Craving Mediterranean flavors? This collection of appetizers and salads delivers just that, with simple yet delicious recipes that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a quick snack, these dishes bring together fresh ingredients like olives, feta, and vibrant vegetables for a tasty meal or snack option. From zesty dips to light salads, there’s a lot of variety here, each recipe offering something a little different.
Looking for something easy to prep but full of flavor? These dishes fit the bill perfectly. From smoked olives to quick orzo salads, each recipe is designed to be both practical and packed with taste. They’re ideal for casual gatherings, lunches, or even a fun twist on traditional party snacks. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—these are quick to make and sure to please.
Explore this collection to find your next favorite! Whether it’s a crisp cucumber tomato salad or a warm dish of marinated olives, these recipes offer a little something for everyone. Dive in, and enjoy a simple yet flavorful take on Mediterranean-inspired cooking.
Patriotic Charcuterie Cups
These charcuterie cups are filled with skewers of cheese, salami, olives, and fruit, delivering a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Also known as “walking charcuterie cups,” they’re an ideal portable snack for any party or picnic. Easy to assemble and offering a variety of tastes in each cup, they make a fun, crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Patriotic Charcuterie Cups
20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad
This orzo pesto salad is a quick and refreshing summer dish, ready in just 20 minutes. Tossed with fresh pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy mozzarella, it’s a light and flavorful pasta salad. Perfect for a fast meal or a side dish at any outdoor gathering, this recipe keeps things simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Orzo Pesto Salad
Antipasto Cheese Ball Recipe
This easy make-ahead antipasto cheese ball is a great addition to any festive table. Shaped like a holiday tree and topped with olives, it’s both delicious and decorative. The rich, creamy cheese ball pairs beautifully with the briny olives, making it an ideal appetizer for parties or holiday gatherings that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Cheese Ball Recipe
Creamy Dijon Egg Salad
A healthier twist on the classic, this creamy Dijon egg salad uses Greek yogurt for added lightness. Green olives, red cabbage, parsley, and pepitas provide crunch and flavor, making it a great filling for sandwiches or a standout side dish. It’s a quick, flavorful way to update your regular egg salad with a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Egg Salad
Creamy Green Olive Dip
This creamy olive dip is a breeze to make and packed with flavor. Combining chopped green olives and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a bold and tangy choice for dipping with chips or crudité. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this dip adds a Mediterranean flair to your appetizer spread and is sure to be a hit with guests.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Olive Dip
Greek Salad
This refreshing Greek salad brings together crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal, offering fresh flavors that complement any Mediterranean-inspired meal. Ready in minutes, this salad is both healthy and full of flavor, ideal for busy weeknights or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing- Panera Copycat
This Greek salad, inspired by Panera’s version, features fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty homemade Greek dressing, it offers a flavorful and refreshing bite in every forkful. Great for potlucks or light meals, this salad is a go-to when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing- Panera Copycat
Greek Shrimp Skillet
This Greek shrimp skillet is a simple one-pan meal, ready in 30 minutes. Combining shrimp, spinach, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese, and seasoned with fresh oregano and lemon, it’s a dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Easy to make yet impressive, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Healthier Greek Pasta Salad (21 Day Fix Friendly)
This pasta salad combines Greek-inspired ingredients like Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and a zesty homemade dressing for a flavorful, light dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect option for a healthy side dish or quick meal that’s full of fresh, tangy flavors. Ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or a casual summer lunch.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Greek Pasta Salad (21 Day Fix Friendly)
Instant Pot Picadillo
A plant-based version of the Cuban classic, this Instant Pot Picadillo is made with tempeh, lentils, and potatoes for a hearty, flavorful dish. Spanish olives, capers, raisins, and a blend of spices create a rich tomato base that’s both sweet and savory. It’s a satisfying, easy-to-make meal with bold flavors, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
This cucumber tomato salad is a light, refreshing dish featuring cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and crumbled feta. Tossed in a red wine vinaigrette and topped with toasted pita chips for extra crunch, it’s a vibrant and easy-to-make salad that pairs well with any summer meal or serves as a light, satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Muffuletta Roll Ups
These muffuletta roll-ups offer all the flavors of the classic sandwich in a convenient, bite-sized form. Zesty olive salad, meats, and cheese are rolled together, making them perfect for parties or on-the-go snacking. With bold flavors and an easy preparation, these roll-ups are a great choice for any gathering or appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Muffuletta Roll Ups
Smoked Olives
Smoked olives bring a unique and unexpected flavor to your table. With a smoky, rich depth, these olives are perfect on an antipasto platter or served as a snack on their own. Their bold taste and simple preparation make them an intriguing and delicious addition to your appetizer lineup.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Olives
Warm Marinated Olives
This dish of warm marinated olives combines Kalamatas and mild green varieties with herbs, spices, olive oil, and vinegar. Gently warming the olives enhances their flavors, creating an elegant appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. Simple yet full of Mediterranean flair, this dish is ideal for gatherings or casual dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Warm Marinated Olives
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.