{"id":17380,"date":"2024-12-23T08:54:50","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T13:54:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themediterraneandish.com\/?p=17380"},"modified":"2025-12-23T11:32:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:32:11","slug":"best-mediterranean-recipes-of-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themediterraneandish.com\/best-mediterranean-recipes-of-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"25 + Top Mediterranean Recipes of The Year!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Explore the top Mediterranean Diet recipes of the year. From classic falafel to modern, healthy dinners, explore vibrant recipes with bold flavors that make healthy eating easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An
Chickpea Salad Photo Credits: Ali Redmond <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is Mediterranean Food?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Food from the Mediterranean is healthy, balanced, dynamic, and diverse. It spans flavors from Southern Europe to North Africa and the Middle East, which makes it easy to adapt to personal tastes and ripe for exploration!

Year after year, the Mediterranean Diet<\/a> is consistently named the best, healthiest diet by US News and World Report<\/a>, and here at The Mediterranean Dish, you’ll find a large collection of modern Mediterranean recipes<\/a> that celebrate the many flavors of the sunny region where I was born and raised.

A ritual I look forward to every December is updating this list with the BEST Mediterranean recipes of the year! It’s a combination of reader favorites, new favorites, personal go-tos, and the time-honored classics people turn to over and over again.

Whether you’ve stopped by to learn more about following the Mediterranean diet or just want healthier dinners with big, bright flavors, there is something for you on this list of top 25+ Mediterranean recipes to try this year. I hope you love these recipes as much as I do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ingredients<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is the Mediterranean Diet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes vegetables and fruits, legumes<\/a> and whole grains<\/a>, lean proteins including fish and poultry, and healthy fats like quality extra virgin olive oil<\/a>. You won’t find a list of dos and don’ts, and yes, you can have a little dessert<\/a> and a Negroni<\/a> from time to time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living the Mediterranean Way is as much about food as it is about living joyfully — happiness is also important to your health. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To understand this way of eating better, you can read more about it in our article, “What is the Mediterranean diet and how to follow it<\/a>.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majority of the recipes in this roundup follow the Mediterranean way of eating and are a great place to start! (And here is a handy shopping list<\/a> to stock your pantry for Mediterranean cooking.) Now let’s get to the best Mediterranean food recipes of the year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean Breakfast Recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Breakfast can be fast and flavorful. Here are some of my favorites from the past year, but trust me, there are more where that came from. If you need even more Mediterranean Breakfast<\/a> ideas, we have you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tahini Date Shake<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This fast and easy cinnamon breakfast shake is decadent and dairy-free! Protein-packed tahini and almond milk give it a creamy texture, while healthy dates and frozen bananas add sweetness and fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"close<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Spanakopita Egg Muffins<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These egg muffins are inspired by the savory Greek phyllo pie spanakopita–with spinach, feta, parsley, and mint. Gluten-free and vegetarian, they’re a delicious make-ahead breakfast or high-protein snack on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shakshuka<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Easy Shakshuka Recipe<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A classic North African dish hailing from Tunisia, shakshuka is simply sunny-side-up eggs braised in a chunky tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions. Use fresh tomatoes when in season, but feel free to make it with canned chopped tomatoes during the winter months. I also like a version with white beans<\/a> for extra nutrition and protein, or a Green Shakshuka <\/a>twist!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"close<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sweet Potato Hash<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not your typical diner hash! My twist on the American classic loads sweet potatoes with so much flavor thanks to aromatic za’atar<\/a> and warming Mediterranean spices, along with chickpeas and bell pepper for added texture and flavor. And no Mediterranean breakfast is complete without black tea—I’m particularly partial to my freshly brewed Arabic tea with mint<\/a> with these crispy potatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean Dinner Recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What’s for dinner? A question that’s on everyone’s mind, but can be difficult to answer. Not to worry! I have you covered with a handful of easy and delicious ideas—some traditional and some modern, but all with bold Mediterranean flavors! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chicken Gyros<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make your kitchen smell like the streets of Athens with this chicken gyro recipe! The secret is a boldly-spiced yogurt marinade, and you can cook the chicken on the stove or the grill! Tucked into a soft Pita Bread<\/a> or this no-yeast Yogurt Flatbread<\/a> with herby Tzatziki Sauce<\/a> and crunchy veggies, it’s a favorite weeknight dinner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Falafel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Authentic Falafel<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My family’s falafel recipe, made with dry chickpeas and loaded with fresh herbs and spices, is a reader-favorite recipe on the site. This is the traditional version, but we also have baked falafel<\/a> and air-fryer falafel<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"baked<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Greek Sheet Pan Chicken<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This sheet pan dinner puts a delicious and nutritious meal on your table with just about 10 minutes of hands-on time. As a bonus, the marinade doubles as a lemony salad dressing! Make yourself extra to toss with a simple arugula avocado salad<\/a> while the chicken roasts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Paella<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Spanish Paella with Chicken and Seafood (Paella Mixta)<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Learning to make this classic Paella mixta on our community culinary trip to Barcelona is one of my best memories from 2025! This vibrant, one-pan dish has saffron-infused rice, tender chicken, shrimp, calamari, mussels, and clams. