20 Mediterranean Dinner Recipes

With cuisine from Greece, Lebanon, and Israel, and packed with the strong flavors of fresh herbs and spices, here are 20 delicious Mediterranean dinner recipes.

In a meal planning rut? Love fresh, bright flavors? Then I highly suggest adding Mediterranean food into your dinner rotation. And if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve compiled a list of 20 Mediterranean dinner recipes.

What is Mediterranean Cuisine?

Mediterranean cuisine consists of food from both European and African countries that surround the Mediterranean sea. 21 countries in total. The countries that come to mind when I think of Mediterranean food include Greece, Israel, Italy, and Lebanon. However, I draw inspiration from those and more.

Three core ingredients in the Mediterranean, regardless of region, are olives, wheat, and grapes. Primary flavors also include lots of fresh herbs, like basil, mint, garlic, and saffron. When thinking of classic Mediterranean cuisine, think hummus, shawarma, and souvlaki.

The Mediterranean Way

You may have heard about the “Mediterranean Diet” or “eating the Mediterranean way.” While this post isn’t about the diet, I will point out that Mediterranean food is a fantastic way to cook colorful, delicious meals that you can feel good about eating and serving to your family. The main points consist of this:

Eat lots of: veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil.
Eat moderately: chicken, eggs, and dairy.
Eat rarely: red meats.
Avoid: added sugars, refined grains and oils, and other highly processed foods.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Middle Eastern food considered Mediterranean?

Yes, the Middle East includes many countries that border the Mediterranean sea.

What is the most popular Mediterranean dish?

I think that most people would consider shawarma or falafel to be the most popular, but there are too many to say a definitive “most popular.”

What goes well with Mediterranean?

If you’re looking for some good side dishes to pair with Mediterranean food, I’d recommend trying Za’atar Roasted Carrots and Green Beans or Lebanese Chickpea Salad.

Did you try any of these Mediterranean recipes and love it? The next time you make one, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish, I hope you enjoy!

20 Mediterranean Dinner Recipes

Mediterranean Sautéed Shrimp

4.86 stars average

This 15-minute seafood recipe is made with shrimp, peppers and onion sautéed with garlic and white wine then finished with feta cheese.

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Lebanese Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves

4.35 stars average

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Very popular in several Mediterranean countries and a family favorite, these Lebanese meat stuffed grape leaves are filled with beef, rice, and lemon juice.

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Greek Turkey Burgers with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

4.27 stars average

Greek-style turkey burgers are grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy garlic and dill tzatziki sauce. Protein packed and exploding with flavor, these Greek burgers are a healthy addition to any BBQ.

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Authentic Lebanese Falafel Wrap

5 stars average

This light and fluffy authentic falafel recipe is made with chickpeas, parsley and spices then drizzled in a creamy tahini sauce.

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Vegan Tomato Kibbeh

5 stars average

Tomato kibbeh is a vegan version of the traditional Lebanese dish, kibbeh nayeh, typically made with raw beef, onions, and bulgur wheat. This vegetarian rendition is made with tomatoes, bulgur wheat, onion, red peppers, and fresh herbs.

Try: Vegan Tomato Kibbeh

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Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Vegetables

5 stars average

This Greek-inspired sheet pan dinner recipe is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, potatoes, peppers, onions, and hearty eggplant roasted in garlic, olive oil, and oregano. It's the easiest no-mess dinner recipe the whole family will love!

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Grilled Lebanese Chicken Tawook

4.50 stars average

This lemony, garlicky Lebanese chicken marinade results in tender, juicy chicken every single time. Serve chicken tawook on salads, over rice or in a pita.

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Classic Matzo Ball Soup (Jewish penicillin)

4.59 stars average

The only matzo ball soup recipe you’ll ever need, each bowl is brimming with deep chicken flavor and light, fluffy matzo balls.

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Italian Chicken Pasta with Artichokes

4.63 stars average

This easy and delicious Italian pasta recipe is filled with large chunks of chicken, tender artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes.

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Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich

4.41 stars average

The lunchtime classic gets a major upgrade with this Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich made with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil.

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Grilled White Fish with Tahini Lemon Sauce

4.50 stars average

Perfect for grilling season, this easy 20 minute seafood recipe is made with white fish grilled until flaky then drizzled with a creamy tahini lemon sauce. The perfect mess-free dinner recipe!

Try: Grilled White Fish with Tahini Lemon Sauce

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Arabic Lentil Soup

4.90 stars average

Arabic lentil soup is made with hearty vegetables and brown lentils simmered with warm spices, like cinnamon and cumin, then blended until smooth.

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Vegetarian Chickpea Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

4.54 stars average

These Middle Eastern inspired vegetarian chickpea burgers are made with fresh herbs then topped with a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce.

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person holding Vegetarian chickpea burgers with tzatziki sauce

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Potatoes

4.75 stars average

4 10

A healthy version of the ballpark classic, sausage and peppers, I’ve added in lean chicken breast, hearty potatoes and plenty of peppers and onions in this easy slow cooker dinner recipe.

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Beef Shawarma with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

4.21 stars average

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The most flavorful shawarma you'll ever have! Yogurt, lemon and warm spices tenderize the beef to create a delicious and succulent Middle Eastern dish.

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Keftedes (Baked Greek Meatballs)

4.16 stars average

A Greek twist on the Italian classic, your family will love these flavor-packed meatballs seasoned with oregano, allspice and garlic.

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Easy Grilled Vegetable Pasta

5 stars average

This quick and easy grilled vegetable pasta recipe is made with grilled peppers, eggplant, and onions tossed in olive oil, oregano, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

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Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

4.36 stars average

A Middle Eastern specialty, these Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are made with beef, rice, lemon and garlic.

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Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeeha’s)

4.68 stars average

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These savory Lebanese meat pies (known as sfeehas) get their irresistible flavor from clarified butter, toasted pine nuts and fragrant cinnamon.

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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

4.10 stars average

A traditional Greek soup, avgolemono is an egg-lemon soup packed with shredded chicken and white rice. Freezer-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes.

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