From Gambas al Ajillo and Frittata di Pasta to 5-Ingredient Tuna Niçoise Melts, this collection of simple meals showcases the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.
Think briny feta, olives and capers, warm spices, bright lemon, tangy yogurt, and plenty of garlic and fruity olive oil. These 20-minute recipes are guaranteed to transport you to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast with each bite—no passport required.
01 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Get Recipe: 5-Ingredient Tuna Niçoise Melts
“I tapped into my memory of traveling in the sunny south of France, where I fell in love with tuna Niçoise salads. I took my favorite parts of this French classic—good-quality canned tuna, ripe tomatoes, and briny olives—and mixed them up for a light salad topping. The juiciness of the tomatoes meant I didn’t need any mayonnaise here.” —Ivy Manning, Recipe Developer
02 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel
Get Recipe: Mediterranean Mezze Platter
“My general rules of thumb, depending on how many people you’re serving, is to have two to three dips or spreads, one cheese, a few fresh vegetables, one to two pickled items, fresh or dried fruit (or both), and bread.” —Katie Morford, Recipe Developer
03 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: 4-Ingredient Mediterranean Salmon
“Mediterranean is a very broad term, and this recipe only just skims the surface of this wonderfully vast and varied cuisine. Fennel seeds, garlic, and lemon are common ingredients in Italian and Greek cuisines, both of which I’ve pulled quite loosely from with delicious results.” —Sheela Prakash, Recipe Developer
04 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Samantha Seneviratne
Get Recipe: Vegetable Couscous Skillet
“I often throw in a can of drained chickpeas or a handful of toasted almonds. Adding spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander gives the couscous a lovely color and hint of Moroccan flavor. Top with whatever herbs or greens you have around and a sprinkling of cheese, and you’re done.” —Robin Asbell, Recipe Developer
05 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Dolma and Ground Beef Skillet
“This dinner tastes like it took hours to make, thanks to the rich flavor of the ground beef combined with the tang of the dolmas, but from start to finish you’ll need less than 30 minutes to get this hearty main on the table.” —Megan Scott, Former Senior Editor
06 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ali Redmond
Get Recipe: Frittata di Pasta (Pasta Frittata)
“What I love most about this dish is how flexible it is. Sometimes I stir a spoonful of pesto straight into the skillet while the eggs and pasta set. You could also grate some lemon zest into the egg mixture for brightness, or if you love preserved lemons like I do, chop some up and throw them into the egg mixture.” —Shayma Saadat, Recipe Developer
07 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser
Get Recipe: Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
“Now I make the dish at home using this incredibly easy recipe. Similar to shrimp scampi, this dish utilizes fruity olive oil instead of butter and lots and lots of garlic. A little sherry vinegar at the end amps up the flavors and creates a pan sauce.” —Laurel Randolph, Associate Editorial Director
08 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Julie and Amy Luxemberg
Get Recipe: Greek-Inspired Pita Pockets
“There are so many ways to customize this recipe based on your preferences and what you have to work with in your fridge. Instead of chickpeas, you could use another bean like cannellini or any precooked protein you may have on hand—rotisserie chicken would be great.” —Julie & Amy Luxemberg, Recipe Developers
09 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman
Get Recipe: Lemon Orzotto With Spinach and Peas
“Orzo—the elongated rice-shaped pasta—has quickly become one of my go-to cupboard staples. It’s quick-cooking, can be paired with many different flavors, and takes on a cozy, creamy texture when simmered. All of these factors make it an ideal stand-in for rice in ‘orzotto.'”—Alexandra Shytsman, Recipe Developer
10 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon With Feta Sauce
“I love using the broiler to finish this recipe; it gives you the browning of a longer roast time while allowing the veggies to cook until tender without overcooking the salmon. While everything roasts, there’s time to whip up a quick sauce.” —Theodora Kaloudis, Recipe Developer
11 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Coco Morante
Get Recipe: Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets
“This is a fast-as-it-gets weeknight dinner, perfect for those midweek nights when you’re ready to cave and order a pizza instead of cooking. Put the phone down, open the pantry, and you’ll have these cheesy bruschetta-topped chicken cutlets ready in about fifteen minutes!” —Coco Morante, Recipe Developer
12 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Photo by Robby Lozano / Food Styling by Margaret Dickey / Prop Styling by Julia Bayless
Get Recipe: Salmorejo Panzanella Salad
“The traditional Serrano ham (or prosciutto) and hard-cooked eggs bulk up the salad into a light meal that’s perfect for summer evenings. It’s salty and funky from the cured meat, hearty and creamy from the eggs, zippy from the vinaigrette, and gorgeously juicy from the peak-season tomatoes. The bread absorbs it all, creating lots of contrasting chewy-yet-crusty texture.” —Afton Cyrus, Senior Editor
13 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes
Get Recipe: White Bean and Salami Toasts
“This version is inspired by the Italian approach, and I’ve added salami (a staple we keep tucked in the back of the fridge) and a good amount of dried oregano. It’s the kind of dish that you might make in a pinch, just because all the ingredients are so easy to keep around, but once you taste it, you’ll make it again and again.” —Georgia Freedman, Recipe Developer
14 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Photo by Morgan Hunt Ward / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Priscilla Montiel
Get Recipe: Pan Bagnat (French Tuna Sandwich)
“The hallmark of this sandwich is its very sogginess: The bread is doused with olive oil before being filled, and then pressed so that it absorbs all the juices from the tuna fish and other ingredients. This makes a delicious concert of ingredients that marry together as the sandwich sits. Crusty bread ensures that the insides are soft, but outside of the bread stays firm.” —Sally Vargas, Recipe Developer
15 of 15
Credit: Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Get Recipe: Sole Piccata
“A classic piccata is a great way to prepare sole, or any small flat fish, such as flounder or fluke. Just lightly dust the fillets in seasoned flour, fry them on both sides until nicely browned, and serve them with a sauce made with white wine, capers, butter, and parsley.” —Elise Bauer, Founder
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