5 Simple Mediterranean Recipes with Few Ingredients

Last updated on January 20th, 2026 at 12:23 pm

I’m going to say it upfront—I stopped trusting “healthy” recipes the day one of them asked me to buy twelve spices I never used again. I wanted food that felt fresh, bold, and satisfying without turning my kitchen into a storage unit.

So I leaned into Mediterranean cooking and stripped it down to the essentials, and honestly, I never looked back.

This list comes from that exact mindset and a lot of weeknight experimenting. These recipes rely on a few great ingredients, strong flavors, and zero nonsense. You get real food, real flavor, and meals that don’t feel like a chore to cook.

1. Lemon Garlic Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

You know that moment when you crave something savory and comforting but still want to feel proud afterward? This chicken skillet hits that exact sweet spot every single time.

The lemon cuts through the richness, the garlic brings warmth, and the olive oil ties everything together like it knows what it’s doing.

I make this when I want dinner to feel intentional without being complicated. The smells alone convince you that you made the right choice before the chicken even finishes cooking.

It tastes like something you’d order at a cozy seaside restaurant, minus the wait and awkward small talk.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Fresh lemons
• Garlic cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano because flavor needs a strong start.
2. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat and add the chicken once the oil shimmers.
3. Cook the chicken for several minutes per side until it turns golden and feels firm to the touch.
4. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir quickly so it releases aroma without burning.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and let it bubble briefly to create a light sauce.
6. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving so every bite tastes complete.

This process keeps things simple and intentional. You control every flavor, and nothing hides behind heavy sauces.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish tastes bright, savory, and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy. You also finish cooking with one pan and zero regrets.

Tips

Quick Tip: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want extra juiciness and richer flavor.
Serving Idea: Serve this with warm pita or a simple cucumber salad to keep the Mediterranean vibe strong.

2. Simple Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

I used to underestimate chickpea salads until one saved me from ordering takeout on a lazy afternoon. This one feels fresh, filling, and surprisingly exciting for something that comes together so fast. The textures and flavors keep every bite interesting without trying too hard.

I make this when I want something light but still crave real substance. It works as lunch, dinner, or a side that quietly steals attention from everything else on the table.

Ingredients

• Cooked chickpeas
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas well so they taste clean and not canned.
2. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
3. Combine everything in a large bowl and drizzle generously with olive oil.
4. Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then toss until everything looks glossy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning because balance matters more than strict measurements.

This salad improves as it sits, so don’t rush it. The flavors mingle and soften in the best way.

Why You’ll Love It

You get crunch, creaminess, and brightness in one bowl with minimal effort. It also travels well, which makes it perfect for busy days.

Tips

Quick Tip: Add a spoon of tahini if you want a creamier finish without adding clutter.
Serving Idea: Pair this salad with grilled fish or eat it straight from the bowl like I usually do.

3. Olive Oil Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp feels fancy until you realize how fast it cooks. This recipe proves that a few good ingredients can turn seafood into something unforgettable. The garlic sizzles, the shrimp turn pink, and dinner basically announces itself.

I cook this when I want something bold and quick that still feels special. It smells incredible and tastes even better, especially when you scoop up the oil with bread.

Ingredients

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Garlic cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt to help them cook evenly.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it looks glossy and warm.
3. Add sliced garlic and stir briefly until fragrant because timing matters here.
4. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook until pink on one side.
5. Flip the shrimp, add red pepper flakes, and cook until just done.
6. Finish with chopped parsley and remove from heat immediately.

Shrimp overcook fast, so stay close and trust your instincts. The reward comes quickly.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish delivers bold flavor in under fifteen minutes. You also feel like a kitchen pro without breaking a sweat.

Tips

Quick Tip: Use frozen shrimp if fresh ones feel inconvenient, and thaw them fully first.
Serving Idea: Spoon the shrimp over rice or serve with crusty bread to catch every drop.

4. Mediterranean Tomato Egg Scramble

Eggs deserve more respect than rushed mornings usually give them. This scramble turns simple ingredients into something cozy and flavorful without complicating breakfast. The tomatoes soften, the eggs stay fluffy, and everything feels intentional.

I make this when I want a slow breakfast vibe on a busy day. It feels comforting but still light enough to keep you energized.

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Fresh tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth and lightly foamy.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release juices.
4. Pour in the eggs and stir gently to keep them soft.
5. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat while slightly creamy.

Gentle heat makes all the difference here. You want tenderness, not dryness.

Why You’ll Love It

This scramble feels comforting without feeling heavy. It also comes together faster than most breakfast routines.

Tips

Quick Tip: Add a pinch of oregano for extra Mediterranean character.
Serving Idea: Serve with toasted bread or alongside sliced avocado for balance.

5. Easy Mediterranean Baked Salmon

Salmon intimidates people for no good reason. This version keeps things simple and lets the fish shine. The olive oil protects it, the lemon brightens it, and the oven does the rest.

I rely on this recipe when I want something nourishing that still feels indulgent. It never fails me, even on tired evenings.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets
• Lemon slices
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and line a baking dish for easy cleanup.
2. Place the salmon skin-side down and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic evenly.
4. Lay lemon slices over the top to infuse flavor while baking.
5. Bake until the salmon flakes easily and looks glossy.

The oven keeps everything gentle and controlled. You get consistent results every time.

Why You’ll Love It

This salmon tastes clean, rich, and satisfying without heavy sauces. It also works perfectly for meal prep.

Tips

Quick Tip: Use foil to lock in moisture if your oven runs hot.
Serving Idea: Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple salad to keep things light.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Mediterranean cooking doesn’t need complexity or perfection to work. It just needs good ingredients, confidence, and a willingness to keep things simple. These recipes fit real life, not some fantasy kitchen schedule.

If you try even one of these, you’ll see how easy it feels to cook this way. Trust your instincts, enjoy the process, and don’t overthink it.