Here are 10 delicious and nutritious Mediterranean appetizers to add to your spread. These tasty recipes highlight the amazing flavors of the Mediterranean region.
The Mediterranean diet is all about fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and nuts. You will consistently find these tasty and healthy ingredients throughout the Mediterranean diet.
Here we’ve compiled our favorite Mediterranean diet appetizers that showcase the delicious flavors of this eating pattern. You will find seafood appetizer recipes, vegetarian appetizers, fun finger foods, and fresh dips to share with friends and family.
If you’re looking for more recipes, tips and tricks, check out our Mediterranean Diet Appetizers for Summer Entertaining Guide. The guide includes 25 easy and healthy recipes for sharing with friends and family.
What Makes A Good Mediterranean Appetizer
As you will find, most of our favorite appetizers include fresh veggies, crisp summer fruit, lean proteins, and of course, olive oil. Our Mediterranean recipes are inspired by the amazing produce and foods from the region around the Mediterranean sea. Fish, fruit, vegetables and so many incredible spices grow in this region, providing a great variety of tasty appetizers to create.
We like to make appetizers that are quick to assemble, easy to share, and nutritious. For example our Black Bean Mango Salad comes together in just a few minutes and it’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet. Our Feta Fire Dip is another favorite because it’s creamy, salty, and just a little spicy.
10 Mediterranean Appetizers
- Shrimp Salsa
- Grilled Sriracha Shrimp
- Asian Salmon Croquettes
- Cheese and Tomato Tartlets
- Black Bean Mango Salsa
- Parmesan and Herb Roasted Zucchini
- Vegetable Flatbread
- Feta Fire Dip
- Baked Spinach Artichoke and White Bean Dip
- White Bean and Artichoke Dip with Crudités
Mediterranean Seafood Appetizers
Here are a few of our favorite seafood appetizers. Fish is an important piece of the Mediterranean diet and it’s a nutrient dense food source. Take a look at the recipes for Shrimp Salsa, Grilled Sriracha Shrimp, and Asian Salmon Croquettes which are all fabulous for sharing with friends and family.
1. Shrimp Salsa
Who doesn’t love salsa? Well, it just got better with the addition of shrimp! Fresh tomatoes, blended with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño and lime bring amazing flavor to the lean shrimp protein. Serve it with corn chips as an appetizer or over greens as a healthy lunch or dinner. Shrimp Salsa is one of our go-to appetizers for the summer because layers of flavor combine for a fresh, healthy and easy appetizer.
2. Grilled Sriracha Shrimp
When I first brought this Grilled Sriracha Shrimp to a friend’s house it was gone in a flash! Shrimp is a quick, easy, and healthy lean protein that provides omega 3’s, antioxidants, B12, selenium, and zinc. Try this grilled shrimp as an appetizer or an easy shrimp dinner paired with whole grains and veggies.
3. Asian Salmon Croquettes
I grew up having salmon croquettes and have always loved them. We decided to update the recipe using soy sauce and sesame oil for an umami flavor. Made from pantry staples, these Asian Salmon Croquettes make the perfect appetizer (make them mini) or delicious dinner.
Asian Salmon Croquettes
Mediterranean Vegetarian Appetizers
We love to start a meal with vegetarian appetizers to add even more tasty fruits and veggies to a meal. To learn more about following a vegetarian Mediterranean diet, check out our Ultimate Guide To Following A Vegetarian Mediterranean Diet. Below we’ve listed a few favorite vegetarian appetizers, such as Cheese and Tomato Tartlets, and our Parmesan and Herb Roasted Zucchini.
4. Cheese and Tomato Tartlets
Claire and I decided to make these Cheese and Tomato Tartlets in honor of Bastille day. We were a little intimidated at first but don’t worry… you can do it! These delicious, savory pastries are so popular in France when tomatoes are in season. Try to use the freshest tomatoes you can find! These tartlets look and taste like something you can get at a French patisserie yet you won’t believe just how easy they are to make at home.
5. Black Bean Mango Salad
Everyone needs a good bean salad in their repertoire. This Black Bean Mango Salad comes together quickly, it’s versatile and packed with nutrients. Legumes (think beans, chickpeas, and lentils) are a main component of the Mediterranean diet and they are high in fiber, which helps to keep us full and reduce cholesterol. Beans are also a great source of plant-based protein. Enjoy this easy appetizer with blue corn tortilla chips.
6. Parmesan and Herb Roasted Zucchini
Parmesan and Herb Roasted Zucchini is one of my go-to side dishes that I have started making as an appetizer. I always have zucchini in my refrigerator, especially in the summer! I just cut the zucchini in rounds, throw on the herbs and parmesan and voila it is done!
7. Vegetable Flatbread
Pizza is always a crowd pleaser! This Vegetable Flatbread is made with whole grain flatbreads, tomato sauce and fresh summer veggies, and it’s always a delight. Slice into little squares to serve as an appetizer or larger slices for dinner next to a side salad. This recipe is especially fun to make in the summer when you can use your own garden vegetables or herbs as toppings.
Vegetable Flatbread Pizza
Mediterranean Hors D’oeuvres
Dips and sauces are a fun component of the Mediterranean diet because they are a great way to enjoy more veggies and they are easy to share. Try pairing these dips with fresh crudités, a baguette, or some crackers. These dips are absolutely our go-to recipes!
8. Feta Fire Dip
Our Feta Fire Dip is the perfect combination of creamy, salty, and spicy! This dip is made with a base of feta and roasted red peppers. Serrano pepper, sriracha, and cumin add a little heat. We love to serve this dip with crudités and baguette as an appetizer, spread it on a sandwich for lunch, or top your meat with it for dinner.
Feta Fire Dip
9. Baked Spinach, Artichoke and White Bean Dip
This Baked Spinach, Artichoke and White Bean Dip is a healthier twist on the traditional spinach artichoke dip. Ours is made with white beans to boost the protein and fiber. We also use lower-fat cheese and mayonnaise made with olive oil to keep saturated fat content down. Bring this dip to an event and no one will ever guess these simple swaps!
Baked Spinach, Artichoke, and White Bean Dip
10. White Bean and Artichoke Dip with Crudités
Last but not least, our White Bean and Artichoke Dip with Crudités. All you need is a few ingredients and a blender to whip up this creamy, healthy dip. This white bean dip is great with fresh veggies, pita chips, or baguette slices.
We hope these recipes and tips give you inspiration for your next gathering. For over 20 recipes to download, check out our Mediterranean Diet Appetizers for Summer Entertaining Guide.
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