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for a special dinner or gathering with friends, and it’s easy to make at home! Once you’ve tried this version of Paella, explore our Seafood Paella<\/a> and Chicken Paella<\/a> recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"whole<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Greek-Style Roasted Branzino<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perfect whole roasted fish you can make in just 20 minutes! It’s even better finished with my lemony, garlicky ladolemono<\/a> sauce and a side of Horta, Greek-style braised greens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Homemade<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chicken Shawarma<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A bold blend of Middle Eastern spices loads these chicken thighs with so much flavor! And they’re simply baked in the oven until perfectly juicy and tender. This recipe is consistently loved by The Mediterranean Dish community and my friends and family. Make a shawarma feast and serve with pita bread<\/a>, tahini sauce<\/a> or tzatziki sauce<\/a>, and cucumber tomato salad<\/a>. To take it to the next level, try deliciously smoky spit-roasted Grilled Chicken Shawarma<\/a>. For a vegan option, try my spicy cauliflower shawarma<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Baked<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This baked fish recipe has been a fan favorite for a long time! It’s ready in about 20 minutes and it’s all about the garlic and lemon sauce. I use cod, but you can use any white fish fillet you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chicken<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Easy Chicken Cacciatore Recipe<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This rustic Italian classic features chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with herbs and vegetables until deeply flavorful. It’s comforting and hearty, perfect with a simple butter lettuce salad<\/a> on the side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean Soups and Stews<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to a cozy bowl of comfort, look no further than the Mediterranean. What is a hot bowl of soup without good bread? Make it a pairing, try any of the soups below with Homemade Garlic Rosemary Focaccia<\/a>, Crusty No Knead Olive Bread<\/a>, or a classic French Baguette<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ratatouille<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ratatouille<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this easy recipe, I adapted the famous slow-simmered Provençal stew to fit a busy weeknight! I keep all the flavor and veggie-packed goodness, but it’s ready in about 45 minutes. And it just gets better the next day! Serve any which way you like—hot, room temperature, straight from the fridge, with a fried egg<\/a> on top or on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Minestrone<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Easy Minestrone<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This hearty Italian vegetable soup is the definition of Mediterranean comfort food, brimming with beans, vegetables, pasta, and herbs in a light tomato broth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Italian Wedding Soup<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tender meatballs, leafy greens, and delicate pasta come together in a light, savory broth that feels both comforting and refined. It’s a well-balanced soup that’s satisfying without being heavy—ideal for family dinners or when you need something warm and restorative. Serve it with lemon parmesan lettuce salad<\/a> or a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean-Style White Chicken Chili with Chermoula<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I was inspired to create this Mediterranean twist on a white chicken chili for my second cookbook The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner<\/a><\/em>. My version has the cannelini beans, chicken, and corn you might expect, but big, bold Mediterranean flavor from Cherrmoula<\/a>, a lemony North-African herb sauce, drizzled on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean Salads and Sides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Probably one of the biggest things about eating the Mediterranean way that I love is the inclusion of big salads<\/a> and vegetable sides in every meal! Here are just a handful of favorites in this category…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"close<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Greek Salad (Traditional Horiatiki Recipe)<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Big hunks of feta cheese make this simple salad such a show-stopper. But it’s what’s hiding beneath them that keeps me coming back for more! Crunchy raw cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion bring so much vibrant flavor and freshness. This table salad is meant to be versatile, but it goes particularly well with Greek roast meats like pork souvlaki<\/a> and kleftiko (Greek lamb in parchment)<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"an<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This simple chickpea salad recipe is packed with fresh herbs, juicy grape tomatoes, velvety roasted red peppers, crisp cucumber, and creamy avocado. Delicious and satisfying, thanks to the high plant-based protein and fiber content, it’s excellent on its own or alongside Baked Salmon<\/a> or Grilled Chicken<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa, a high-protein seed that cooks in about 10 to 12 minutes, serves as the foundation for this lemony chopped vegetable salad. Scallions, peppers, and cucumber give it great crunch, and Greek kalamata olives<\/a> and feta add wonderful savoriness. It’s a great make-ahead option as the leftovers last for a week in the fridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fattoush<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fattoush Salad<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fattoush is a Lebanese bread salad made with crispy pita, fresh vegetables like radish, romaine, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and then tossed together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. To make a Lebanese feast, add our authentic Grilled Shish Tawook<\/a> with Whipped Toum (4-Ingredient Garlic Sauce)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"cucumber<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The base of this salad is tomatoes and cucumbers, dressed up with parsley and red onion. Finish it with some good extra virgin olive oil (I often use our Greek Early Harvest EVOO<\/a>), lemon juice, and a dash of salt, pepper, and sumac<\/a>! Enjoy on its own, serve over fish, tuck it into shawarma add it to your favorite grain bowl<\/a>.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"close<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Watermelon Salad<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A summer classic salad with bright Mediterranean flavors. Cubes of watermelon and cucumber, tossed in a simple honey and citrus dressing and finished with fresh herbs and feta. Save this for your mid-summer cooking! Everyone will love it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tabouli<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tabouli<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The quintessential Middle Eastern salad starring parsley, bulgur, and tomatoes. Personally, I like adding cucumbers for some crunch. You’ll need fine bulgur wheat<\/a> for this recipe, but if you are looking for a gluten-free option, try quinoa or make a cauliflower tabouli<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean Mezze, Sauces, Snacks and Extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shareable sides and small plates are commonly enjoyed in many Mediterranean countries to round out, start or complete a meal and they include some of my favorite recipes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Tzatziki<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Easy Tzatziki Sauce<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This authentic tzatziki, made with cucumber, yogurt, and garlic, comes straight from the Greek island of Paros. You’ll love how easy and versatile it is. Serve it with pita chips<\/a> and veggies; spoon it over gyros<\/a>, kebabs<\/a>, or with fish<\/a>; or to dip your fries<\/a>. Need a dairy-free option? Try our cashew-based vegan version<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"bowl<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hummus<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Think of hummus as another base recipe in your Mediterranean Diet toolbox. Keep it simple and use it as a dip with pita chips<\/a> and vegetables or use it to make layered hummus<\/a> with spiced meat, top it with Middle Eastern meatballs<\/a>, or use it as a protein-packed spread for wraps or breakfast toast<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Greek Yogurt<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Homemade Greek yogurt is easy to prepare, more flavorful than any commercial yogurt, and more economical as well! Our Greek yogurt recipe requires just two ingredients and no special equipment! Use it to as a base for breakfasts<\/a>, dips<\/a>, marinades<\/a>, soups<\/a>, and even cakes<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n\n

