Vegetarian Archives - The Mediterranean Dish https://www.themediterraneandish.com/category/vegetarian/ Mediterranean Recipes & Lifestyle Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:18:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.themediterraneandish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-favicon_600x600-32x32.jpg Vegetarian Archives - The Mediterranean Dish https://www.themediterraneandish.com/category/vegetarian/ 32 32 Herby Turmeric Rice https://www.themediterraneandish.com/turmeric-rice/ https://www.themediterraneandish.com/turmeric-rice/#respond Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.themediterraneandish.com/?p=128393 This herby turmeric rice is everything a great side dish should be. It's golden, aromatic, packed with fresh herb flavor, and pairs well with almost any entree.

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Learn how to make this vibrant and aromatic turmeric rice recipe, perfect with grilled meats or as a base for a hearty bowl served with stew.

Turmeric rice in a serving bowl with a spoon next to a bowl of cilantro and a bottle of olive oil.
Photo Credits: Ali Redmond

Rice is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and I often find myself experimenting with new combinations of spices and other aromatics to create fresh variations on the classic white rice accompaniment. 

My turmeric rice recipe draws inspiration from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisine by combining the earthy flavor and vibrant color of ground turmeric with the aromatics of fresh ginger, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a bright, fragrant, and fluffy rice dish. 

Ready in 30 minutes, I like to serve turmeric rice with kebabs such as Chicken Kofta Kebab or Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, Mediterranean-Style. Alternatively, it is an excellent accompaniment to soak up the sauce of an easy chicken stew recipe. For a decadent variation, try my Saffron Rice Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Turmeric Rice Recipe

  • It turns a pot of rice into something special: golden, fragrant, and flecked with green.
  • The combination of turmeric, fresh ginger, garlic, and a full cup and a half of fresh herbs makes this one of the most aromatic, vibrant rice dishes you’ll ever make.
  • It pairs beautifully with everything from grilled kebabs to braised meats to a simple vegetable stew.

Key Ingredients

  • Basmati Rice: A long, slender grain rice with a fluffy texture and separate grains when cooked. It has a nutty and aromatic flavor, and is the rice of choice for Middle Eastern cooks.
  • Water or broth is the base for cooking rice. You can use either, but vegetable broth adds extra depth and savory notes to the rice.
  • Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy alternative to butter to help separate and fluff the rice once cooked.
  • Turmeric is an extraordinary spice, with vibrant colour and distinctive flavor, and it is also packed with a number of health benefits. It is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory known for supporting digestion and boosting immunity.
  • Onion, garlic, and ginger: Three fresh aromatics enhance the flavor of the rice.
  • Fresh herbs: Cilantro adds flecks of green to the golden rice along with its incomparable fresh and herbaceous flavor. If you are not a cilantro lover then feel free to leave it out or replace it with fresh parsley, dill, or a combination of all three.
A bowl of turmeric rice next to the rest of the rice in a bowl and a bottle of olive oil.

How to Make Turmeric Rice

  • Rinse the rice. Wash 2 cups of basmati rice in cold water and strain. Repeat until the water runs clear. Rinsing removes starch from the surface of the rice, resulting in fluffy, separate grains. The rinsed rice for the turmeric rice in a colander.
  • Sauté the aromatics. In a medium non-stick saucepan set over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add 1 medium, finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens and turns translucent. Add the 1 crushed or grated garlic clove and 1 teaspoon finely-grated fresh ginger and stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds.The chopped onions and other aromatics for the turmeric rice being sautéed in a saucepan.
  • Add turmeric and rice: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, followed by the rice, and stir until evenly mixed with all the aromatics. The aromatics and rice for the turmeric rice being stirred together in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.
  • Add liquid and boil.  Pour in 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water and add 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt. Bring to a boil.Water being poured into the saucepan with the rice and aromatics.
  • Simmer the rice: As soon as the rice comes to a boil, gently stir in 1 1/2 cups finely chopped, and tightly packed fresh cilantro, dill, or parsley, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the rice. Then reduce the heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.The rice, aromatics, herbs and broth for the turmeric rice in a saucepan.
  • Rest, fluff, and serve: Remove rice from heat and leave covered for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam. Uncover and gently fluff with a fork. Spoon into a dish and serve.Turmeric rice in a serving bowl with a spoon.

More Rice Recipes to Try

If you are ready to move beyond basic rice and let this grain be the side dish that shines, we have options for you.

