33 Healthy Mediterranean Appetizers You Can Make at Home

Let’s travel to the Mediterranean coast to discover traditional Mediterranean appetizers from all around the region.

In this article, you’ll find 33 delicious Mediterranean appetizers, their country of origin, and some recipe suggestions to cook these delicious dishes at home.

Find healthy Mediterranean appetizers from Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Lebanon, Cyprus, and other Mediterranean countries.

Mediterranean appetizers and dining culture

One thing I love about Mediterranean countries and their cuisines (among many others) is that the food culture is focused on sharing. Food is a reason to connect. Growing up in Lithuania, I saw food as sustenance. If we ever went to a restaurant, it was important that the portions were big so we got a better bang for the buck.

Everyone ate in silence, except for an older adult who taught kids to behave and not to play with their food. Of course, a lot of this comes from the history of my country and the scarcity people endured, but back then, food was a means of survival.

When I moved to Spain, I faced a different reality where people used lunch and dinner to spend time with their friends and family and connect. You share food, try many different dishes, and enjoy your time.

Of course, here, like everywhere else in the world, people rush and eat something quickly at reasonable times; they order junk food and eat what’s easy. But when the weekend comes and your friends or family invite you for a meal, you know you’re in for at least a few hours of talking, trying different plates, and sharing stories.

Mediterranean appetizers are a big part of this culture. Often, people eat only appetizers because the portions are smaller, allowing you to try more things. In Spain, it’s tapas; in Italy, it’s aperitivo; in Morocco, it’s meze.

I want to share some of the best Mediterranean appetizers you should try, whether at home or when traveling.

33 Mediterranean appetizers from all over the region

1. Mussels in white wine

Mussels are a popular shellfish in the Mediterranean region. You’ll find many variations of this dish across Mediterranean cuisines. Here’s my recipe inspired by Spanish cuisine: mussels with white wine. It’s simple, delicious, and you can make it in under 15 minutes at home

2. Shrimp skewers

Bacon and shrimp are universally liked, so when you combine them, you know the dish will be fire. Shrimp skewers are a delicious starter to serve at any family event or social gathering. With a bit of cocktail sauce, they’ll disappear before you can try them yourself.

3. Gambas Al Ajillo

Gambas al Ajillo, or garlic shrimp, is a typical Spanish shrimp recipe. It is exactly what it sounds like: shrimp fried in olive oil and garlic. It’s a wonderful dish to eat with freshly baked or toasted bread and a glass of cool white wine.

4. Hummus

Hummus is a creamy chickpea dip popular throughout the Middle East. To make traditional hummus, you just need to blend cooked chickpeas with tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust the seasoning and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.

5. Tzatziki sauce

A refreshing Greek yogurt-based dip. Mix thick Greek yogurt with grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, fresh dill or oregano, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil. Let it chill before serving to let the flavors meld. You can eat tzatziki as a chip dip or serve it with meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Here’s a recipe for Greek chicken with tzatziki sauce.

6. Dolmas

Stuffed grape leaves are common in Greek and Turkish cuisine. To make dolmas, you need to prepare a filling of rice, herbs, and optionally ground meat (beef or lamb). Carefully wrap the filling in grape leaves and steam until the leaves are tender and the filling is cooked through.

7. Spanakopita

A savory Greek pie made with crispy phyllo dough. Sauté spinach with onions and garlic, then mix it with feta cheese and eggs. Layer phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter, then add the filling and fold. Bake until golden brown and crispy.

8. Baba Ganoush

A smoky eggplant dip popular in Levantine cuisine. Roast whole eggplants until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Scoop out the flesh and blend it with tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Dip bread into it or use it as a side dish for your favorite meat and vegetable dishes.

9. Falafel

Crispy chickpea fritters are a popular Middle Eastern street food. Soak dried chickpeas overnight, then grind them with herbs, garlic, and spices. Form the mixture into small balls and deep-fry until crispy and golden brown. You can add them to pita bread or eat them in a salad.

10. Tabbouleh

A refreshing Lebanese salad. Soak fine bulgur wheat until soft, then mix it with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, lemon juice, and olive oil. Let it sit for the flavors to develop before serving.

11. Bruschetta

It’s a traditional Italian appetizer of toasted bread with toppings. Grill or toast slices of crusty bread, then rub them with garlic. Top with a mixture of diced ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and mozzarella.

