30 Best Mediterranean Appetizers
By Winter LeBlanc
Updated October 24, 2024
Mediterranean appetizers are some of the tastiest and easiest appetizers that will set the stage for a meal to remember. We’ve put together 30 of our favorite Mediterranean appetizers just for you! From delicious dips to traditional tapas we’ve got you covered.
Delicious Dips and Savory Spreads
There are so many wonderful dips and spreads from the Mediterranean, it was difficult choosing just 9. But, this list will supply you with some of the yummiest and easiest to make Mediterranean appetizers out there.
1. Whipped Feta with Lemon and Fresh Dill
This whipped feta with lemon and fresh dill is just really amazing on crackers, bread or vegetables. I made it for a dinner party last week and it was the hit of the party.
2. Lebanese Hummus (The Best Hummus Recipe)
Traditional Lebanese hummus recipe! Who doesn’t love hummus? You won’t want to buy store bought hummus after making and tasting this version!
3. Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)
Try this Syrian roasted red pepper and walnut dip that is a hidden gem of the Mediterranean Diet. Muhammara will become your new go to dip!
4. Pesto Genovese (Traditional Italian Pesto)
Try the creamiest, cheesiest, and most traditional Italian Pesto you have ever tasted. You haven’t tasted real pesto until you try pesto Genovese.
5. Loaded Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce with Fresh Dill, Garlic and Cucumber
Try this loaded tzatziki sauce that is packed with the flavors of creamy Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic and grated cucumbers. Perfect for any party!
6. Greek Fava
Make this authentic Greek fava with only 10 minutes of prep. Fava is a yellow split pea dip that is traditionally served with bread, olives and cheese.
7. Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Dip with Cucumbers and Herbs)
Try this delicious recipe for Cacik, a traditional Turkish yogurt dip made with cucumbers, dill, fresh mint and red pepper flakes.
8. Baba Ganoush (Lebanese Eggplant Dip)
Love eggplant dip? Smokey, earthy, and garlicky Baba Ghanoush is a perfect appetizer for your next get-together!
9. Ful Medames
Ful Medames is a traditional Syrian breakfast recipe, but also makes a wonderful appetizer.
Slices of Paradise
1. Quiche Lorraine
Try this traditional recipe for Quiche Lorraine. This delicious egg dish hails from the Lorraine region of France and is known worldwide.
2. Fougasse (Olive Bread from Provence)
Try this traditional olive bread from Provence, France. Fougasse is easy to make and only needs an hour to rise.
3. Italian Veggie Quiche with Swiss Chard
Try this amazing veggie quiche with swiss chard from Italy. This dish can also be made with any other greens you have on hand.
4. Spinach and Ricotta Frittata
Make this traditional frittata in only 30 minutes. A Mediterranean specialty that is easy to make and will impress for a party.
5. Tortilla De Patata
Delight in this traditional recipe for tortilla de patata, a delicious Spanish staple that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Small Bites from a Mediterranean Table
Whether it’s Greek mezze or Spanish tapas, small bites of food are quite common in the Mediterranean. These traditional dishes also happen to make great appetizers for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
1. Zucchini Fritters with Feta, Cheddar, Mint and Parsley
This is it. My all time favorite recipe from Crete, maybe from the whole Mediterranean Diet: Zucchini Fritters by Koula Barydakis.
2. Caramelized Onions and Eggplant Montaditos
Montaditos are open-faced sandwiches from Spain that are easy to make and are great for parties, but only if you want to impress your guests!
3. Spicy Rosemary Olives
Enjoy our delicious Italian Style Spicy Rosemary Olives. It’s a quick and easy recipe and a perfect addition to your appetizer recipe file!
4. Harcha (Moroccan Semolina Biscuits)
Try these Moroccan Semolina biscuits and you will be hooked! 5 ingredients, 5 minutes prep, cook on a skillet and enjoy. Mediterranean Diet at it’s best.
5. Tuna Deviled Eggs
Make one of the most popular Spanish tapa dishes: Tuna Deviled Eggs. Accompany with other tapas such as patatas bravas or sauteed shrimp.
Recipe Here!
6. Grilled Eggplant with Mint and Garlic Dressing
Enjoy this traditional Sicilian favorite! Get grilling Mediterranean starting with this traditional grilled eggplant recipe.
7. Spanish Stuffed Endives with Smoked Salmon
A quick and delicious endive recipe with smoked salmon, blue cheese and avocado. This traditional Spanish recipe is perfect for a party.
8. Stuffed Grape Leaves
This version is a traditional Cretan recipe with mellow flavoring and brightness coming from onion and a generous pour of lemon juice in the recipe. You’ll find these grape leaves to be positively delicious.
9. Sizzling Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Sizzling lemon garlic shrimp is such an easy seafood dish to make! Shrimp’s flavor is enhanced like crazy with garlic and lemon!
10. Herbs De Provence Parmesan Oven Fries
Try these oven fries that truly taste like they have been fried in a frylator. Mediterranean flavors of Herbs de Provence, olive oil and parmesan cheese.
11. Tuna Patties Fried in Olive Oil
Try these small tuna patties from France that are quick to make and require only ingredients that you probably already have.
Essential Side Salads
1. Tabbouleh (Parsley and Lemon Salad)
Try the best tabouleh recipe ever! The perfect mix of fresh parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil & bulgur make this traditional Lebanese salad a must try.
2. Authentic Greek Salad
A simple and delicious Authentic Greek Salad that will transport you to the Mediterranean with its fresh and healthy flavors.
3. Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Try this traditional Lebanese fattoush salad with toasted pita chips. 20 minutes to one of the best salads of the Mediterranean Diet.
4. Cucumber Yogurt Salad with Fresh Mint, Lemon and Olive Oil
Pair this cool cucumber yogurt salad with your favorite summer recipes. It goes great with lamb, chicken, fish, or as a lunch on its’ own.
5. Warm Red Bliss Potato Salad with Red Potatoes
Mediterranean inspired warm red bliss potato salad with red potatoes, artichokes, fresh dill and an herb vinaigrette.
Wow what great recipes thank you.