Mediterranean meals are perfect for summer. The meals usually consist of produce that are at their peak during the summer, are often lightweight, and are perfect for hot summer days and nights.
But what makes a meal Mediterranean?
Mediterranean cuisine is defined by coming from any of the places located in the Mediterranean Basin or the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Commonly known areas are Türkiye (Turkey), Italy, and Greece. Other areas include Egypt, Morocco, Spain, and more.
Mediterranean cuisine shares a lot of staple ingredients and elements across the regions. Some refer something called the Mediterranean Triad which is the wheat, the olive, and the grape. Meaning foods that reflect these as base ingredients such as pasta, olive oil, and wine, along with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
If you’re looking to have a Mediterranean summer full of warm days, bold and colorful flavors, and easy recipes, look no further. Here are 10 of the best things for you to try this summer to feel like you are right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Stuffed Dates
Summer days mean a lot of downtime and outdoor time, which calls for easy-to-throw-together snacks. Nothing will top these super delicious stuffed dates. You can make these sweet treats in minutes and stuff them with all types of goodies. This recipe calls for a sweet and salty mix with mascarpone and pistachios!
2. Albanian Baked Feta with Honey and Sesame Seeds
Another delicious snack option is any good dip recipe. While hummus is an obvious go-to for Mediterranean vibes, consider this baked feta! Topped with sweet honey, earthy sesame seeds, and more goodies, you will be making this every day.
3. Horiatiki (Traditional Greek Salad)
This might just be the simplest, and best, way to make a Greek salad. The best part? It takes only minutes to throw this amazing dish together.
4. Kofta Kebab (Lamb & Beef)
Kebabs are a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for a few reasons. Not only are there a variety of delicious ways to do kebabs, but they can be prepared easily and eaten on the go. This bold recipe combines lamb, beef, and a gorgeous mixture of spices to make for an awesome summertime treat.
5. Octopus Salad
Seafood and summer go hand-in-hand, but why not throw in a Mediterranean twist while you are at it? Chocked full of Mediterranean flavors such as olives, olive oil, and lemon juice, this salad screams summer and only takes a few moments to put together.
6. Chicken Souvlaki
Greek marinated pieces of chicken grilled up nicely and served with delicious pieces of warm pita. Simple, but effective this Greek grilled chicken recipe will be a go-to for you this summer.
7. Spanikopita (Greek Spinach Pie)
Spanakopita is the embodiment of the idea that sometimes simpler, is better. This classic is created with pastry and a cheesy, spinach mix and is incredibly easy to layer together and throw into the oven.
8. Stuffed Salmon with Feta and Spinach
Sticking on the spinach and feta train, this amazing salmon recipe puts a Mediterranean spin on Salmon. These flavors are simple but bold and embody everything you’re looking for in a summer dinner idea.
9. Morrocan Grilled Chicken with Apricots
You’ve had grilled chicken, but you have not had it like this. This amazing Morrocan dish combines an amazing spice mix, sweet pomegranate molasses, and apricots, with grilled chicken. It all comes together to make an incredibly unique sweet and savory summer dinner.
10. Loaded Mediterranean Falafel Bowl
If you’re looking for something incredibly easy, that is also customizable, this falafel bowl is for you. You can stuff this bowl full of all of your favorite Mediterranean goodies for the perfect summer lunch or dinner.
Can’t make it to the coast of the Mediterranean this summer? Don’t worry, these recipes put the bold colors, and flavors of the Mediterranean right on your dinner table. Let us take those long summer days, warm nights, and the need for light, and easy summer meals and do the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do it click which one looks best to you, for tonight. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow night to try out something else!
Looking for more summer meal inspo? Be sure to check out these summer dinner ideas or these unique summer salad ideas!