Recent Recipe Favorites<\/h2>\n\n<\/div><\/header>
\"Turmeric<\/a><\/div>

Sides and Small Plates<\/p>

Herby Turmeric Rice<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/article>
\"A<\/a><\/div>

Entree<\/p>

Easy Greek Salmon<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/article>
\"Swiss<\/a><\/div>

Vegetarian<\/p>

Turkish Swiss Chard with Onion, Tomato, and Rice (Zeytinyagli Pazi)<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/article>
\"four<\/a><\/div>

Italian<\/p>

Italian Easter Bread (Soft and Fluffy)<\/a><\/h3><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n

Hungry for More? Join my e<\/a>–<\/a>m<\/a>ail list<\/a> for FREE to receive new recipes and my weekly dinner plan!<\/strong>
Browse all <\/strong>Mediterranean recipes<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

*This post is updated every year to reflect readers’ choices and top Mediterranean recipes for the given year. Browse all Mediterranean recipes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From the leading site for modern Mediterranean food and cooking comes a list of top Mediterranean recipes of the year! Whether you are looking to follow the Mediterranean diet or just to give your meals a bright twist, there is something for you on this list. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":111400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11677,310],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBEST Mediterranean Recipes of the Year | The Mediterranean Dish<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From the leader in Mediterranean food and cooking comes a list of best Mediterranean recipes and Mediterranean diet ideas to try this year!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.themediterraneandish.com\/best-mediterranean-recipes-of-2018\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"I Updated My Mediterranean Diet Recipe Best of List! Here's What Made the Cut!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From reader favorites to new loves these are the most requested, most talked about and most liked Mediterranean diet recipes of the year from the No. 1 website for Mediterranean Cooking.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.themediterraneandish.com\/best-mediterranean-recipes-of-2018\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Mediterranean Dish\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themediterraneandish\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themediterraneandish\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-12-23T13:54:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-23T16:32:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.themediterraneandish.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Mediterranean-Chickpea-Salad-Edit-15.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta 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