Mediterranean Cooking Guide

Pasta, olive oil, olives, cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms

The Mediterranean Diet, named for cuisines common to countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, offers several healthy eating options. This recipe collection, inspired by the cuisine of nations like Greece, Spain and Italy, includes foods low in saturated fats; dishes focusing on lower-fat protein sources such as fish, and dozens of fresh ingredients.

Olive oil, an ingredient common to many Mediterranean dishes, may provide heart-protective benefits — and tastes great, too. So whether you're focusing on better eating or just want to spice up your dinner table, try one of these recipes — and dig in!

Appetizers
Main Courses
Pasta and sides
Desserts

Appetizers

Heart-healthy olive oil combines with fresh pears, sharp cheese and crunchy pine nuts to create a satisfying appetizer salad. Serve Pear, Parmigiano and Pine Nut Salad as a first course at an elegant dinner party — and top each serving with shavings of Parmesan.
Serve Grilled Mediterranean Quesadillas at your next cocktail party. Three cheeses combine with olives to create a memorable appetizer that revives guests' appetites for the courses to come.
The Mediterranean answer to salsa con queso, Mediterranean Six-Layer Dip tastes delicious with petite toasts or slices of nutty bread. Sharp feta and salty olives provide delectable flavor contrasts.
Present this indulgent Blue Cheese and Red Grape Spread with fresh Italian bread and your favorite olive or antipasti selections. Pine nuts add crunch, while basil and dried red grapes add rich and rustic flavor.

Main courses

Make magic in the kitchen with Kalamata olives, onions, capers, and savory herbs. The Mediterranean-Style Chilean Sea Bass offers an impressive main course at any dinner.
Though seemingly intricate, this Provencal Herb-Crusted Cod recipe takes no time at all — and tastes decadent with its mixture of Mediterranean spices and olives.
This zesty Mediterranean Marinade for Beef, Chicken, Seafood, and Vegetables dresses up your favorite main course with delicious coastal flavor. It's so easy to make, too!
Lamb, a beloved Mediterranean meat, makes a unique entrée. In this Lamb and Eggplant Ragu recipe, the tender lamb meat complements fresh vegetables and thick whole-wheat pasta wonderfully.
Top mild, flaky cod with artichokes, olives and feta cheese, and you'll serve a memorable main course. Mediterranean Baked Fish with Olives & Artichokes doesn't take long to prepare, and just might have your guests asking for the recipe!

Pasta and sides

Sometimes, you crave simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a bit of prep time, this Mediterranean Artichoke Pasta comes together to nourish and satisfy.
If you're looking for a new twist on pasta, this Fantastic Fusilli dish delivers. A hybrid of assertive Grecian and Italian flavors, it's best served alone or with a simple green salad.
Raisins, pine nuts and olive oil give spinach a makeover in this delicious Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts and Golden Raisins side dish. To make it a meal, serve it as a main course with your favorite olives and antipasti.

Desserts

Hailing from France, this scrumptious tart makes a splash at any dinner. Stone fruit tastes delectable with the almond flavors in this Apricot-Almond Clafouti.
In the Mediterranean region, dessert often focuses on fruit. Offer a healthier but still-indulgent option at your next get-together with Riesling Baked Pears.
Sweet and savory custard gets a pick-up with aromatic coffee beans in this Dark Roast Crème Brûlée. Serve this unique dessert with fresh fruit for a decadent treat.