7 Quick Mediterranean Dinner Ideas

Looking for quick and tasty dinner ideas? Mediterranean cuisine has got your back! Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, these 7 quick dinner options will have you enjoying a delicious meal in no time. From colorful salads to hearty dishes, get ready to whip up something delightful!

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers are a light and refreshing dinner option that’s packed with flavor. Juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that’s also quick to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, these skewers bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Not only are they simple to make, but they can also be customized with your favorite vegetables. Serve them with a cool yogurt dip or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
3. Grill the Skewers: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
4. Serve: Enjoy the skewers warm with a side of yogurt dip or a fresh salad.

Chickpea and Spinach Stew

This Chickpea and Spinach Stew is a cozy and nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor. It combines tender chickpeas with fresh spinach and a hint of spices, creating a warm and hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Simple to prepare, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

The combination of chickpeas and spinach not only provides a delightful taste but also packs in protein and vitamins. You’ll love how the spices elevate the dish, making it both satisfying and comforting. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil, and enjoy with crusty bread!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Zucchini noodles with pesto and cherry tomatoes bring a fresh, vibrant taste to your table. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for any day of the week. With the rich flavor of pesto paired with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, this recipe is simple to whip up and sure to impress.

Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals without sacrificing flavor. The zucchini noodles add a fun twist to traditional pasta while keeping things healthy. In just a few easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish!

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup toasted nuts (like pine nuts or almonds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles and set them aside.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, lightly sauté the zucchini noodles over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. Avoid overcooking to keep them from getting mushy.
3. Add Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto, coating the noodles evenly.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Plate the dish and sprinkle with toasted nuts and fresh basil leaves before serving.

Garlic Shrimp with Couscous

Garlic shrimp with couscous is a quick and tasty dish that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table. The shrimp are sautéed to perfection with garlic, adding a savory kick to each bite, while the fluffy couscous serves as a delightful base, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Even better, this recipe is simple and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also offers a refreshing twist with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood and whole grains in one meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, garlic shrimp with couscous is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest into the shrimp mixture, allowing it to cook for another minute for the flavors to meld.
4. Combine and Serve: Serve the garlic shrimp over the couscous and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition. With a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and protein-rich quinoa, it’s perfect for any quick dinner. The tangy olives and zesty dressing elevate the taste, making each bite a little burst of Mediterranean goodness.

Not only is this salad simple to prepare, but it also comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s versatile too—you can easily swap in your favorite ingredients or leftovers. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
2. Prepare the Veggies: While the quinoa is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black and green olives, and red onion.
3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, feta, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad chilled or at room temperature!

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Feta and Rice

Stuffed bell peppers are a delightful and colorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. These vibrant peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, feta cheese, and fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that is both healthy and hearty. The combination of flavors is simply mouthwatering, with the creamy feta adding a tangy kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the peppers.

This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or grains, so feel free to get creative. Ready in under an hour, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, crumbled feta, diced tomatoes, green onions, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the prepared bell peppers and then fill each pepper with the rice mixture, packing it gently.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
6. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Mediterranean Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Mediterranean fish tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining the fresh flavors of the sea with a zesty crunch. The tender, seasoned fish pairs beautifully with a colorful cabbage slaw, offering a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and quick to prepare. You’ll love the mix of textures and flavors, making every bite a treat!

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. The vibrant colors and fresh tastes bring a fun Mediterranean flair to your table, making it a dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (green and purple)
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish: In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the fish fillets in this mixture and let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Fish: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrot, cilantro, and lime juice. Toss to mix well.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet. Place a piece of fish on each tortilla and top with a generous serving of cabbage slaw.
5. Serve: Enjoy your Mediterranean fish tacos with extra lime wedges on the side!