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These Mediterranean diet recipes make eating well delicious and simple! My well-tested healthy meals star olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, and whole grains—and have all been enjoyed by my entire family.

Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Mediterranean Rice Bowls

Want to eat the Mediterranean way? You’ve come to the right place. I’m Sonja Overhiser, and over the past 15 years, I’ve dedicated my career to mastering Mediterranean diet recipes. As the co-author of two published cookbooks and creator of thousands of tested recipes, I can confidently say the Mediterranean diet isn’t just one of the healthiest ways to eat—it’s also the most delicious.

I’ve spent countless hours perfecting these recipes in my own kitchen, testing them on my family (including two very honest kids!), and sharing them with hundreds of thousands of home cooks around the world.

What makes the Mediterranean diet special

The Mediterranean diet has been called one the healthiest diets in the world (by US News and World Report). It’s a way of eating and living modeled after countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece. It’s not a strict diet, but more a set of guidelines. Here’s how the Mayo Clinic defines the Mediterranean diet:

  • Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil)
  • Weekly consumption of fish, poultry, legumes (beans & lentils), and eggs
  • Moderate portions of dairy products
  • Limited intake of red meat and foods with added sugar.

Mayo Clinic stresses that a Mediterranean diet is plant based, not meat based. It’s essentially a whole food plant based diet with a bit of seafood, poultry, and dairy thrown in. (Here’s some general guidance from the Cleveland Clinic on serving goals and serving sizes.)

Why I’m passionate about Mediterranean diet recipes

What draws me to Mediterranean diet cooking goes far beyond the flavors. I’ve found that this way of eating transforms not just what’s on your plate, but the way you approach food! Instead of restriction or following rules, the Mediterranean diet is about abundance and enjoying food in community.

I’ve tested every single recipe I share, often multiple times, to ensure they work perfectly in real home kitchens. My approach focuses on using accessible ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Beyond food: the Mediterranean lifestyle

One of the best things about the Mediterranean diet is that it’s all about the lifestyle. This eating philosophy originated based on the longevity of people in the Mediterranean, and researchers observed more than just eating habits. Simply eating Mediterranean diet recipes is not all there is to it. Here’s what’s important in addition to food:

  • Stay active and exercise regularly.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Enjoy wine in moderation if you drink alcohol.
  • Reduce the amount of stress in your lifestyle.
  • Actively participate in community: be invested and engaged in the people around you.

Top Mediterranean diet recipes

Below are my top Mediterranean diet recipes that work for lunch or dinner! They feature:

  • Olive oil as the cooking oil of choice.
  • Beans, lentils, bulgur wheat, quinoa, and rice as major players. While whole grains are downplayed in trends like the keto diet and Whole 30, recipes in the Mediterranean diet rely on legumes and whole grains as nutritious foods.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, and seafood recipes. Mediterranean diet recipes are plant-based in nature. It’s recommended to include seafood about 2 times per week.

Why make these recipes?

One of our readers is a doctor who recently let us know she recommends our recipes to her patients. She said, “I am an Internal Medicine physician and I’ve been recommending your cookbook and website to my patients, as I tell them the way to stay healthy is to follow a Mediterranean diet. Thank you for continuing to provide me and my patients with easy, delicious, and healthy recipes!”

Mediterranean Bowl

Try this Mediterranean Bowl, bursting with colorful veggies! It’s a simple “meal in a bowl” that stars spiced roasted vegetables, seasoned with an irresistible mix of cumin, coriander, garlic and a hint of cinnamon. Add to that quinoa or couscous, fresh cucumber and tomato, and top it all off with a creamy lemon tahini sauce.

Greek Chicken Bowls

This tasty rice bowl recipe is an easy healthy meal ready in about 30 minutes! Enjoy flavorful turmeric rice, tender Greek chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

7 Ingredient Lentil Soup

Lentils are common in Mediterranean diet recipes: they're loaded with plant-based protein. This soup is ideal for easy dinners: it's only 7 ingredients, plant-based, perfect for meal prep, and extraordinarily delicious. If you’re looking for easy, healthy budget-friendly Mediterranean diet meals: this one's a game changer.

Easy Lemon Salmon

The salmon is roasted right on top of actual lemon slices and butter, which bakes into a sauce that you can spoon over the tender fish. Seasoned with a little dill and garlic powder, you can broil the top to get it lightly crisp after baking. It’s so simple and one of our new favorite ways to cook up this tasty fish!

