Five Easy Mediterranean-inspired Dinner Recipes

 1. Greek Salad

• Cost: $10-$15
• Instructions:
  • Ingredients:
    • 2 large cucumbers, diced
    • 4 large tomatoes, diced
    • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 cup Kalamata olives
    • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
    2. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano.
    4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve chilled.
    5. 
       

2. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

• Cost: $12-$18
• Instructions:
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    2. Coat chicken breasts with the mixture.
    3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Serve hot.
    5. 
       

3. Hummus and Pita Bread

• Cost: $5-$8
• Instructions:
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked)
    • 2 tablespoons tahini
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and paprika to taste
    • Pita bread for serving
  • Instructions:
    1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
    2. Season with salt and paprika to taste. Serve with warm pita bread.
    3. 
       

4. Mediterranean Veggie Wrap

• Cost: $8-$12
• Instructions:
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 whole wheat tortillas
    • 1 cup hummus
    • 1 cup mixed greens
    • 1 cup diced cucumber
    • 1 cup diced tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
    • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • Instructions:
    1. Lay out the tortillas and spread hummus evenly on each.
    2. Layer the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and black olives on each tortilla.
    3. Roll up the tortillas tightly, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Slice in half and serve.

5. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

• Cost: $10-$15
• Instructions:
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup quinoa
    • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup diced cucumber
    • 1/2 cup diced red onion
    • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions using water or vegetable broth.
    2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and basil.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    4. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

These recipes are not only delicious but also healthy and budget-friendly options for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Adjust portion sizes and ingredients based on the number of servings you need. Enjoy your Mediterranean meal!