Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

3 Mediterranean Summer Recipes | Quick, Easy and Healthy Meal Ideas | Perfect for Meal Prep!

Login to Save
23K views👍 587
Caroline Franco
Caroline Franco
7 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Caroline Franco to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

6 recipes
vegetariangluten-free

Originating from the Mediterranean region, this quinoa salad reflects the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients typical of Greek cuisine. It is often enjoyed as a refreshing side dish or light meal, especially during warm months. With the rise of quinoa as a health food, variations of this salad have gained popularity worldwide, incorporating local ingredients while maintaining its Mediterranean roots.

Ingredients

  • quinoa
  • cucumber
  • cherry tomatoes
  • red onion
  • bell pepper
  • parsley
  • feta cheese
  • black olives
  • lemon juice
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse quinoa under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. 2Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then let cool.
  3. 3Chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper into small pieces.
  4. 4Finely chop parsley and set aside.
  5. 5In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, chopped vegetables, and parsley.
  6. 6Add crumbled feta cheese and black olives to the bowl.
  7. 7In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  8. 8Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  9. 9Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  10. 10Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Ingredient Alternatives

feta cheese

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: cottage cheese

Tofu provides a similar texture while being lower in calories.

quinoa

Healthier: farro

Cheaper: brown rice

Brown rice is more economical and still provides a hearty base.

Techniques

choppingmixingcooking

Equipment

potmixing bowlwhiskknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Quinoa TabboulehGreek Quinoa Salad
vegetariangluten-free

This dish is inspired by the fresh and vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, often featuring a variety of vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
  2. 2In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss gently to combine.
  4. 4Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. 5Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment

large bowlsmall bowlwhisk
veganvegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup mushrooms, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, bell pepper strips, red onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, and halved mushrooms.
  3. 3Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. 4Place the vegetables on the grill in a single layer.
  5. 5Grill the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have grill marks.
  6. 6Remove the vegetables from the grill and let them cool slightly.
  7. 7Arrange the grilled vegetables on a platter and serve warm.

Equipment

grillmixing bowltongsplatter

Ingredients

  • 8 oz beet pasta
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the beet pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a food processor, combine the pistachios, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. 3With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. 4In a large bowl, toss the cooked beet pasta with the pistachio gremolata until evenly coated.
  5. 5Serve immediately, garnished with additional pistachios and parsley if desired.

Equipment

PotColanderFood processorMixing bowl
veganplant-basedgluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Hummus, with roots in the Levant region, has been a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. Traditionally served as a dip or spread, it embodies the region's love for legumes and simple, wholesome ingredients. Today, hummus has gained global popularity, with countless variations and flavors appearing in restaurants and homes around the world.

Ingredients

  • chickpeas
  • tahini
  • garlic
  • lemon juice
  • olive oil
  • cumin
  • salt
  • water
  • paprika
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Drain and rinse chickpeas under cold water.
  2. 2Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and cumin in a food processor.
  3. 3Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. 4Slowly add olive oil while blending until fully incorporated.
  5. 5Adjust consistency with water, blending until creamy.
  6. 6Season with salt to taste and blend again.
  7. 7Transfer hummus to a serving bowl.
  8. 8Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle paprika and parsley on top.

Ingredient Alternatives

tahini

Healthier: sunflower seed butter

Cheaper: peanut butter

Sunflower seed butter is nut-free and often more affordable.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers similar health benefits with a neutral flavor.

garlic

Healthier: garlic powder

Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder provides flavor without the expense of fresh garlic.

lemon juice

Healthier: lime juice

Cheaper: vinegar

Lime juice adds a zesty flavor, while vinegar is often more cost-effective.

Techniques

blending

Equipment

food processormeasuring cupsspatulaserving bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsesame

Also Known As

HummusHumus

Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced
  • 1 pre-made pizza crust
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. 2In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  3. 3Brush the pre-made pizza crust with olive oil.
  4. 4Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
  5. 5Arrange the sliced zucchini and yellow squash on top of the ricotta layer.
  6. 6Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  9. 9Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

Equipment

ovenmixing bowlbaking sheetpizza cutter

More Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Videos

(14 videos)

Similar Mediterranean Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Recipes From Other Cuisines

(24 videos)