Think vegan Eastern Mediterranean food is all hummus and salads? Think again! From hearty and crispy roasted vegetables to vibrant dips and flavor-packed grain pasta salads, Mediterranean cuisine has so much to offer plant-based eaters.
These 14 vegan Mediterranean recipes are anything but boring, bringing together fresh herbs, bold spices, seasonal vegetables, and pantry staples to create delicious, satisfying meals.
Why you’ll love this
- Big, bold flavors: Think fragrant spices, fresh herbs, tangy lemon, rich olive oil, and plenty of garlic.
- Naturally plant-based: Mediterranean cuisine is full of dishes that celebrate vegetables, legumes, grains, and other wholesome ingredients.
- Simple, accessible ingredients: Many of these recipes rely on everyday pantry staples like chickpeas, tomatoes, and olive oil.
- Perfect for any occasion: From easy weeknight meals to crowd-pleasing appetizers and side dishes, there’s something for everyone.
- Great for meal prep: Many Mediterranean dishes taste even better the next day, making them ideal for preparing ahead.
- Anything but boring: These recipes prove that vegan cooking can be colorful, comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Vegan Mediterranean Dips and Appetizers
We all know about Hummus, but I want you to discover a few other dips and appetizers that will be just as delicious and satisfying.
Mutabal (Authentic Middle Eastern Roasted Eggplant Dip)
A Middle Eastern staple, this delicious, unctuous and smoky eggplant dip is a must-try. Serve it with pita with vegetables. A perfect summer appetizer when eggplants are in season.
Roasted Eggplant Dip Recipe!
Levantine Fried Tomatoes (Galayet Bandora Recipe)
Galayet Bandora is a traditional Levantine side dish that is simple, delicious and light. Fresh ripe tomatoes are fried, or sauteed, with extra virgin olive oil, spicy hot peppers and pungent garlic. Enjoy it with warm pita bread and pair it with my caramelized eggplant hummus, labneh balls or roasted eggplant dip for your next get-together or party.
Levantine Fried Tomatoes Recipe!
Marinated Chickpeas Recipe
My no-cook Marinated Chickpeas recipe will become your go-to meal prep and appetizer board standout. I love keeping a batch of these on hand for scooping onto salads, tucking into grain bowls, or adding to a mezze platter.
Marinated Chickpeas Recipe!
Turkish Ezme Recipe
Is it a salad? Or Is it a condiment? Turkish Ezme is a perfectly sweet, tangy, spicy and salty condiment that can be enjoyed as a dip, as a garnish on kebabs and grilled meats, or as a side dish. The recipe is quite customizable to suit your spice level.
Turkish Chopped Ezme Salad Recipe!
Muhammara (Syrian Roasted Red Pepper Walnut Dip)
Muhammara is a classic Levantine roasted red pepper and walnut dip that balances sweet, savory, salty and spicy flavors. It’s also incredibly easy to make in just 2 steps! Best of all, this gorgeous dip comes together in under 10 minutes!
Roasted Red Pepper Walnut Dip Recipe!
Hearty Mediterranean Vegan Salads and Sides
Forget about lettuce and dressing. These hearty salads are filling and can even work as a main.
Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad (with Lemon Sumac Dressing)
This Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad is hearty and filling, packed with fresh veggies, protein-packed chickpeas, herbs and tender pasta. And that lemon sumac dressing? It’s tangy and bold, tying everything together in the best way. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad Recipe!
Asparagus Potato Salad with Peas and Fresh Herbs
This versatile and delicious Asparagus Potato Salad with Peas and Fresh Herbs recipe is a springtime stunner! Serve it as a light lunch, a side, as a salad or as an appetizer. And it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Asparagus and Pea Potato Salad Recipe!
Grilled Asparagus White Bean Salad
This Grilled Asparagus White Bean Salad is fresh, vibrant, and just fancy enough for your next brunch or dinner party. It’s packed with texture, zippy flavors, and a whole lot of green goodness. What I love most about it is that it can be enjoyed as a salad or as a side.
Grilled Asparagus White Bean Salad Recipe!
Authentic Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Fresh, refreshing and delicious, this authentic Lebanese Fattoush salad recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its tangy dressing. Enjoy it as a side dish, an appetizer, or on its own. Best of all, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Lebanese Fattoush Salad Recipe!
Roasted Cabbage Wedges (with Tahini and Chili Crisp)
My Roasted Cabbage Wedges are crispy around the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with incredible flavor. They are a little savory, a little sweet, a little spicy and definitely delicious. Finished with a creamy tahini sauce and spicy chili crisp, this easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you're looking for a new way to enjoy cabbage.
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Tahini Recipe!
Batata Harra (Spicy Lebanese Potatoes)
This 5-ingredient recipe for Spicy Lebanese Potatoes, also known as Batata Harra, is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in about 45 minutes. It works great as a side dish or as part of a mezze board.
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes Recipe!
Spanakorizo Recipe (Greek Style Rice with Spinach)
Why serve plain boiled rice when you can amp up the flavor with this delicious Spanakorizo (Greek Style Rice with Spinach)? My version deviates slightly from tradition. You’ll need spinach, onions, rice, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. This rice dish comes together in 30 minutes.
Greek Spinach Rice Recipe!
Mediterranean Vegan Breakfast Recipes
Western breakfast tends to lean heavy on animal protein, but in the Mediterranean, legumes and beans rein supreme.
Ful Medames (Levantine Chickpea and Fava Bean Stew)
Ful Medames is a traditional, hearty and comforting breakfast stew of creamy fava beans and chickpeas dressed with herbs, spices and tomatoes. This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan and can be prepared as part of a much larger breakfast spread or meze.
Chickpea Fava Bean Stew Recipe!
Musabaha (Creamy Warm Chickpeas with Tahini)
Musabaha is a popular Levantine breakfast dish of creamy warm chickpeas with tahini. It’s an affordable, comforting and hearty dish that will start your day off just right. My version is drizzled with a spiced Aleppo pepper oil and toasted pine nuts.
Creamy Warm Chickpeas with Tahini Recipe!
Other Ideas to Explore
Ideas and Roundups
Ideas and Roundups
Ideas and Roundups
Ideas and Roundups
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