Three bowls of turmeric rice and a bottle of olive oil.
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Turmeric Rice

Bright, golden, and packed with flavor, herb-flecked turmeric rice is an easy, healthy side dish perfect for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired meals
Course Side, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 281.2kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed or grated
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped, tightly packed fresh cilantro, dill, parsley, or a combination (optional)

Instructions

  • Rinse the rice. Wash the rice in cold water and strain. Repeat until the water runs clear. Rinsing removes starch from the surface of the rice resulting in fluffy and separate grains.
  • Sauté the aromatics. In a medium non-stick saucepan set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens and turns translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and stir until the aroma is released, about 30 seconds.
  • Add turmeric and rice. Sprinkle in the ground turmeric followed by the rice and stir until evenly mixed with all the aromatics.
  • Add liquid and boil. Pour in your cooking liquid and add Kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer the rice. As soon as the rice comes to a boil, gently stir in the chopped fresh cilantro making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the rice. Then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • Rest, fluff, and serve. Remove rice from heat and leave covered for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam. Uncover and gently fluff with a fork. Spoon into a dish and serve.

Notes

  • Shop this recipe: Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients, including the olive oil and spices used in this recipe.
  • Storage: Turmeric rice will keep for 5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or up to 1 month if frozen. To store cooked rice allow the rice to cool completely; seal it in an airtight container; and store in your fridge or freezer.
  • To reheat: The best way to reheat rice is to heat it, covered, in the microwave or stovetop. If your rice is a bit crunchy, add a splash of water, stir, and continue reheating until it’s warm and soft.

Nutrition

Calories: 281.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 52.7g | Protein: 4.7g | Fat: 5.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.6g | Sodium: 552.3mg | Potassium: 130.4mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 1.7g | Vitamin A: 458IU | Vitamin C: 2.7mg | Calcium: 25.9mg | Iron: 0.8mg

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Turkish Swiss Chard with Onion, Tomato, and Rice (Zeytinyagli Pazi) https://www.themediterraneandish.com/turkish-swiss-chard-recipe/ https://www.themediterraneandish.com/turkish-swiss-chard-recipe/#respond Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://www.themediterraneandish.com/?p=128299 In this classic Turkish Swiss chard recipe, tender greens braise low and slow in olive oil with caramelized onions, tomato, garlic, and a handful of rice that thickens everything into a satisfying and silky skillet meal. It's a true one-pot wonder that gets better overnight — and it's as at home on a weeknight dinner table as it is on a mezze spread.

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In this Swiss chard recipe, the greens are braised in olive oil with onions, rice, and tomato. It’s a classic Turkish vegetable dish that’s even better the next day. Plus, it’s both vegan and gluten-free!

Swiss chard in a skillet with a wooden spoon next to a bowl of yogurt.
Photo Credits: Ali Redmond

Healthy One-Pan Turkish Swiss Chard Recipe

Zeytinyağlı Pazi means “chard in olive oil,” a simple, elegant, yet easy Swiss chard recipe. Pazı (Swiss chard), is a cooking green beloved throughout northwest Türkiye (Turkey). I love its gently tart flavor in this dish and included it in my book, Sebze: Vegetarian Recipes from My Turkish Kitchen.

To make it, I cook down the chard—both stems and leaves—until silky and tender, with tomato, caramelized onions, and garlic. A little bit of rice in the dish makes it more substantial, and some fresh red chili pepper gives it a nice, but not overpowering, spicy kick.

I love this Swiss chard recipe as a nourishing weekday meal that you can prepare ahead of time– leftovers are delicious the next day too. It’s traditionally served cold or at room temperature alongside other mezze dishes, with crusty bread for scooping. 

Why You’ll Love This Swiss Chard Recipe

  • It’s a true one-pan wonder!
  • Leftovers get even better. Cooks in Turkey often make this dish ahead of time and serve it cool or at room temperature as a mezze.
  • It’s a complete meal that’s loaded with vegetables and balanced with silky olive oil and tender grains of rice.

