPE0621-fbe34712a8914729bb3e2bf71b63087d.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (5)")
Kamut, an ancient variety of wheat, adds hearty chew to this entrée inspired by a classic Greek salad. Soak kamut overnight to help it cook faster, or for an even easier dish, cook the kamut in advance to trim day-of prep to 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe
06of 30
Roasted Branzino with Caper Butter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FAW-recipes-roasted-branzino-caper-butter-hero-02-d0a2bd358a6a493caeb6df21d0805305.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (6)")
"It's almost impossible to end up with dry, overcooked fish when cooking it whole," says chef Steve Corry. "The bones protect against extreme heat, plus they add flavor and moisture." Here, Corry pan-roasts whole Mediterranean sea bass that's stuffed simply with lemon and rosemary. He makes the easy compound butter, which melts on the fish to become a sauce, with wild Tunisian mountain capers, although any caper will work.
Get the Recipe
07of 30
Celery Salad with Pine Nuts, Arugula, Feta, and Pita
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Celery-Salad-With-Pine-Nuts-Arugula-Feta-and-Pita-FT-RECIPE0923-5b9829a7938b4695ac00277762c45024.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (7)")
Combined with crunchy homemade pita chips, buttery pine nuts, and a creamy feta spread, this fattoush-inspired salad features the earthy, anchoring flavor of crisp celery. It's accented by an herbaceous and lively dressing made from staples like lemon juice and red wine vinegar.
Get the Recipe
08of 30
Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Black Olives, Garlic, and Feta Cheese
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Spaghetti-with-tomatoes-black-olives-garlic-and-feta-cheese-FT-RECIPE0224-a706136e26f0454cb8de5e3e07f42edb.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (8)")
For a weeknight when speed is key, whip up this 30-minute pasta dish. It's inspired by Greek ingredients like fresh tomatoes, briny olives, salty feta cheese, and capers, and makes a satisfying meal for a summer evening with very little effort.
Get the Recipe
09of 30
Lamb Sliders with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Grilled-Lamb-Sliders-with-Romaine-Salad-and-Tahini-Sauce-FT-RECIPE0622-fb13b9dcd6ba4234a9659856a7189401.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (9)")
A symphony of herbs — in the form of za'atar — and little bits of toasted pine nuts add bright flavor and texture to the ground lamb patties that accompany this fresh summer salad.
Get the Recipe
10of 30
Ouzo Snapper with Fennel and Tomatoes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Ouzo-Snapper-with-Fennel-and-Tomatoes-FT-RECIPE0124-8c6e48ad9dbd4ca595f018ad863cdfcf.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (10)")
Mild whole snapper is rubbed with licorice-scented ouzo and roasted over a bed of tomatoes, fennel, and sweet onions in this simple yet satisfying recipe. The vegetables also get a splash of ouzo before roasting and offer a sweet and slightly acidic complement to the flaky fish.
Get the Recipe
11of 30
Saganaki Halloumi (Cypriot Fried Halloumi)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Saganaki-Halloumi-FT-RECIPE0922-2000-0dda32adc3eb463bbe4511b3b488e5f3.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (11)")
Halloumi cheese is fried in clarified butter, then brushed in a spiced honey and served with lemon yogurt, brandy-basted nectarines, and fresh tomatoes in this sweet and savory appetizer from chef Christian Hernandez.
Get the Recipe
12of 30
Zeytinyağli Yaprak Sarmasi (Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Zeytinyagil-Yapark-Sarmasi-FT-RECIPE0122-9fbf4e2edbda4d848a0b6a6ce990fb62.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (12)")
From the Turkish region of Mugla, these tangy, tender vegetarian rice and herb-stuffed grape leaves are a great appetizer for easy entertaining and can be made a day ahead. The brightness of the brined grape leaves is balanced by the rice filling, which is seasoned with fresh parsley and dill and slightly sweet cooked onions.
Get the Recipe
13of 30
Kale-Artichoke Stuffed Shells
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kale-and-artichoke-stuffed-shells-FT-RECIPE0121-916cc41822b74105943a14bf6083c425.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (13)")
Recipe developer Ann Taylor Pittman brings together Italian cannellini beans and Calabrian chilesbeautifully — with fellow Mediterranean staple fennel — for hearty stuffed shells with earthy sweetness.