Falafel Bowl

This falafel bowl makes a satisfying meal, full of bright Mediterranean flavors! Featuring homemade baked falafel, pickled cucumbers and onions, and crunchy veggies, it’s a delicious healthy lunch or dinner idea.

Easy Shrimp and Rice Skillet

Here’s a Mediterranean Diet recipe with your name on it! Juicy shrimp sit atop a bed of fluffy rice flavored with garlic, dill and spinach. Give it a good sprinkling of feta cheese and a few spritzes of lemon juice, and it’s truly a revelation. We’re always in need of a good 30-minute weeknight meal, and this one hits the spot in so many ways. 

Baked Tilapia with Lemon

Here’s a Mediterranean diet recipe with a total wow factor: this Baked Tilapia with Tomatoes & Feta! The tender, flaky fish is covered in a lemon garlic sauce, cozied up with burst cherry tomatoes, Mediterranean seasonings and gooey bits of feta cheese. Each bite is savory with just the right pop of brightness. It’s ready in just over 30 minutes and great for impressing on weeknights or dinner parties. 

Red Lentil Curry

This delicious red lentil curry is packed with flavor and plant based protein, topped with a sparkling cilantro chutney that makes it shine! Serve with rice as a hearty plant based Mediterranean diet dinner.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Here’s a healthy lunch or dinner idea to spice up your routine: Mediterranean tuna salad! This spin adds crispy Mediterranean-style veggies and swaps out the classic mayonnaise for olive oil and vinegar. The flavor is so fresh and delicious, you may give up the mayo version altogether. Eat with crusty bread, gluten-free crackers, or make it into lettuce wraps.

Moroccan Chickpea Stew

This Moroccan stew recipe is one of our top Mediterranean diet recipes we refer to people who want to eat more plants. Why? It’s ultra flavorful, with a blend of Moroccan spices that’s truly irresistible! It’s full of nutrient rich vegetables: sweet potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes and spinach.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

This easy sheet pan chicken and veggies combines seasoned chicken breasts with colorful vegetables for a complete meal made on one pan! This simple method ensures juicy chicken and tender roasted vegetables with minimal cleanup. The ultimate weeknight dinner!

Veggie Protein Bowls

These veggie protein bowls are my go-to weeknight dinner that’s nutritious, filling, and quick! With roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, creamy cottage cheese, and a drizzle of honey mustard sauce, they’re simple and customizable.

Parmesan Crusted Salmon

This Parmesan crusted salmon is a delicious easy dinner that’s surprisingly quick to prepare. The crispy, flavorful topping perfectly complements the tender salmon! This one is always a hit with family and friends.

Mediterranean Rice Bowl

This Mediterranean rice bowl is ready in just 30 minutes, packed with colorful vegetables and bright flavors! I’m always looking for plant-based dinners that are both healthy and satisfying. With fluffy turmeric rice, seasoned chickpeas, and creamy tzatziki—it’s a weeknight dinner homerun in my book!

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

After years of making meatless meals in my kitchen, these sweet potato black bean tacos have become my favorite plant-based dinner that even my meat-loving friends love! They're bursting with flavor and ready in just over 30 minutes.

Quick Hummus Bowls

Hello and welcome to the best quick Mediterranean diet recipe idea: the Hummus Bowl! At it’s base, this simple concept requires no cooking at all: layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and greens. To make it more filling, add cooked rice (leftover or from a pre-cooked rice packet). It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.

Greek Chicken

Here’s a recipe that’s a total winner every night of the week: Greek chicken. We’re suckers for colorful one pot recipes, and this Mediterranean diet meal has charisma in spades. Bake the chicken with tomatoes, olives, garlic, lemon, and feta cheese, and it comes out with beautiful bold flavors. 

Eggplant Rollatini

Here’s a delightful Italian eggplant dish that makes dinnertime more special: Eggplant Rollatini! It’s like a combination of eggplant Parmesan and lasagna roll ups. Tender strips of eggplant are wrapped around a creamy three-cheese filling, then baked in homemade tomato sauce and more cheese.

Chimichurri Salmon

This chimichurri salmon pairs moist flaky salmon with the tangy, garlicky punch of this herby sauce—these flavors were made for each other! It’s so quick and easy to make broiled, or you can try it baked or grilled.