Key Ingredients 

  • Extra virgin olive oil: The characteristic of this dish is that it is cooked in olive oil (zeytinyağı), which provides a rich, full-bodied flavor and is healthy.
  • Onion becomes sweeter and more mellow as it cooks, a lovely match for the slightly bitter chard in this dish. Either red or yellow onion would be lovely. 
  • Red chili pepper adds a delicious but not overpowering spiciness and aroma to this lovely dish. Look for any red medium-hot pepper, such as Fresno. You can also substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
  • Garlic provides an aromatic foundation and pungency to the dish.
  • Tomatoes: Diced canned tomatoes add body, thickness, and moisture to the dish, while double-concentrated tomato paste, a must-have ingredient in Turkish cuisine, adds rich, intense tomato flavor and color and helps thicken the texture.
  • Swiss Chard: I love the earthy, slightly bitter taste of chard. When cooked, its initial raw bitterness mellows out quite a bit, and it becomes tender, with a hint of pepperiness too. You can use any color chard in this recipe.
  • Rice: As it cooks, the rice absorbs liquid and releases starch that naturally thickens this dish and makes it more substantial, too. Short-grain baldo rice is a popular choice in Turkey, though arborio or long-grain varieties work well, too.
Swiss chard in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

How to Cook Swiss Chard, Turkish Style

  • Prep the Swiss chard. Wash 1 pound of Swiss chard, and halve the leaves through the stems lengthwise. Chop the leaves into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside. partially chopped stalks of chard on a cutting board with a knife. Next to this is some full chard stems, and a bowl of the chopped chard.
  • Sauté the aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large, wide saucepan over a medium–high heat, add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until starting to soften. Add 1 seeded and finely chopped red chili pepper (such as Fresno), 4 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste, and 1 cup diced canned or fresh tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes. The aromatics for the swiss chard recipe being mixed with the diced tomatoes in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
  • Add the Swiss chard. Lower heat to medium and stir in the chopped chard, and gently combine until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup rinsed rice and stir to combine well. All of the ingredients for the swiss chard recipe in a skillet just before being mixed together with a wooden spoon.
  • Simmer and steam. Add 2 cups hot water, season with a good pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon each) salt and freshly-ground black pepper, give it a good stir, then cover and cook for 20–25 minutes over a medium-low heat until the rice and vegetables are cooked and tender. Swiss chard in a skillet.
  • Steam and serve. Turn the heat off and leave to rest for 10 minutes, covered. Serve the vegetables and cooking juices with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over top.A serving of the swiss chard topped with yogurt and olive oil on a plate with a slice of bread and a fork.

What is Zeytinyağlı?

Zeytinyağlı is a category of dishes in Turkish cuisine where we cook vegetables, sometimes along with grains, gently with olive oil. 

We eat zeytinyağlı dishes at room temperature or chilled, especially in summertime. My family also loves this dish hot on cooler days, with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Zeytinyağlı dishes are great to prepare ahead of time. In fact, leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Substitutions

  • Use other greens: Spinach, kale, beet greens, or large leafy collard greens all work in place of chard. I sometimes like to add a few scallions and their greens, too.
  • Use other grains: Substitute rice with coarse bulgur or quinoa. They will add wholesomeness and nutty flavor to the dish. 
  • Use fresh tomatoes: Instead of a can of chopped tomatoes, you can use fresh, ripe tomatoes when they’re in season. As they may not have the same intense tomato flavor as canned tomatoes, you may need to add another tablespoon of tomato paste.
The swiss chard recipe topped with yogurt and olive oil in a serving bowl with a wooden spoon next to a bottle of olive oil.

What does Swiss Chard Taste Like?

If you’re new to cooking with Swiss chard, you’re in for a treat. This leafy green is nutritionally dense and one of the most versatile vegetables in the Mediterranean diet, with a lightly bitter flavor profile that sets it apart.

Swiss chard has a mild, earthy flavor. The leaves are heartier than spinach, but not as tough as kale. The stalks are crunchy. The leaves have a hint of bitterness, but when cooked, it mellows significantly, becoming silky and savory.

Types of Swiss Chard

While you might see several names at the grocery store or farmers’ market, they are mostly variations of the same plant and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

  • Rainbow Chard: A mix of plants with vibrant red, pink, yellow, and orange stems. It’s the most visually stunning variety. The colors are muted once cooked.
  • Fordhook Giant: Known for its thick white stalks and crinkled green leaves.
  • Rhubarb Chard: Features deep red stalks that look similar to rhubarb.

Perfect Pairings

When the weather is warm, we traditionally eat this dish cold or at room temperature as part of a mezze spread. On cold days, we enjoy it hot. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it. 

