17 Mediterranean Recipes You Need to Try Before Everyone Else

Explore a delightful journey through the Mediterranean with these 17 must-try recipes. Each dish brings a unique taste of the region to your table, highlighting rich flavors and vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes offer something special for every palate.

1. Greek Moussaka

Moussaka is a quintessential Greek dish that layers eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. Begin by slicing eggplants and frying them until golden brown. In another pan, cook minced beef with onions, garlic, and spices. Layer the eggplants and meat, topping them with a rich, creamy béchamel sauce. Bake until the top is golden and bubbling.

This hearty dish is perfect for family gatherings, offering a comforting taste of Greece. Serve with a fresh salad to balance the richness. It’s a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

2. Italian Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a simple yet stunning Italian dish that showcases fresh ingredients. Start by slicing ripe tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Arrange them alternately on a plate, tucking fresh basil leaves in between. Drizzle with quality olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze for sweetness.

This salad is a perfect appetizer or side dish, offering a burst of flavor with minimal effort. Its vibrant colors make it a visual delight, while the taste transports you to sunlit Italian terraces. Enjoy it as a refreshing start to any meal.

3. Spanish Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing Spanish soup, perfect for hot summer days. Blend ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions until smooth. Add olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings for a tangy kick. Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.

Serve it in bowls or glasses, garnished with diced vegetables or herbs. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh produce, offering a cooling respite from the heat. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying experience. Gazpacho’s vibrant flavor and ease of preparation make it a must-try dish.

4. French Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew bursting with flavors. Chop zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes into uniform pieces. Sauté garlic and onions, then add the vegetables, herbs, and olive oil, letting them simmer until tender.

This versatile dish can be served hot or cold, as a main or side. It’s a celebration of summer vegetables and Mediterranean goodness. The rich flavors meld together beautifully, providing a taste of Provence’s rustic charm. Enjoy it with crusty bread or as a complement to grilled meats.

5. Moroccan Tagine

Tagine is a fragrant Moroccan stew, slow-cooked to perfection. Use a tagine pot or heavy casserole to brown lamb pieces. Add apricots, almonds, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and cumin. Cover and let it simmer slowly.

The result is a tender, aromatic dish with a hint of sweetness. Serve it over couscous for a complete meal. Tagine captures the essence of Moroccan culinary artistry, with complex flavors that dance on the palate. It’s an exotic journey worth taking, offering warmth and richness in every spoonful.

6. Turkish Lahmacun

Lahmacun is often referred to as Turkish pizza, offering a crispy delight. Prepare a thin dough and spread a mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, and spices over it. Bake until the edges are crispy and golden.

Roll it up with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for an authentic touch. Lahmacun is a popular street food, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Its flavors are bold yet harmonious, capturing the essence of Turkish cuisine. Enjoy it as a snack or a light lunch, bringing a taste of Turkey to your table.

7. Lebanese Hummus

Hummus is a beloved Lebanese dip made from chickpeas. Blend chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Serve it in a bowl, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika.

Accompany it with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables. Hummus is versatile, healthy, and packed with protein. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a creamy, nutty flavor that’s both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy it as a snack or appetizer, adding a touch of Lebanon to your culinary repertoire.

8. Portuguese Bacalhau à Brás

Bacalhau à Brás is a cherished Portuguese dish featuring salted cod. Soak the cod to remove excess salt, then shred it into pieces. Sauté onions, add matchstick potatoes and cod, stirring in beaten eggs until creamy.

Garnish with black olives and parsley for a traditional touch. This dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, embodying the essence of Portuguese culinary tradition. Serve it as a main course, bringing the taste of Portugal to your home. Bacalhau à Brás is both comforting and satisfying, making it a must-try recipe.

9. Israeli Shakshuka

Shakshuka is an Israeli breakfast favorite, full of bold flavors. Prepare a spicy tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and spices. Crack eggs into the sauce and let them poach gently.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with crusty bread for dipping. Shakshuka is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its vibrant colors and enticing aroma. It’s a fulfilling start to any day, offering a taste of Israel’s rich culinary heritage. Enjoy it as a brunch option or a comforting dinner, adding variety to your menu.