Sauteed Shrimp

Shrimp is a lean protein that's low calorie and perfect for the Mediterranean diet. The tender, juicy savory flavor is so remarkable, you won’t be able to stop taking bites. Here’s our top seasoning blend and exactly how to make sauteed shrimp in just 10 minutes.

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

This easy vegetarian tortilla soup recipe comes together in just 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day! Packed with black beans, corn, and smoky adobo flavor, it’s topped with crispy tortilla strips for the perfect weeknight dinner.

Chicken and Rice Soup

This chicken and rice soup recipe is a cozy, easy soup everyone will love! It’s our family favorite, with tender shredded chicken and fluffy rice that swim in a savory broth infused with smoky paprika.

Loaded Hummus Dip

Here’s a Meditteranean diet recipe that’s ideal for snacks or entertaining: Hummus Dip! This one even doubles as a tasty snack or a light dinner with a few other filling appetizers. Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese. 

Easy Veggie Wrap

In need of lunch ideas? Try this easy veggie wrap recipe! Veggie wraps can be bland and boring, but this one is anything but. Fill a tortilla with savory chickpea salad, colorful veggies, and a tasty spread, and you’ve got a lunch that will make everyone jealous! Here’s how to build a veggie wrap that’s full of flavor.

Pesto Chicken

Here’s a great way to use it to make a Mediterranean dinner recipe: Pesto Chicken! Combine basil pesto with a bit of cream and it makes a stunning fresh sauce for juicy chicken breasts! It’s a quick trick that makes an everyday dinner into something special, perfect for entertaining or just an easy weeknight meal. 

Nicoise Salad

The word salad doesn’t even really come close to describing the taste treat that is the traditional French Nicoise salad. Hard boiled eggs, green beans, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, tuna, and tangy potatoes sit on crunchy lettuce with a zesty lemon vinaigrette that makes you want to keep eating it for days. It’s filling enough to be a main dish, and it’s got the best carefree vibe.

Falafel Salad

Here’s an irresistible Mediterranean diet recipe: this Falafel Salad! Make a batch of this easy baked falafel, then layer them with crunchy veggies and top with a creamy, zingy tahini dressing. Or, use purchased frozen falafel or even repurpose take-out leftovers! This one is a massive hit with our family: and works for weeknights or dinner parties.

Spanish Paella

This traditional Spanish rice dish is actually easy to make at home: we promise! You don't even need a fancy pan: a large skillet will do. Smoked paprika adds an earthy flair to the rice, which is topped with veggies, artichokes and shrimp. It's a stunning recipe for entertaining, but easy enough for a weeknight.

Also try: Easy Vegetarian Paella

Easy Kale Soup

This kale soup is one of our favorite Mediterranean recipes, and it's done in only 30 minutes! Hearty Tuscan kale, white beans and tomatoes float in a tangy broth flavored with oregano and fennel. It’s like a combination of all your favorite soup recipes in one bowl: comforting and full of bold Mediterranean-style flavors. 

Mediterranean Couscous Bowls

These Mediterranean diet couscous bowls recipe is a common repeat in our dinner recipes repertoire. Why? In just 25 minutes, you have a fresh bowl of delicious vegetables that’s smothered in a tangy lemon tahini sauce. This one is a truly tasty way to eat your veggies. If you'd like, substitute couscous for a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice. It would also be tasty with Greek salad dressing.

Grilled Chicken

You know it’s easy to make grilled chicken breast that tastes dry and bland? Here’s how to make grilled chicken so it comes out juicy and perfectly seasoned every time! We’ve figured out the trick to an ultra-moist piece of chicken that melts in your mouth: and it takes just 2 minutes to do.

Healthy Pizza with Arugula

Is pizza a Mediterranean diet recipe? When it's this healthy pizza, it is! It starts with our Easy Thin Crust pizza dough. Then it's slathered with our tangy, garlicky Easy Pizza Sauce. Top that with caramelized peppers and onions, fresh arugula, and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese. It's SO flavorful and turns out with only ⅓ the calories of a typical delivery pizza!

Simple Red Lentil Soup

Lentils are one of nature’s wonders: they’re full of protein, shelf stable for years, inexpensive, and make for some of the most satisfying filling meals. Try this simple Red Lentil Soup! It’s deliciously hearty, featuring aromatic vegetables, lemon and a hint of smoked paprika.

