48 Mediterranean Recipes Bursting with the Flavors of the Region

Read Time: 25 mins

48 Mediterranean Recipes Bursting with the Flavors of the Region1/48 Feta Shrimp Skillet 74 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Feta Shrimp Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York Quick skillet meals will always grab our attention on busy weeknights, and this saucy feta shrimp version

employs the beloved flavors of Greece without having to travel for them

employs the beloved flavors of Greece without having to travel for them. You can serve it over rice or pasta, but zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash would also make delicious—and low-carb—bases. Making a gyro at home is similar to making a meat loaf. You combine the ground lamb and beef in a food processor to create a sort of paste, which is then baked, weighed down and sliced. For the final step, sear the pieces to achieve a crispy outer layer like a rotisserie gyro. The melt-in-your-mouth meat can be used for salads and pitas. 2/48 3/48 Best Hummus 3

min Servings 1-1/2 cups Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Best Hummus Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 1-1/2 cups Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin If there’s one dip you should know how to whip up whenever guests arrive, it’s hummus. Although great on its own, there are infinite toppings you can add to switch up the texture and flavor. We

Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition

love toasted chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sumac, but there are plenty of ways to make hummus taste better. 4/48 Chicken Souvlaki Pitas 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This is a favorite at our house, especially in summer. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches that we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts All

This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my

you need is a few ingredients for these gourmet Greek sandwiches that taste best with kabob-style grilled chicken. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition, or you could turn your chicken souvlaki into a gyro salad with tzatziki dressing. 5/48 Spanakopita 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Spanakopita Appetizer Roll-Ups Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 2-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love having appetizers on hand in the freezer, especially when the holiday season is fast approaching. This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my

all-time favorites

all-time favorites. Everyone loves them, they’re easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta A classic Greek appetizer, these triangular pockets are filled with a mixture of frozen spinach, feta-cream cheese, onion and fresh dill. Then, they’re baked until golden brown, around 12 to 15 minutes. Pro tip: Keep a batch on hand in the freezer, especially when holidays are approaching. 6/48 Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 cups Go to Recipe From the

7/48 Mediterranean Tilapia 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total

Recipe Creator: Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California For a new take on briny, marinated olives, try roasting them with garlic cloves and tomatoes. Some olive oil and a jar of herbes de Provence will put you in business, and you can also double or triple the measurements and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. 7/48 Mediterranean Tilapia 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total

The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients

Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio Even the most diehard carnivores will become fast fans of this mild tilapia dish that’s easy to top with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat—what’s not to love about that? 8/48 Greek Salad Dressing 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Greek Salad Dressing Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total

If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, replace it with additional vinegar

Time 5 min Servings 3/4 cup Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Homemade Greek salad dressing doesn’t get much easier. If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, replace it with additional vinegar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen One salad dressing everyone should have in their repertoire is Greek. This bright, flavorful dressing tastes great on salads, grain bowls and more. Plus you can turn it into a marinade for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. 9/48 Falafel 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Falafel is a

common street food in the Middle East

common street food in the Middle East. They are gluten free, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor from cilantro, mint, coriander and nutty sesame seeds. Parsley can be added or used instead of mint. The classic version is deep-fried, but they can also be pan-fried, baked or cooked in an air fryer. Serve in or alongside pita bread with red onion, tomato, pickled cucumber and tahini sauce. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, India There are a lot of subpar falafels out there—but this isn’t one of them. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside and

If lentils aren’t in your regular meal rotation, they should be

full of flavor from cilantro, mint, coriander and nutty sesame seeds, it’s the quintessential snack when paired with hummus. Load the falafel into a pita or turn it into a meal in a bowl to make it a more filling dish. If lentils aren’t in your regular meal rotation, they should be. They’re easy on the budget, and they’re packed with fiber, protein, B vitamins and more good-for-you nutrients. This healthy, warming soup is a satisfying vegetarian recipe, but you can use chicken broth or add cooked meat if you like. Check here for more Mediterranean soup recipes. 10/48 11/48

They are fantastic for parties

Nana’s Dolmades with Avgolemono Sauce 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Nana’s Dolmades with Avgolemono Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 30 min Servings about 6 dozen (2 cups sauce) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is special to me because while I was growing up, our family always had dolmades for holidays and important events. They are fantastic for parties. You may also serve them as an entree. —Elizabeth Latsis, Tacoma, Washington These stuffed grape leaves are just like the ones Nana used to make. The egg-lemon sauce is so good, you’ll

want to drizzle it on everything

want to drizzle it on everything. Dolmades are a fantastic passed app for parties but you can also serve them as an entrée with rice pilaf. 12/48 Whipped Feta Dip 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 10 min Servings 1-1/3 cups Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The base of this whipped feta dip is a fantastic blank canvas for different flavors. This version is flavored with garlic and lemon. —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia Right up there with tzatziki, whipped feta dip plays nicely with all Mediterranean cuisine and especially with dippers such as

toasted pita bread and veggies

toasted pita bread and veggies. Garlic and lemon flavor the spread, and crushed red pepper adds a bit of heat. 13/48 Artichoke Chicken 33 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Artichoke Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I’ve served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It’s always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California 14/48 Best Ever Lamb Chops 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved

I’ve also grilled these chops with amazing results

Best Ever Lamb Chops Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My mom just loved good lamb chops, and this easy recipe was her favorite way to prepare them. I’ve also grilled these chops with amazing results. —Kim Mundy, Visalia, California With only 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, lamb chops are an easy meal you could be making on the regular. These best-ever chops get a nice basil-marjoram-thyme rub with a bit of salt before they go under the broiler. While we