12. Marinated olives

A simple yet flavorful appetizer. Combine various types of olives with herbs like rosemary and thyme, garlic cloves, lemon zest, and good-quality olive oil. Let it marinate for at least a few hours before serving.

13. Grilled halloumi

It’s a Cypriot cheese that holds its shape when grilled. Slice halloumi cheese, grill or pan-fry it until golden brown on both sides. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and optionally sprinkle with fresh herbs. You can also add it to salads.

14. Stuffed mushrooms

A versatile appetizer found in many Mediterranean cuisines. Clean and remove the stems from the mushroom caps. Mix breadcrumbs with herbs, garlic, and cheese, then stuff it into the mushroom caps. Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.

15. Melitzanosalata

It’s a Greek eggplant dip similar to baba ganoush. Roast eggplants until soft, then mash the flesh with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Some versions include walnuts or tomatoes.

16. Tiropita

A Greek cheese pie. Mix feta cheese with eggs. Layer phyllo dough sheets, brushing each with melted butter, then add the cheese mixture. Fold into triangles or leave flat, then bake until golden and crispy.

17. Caprese skewers

It’s an Italian-inspired appetizer. Thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and fresh basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil before serving.

18. Zucchini fritters

A light, crispy vegetable appetizer. Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture with cheesecloth. Mix with flour, eggs, herbs, and feta cheese. Form into small patties and fry until golden and crispy.

19. Labneh

A tangy, thick yogurt cheese common in Middle Eastern cuisine. Strain Greek yogurt in cheesecloth overnight. Serve drizzled with olive oil and a za’atar spice blend, accompanied by warm pita bread.

20. Taramasalata

A Greek dip made from fish roe. Soak bread in water, then squeeze it dry. Blend with fish roe, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Gradually add more oil until the desired consistency is reached. Spread it on bread or vegetables.

21. Mini shakshuka 

A North African dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce. Simmer a sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices in small ramekins. Crack a quail or chicken egg into each and bake until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. You can eat it for breakfast or serve it as an appetizer. 

22. Grilled octopus 

A popular Mediterranean seafood dish. Tenderize the octopus by simmering it in water. Slice and grill until charred, then serve with lemon and olive oil. 

23. Arancini 

Italian rice balls. Cook risotto, let it cool, then form balls around a cube of mozzarella. Coat in breadcrumbs and deep-fry until golden and crispy. 

24. Stuffed vine leaves 

Stuffed vine leaves are similar to dolmas, but more often vegetarian. Mix rice with herbs, pine nuts, and/or currants. Wrap in vine leaves and steam until tender. 

25. Muhammara 

A spicy red pepper and walnut dip from Syria. Roast red peppers, then blend them with toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, pomegranate molasses, and spices. Serve with pita bread. 

26. Souvlaki bites 

Greek-style meat skewers. Marinate small cubes of chicken, pork, or lamb in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Thread onto small skewers and grill until cooked through. They work well as an appetizer or a main dish. 

27. Whipped feta 

It’s a creamy, tangy spread. Blend feta cheese with cream cheese until smooth. Add a touch of honey and fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. Serve with crudités or pita chips. 

28. Roasted red pepper dip 

A sweet and smoky dip. Roast red peppers until charred, then peel and blend them with walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and a touch of pomegranate molasses. 

29. Fried calamari 

A popular seafood appetizer or main dish. Clean and slice the squid into rings, dredge them in seasoned flour, and deep-fry until golden and crispy. Serve with lemon wedges and aioli. 

30. Revithia 

Greek roasted chickpeas. Drain and dry canned chickpeas, toss them with olive oil and spices like cumin and paprika. Roast in a hot oven until crispy. 

31. Tortilla española 

A traditional Spanish omelet. Slice potatoes and onions thinly, fry them in olive oil until soft. Mix with beaten eggs, then cook in a pan, flipping once to cook both sides. Serve at room temperature, cut into small squares. It’s delicious on its own or with alioli. 

32. Pimientos de padrón 

Small green peppers from Galicia, enjoyed all across Spain. Fry whole Padrón peppers in olive oil until blistered, then sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt. Most are mild, but occasionally you’ll find a spicy one – it’s part of the fun. Serve immediately while still hot and wrinkled. 

33. Pan con tomate 

A simple yet delicious Catalan dish. Toast slices of crusty bread, then rub with the cut side of a halved garlic clove and ripe tomato. Drizzle with good-quality olive oil and sprinkle with salt. For a more substantial version, top with Iberian ham or anchovies.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these Mediterranean appetizers!