Spinach Tortellini Soup

This hearty tortellini soup has a lightly sweet depth that makes you want the bowl to be never-ending. Doughy pillows of tortellini float in a tangy, tomato broth seasoned with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s loaded up with nutrient-dense spinach and tender vegetables like carrot and fennel, which add nuance and crunch. Sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese and it’s a total triumph. 

Honey Garlic Salmon

Looking for delicious salmon recipes? When it comes to flavor and simplicity, this Honey Garlic Salmon recipe delivers. The salmon is pan fried for a brown, seared exterior, then baked in the oven until it’s perfectly tender. Drench it all in this sticky honey garlic sauce, a sweet savory glaze that adds layers of complexity.

Quick Shrimp Stir Fry

Here’s a go-to in the fast and easy dinner category: shrimp stir fry! It’s quick to put together and the umami-packed stir fry sauce is full of irresistible flavor. It’s our favorite Easy Stir Fry Sauce that works with any type of stir fry. This recipe fits the Mediterranean diet by piling on colorful vegetables with protein-packed seafood.

Shakshuka with Feta & White Beans

This white bean shakshuka recipe is a tasty Mediterranean diet recipe that works for brunch or dinner! Shakshuka is a dish of eggs poached in a tomato sauce that originates from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions. This one features white beans and bell peppers, and is sprinkled with feta cheese. It's so tasty, and comes together in just over 30 minutes.

Eggplant Sandwich with Tomato & Pesto

This Mediterranean veggie sandwich was inspired by our recent trip to Italy. While in Pisa, we went to a sweet little sandwich shop and had a sandwich like this. The bread is spread with basil pesto and Kalamata olive spread, and then it’s filled with grilled eggplant, juicy ripe tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. It’s pretty darn delicious, if we do say so ourselves.

Chicken Piccata

Here’s a classic dish that impresses every time: chicken piccata! Tender, golden-brown chicken cutlets are bathed in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce with pops of briny capers. Don’t be intimidated by its fancy name; this chicken piccata recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home!

Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Looking for easy Mediterranean dinner recipes? Try Shrimp Fra Diavolo! This Italian-style dish stars tender shrimp that swim in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce. “Fra diavolo” translates to “brother devil” in Italian, alluding to the intense heat of this dish. But make it homemade and you can customize the spiciness to your taste!

Garbanzo Bean Salad

This garbanzo bean salad is the ideal Mediterranean diet recipe, and it's so quick and tasty! It’s perfect for lunches or as a side dish, packed with protein and filled with zingy, herby and fresh flavors. 

Quinoa Tabbouleh

There’s something about the combination of herbaceous parsley, bright lemon and crunchy tomatoes and cucumber that makes magic. Traditional tabbouleh is made with bulgur wheat, a quick cooking whole grain. But seeing as quinoa is the grain of the moment…why not try it with quinoa? Turns out Quinoa Tabbouleh works perfectly, making a delicious gluten free spin on this classic Lebanese and Greek salad.

Easy Grilled Tilapia

If you’re looking for a healthy seafood recipe that fits into the Mediterranean diet: here’s the one! The flaky fish is bursting with savory, smoky flavor from the grill. Top it with sweet and tender blistered cherry tomatoes, and it looks simply stunning. 

Greek Salad

There's nothing that says Mediterranean diet more than a great Greek salad! The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and salty feta is pure perfection.

Cozy White Bean Soup

Try this white bean soup, full of humble ingredients and huge flavor! Tender white beans float in the cozy broth with soft potatoes and leafy kale. Lemon zest lends brightness and tarragon brings an herby nuance. It’s made of 100% vegetables and tastes hearty and satisfying.

Pesto Salmon

Ready for the perfect Mediterranean sauce to add life to baked salmon? Try this pesto salmon! Bright green pesto goes hand in hand with tender baked fish to make a stunning dinner. Because really: what isn’t better with a little pesto on top? The savory, garlicky sauce makes the flaky fish pop: you’ll already be taking your second bite before finishing the first. 

Pasta e Ceci (Italian Chickpea Soup)

This pasta and chickpea soup is full of big Mediterranean flavors: intense vibrant tomato, leafy Tuscan kale, and a creamy broth made with Parmesan rind. Swimming in it all are the chickpeas and pasta of the soup’s title, making it hearty and filling. 

