Mediterranean Dinner Recipes

By Suzy Karadsheh
Published on June 14, 2017
1 / 7
Mediterranean ingredients come together to make nourishing, healthy and delicious dinner salads.
Mediterranean ingredients come together to make nourishing, healthy and delicious dinner salads.
2 / 7
Let eggplant
Let eggplant "sweat out" its bitter flavor by salting it and letting it sit for 30 minutes before use.
3 / 7
Satisfying fried eggplant combines with fresh dill and cucumber in this protein- and fiber-filled salad.
Satisfying fried eggplant combines with fresh dill and cucumber in this protein- and fiber-filled salad.
4 / 7
Serve this mayonnaise-free tuna salad in a pita pocket or atop sliced tomatoes, a bed of greens or a slice of whole-grain bread.
Serve this mayonnaise-free tuna salad in a pita pocket or atop sliced tomatoes, a bed of greens or a slice of whole-grain bread.
5 / 7
This satisfying salad is packed with nutrients, protein and healthy fats.
This satisfying salad is packed with nutrients, protein and healthy fats.
6 / 7
Vegetarian and gluten-free, this hearty dish is perfect on a buffet for a group meal, or serve it with rice for a nutritious, meat-free dinner.
Vegetarian and gluten-free, this hearty dish is perfect on a buffet for a group meal, or serve it with rice for a nutritious, meat-free dinner.
7 / 7
Savory chorizo, sweet cornand bright tomatoes make a perfect flavor combination.
Savory chorizo, sweet cornand bright tomatoes make a perfect flavor combination.

Here’s How every dinner started in my mother’s Mediterranean kitchen: A large bowl was filled with chopped vegetables — usually tomatoes, cucumbers and onions — and then tossed with fresh herbs, lemon juice and olive oil. Sometimes mom’s salata (village salad) was transformed into dinner by adding a side of feta cheese and warm pita bread.

To many, salad is served as a means of stimulating the appetite, a meal’s introduction but not the meal itself. A pile of greens and a few cucumber rings doesn’t quite cut it for dinner. But, by following a few simple principles adapted from the Mediterranean diet, we can build perfect — and perfectly satisfying — supper salads.

Follow this basic framework to add flavor, texture and color to any salad:

• Approach your salad as a complete meal in a bowl. Build it mostly around quality vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Carnivores can add a small portion of chicken or fish — even Spanish chorizo, if you’re feeling feisty.

• Next, bring in the bold Mediterranean flavors: aromatics such as onions and garlic; warm spices such as sumac and Za’atar; and lots of fresh herbs.

• For the dressing? Olive oil and citrus or quality vinegar. Then play with ingredients that add heft, like tahini (sesame paste) or harissa (chili paste).

• One last thing; Toss in a handful of your favorite nuts and dried fruits. I like the combination of toasted almonds, pine nuts and dried figs.

Here are five Mediterranean-style supper salads to get you started.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Za’atar and Eggplant

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Fig, Arugula and Quinoa Salad with Chicken

Spicey Harissa White Bean and Lentil Soup

Tomato, Chorizo, and Charred Corn Salad


Suzy Karadsheh is the author of the popular food blog The Mediterranean Dish. She was born and raised blocks away from the shores of the Mediterranean in Egypt; a “boat ride” away from places like Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece and Italy. Proximity to the sea’s riches, combined with her family’s fondness for gatherings and her international travels, created a passionate cook who lives by the values instilled in the Mediterranean diet: Eat with the seasons, use whole foods and above all, share! See more of Suzy’s delicious recipes on The Mediterranean Dish, and find her on your favorite social media.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018
Free health and natural beauty tips from Mother Earth News!