Mediterranean Recipes

What are the main elements of Mediterranean food?

The Mediterranean cuisine is predominantly made up of recipes originating from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Maghreb and Turkish - among others! Rich in breads, olives, pasta and wine, Mediterranean cuisine celebrates the best flavours of the Med countries with flavours everyone can enjoy.

From ratatouille to paella, halloumi to tzatziki, you will find some of your favourite dishes stored in our Mediterranean recipe collection at HelloFresh.

What's more, if you're looking for something light, healthy and hugely delicious, this is the collection of recipes for you. Making the most of fresh ingredients from countries across the Med, there is the perfect salad recipe available for everyone here at HelloFresh.

If you follow a Mediterranean diet but find yourself eating the same thing every week, it’s time to explore new dinner ideas. Discover the delicious taste of Mediterranean recipes featuring fresh veggies, simple cooking and natural flavours.
When looking for tasty side dishes to spice up your dinners, check out flavourful authentic Spanish recipes, Greek-style salads and Italian cuisine.

Here are a few Mediterranean main meals paired with side dishes:

Greek lamb souvlaki paired with Greek salad: Serve delicious Greek lamb with refreshing tzatziki sauce and salad on the side. This Greek salad is loaded with cucumbers, feta cheese and tomatoes, which all complement the smoky and tender meat.

Grilled or baked fish paired with roasted vegetables: If you are looking for an authentic Mediterranean dish, serve grilled fish or seafood with Mediterranean vegetable sides. Don’t forget to sprinkle some olive oil and fresh herbs.

Grilled seafood served with Caprese salad: For a perfect Mediterranean pairing to add to your Italian recipe collection, try out grilled branzino seasoned with olive oil and garlic. You can pair it with a Caprese salad to give the dish a tangy flavour.

You’ve probably noticed that olive oil is used in almost every Mediterranean diet recipe. Well, olive oil is the crown jewel of the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its versatility and flavour. Whether you're making a Greek-style salad or roasted vegetables, olive oil elevates the dish. You can also use it as a base for cooking your culinary delights and marinades.

The Mediterranean diet comprises whole foods, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains. The diet’s main source of fat is olive oil, which substitutes butter and lard used in most northern European dishes. Substituting it in dishes adds a burst of flavour and a dose of antioxidants. If you use extra virgin olive oil in your dishes, you increase your intake of polyphenols, which have a positive effect on blood cholesterol.

Beyond the flavour that it adds to dishes, olive oil has cultural significance in Mediterranean countries. Olive oil symbolises tradition, community and hospitality. Most of the production methods are rooted in ancient practices to reflect the culture and traditions of a community.