Easy Lentil Salad

Here’s a top-notch lentil recipe to add to your arsenal, and man is it tasty. This fresh and healthy lentil salad is Mediterranean-style, mixed with fresh veggies and feta cheese. It’s a tasty way to add protein to a vegetarian meal as a side dish, or bring to work as a lunch throughout the week. 

Easy Mahi Mahi

Got a fillet of mahi mahi? Try this easy mahi mahi recipe! It’s simply pan-fried with lemon, garlic and herbs until it’s tender and juicy. This popular fish makes a splash with simple preparations like this one: it’s got a short ingredient list and is quick to whip up as a tasty main dish. Add a sauce if you’d like, and experience the magic of pure, simple mahi mahi.

Easy Grain Bowl

Bowl meals are popular because they're one of the easiest ways to turn random ingredients into a healthy dinner! A good grain bowl has to be well-seasoned, and play up contrasts in color, texture and flavor. This one features Mediterranean vegetables, quinoa and a zingy tahini sauce.

Couscous Salad

Here’s a salad that’s about as delightful as they come: this fresh and herby Couscous Salad! It’s an ideal way to use Israeli couscous, those delightfully chewy pasta spheres. Throw it together with fresh dill and mint, garlic, lemon and a pile of vegetables, then sprinkle with salty feta. Take a bite and it’s irresistibly fresh and savory: we couldn’t stop eating it! This deli-style Israeli couscous salad works for lunch or picnics, or as a colorful side for fish, chicken or the grill. 

Pan Seared Scallops

Scallops have a beautiful, mild sweet flavor that’s easy to love: and there’s nothing better than that perfect seared crispy outside. It takes a little know how to get that golden brown crust without under cooking or overcooking them. But once you know a few secrets…they're simple and take only 5 minutes to cook.

Easy Baked Shrimp

This baked shrimp is so easy and the shrimp come out juicy and perfectly seasoned with Mediterranean flavors like garlic and herbs. Move over, all other shrimp recipes! This one is the perfect healthy, fast and easy dinner.

Asparagus Risotto

Creamy, savory, crunchy, and zingy: this asparagus risotto is truly sublime. Roast up some asparagus with lemon at the same time that you’re stirring up a creamy risotto on the stovetop. Then throw the tender bright green asparagus into the risotto, right along with the lemon. 

Barley Salad with Lemon

Here’s a unique grain salad that you won’t be able to resist: try Barley Salad! Whole grain barley isn’t often the star in a salad; typically trendier grains like quinoa and farro rein supreme. But its chewy texture and nutty flavor are the perfect contrast to crunchy veggies, garlic, herbs, and lemon olive oil dressing. 

Best Chickpea Burgers

These chickpea burgers full of whole foods are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a hint of nuance from smoked paprika. Style them however you like: we like to paint them with BBQ sauce and top with shiitake bacon and spicy mayo.

Fried Tilapia

When it comes to easy and healthy weeknight meals, fish is ideal: it cooks quickly and it’s full of protein and omega 3s. So why not try another way to make it taste amazing: this Pan Fried Tilapia! Coat the white fish fillets in seasonings and flour and pan fry them in a bit of olive oil. The tilapia comes out savory and tender with a light crispy coating: in minutes! Spritz with lemon wedges and it’s the perfect easy dinner idea with a few simple sides.

Go-To Quinoa Salad

Here’s a workhorse Mediterranean diet salad that’s fresh, delicious and ultra versatile: this deli-style Quinoa Salad! There are loads of ways to make a salad with this fluffy grain and after experimenting for years, we’ve found the one. This recipe is delightfully refreshing, a jumble of crunchy, colorful veggies, fluffy quinoa grains, and a zingy Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It's great as a lunch or dinner side dish! 

Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Try these go-to Marinated Shrimp Skewers! The flavors are bold, savory, and penetrate the tender, juicy flesh in a way that a simple seasoning can’t. Throw together a few pantry ingredients, no chopping required. Even better, this marinade is versatile and works with any cooking method: grilled, sautéed, baked and more.

Tuna Cakes

Need mealtime inspiration? Here’s an easy healthy Mediterranean diet dinner that is always a massive hit in our house: Tuna Patties! Also known as tuna cakes, these unassuming burgers made of canned tuna might sound humble. But au contraire: they’re so savory on the inside and golden crispy on the outside, you won’t be able to resist another bite! This recipe is spiced with Old Bay, parsley and Dijon mustard, and it’s a total treat. 