  • Bread on the side: Serve this swiss chard recipe with crusty olive bread to mop up the delicious juices, along with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Flatbreads can be lovely here too. 
  • Dollop with yogurt: Plain yogurt is a major staple in Turkish cuisine that accompanies most savory meals. Its cooling, creamy, tangy taste is fantastic with savory dishes, and it is packed full of goodness and gut-friendly, too. I like using creamy whole milk Turkish or Greek yogurt, though you may opt to use a lower-fat or plant-based version, too.
  • Add feta: Instead of yogurt, this dish is lovely topped with crumbled feta and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Add a few eggs over: For a more substantial meal, you can crack a few eggs over the greens, cover, and cook—it is delicious!
The swiss chard recipe topped with yogurt and olive oil in a serving bowl with a wooden spoon next to a bottle of olive oil.
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Turkish Swiss Chard with Tomato and Rice (Zeytinyağlı Pazı)

This Swiss chard recipe is a zeytinyağlı dish, a beloved category of Turkish cooking where vegetables cook gently in good olive oil until they become something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 202.9kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red chili pepper, deseeded and finely chopped (use more if you like it spicy)
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon double concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 pound Swiss chard, cleaned, halved lengthways and roughly chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups hot water
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Plain yogurt, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  • Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large, wide saucepan over a medium–high heat, add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until starting to soften. Add the chile, garlic, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes to the pan, combine well and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the Swiss chard. Stir in the chopped chard and gently combine and wilt over a medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Add the rinsed rice and combine well.
  • Braise. Add the hot water, season with a good pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon each) salt and pepper, give it a good stir, then cover and cook for 20–25 minutes over a medium-low heat until the rice and vegetables are cooked and tender.
  • Finish and serve. Turn the heat off and leave to rest for 10 minutes, covered. Serve the vegetables and cooking juices with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over top.

Notes

  • Shop this recipe: Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients, including the olive oil used in this recipe.
  • Substitutions: 
    • Use other greens: Spinach, kale, beet greens, or large leafy collard greens all work in place of chard. I sometimes like to add a few scallions and their greens, too.
    • Use other grains: Substitute rice with coarse bulgur or quinoa. They will add wholesomeness and nutty flavor to the dish. 
    • Use fresh tomatoes: Instead of a can of chopped tomatoes, you can use fresh, ripe tomatoes when they’re in season. As they may not have the same intense tomato flavor as in canned tomatoes, you may need to add another tablespoon of tomato paste.

Nutrition

Calories: 202.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4.8g | Fat: 7.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.2g | Sodium: 287.2mg | Potassium: 663.1mg | Fiber: 3.9g | Sugar: 4.5g | Vitamin A: 7105.2IU | Vitamin C: 47.6mg | Calcium: 94.4mg | Iron: 4mg

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https://www.themediterraneandish.com/turkish-swiss-chard-recipe/feed/ 0 TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Leads-02-Vertical TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Edited-3 TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Methods-02 TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Methods-03 TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Methods-04 TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Methods-05 TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Leads-04-Horizontal TMD-Turkish-Swiss-Chard-Leads-03-Vertical The swiss chard recipe topped with yogurt and olive oil in a serving bowl with a wooden spoon next to a bottle of olive oil. The Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil Bundle from The Mediterranean Dish shop next two 3 bowls of olives and a wooden tray with a loaf of bread and a bowl of olive oil.
Italian Easter Bread (Soft and Fluffy) https://www.themediterraneandish.com/italian-easter-bread/ https://www.themediterraneandish.com/italian-easter-bread/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2026 22:24:37 +0000 https://www.themediterraneandish.com/?p=62960 Italian Easter bread is a fluffy, soft bread, braided around dyed eggs and seasoned with lemon or orange zest or vanilla extract.

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This traditional Italian Easter bread recipe is incredibly soft, lightly sweet, and scented with citrus zest. Each twisted ring has a whole egg nestled in the center to celebrate rebirth and renewal.

Four braised nests of Italian Easter Breads with a naturally dyed blue egg in the center and colored sprinkles.
Photo Credits: Mark Beahm

This Italian Easter Bread is a Festive Favorite

Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua) has a texture similar to Challah and is flavored with lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract. To finish, I tuck a brightly colored egg into the dough nest and top it with sprinkles. These eggs do more than add celebratory flair; they also symbolize rebirth.      