Get the Recipe
14of 30
Lahem Meshwy (Lamb Shish Kebabs)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lahem-meshwy-lamb-shish-kebabs-FT-RECIPE0721-4a0453b3e08046d4b8c508cee22fa1ed.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (14)")
Simply spiced with paprika, salt, and pepper, these grilled lamb kebabs have been a mainstay at League of Kitchens instructor Jeanette Chawki's family cookouts for years. Be sure to cut the lamb into equal-size cubes to ensure even cooking, but feel free to mix and match the vegetables on each skewer.
Get the Recipe
15of 30
Seared Salmon with Pistachio Pesto
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SEARED-SALMON-WITH-PISTACHIO-PESTO-FT-MAG-RECIPE-0624-6b9fb096b1e24a3e9b4a4d2e53b916ea.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (15)")
This verdant pesto is made with a surprising variety of flavors — nutty pistachios, cool mint, spicy ginger and chile, bright lime zest, and salty Pecorino Romano cheese. The salmon requires just 15 minutes to cook, minimizing your time at the hot stove.
Get the Recipe
16of 30
Roasted Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/roasted-eggplant-and-lamb-moussaka-FT-RECIPE0921-4f230b8126524791be7701453c01c7d3.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (16)")
Roasting eggplant until it's creamy and custardy makes it the perfect base for layering with a rich, meaty sauce in Anna Theoktisto's take on moussaka, which is topped with a luscious layer of ricotta and mozzarella cheese in place of bechamel sauce.
Get the Recipe
17of 30
Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers with Pomegranate-Tahini Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pomegranate-Tahini-Sauce-with-Halloumi-and-Vegetable-Skewers-FT-RECIPE0822-2000-4973c15b2b0945e08bb52c5b5b0d5b9c.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (17)")
Pomegranate molasses is the secret ingredient in this simple marinade. Its punchy, sweet, earthy notes add long-cooked depth of flavor to cheese and vegetable skewers in just 30 minutes of marination, with pleasantly bitter tahini rounding things out. The pomegranate-tahini marinade goes the extra mile as a final drizzle for the skewers; thinned with fresh orange juice, it supplies the perfect, sweet-savory finish to the dish.
Get the Recipe
18of 30
Fresh Figs With Labneh and Carob Molasses
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fresh-Figs-with-Labneh-Carob-Molasses-FT-RECIPE0922-89d8c2fef59d49ef993098722ac4bca3.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (18)")
This is a simple dish but striking: a geometric bloom of fresh figs laid atop a layer of labneh and topped with carob molasses, olive oil, toasted sesame seeds and hazelnuts, and a shower of black pepper. Each bite combines a gentle sweetness from the figs glossed in molasses; a floral, creamy freshness from the olive oil and labneh; and a playground of textures.
Get the Recipe
19of 30
Grilled Lamb Chops with Herby Yogurt Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Herby-Yogurt-Sauce-with-Grilled-Lamb-Chops-and-Cucumber-Couscous-Salad-FT-RECIPE0822-2000-6b5bc929c5ba412abd7ff36698b9dbb5.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (19)")
This simple sauce, a blend of yogurt, shallots, salt, and lemon, is a perfect match for lamb's richness. Former F&W editor Kelsey Youngman cleverly sets aside a portion of the seasoned yogurt to puree with tender green herbs and lemon juice for a quick finishing sauce after the lamb is done. Serve the lamb with a salad of couscous and cucumbers for a meal.
Get the Recipe
20of 30
Socca with Zucchini and Olives
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Socca-with-Zucchini-and-Olives-FT-RECIPE0722-9d1b767b467d4b3e9018551fa07b79f8.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (20)")
Socca, also called farinata in Liguria, is a tender pancake made from chickpea flour. Unlike the versions in Nice, which are cooked in copper pans, this one is baked in a cast-iron skillet before it is topped with a summery marinated squash salad. Preheating the cast-iron skillet in a 450°F oven yields a socca that is both crisp and tender.
Get the Recipe
21of 30
Spanikopita Pie
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Spanakopita-Pie-FT-RECIPE0424-0f95e0c2e4894aeaab8ff1d3327fdedf.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (21)")
To turn a classic spanakopita appetizer into a crunchy, cheesy, and earthy pie, pack store-bought phyllo dough with plenty of greens and tangy cheese. When the phyllo bakes to a crisp in the oven, the filling will get a little creaminess and richness from eggs, feta, and provolone, plus a touch of warmth from nutmeg and brightness from lemon juice.
