17 Mediterranean dishes that won’t leave anyone missing their old favorites

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Outdated go-to meals are no match for Mediterranean inspiration. With 17 bold and flavorful options, there’s something for everyone without a hint of nostalgia for the usual fare. These recipes take the best from across the Mediterranean and deliver it with style, making every meal feel like a fresh start. Perfect for breaking the monotony, they’re proof that the best meals are often the unexpected ones.

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic Pork Souvlaki

Three pieces of Pork Souvlaki with a bowl of white sauce and pieces of flatbread on a black slate serving board.
Classic Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re all about that grill life but want a twist, this one’s for you. Skewers become something special with pork that’s been marinated just right, transforming into Classic Pork Souvlaki. It’s a simple yet fulfilling way to switch up your barbecue routine, and it’s sure to gather everyone around the table. Who knew something so straightforward could be a crowd-pleaser?
Get the Recipe: Classic Pork Souvlaki

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce on a black bowl.
Tzatziki Sauce. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Now, imagine you have a sauce that can go with almost anything and it’s cool, creamy, and has a slight tang. Tzatziki Sauce is that game-changer for dips and spreads, adding a refreshing touch to your meals. Whether you’re dipping veggies, spreading it on bread, or pairing it with your favorite grilled dishes, it’s a cool addition that brings a new layer of flavor. It’s versatile and can easily become a staple in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki Sauce

Pastitsio

A serving of pastitsio in a black dish is placed in front of a baking tray with more pasta.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For those who love their pasta dishes rich and comforting, there’s a Greek classic that you can’t overlook. Layers of pasta, meat, and a creamy sauce come together in Pastitsio for a dish that’s more than just a meal. It’s about sitting down to a dish that feels like a warm hug. Each bite is a reminder of how comfort food should always taste.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something about a dish that brings fresh, vibrant veggies to the forefront without any pretense. Horiatiki Salad is a standout with its colorful combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. It’s not just a salad; it’s a refreshing side that can hold its own alongside any main course. Perfect for when you want a bite that’s both light and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Have you ever thought green beans could be the star of your meal? With Greek Green Beans, these veggies are transformed with a mix that makes them tender, flavorful, and impossible to resist. It’s a side dish that might just steal the show. You’ll see green beans in a whole new light after this.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want a dish that’s easy to throw together but looks like you spent hours on it, Mediterranean Chicken Bake comes to the rescue. It’s all about placing everything in one dish and letting the oven do its magic. What comes out is tender chicken with flavors that make you think of sunny days by the sea. It’s the perfect answer for a busy weeknight or when company’s coming.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bringing a smoky twist to a classic, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes adds a depth of flavor that’s unexpected but totally welcome. This salad is not just about being a side dish; it’s about becoming a conversation starter. With its unique mix, it’s a refreshing take that might just become your new favorite. It’s a great way to show off a bit at your next potluck.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fish lovers, rejoice! There’s a way to prepare cod that’s both simple and bursts with flavor. In Mediterranean Cod, the fish is the hero, accompanied by elements that bring out its best. It’s a light yet filling meal that proves you don’t need to spend hours for a dish to be special. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something quick but memorable.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Grilled Feta

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheese on the grill? Absolutely, and Grilled Feta will show you why it’s a move you’ll want to repeat. This dish turns feta cheese into a warm and slightly crispy delight that’s fantastic on its own or as a spectacular addition to your meals. It’s a simple pleasure that brings a little joy with each bite. Ideal for those moments when you want to add a touch of novelty to your table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, it’s the simple combos that make us sit back and appreciate the little things. Pesto Orzo Salad is one such gem, blending pesto with orzo for a dish that’s both hearty and light. It’s perfect as a side or a main dish for those warmer days when you want something filling but not too heavy. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a bit of Italian flair to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Three Ninja Woodfire Grill Mediterranean Lamb Chops topped with gremolata on a white plate.
Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If your grill has been waiting for its next big moment, introducing it to Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops might be the start of something beautiful. It’s all about marinated lamb chops getting that perfect char, resulting in a dish that’s tender and packed with flavor. It’s an easy way to get a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving your backyard. This could easily become the centerpiece of your next outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mediterranean Lamb Chops

Crab Spanakopita

Crab Spanakopita triangles on a cutting board.
Crab Spanakopita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a seafood twist on a beloved Greek pastry, Crab Spanakopita mixes crab meat into a crispy, flaky crust. It’s a creative take that combines the comfort of traditional spanakopita with the sweetness of crab. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to something a bit different. It’s adventurous while still feeling familiar.
Get the Recipe: Crab Spanakopita

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re aiming for something light yet filling, Mediterranean Chopped Salad ticks all the boxes. It’s a harmonious mix of chopped veggies, bringing texture and freshness to your meal. This salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderful. It’s a go-to for any meal where you want something crisp and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Round black dish filled with seasoned roasted potato wedges, placed on a white wooden surface alongside a white and yellow striped cloth napkin.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew that potatoes could offer a refreshing taste? Greek Lemon Potatoes are here to turn what you know about side dishes on its head. They’re all about being tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a lemony flavor that’s surprisingly refreshing. This dish proves that sometimes, the best flavors come from the simplest combinations.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

In the world of salads, the Cucumber Salad with Feta is like a breath of fresh air. It combines crisp cucumbers with creamy feta, and the result is a dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. It’s the perfect cooling companion to any meal, especially when you’re looking for something quick and easy. This salad is a testament to the power of combining basic ingredients for an extraordinary outcome.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Mediterranean Rice

Mediterranean Rice in a black bowl on concrete.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When rice gets a Mediterranean makeover, you end up with Mediterranean Rice, a side dish that’s hard to stop eating. It’s all about turning ordinary rice into something extraordinary with the right mix. This dish is more than just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors that complement any main course beautifully. It proves that rice doesn’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says spaghetti needs to be Italian to be good? Greek Spaghetti turns this classic pasta dish on its head, mixing in flavors that are bold yet comforting. It’s a dish that brings families together, offering a twist that’s unexpected but wholly welcome. Ideal for those evenings when pasta is a must but you’re in the mood for something just a bit different.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

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