The name of this recipe may seem to imply there is one definitive Easter bread in Italy. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth! There are as many variations of Easter bread across the regions and subregions, ranging from savory breads such as pizza di Pasqua in central Italy to the sweet breads from the south.

In Calabria, you’ll find cuzzupa, flavored with aniseed or citrus, topped with a hardboiled egg, and a sheen of lemon glaze. In Sardinia, they make coccoi cun s’ou and in Sicily, cuddura cu l’ova, where a raw egg is encased in the dough and cooked in the oven. Whereas, in Greece, they make a similar Easter bread called Tsourike, but in Greek Easter bread, the eggs are usually dyed red. The breads may be shaped into doves, dolls, baskets, or rings, each implying a different meaning.

This recipe is a traditional Easter bread in southern Italy. It is shaped into four individual rings, twisted around a dyed egg, and presented at the table. Serve it as part of your Easter feast alongside Healthy Deviled Eggs, Roasted Leg of Lamb and this Asparagus Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Scents of Citrus: Flavored with fresh lemon and orange zest.
  • Kid Friendly: A fun baking project for decorating with sprinkles and dyed eggs.
  • Foolproof Sponge: I use a preferment method to ensure a sky-high rise every time.

What’s in Italian Easter Bread

The ingredients for this bread are easy to find, and are probably already pantry staples in your house. The only item on your shopping list could very well be the dye for the eggs. It’s humbling to note that historically, this bread was reserved for special occasions because of the expensive and rich ingredients like milk, sugar, eggs, and butter.

PRO TIP: Use room temperature eggs and butter. The room temperature ingredients are more easily incorporated into enriched doughs (doughs with fat and sugar), leading to improved texture and rise.

  • Milk: While I used whole milk, feel free to use reduced fat or skim milk instead. Heat the milk to 105-115°F. Make sure the milk isn’t too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
  • Active dry yeast: Enriched breads require more yeast than standard leaner breads to get going.
  • Sugar: This bread is lightly sweet, but the sugar also helps make the bread soft and brown nicely in the oven.
  • Eggs: The protein and fat in eggs add to the structure, softness, and golden color.
  • All-purpose flour: While you may be tempted to reach for bread flour, the all-purpose flour in this recipe makes a tender, fluffy loaf. Bread flour would make the bread too chewy.
  • Unsalted butter: A small amount of room temperature butter adds flavor and richness.
  • Kosher salt: Even in sweet recipes, salt enhances the flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Another flavor enhancer. Without it, the bread may seem bland or one-dimensional. 
  • Zest: I love using both lemon and orange zest here, but you can stick to just one or the other, depending on what you have on hand.
  • Dyed uncooked eggs: When it comes to the eggs you can dye them whichever color you like, or leave them undyed. Just make sure they’re uncooked. They will cook in the oven.
  • Multicolored nonpareils: This is a celebration bread, so have fun with some colorful nonpareils or sprinkles.

How to Make Italian Easter Bread

Taking about four hours, this baking project does require a time commitment. Most of the time is hands-off while the yeast does the work. While the sponge rises take the butter out of the refrigerator and dice it so it softens enough to incorporate into the dough later. I zest the citrus at this point and have the orange for a snack while I wait. If you’re worried that the zest will dry out, you can cover it and keep it in the fridge in the meantime.

  • Make the sponge: In the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in the milk and let stand until it begins to foam, 5 to 10 minutes. Add a 1/4 cup sugar, eggs, and 2 cups flour. Stir with a rubber spatula to combine. The mixture will resemble pancake batter. Cover the bowl and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 30 minutes, until the surface is bubbly. In the meantime, take the butter out of the refrigerator, and dice it into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Make the dough: To the sponge, add the 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, and zest. Fit the mixer with the dough hook attachment, and mix on the lowest speed until the dough comes together into a rough ball, about 1 minute. Increase the speed to level 2 and continue kneading for 7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic and pull away from the sides of the bowl (the dough may still stick to the bottom of the mixing bowl).
  • First rise: Cover the bowl and set it in a warm spot to rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until roughly doubled in size.
  • Divide the dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions (approximately 120 to 125g each).
  • Assemble the loaves: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Use your palms to roll out each piece of dough into a 12-inch rope. Pinch two ropes together at the ends and twist them several times.
  • Form a wreath: Pinch the ends together so the twisted rope forms a wreath and tuck the ends underneath. Repeat with the remaining ropes of dough.
  • Second rise: Place two loaves on each of the lined baking sheets. Cover with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
  • Prepare the oven: Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Decorate the loaves: Gently nestle a dyed uncooked egg into the center of each loaf. Make an egg wash by whisking a large egg and a tablespoon of milk together in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to brush each loaf with a light coating of the egg wash, avoiding the dyed eggs. Sprinkle each loaf with colorful nonpareils.
  • Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden, rotating the pans and switching their position halfway through.
  • Cool: Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool. Let cool before serving.