10. Egyptian Koshari

Koshari is a popular Egyptian street food, rich in flavors and textures. Layer cooked rice, lentils, and pasta, topping them with chickpeas and a spiced tomato sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crispy fried onions.

This dish is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both vegan and delicious. It embodies the essence of Egyptian culinary tradition, offering a unique blend of ingredients. Enjoy it as a main course, bringing a piece of Egypt to your table. Koshari’s bold flavors and comforting nature make it a filling and delightful experience.

11. Tunisian Brik

Brik is a Tunisian delight, featuring a crispy pastry filled with savory ingredients. Use thin pastry sheets, filling them with a mixture of tuna, capers, and a cracked egg. Fold and fry until golden and crispy.

Serve it hot, garnished with lemon wedges for a zesty touch. Brik is a popular appetizer or snack, offering a taste of North African cuisine. Its flaky texture and flavorful filling make it a satisfying treat. Enjoy it as a light meal, bringing a hint of Tunisia to your culinary adventures.

12. Cypriot Souvla

Souvla is a traditional Cypriot barbecue dish, featuring large chunks of meat. Marinate lamb or pork with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Skewer the meat and grill slowly over an open flame until tender and juicy.

Serve it with pita bread and a side of salad for a complete meal. Souvla is a communal dish, often enjoyed at gatherings and celebrations. Its smoky, succulent flavors capture the essence of Cypriot hospitality. Enjoy it as a main course, bringing the spirit of Cyprus to your backyard barbecue.

13. Croatian Peka

Peka is a unique Croatian dish, slow-cooked under a bell-like lid. Arrange lamb or veal with potatoes, carrots, and herbs in a shallow dish. Cover with the peka lid and cook over hot coals for hours.

The result is a tender, flavorful meal, infused with aromatic herbs. Peka is a traditional cooking method, offering an authentic Croatian experience. Enjoy it with a glass of local wine, savoring the rich flavors and cultural heritage. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for cozy family dinners.

14. Maltese Pastizzi

Pastizzi are a beloved Maltese snack, featuring flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese. Roll out the pastry, fill with cheese mixture, and shape into small pockets. Bake until golden and crispy.

These savory pastries are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, offering a taste of Maltese tradition. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven, warm and satisfying. Pastizzi’s delightful texture and rich filling make them a must-try delicacy, bringing a piece of Malta to your table. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee for a complete experience.

15. Albanian Byrek

Byrek is a classic Albanian pastry, featuring layers of thin dough and a rich filling. Prepare the filling with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. Layer the dough and filling, brushing with olive oil, and bake until golden.

This savory pie is versatile, served hot or cold, as a main or side dish. Byrek’s flaky layers and flavorful filling capture the essence of Albanian cuisine. It’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it with a side salad, bringing a taste of Albania to your home.

16. Bosnian Ćevapi

Ćevapi are small, flavorful sausages, popular in Bosnia. Mix minced meat with garlic, spices, and herbs. Shape them into small sausages and grill over an open flame until juicy and charred.

Serve with flatbread and chopped onions for a traditional experience. Ćevapi are often enjoyed in social gatherings, offering a taste of Bosnian hospitality. Their smoky, savory flavor makes them a beloved dish in the Balkans. Enjoy them as a main course or a hearty snack, bringing a piece of Bosnia to your grill.

17. Greek Dolmades

Dolmades are a traditional Greek dish, featuring grape leaves stuffed with rice. Mix rice with herbs and spices, and wrap them in grape leaves. Simmer gently in a pot with lemon juice and olive oil until tender.

These bite-sized delights are perfect as appetizers or side dishes, offering a taste of Greek tradition. Dolmades’ unique flavor and texture make them a must-try, bringing a touch of Greece to your table. Enjoy them with a drizzle of lemon juice, savoring the harmonious blend of ingredients.