Mediterranean diet breakfast, lunch, and snack recipes

Looking for another meal of the day? Try our Mediterranean diet breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas below:

Mediterranean diet breakfast recipesMediterranean Diet Breakfast RecipesMediterranean diet lunch ideas: ricotta toast with toppingsMediterranean Diet Lunch IdeasHummus DipMediterranean Diet SnacksMediterranean diet dessertsMediterranean Diet DessertsMediterranean Pasta Salad recipeMediterranean Diet Meal Plan
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50 Mediterranean Diet Recipes: Rice Bowl & More

Mediterranean Rice Bowls
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5 from 2 reviews

This Mediterranean rice bowl is ready in just 30 minutes, packed with colorful vegetables and bright flavors! I’m always looking for plant-based dinners that are both healthy and satisfying, and this is one I could truly eat on repeat. With fluffy turmeric rice, seasoned chickpeas, and creamy tzatziki—it’s a weeknight dinner homerun in my book!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the chickpeas

  • 15-ounce can chickpeas
  • ½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon each cumin and dried dill
  • ¾ teaspoons kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the bowl

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1 handful cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • Pickled Red Onions (made in advance) or ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 handful olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 handful feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt*
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill
  • ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the rice: Using a strainer, rinse the rice under cold water, then drain it completely. In a saucepan over high heat, bring 1 ¾ cups water to a boil. Add the rice, turmeric, garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir once, then cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Once all the liquid has cooked out and the rice is tender, remove the heat. Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and add a little more salt and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
  2. Make the tzatziki (or see notes for vegan Tahini Sauce): Meanwhile, grate ½ the cucumber using the small holes on a box grater (if using a standard cucumber, peel and seed it first). Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Sprinkle it with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, then place over a liquid measuring cup and allow to stand for at least 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, dill, and freshly ground black pepper. Squeeze out more water from the cucumber before adding it to the dip. Stir in the grated cucumber. Depending on your yogurt consistency, you can stir back in the cucumber water (or regular water) until it comes to the desired consistency (some Greek yogurts are very thick!). Stores up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
  3. Cook the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. In a medium bowl, mix them with the spices and kosher salt.  Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the chickpeas (carefully to avoid spitting) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until warmed through.
  4. Assemble the bowls: Slice the remaining half of the cucumber and slice the tomatoes in half. If using red onion instead of pickled onions, slice the onion. Add the rice to a bowl and top with the vegetables and chickpeas, then sprinkle with olives and feta crumbles and add a dollop of tzatziki. Leftovers last up to 3 days refrigerated.

Notes

To add protein, make the chicken from Greek Chicken Bowls.

To make this recipe vegan, make Tahini Sauce instead of the tzatziki and omit the feta cheese.

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This margherita pizza recipe makes it easy to make artisan Italian-style pizza at home with the perfect balance of fresh mozzarella, basil, and fire-roasted tomato sauce. After years of research, here are my expert techniques for crispy, chewy crust and classic flavors! Video tutorial included.

Margherita pizza

The best pizza I ever ate was a slice of margherita pizza in Naples Italy: the cheese golden and stretchy, with tangy tomatoes, peppery basil, and a perfectly charred crust. Needless to say, Alex and I agreed on the spot we needed to figure out how to make it at home.

After spending over a decade perfecting my pizza-making skills, including several trips to Italy and interviews with experts, I can confidently say this recipe delivers that authentic Italian experience right in your home kitchen! Alex and I have tested this recipe countless times, tweaking everything from the flour type to the sauce consistency, and I’m thrilled to share what we’ve learned. This isn’t just another pizza recipe: it’s our foolproof method for margherita pizza that rivals what you’d find in Italy!

Featured reader comment

“I’ve used this recipe with the sauce and dough about 5 times now and every time in perfect! It tastes amazing and all my friends want it now. Super simple and not too time consuming. Love it!” -Christine

Tools you’ll need for homemade pizza

It’s easy to make margherita pizza with a few tools and tips! To get that authentic Italian crispy-on-the-outside crust, you need to bake it at a very high temperature on a blazing hot pizza stone. Here are the tools you’ll need:

  • Pizza stone: This is what makes the crust crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Here’s the pizza stone we recommend.
  • Pizza peel: A pizza peel is a paddle used to slide a pie onto the hot stone in the oven. We recommend this standard pizza peel. A conveyor pizza peel is worth the investment: it’s handy for easily sliding the pizza onto the stone.