What is a Sponge (Preferment)

The sponge method in bread baking is when you mix a portion of the flour, a portion (or all) of the yeast, and some (or all) of the wet ingredients to begin fermenting, before adding the rest of the ingredients that form the final dough.

Using a sponge adds extra fermentation time, and longer fermentation means more flavor. It’s especially helpful in enriched bread to give the yeast a head start by adding in stages the fat and sugar, ingredients that can slow down fermentation.

It also improves the texture and structure of the dough. This method only takes 30 extra hands-off minutes and emulates the benefits from sourdough starters (lievito madre) or other preferments (biga, as in this Focaccia recipe) used in traditional Italian bread baking.

A braided nest of Italian Easter Bread with a naturally dyed blue egg in the center and colored sprinkles. The bread is torn open so you can see the fluffy interior. it's a on white plate with blue edges.

How to Naturally Dye Eggs for Italian Easter Bread

You can use your go-to method for dying eggs, but I wanted to experiment with natural dyes. To create this deep blue, I used red cabbage to color the eggs. To dye eggs naturally follow these steps: 

  • Roughly chop a small head of red cabbage and place it in a medium saucepan, along with enough water to fully submerge the cabbage. 
  • Boil for 15 minutes, then strain the water into a jar and let it cool to room temperature.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
  • Add the uncooked eggs, cover, and store in the refrigerator until the eggs take on the amount of color you’d like. 
  • To achieve the deep blue, you see in the photographs, I left the eggs to soak in the refrigerator overnight.

What to Serve with Italian Easter Bread

This is a festive holiday bread so it only makes sense to serve it with other special occasion foods.

four italian easter breads each containing a blue dyed easter egg on a cloth napkin.
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Italian Easter Bread

Italian Easter bread is a traditional bread that celebrates spring, renewal, and the resurrection. The loaves are irresistibly fluffy and soft, with a texture reminiscent of Challah.
Course Bread
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 405.8kcal
Author Mark Beahm

Ingredients

For the Sponge:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, lukewarm
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange

For the Decoration:

  • 4 dyed eggs, (uncooked)
  • Multicolored nonpareils or sprinkles

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

  • Make the sponge: In the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in the milk and let stand until it begins to foam, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the sugar, eggs, and flour, and stir with a rubber spatula to combine. The mixture will resemble pancake batter. Cover the bowl and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 30 minutes, until the surface is bubbly. In the meantime, take the butter out of the refrigerator, and dice it into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Make the dough: To the sponge, add the flour, sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, and zest. Fit the mixer with the dough hook attachment, and mix on the lowest speed until the dough comes together into a rough ball, about 1 minute. Increase the speed to level 2 and continue kneading for 7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic and pull away from the sides of the bowl (the dough may still stick to the bottom of the mixing bowl).
  • First rise: Cover the bowl and set it in a warm spot to rise for 1 1/2 hours, or until roughly doubled in size.
  • Divide the dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions (approximately 120 to 125g each).
  • Assemble the loaves: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Use your palms to roll out each piece of dough into a 12-inch rope. Pinch two ropes together at the ends and twist them several times. Pinch the ends together so the twisted rope forms a wreath and tuck the ends underneath. Repeat with the remaining ropes of dough.
  • Second rise: Place two loaves on each of the lined baking sheets. Cover with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour, or until puffy and almost doubled in size.
  • Prepare the oven: Arrange racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Decorate the loaves: Gently nestle a dyed uncooked egg into the center of each loaf. Make an egg wash by whisking a large egg and a tablespoon of milk together in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to brush each loaf with a light coating of the egg wash, avoiding the dyed eggs. Sprinkle each loaf with colorful nonpareils.
  • Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden, rotating the pans and switching their position halfway through.
  • Cool: Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool. Let cool before serving.

