Tzatziki is my weakness. I eat so much of it, I often wonder if I have an actual addiction to the sauce and should start pulling back. But who am I kidding? There’s no resisting sliced-and-diced cucumber, fresh herbs, garlic and lemon juice sauce folded into creamy Greek yogurt. While the sauce can stand alone as a tasty, healthy dip (that I frequently pair with jalapeño-flavored pita chips — try it; it’ll change your life), tzatziki is best when complementing other light, easy-to-make Mediterranean dishes.
For those not familiar with Mediterranean food, the cuisine can be described with one word: magical. OK, fine, we’ll be more descriptive: Mediterranean food bursts with citrusy flavors, is chockfull of healthy fats, like olive oil; and embraces lean proteins, like chicken and fish. So, it makes sense the Mediterranean diet is such a popular one. In fact, it’s ranked No. 1 in the Best Diets Overall category, according to U.S. News.
But even if you aren’t looking to start a diet, leaning into Mediterranean cuisine is a great way to boost your brain power, improve your heart health and possibly drop a few pounds. But most importantly, it’ll make you feel good.
Ahead, we’ve gathered 12 Mediterranean recipes we recommend you start with first. They’re not only lighter options, but we did you a solid and only pulled easy-to-make recipes.
Tzatziki fish tacos
These crispy, breaded fish filets slapped with a dollop of tzatziki, a simple slaw and a wedge’s worth of lemon juice take less than 30 minutes to make.
Baked fish with tomatoes and olives
When it comes to ease, this is about as simple as it gets. You only need one pan to cook with but this healthy dish is packed with savory flavors.
Shrimp & zucchini fritters with yogurt sauce
These fritters will help the kids — and you — eat more veggies; promise. In an honestly surprisingly short amount of time (20 minutes), you’ll have four servings’ worth of shrimp and zucchini fritters ready to dip in a creamy, garlic and lemon-flavored yogurt sauce.
Calamari with mini penne
Sure, Mediterranean dishes are known for being healthy, but it’s OK to indulge every once and a while and nothing is more Mediterranean than calamari. For being a pasta dish, you’ll be surprised at how light and fresh it is.
Mediterranean nachos
A better-for-you option, this Mediterranean nachos dish swaps the tortilla chips for pita and layers on nine different toppings: chickpeas, cucumber, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, shallots, pepperoncini, feta crumbles, green onions and parsley. Indulge, my friend; indulge.
Vegetarian pasta carbonara
Carbonara is a pretty heavy dish that can leave you in a serious food coma but this vegetarian version is light, fresh, healthy and delicious.
Baked cod with lemon & garlic
It’s difficult to believe that this mouthwatering dish takes a total of 22 minutes to make, but it’s true. Prepared Greek-style, this baked cod dish has a flavorful mix of coriander, paprika and cumin for the salmon’s coating and requires only a handful of other ingredients to help you prepare this meal for four.
10-minute tostadas
Seriously, all it takes is 10 minutes to make these Mediterranean-inspired tostadas topped with fresh veggies, herbs and hummus.
Mediterranean grilled cheese
A light grilled cheese, you ask? Yes, thanks to Fun Without Fodmaps. Not your average grilled cheese, this recipe calls for healthier cheeses, like feta and mozzarella cheese; kalamata olives, spinach and tomatoes. But it does share one similarity to the grilled cheese you grew up eating: It takes no time at all to make.
Greek burger
With just a few simple ingredients, these mouthwatering Greek burgers come together in no time. Perfect for a summer BBQ or healthy lunch.
Mediterranean orzo salad
You know what’s so great about orzo salad? It’s deceiving — in the best possible way. Full of flavor, all it takes is a few bites of the olive-, cucumber- and tomato-packed salad to feel full, leaving you with just enough left over to eat for lunch the next day. Salt & Lavender’s recipe take 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook.
Chicken shawarma
Pulled from the pages of The Weeknight Mediterranean Kitchen, a cookbook written by Little Ferraro Kitchen blogger Samantha Ferraro, this chicken shawarma recipe couldn’t be easier. Once you let the chicken marinade for 20 minutes, bake for 30 minutes and serve.
Mediterranean salmon bowl
Not a big salmon eater? This bowl will convert you. Ready in 30 minutes, Beauty Bites’ salmon bowl — sprinkled with feta cheese and loaded with broccoli florets and olives — is low-carb, keto-friendly and both a treat for the eyes and tastebuds.
Mediterranean chickpea couscous salad
Ah, chickpeas; they’re so versatile. While many prefer it in its hummus form, others love it seasoned, oiled, baked and sprinkled onto a salad. Chelsea’s Messy Apron’s recipe may take more steps than the previous recipes, but it’s worth it because in the end, you’re left with a heaping bowl of tomato, olive and couscous chickpea salad.
5-ingredient Mediterranean salmon
It’s heathy, it’s easy, and it’s damn delicious: The Seasoned Mom’s salmon-baked-in-foil recipe requires only five ingredients — salmon filets, pesto, onion, grape tomatoes and feta cheese — and takes only 10 minutes to prepare.
Mediterranean panzanella salad
Jennifer Meyering’s bread and tomato salad is chockfull of chickpeas, artichokes and olives. And if you want to add protein, pair the 25-minute salad with chicken or fish to keep it light.
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