ADVERTISEMENT
Who’s Ready for a Burst of Mediterranean Flavor?
If you’re craving fresh, vibrant, and bold flavors, it’s time to take your taste buds on a journey to the Mediterranean. Known for its diverse and healthy ingredients, the Mediterranean diet celebrates wholesome, plant-based foods, lean proteins, and an abundance of aromatic herbs and spices. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, impress guests at a dinner party, or simply indulge in a healthy, flavorful meal, the Mediterranean flavors are guaranteed to satisfy.
From tangy tzatziki to savory grilled lamb, Mediterranean cuisine is a feast for the senses—offering everything from rich olive oils to zesty citrus and earthy herbs. So, let’s dive into some delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipes that are sure to bring a burst of flavor to your plate!
- Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Souvlaki, a beloved Greek dish, is all about perfectly grilled, marinated meat, typically served in pita bread or alongside a Greek salad. For this recipe, tender chicken marinated in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme is grilled to perfection, then paired with a creamy, cool tzatziki sauce. This sauce, made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, is the perfect accompaniment to the smoky grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).
Meanwhile, mix all the ingredients for the tzatziki sauce in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve the chicken with the tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and a side of fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing, this Mediterranean quinoa salad is the perfect side dish or light meal. The combination of colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese brings the essence of the Mediterranean right into your bowl. It’s refreshing, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Baked Falafel with Hummus and Pita
Falafel, a popular Middle Eastern dish, is made from ground chickpeas (or fava beans), garlic, parsley, and cumin, shaped into balls or patties, and traditionally fried until crispy. But this baked version is a healthier take that still gives you the crispy exterior and flavorful, soft interior. Serve your falafel with a side of creamy hummus and fresh pita for a satisfying meal that’s full of Mediterranean goodness.
Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp baking powder
3-4 tbsp flour (as needed to bind the mixture)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for baking
For Serving:
Read more on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