🔥Try a pizza oven if you really want to step up your game! True artisan pizza is cooked at temperatures much hotter than your standard oven can achieve. The oven we recommend is relatively inexpensive and heats quickly to 1000°F.

Tips for the pizza dough

Alex and I worked on the pizza dough in this margherita pizza recipe for years, and it’s gotten lots of rave reviews from readers! The recipe incorporates what we’ve learned from some of the premiere pizza chefs in America, who themselves have studied the pizza in Naples. Here are a few tips:

  • Use Tipo 00 flour when possible. What sets this recipe apart is my approach to the dough – I use Tipo 00 flour when possible, which creates that signature chewy-yet-crispy texture that makes authentic Italian pizza so irresistible. If you can’t find Tipo 00, bread flour works as a good substitute, but I highly recommend ordering some online or finding it at the grocery store for the authentic experience.
  • The foundation is a great dough recipe. I always start with my best pizza dough recipe, which I’ve refined over years of testing. This thin crust pizza dough also works: it’s simpler to make since it’s rolled out using a rolling pin.
  • Make the dough ahead, if there’s time. Here’s a pro tip I learned from a pizzaiolo in Naples: refrigerate your dough for up to 3 days. The longer fermentation actually improves the flavor and makes the dough easier to stretch.

Alternative dough options

If you’re intimidated by working with pizza dough, try sheet pan pizza or focaccia pizza, which makes a very large pizza in a sheet pan. You can also make cast iron pizza or pan pizza in a skillet.

Margherita pizza recipe with basil and mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients for the perfect margherita pizza toppings

Italian food is all about quality of ingredients, and that’s key in this margherita pizza recipe! In Italy, the traditional margherita pizza topping ingredients are fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, salt and herbs. Often the cheese is mozzarella di bufala, a fresh cheese made from the milk of water buffalos that has a creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

  • Tomatoes: Canned fire roasted or San Marzano tomatoes are the base in our fan-favorite pizza sauce recipe, along with olive oil, garlic, salt and dried oregano. The key is restraint – I use only about ¼ to ⅓ cup of sauce per pizza. Too much sauce will make your crust soggy, and the beautiful simplicity of margherita gets lost.
  • Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is required for authentic margherita pizza. I buy the kind sold in large balls and cut it into ¼-inch pieces for even distribution. Sometimes the mozzarella can be quite watery, so I let it sit on paper towels for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy pizza. I also like to add a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.
  • Basil: Fresh basil is key to the flavor of a great margherita pizza. Make sure to add to the pizza after baking so that is stays beautifully green. Basil turns black in minutes in a hot oven!

How to make margherita pizza: step by step

Here’s an overview of the basic process for homemade margherita pizza: jump to the full recipe if you’re ready to get started!

Step 1: Make the pizza dough

Make the pizza dough. You’ll need 15 minutes to make it, then allow it to rise for 45 minutes. (You can also make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze it.)

Step 2: Stretch the pizza

Step 2: Stretch the pizza dough and place it into a pizza peel (see to How to Stretch Pizza Dough). Top the pizza with pizza sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small pieces.

Step 3 Bake the Margherita pizza on a pizza stone.

Step 3: Bake the pizza on a pizza stone in a 500°F oven for 6 to 7 minutes, or in a pizza oven for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the oven and add fresh basil.

Margherita pizza recipes

Storage and reheating tips

Leftover margherita pizza keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I store slices in an airtight container.

For reheating, skip the microwave. Instead, I place slices in a cold cast iron pan, cover, and heat over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes with a small splash of water. This method re-crisps the bottom while gently warming the toppings. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or an air fryer is perfect for reheating pizza!

Recipe variations to try

I have so many favorite pizza recipes—though this margherita pizza is my #1 favorite! If you like experimenting, try white pizza like pizza bianca or ricotta pizza. My pesto pizza is another nice alternative sauce, or you can go American-style and make a homemade cheese pizza. We also love non-traditional pizza toppings like taco pizza!