Video

Notes

  • If you want to dye the eggs naturally, do so the day before to achieve the deep blue color seen in the photos.
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 405.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 62.5g | Protein: 12.8g | Fat: 11.2g | Saturated Fat: 5.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 162.4mg | Sodium: 360.3mg | Potassium: 179.7mg | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 14.5g | Vitamin A: 438.9IU | Vitamin C: 0.003mg | Calcium: 73.1mg | Iron: 3.6mg

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Pea Salad with Feta and Mint (Mediterranean Style!) https://www.themediterraneandish.com/pea-salad/ https://www.themediterraneandish.com/pea-salad/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:04:33 +0000 https://www.themediterraneandish.com/?p=66201 Looking for a fresh pea salad without the heavy mayo? This 20-minute Mediterranean pea salad features feta, mint, and a touch of Aleppo pepper. Perfect for spring!

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Pea salad should let the peas shine. Let’s skip the mayo this year and make a pea salad that really celebrates the fresh bounty of the season! Nothing says spring like a green pea salad with a few slivers of radish, fresh herbs, and a finishing touch of feta.

A bright, vibrant no-mayo spring pea salad with sliced radishes and mint on a floral plate with a silver serving spoon.
Photo Credits: Andrea Gralow

The Best Healthy Pea Salad Recipe

It’s time to bring pea salad into the 21st century. Don’t get me wrong, the traditional English pea salad dressed in mayo, sour cream and cubes of cheddar has withstood the test of time, but I think these cheerful, green harbingers of spring are ready for an update. 

In this green pea salad recipe, I let the sweetness of the peas (fresh or frozen will do) take center stage. It’s the same approach I use for my Cucumber Radish Salad: fresh, seasonal ingredients get the microphone and speak for themselves. Rather than drowning out the pea’s delicate flavor with mayo, I dress them up in their Sunday best with fresh mint, chives, a little olive oil, and salty creamy feta.

And, because this is a next-generation pea salad, I included a bit of Aleppo pepper just to keep you guessing. Consider this a fresh, healthy pea salad side to serve with Baked or Broiled Salmon or Lemon Rosemary Chicken Breasts

This recipe takes only 20 minutes to toss together, so make sure you start on your main course first. While this is not your typical picnic salad, who says it can’t become one? Double the recipe to feed a crowd, it’s delicious warm, room temperature, or cold. Make this pea salad and I promise you, you’ll never look back. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-Mayo! Peas have a naturally sweet, delicate flavor. This recipe lets them shine rather than burying them in a heavy mayo mixture.
  • I highly recommend using a high-quality Feta in the brine. Its creaminess mimics the mouth feel of heavier dressings while keeping this pea salad recipe light. If you don’t have feta, Parmesan also works, but it will have a slightly different texture.
  • You only need 20 minutes to make this spring side dish perfect for weeknights, holidays or brunches.

Green Pea Salad Ingredients 

This recipe calls for only 10 ingredients, and nearly half are things you pour from a jar or bottle! Like all of our favorite spring recipes, the goal is to let the season shine and make the most of spring’s favorite vegetable. Plus, peas are nutritional wonders. A mere 1/2 cup of peas has 4 grams each of protein and fiber, and they have a healthy dose of Vitamin A, folate, and magnesium. 

  • Fresh or frozen peas: If you happen to grow a garden, fresh peas are great in this recipe, but if frozen peas are available, go ahead and use them. Just remember, you only want to take the chill off. The peas are ready when the color is still a vibrant, bright green, and they are slightly firm
  • Kosher salt: This kitchen powerhouse just uplifts all the other flavors. If you taste something and it seems kind of one-note, you probably just need to add a pinch of salt. 
  • Olive oil: This pea salad recipe draws the line between sweet and spicy, so any high-quality olive oil will do. I must admit, however, that our Spanish Hojiblanca is a personal favorite, but if you want something with a subtle fruity finish, then our Greek Koroneiki works great too. 
  • Minced yellow onion: The natural sugars in the onion break down to help reinforce the sweetness of the peas. 
  • Aleppo pepper: I only use 1/4 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper in this recipe because I didn’t want to overpower the peas, but if you like things with a little heat, then feel free to increase it to 1/2 teaspoon. 
  • White wine vinegar: A little acidity brightens the flavors in this salad, if you don’t have it feel free to swap it out for lemon juice. 
  • Radishes: If it grows together, it goes together! Radishes are another spring vegetable that adds a little color and subtle spice to this recipe. 
  • Fresh herbs: The fresh cooling flavors in mint balance out the dish, while fresh chives provide a soft and subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish. 
  • Feta or shaved parmesan: I’ve made this green pea salad with either cheese, and I like them both. Feta is a little saltier and adds a creamy texture, whereas the Parmesan is a harder cheese and kind of stands out. Really, either one will work. Use what you have on hand. 
close up of spring pea salad with sliced radishes, mint and feta.