Get the Recipe
22of 30
"Best of the Olive Bar" Pasta Salad
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/0895_191203_dupree_fw_seo_pasta_salad_16284-1d78d025eddb47839e17f25fb87671dd.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (22)")
This easy pasta salad comes together in just 15 minutes with help from the grocery store olive bar. Fresh oregano, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese bring bright flavor to this effortless summer salad, perfect for weeknight dinners, pool parties, and backyard barbecues.
Get the Recipe
23of 30
Tzatziki
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/FAW-recipes-cucumber-dill-tzatziki-hero-1c844bd62aab4b7e8fce8b5204bcc3b3.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (23)")
This yogurt dip is incredibly versatile — serve it with toasted pita wedges as an appetizer, or pair it with grilled lamb, chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Get the Recipe
24of 30
Soppressata Pizza with Calabrian Chiles and Hot Honey
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/soppressata-pizza-with-calabrian-chile-hot-honey-FT-RECIPE0422-827abb3537834dbcb6ab0bbd6efece39.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (24)")
Soppressata, chopped chiles, and a drizzle of hot honey come together for a pizza that's greater than the sum of its parts. Fiery Calabrian chiles from Italy add heat and a distinct fruitiness; the hot honey mirrors the flavors of the chiles and adds a touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe
25of 30
Grilled Chicken with Banana Pepper Dip and Fattoush
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/grilled-chicken-with-banana-pepper-dip-and-fattoush-FT-RECIPE0720-edb3a1aadbb645c78b06d4d7d4ac9b62.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (25)")
In this single-serving recipe from 2001 F&W Best New Chef Anita Lo, the three-ingredient banana pepper dip is the star of the dish. She first browns the peppers, then purees them with feta and lemon juice. Happily, there's leftover dip that can be scooped up with pita or veggies.
Get the Recipe
26of 30
Za'atar-Spiced Beet Dip with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201209-xl-zaatar-spiced-beet-dip-with-goat-cheese-and-hazelnuts-2000-28b856a5653045f28ba7d3bd184b255a.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (26)")
Beets have a strong presence in the cuisine of Jerusalem, chef Yotam Ottolenghi explains. They color pickling juices on the Arab table and form the basis for a soup of Jewish, Iraqi, and Kurdish origin. Ottolenghi purees them for this luscious spread.
Get the Recipe
27of 30
Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Hazelnut Vinaigrette
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/200711-xl-spiced-pork-tenderloin-with-hazelnut-vinaigrette-2000-44501c68b9d54a7b990686dfacd4a403.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (27)")
The rub on this pork is chef Octavio Becerra's take on za'atar, a spice blend that gets its pungency from ground sumac. Becerra remembers, "Everyone in Beirut had his or her own version of za'atar," so he suggests experimenting with the ratios of spices to see what tastes best.
Get the Recipe
28of 30
Pot-Roasted Eggplant with Tomatoes and Cumin
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-201005-r-pot-roasted-eggplant-4516473fd3874b16980dbdbaa14bfa90.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (28)")
Cookbook author Paula Wolfert visited the kitchens of Dar Yacout in Marrakesh, where the cooks still use charcoal fires to make dishes like lush and smoky roasted eggplant salad.
Get the Recipe
29of 30
Greek Fish Stew
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HD-201105-r-greek-fish-stew-b0583d9a92be43c383ee7d3dd9270422.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (29)")
"On the Greek island of Kalymnos, fishermen make a stew with shellfish, whole fish, lemon, onion, and water," says chef Andrew Zimmern. "They eat it straight from the pot with their hands — no bowls. It tastes of sweat and iodine, but it is easily one of the best soups I've ever had. I make my version with halibut, throwing in mussels at the end."
Get the Recipe
30of 30
Hummus Masabacha with Paprika and Whole Chickpeas
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/200805-r-xl-israeli-hummus-with-paprika-and-whole-chickpeas-co*cktails-2009-52b8d535823f41f19ed11899dc91ec1f.jpg "30 Mediterranean Recipes to Transport You Anytime (30)")
Before opening Zahav restaurant in Philadelphia, chef Michael Solomonov visited hummus parlors all over Israel trying to find the best recipe. To make his hummus luxuriously smooth, he soaks the chickpeas overnight with baking soda to soften them. Solomonov says among the fanciest garnishes you can find in Israel are the whole chickpeas, paprika, and lemon-spiked tahini used for this authentic hummus recipe.
Get the Recipe