A few other margherita variations: you could add prosciutto for added salty flavor, or substitute up to a quarter of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nutty flavor.

Dietary notes

This margherita pizza recipe is vegetarian. For gluten-free, use our Gluten-Free Pizza Dough.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their sweetness and acidity, making them ideal for Margherita pizza. We like using canned fire roasted tomatoes for a similar flavor profile.

Why is it called pizza margherita?

Pizza margherita showcases the colors of the Italian flag: red from the tomato sauce, white from the mozzarella, and green from the basil. The story goes that it was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, an Italian queen in the 1800’s.

How to pronounce margherita?

With a proper Italian accent, it sounds like mar-geh-REE-ta. It sounds like the classic Mexican cocktail, the margarita, which incidentally is a common misspelling of this word!

What kind of pizza dough is best?

A classic Neapolitan pizza dough made with Tipo 00 flour and cooked in a very hot oven is ideal. However, homemade or store-bought pizza dough can work too!

What temperature should I bake my margherita pizza at?

Aim for a high temperature (around 450°F to 500°F) to achieve a crispy crust. Baking on a preheated pizza stone can further enhance the crust’s texture.

When is the best time to add the basil?

Fresh basil is best added after baking. The heat wilts the leaves slightly, releasing their fragrant aroma without burning them.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

The dough can be prepared in advance, but assemble and bake the pizza right before serving for optimal freshness and a crispy crust. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or in a dry skillet on the stovetop (add a drop or two of water and heat covered for a nice way to reheat).

How can I transfer the pizza to the hot oven without a pizza peel?

You can use a parchment paper “peel.” Slide the pizza onto a large piece of parchment paper dusted with flour. Then, carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.

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Homemade Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza recipes
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This margherita pizza recipe makes it easy to make artisan Italian-style pizza at home with the perfect balance of fresh mozzarella, basil, and fire-roasted tomato sauce. After years of research, here are my expert techniques for crispy, chewy crust and classic flavors!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 slices each)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the pizza dough

  • 1 ball Best Pizza Dough* (or Thin Crust Dough or KitchenAid Pizza Dough)
  • Semolina flour or cornmeal, for dusting the pizza peel

For the pizza sauce

  • 1 small garlic clove (1/2 medium)
  • 15 ounces crushed fire roasted tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (scant)

For the toppings

  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup pizza sauce
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or 2 to 3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the pizza dough: Follow the Best Pizza Dough recipe to prepare the dough. (This takes about 15 minutes to make and 45 minutes to rest.)
  2. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500°F. OR preheat your pizza oven (here’s the pizza oven we use).
  3. Make the pizza sauce: Cut the garlic into a few rough pieces. Place the garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, oregano and kosher salt in a blender. Blend until fully combined. (You’ll use about ⅓ cup for the pizza; reserve the remaining sauce and refrigerate for up to 1 week.)
  4. Prepare the cheese: If using fresh mozzarella cheese, slice it into ¼ inch thick pieces (see the photos of the pre-baked pizza above). If it’s incredibly watery fresh mozzarella (all brands vary), you may want to let it sit on a paper towel to remove moisture for about 15 minutes then dab the mozzarella with the paper towel to remove any additional moisture.
  5. Bake the pizza: When the oven is ready, dust a pizza peel with cornmeal or semolina flour. (If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet or the back of a rimmed baking sheet. But a pizza peel is well worth the investment!) Stretch the dough into a circle; see How to Stretch Pizza Dough for instructions. Then gently place the dough onto the pizza peel. 
  6. Spread a thin layer of the pizza sauce over the dough, using about ¼ to ⅓ cup. Add the mozzarella cheese. Top with a thin layer of fresh grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and a few pinches of kosher salt.
  7. Use the pizza peel to carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake the pizza until the cheese and crust are nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes in the oven (or 1 minute in a pizza oven).
  8. Allow the pizza to cool for a minute or two before adding the basil on top (whole leaves, lightly torn, or thinly sliced). Slice into pieces and serve immediately.

Notes

*Make the pizza dough 1 hour in advance (for day of preparation), or you can make it in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days. Refrigerating the dough actually adds to the flavor. Allow refrigerated dough to come to room temperature before using by letting it stand for about 30 to 45 minutes. You can also freeze the dough: go to How to Freeze Pizza Dough.

**Make the pizza sauce up to 1 week in advance and refrigerate.

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