How to Make Pea Salad 

If you’re using frozen peas you can add them directly to the pan after you add the onion, which makes this recipe even faster. If you’re using fresh, you’ll have to blanch them first. I’m a big believer in preparing everything before I get started, so take a few minutes to chop the herbs, slice the radish, and mince the onion before you begin. 

  • Boil the peas: Bring a small pot of water to a boil, and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Next, add the peas, and cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are bright green and still have a little bite to them. You don’t want mushy, wrinkled, army green peas. You want bright green, slightly firm, but tender peas.peas simmering in water in a pot.
  • Drain the peas: Shut off the heat, and drain the peas.
  • Make the sauce: In a medium skillet set over medium heat add the olive oil, minced onion and Aleppo pepper. Sauté until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, and remove from heat.minced onion and aleppo pepper being cooked in olive oil in a pot.
  • Finish and serve: Add the sliced radishes and drained peas. Fold in the fresh mint and chives. Crumble feta over the peas. Taste. Add more salt or pepper to your liking. Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. Serve, warm, room temp or cold.

Tips for Cooking Peas

Peas are like pasta. If you overcook them, they turn mushy and a dark army green color. If that happens, feed the peas to the chickens and start again! Peas are cooked perfectly when they haven’t collapsed, have a bright green color, and still have a barely soft to slightly firm texture.

Can I Make Pea Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this pea salad recipe ahead of time. It’s delicious served warm, room temperature, or cold.

To Store: Place in a bowl with a tight lid. It will keep in the fridge or up to 5 days; however, the mint might discolor, so you may want to replace it.

To Reheat: You don’t want to overcook peas. When it comes to rewarming this salad, just set it over medium-low heat and stir it until it’s warmed through.

What to Serve with Green Pea Salad 

When it comes to sides, this pea salad recipe is pretty versatile. Spring weather can be tricky; if it’s cooler outside, I like to serve it alongside a Roasted Chicken.

If I’m feeling fishy, Baked Cod is always nice, and the lemony colors look so pretty with the peas. It also pairs well with Lemon Dill Salmon. My husband likes pork, so Pan Seared Pork Chops are also on the menu from time to time. 

spring pea salad with sliced radishes and mint on a plate with a silver serving spoon.
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Spring Peas with Radish and Mint

Pea salad should let the peas shine. Let’s skip the mayo this year and make a pea salad that really celebrates the season!
Course Salad, Sides/Salad
Cuisine American/Mediterranean
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 196.9kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (4 cups) fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced yellow onion (about 1/4 small onion)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 to 3 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup packed cup mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives
  • 2 ounces feta or shaved parmesan

Instructions

  • Boil the peas: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and add the peas. Cook for about 5 minutes until the peas are bright green and still have a little bite to them. You don’t want mushy, wrinkled, army green peas. You want bright green, firm but tender peas.
  • Drain the peas: Shut off the heat and drain the peas.
  • Make the sauce: In a medium skillet set over medium heat add the olive oil, minced onion and Aleppo pepper. Saute until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar. Remove from heat. Add the sliced radishes and drained peas. Fold in the fresh mint and chives. Crumble feta over the peas. Taste. Add more salt or pepper to your liking.
  • Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. Serve, warm, room temp or cold.

Video

Notes

  • If using frozen peas you can add them directly to the pan after you add the onion. If using fresh peas you’ll want to blanch them first.
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oilshoneyjams and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 196.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8.4g | Fat: 10.6g | Saturated Fat: 2.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.8g | Cholesterol: 12.6mg | Sodium: 1043.5mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 6.9g | Sugar: 6.7g | Vitamin A: 1192.9IU | Vitamin C: 48.4mg | Calcium: 110.1mg | Iron: 2mg

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