Light, simple, and fresh: That’s how we’d sum up Mediterranean cuisine in three words. It emphasizes simple ingredients that are fresh and in season and that have been used for generations in family cooking!
Now, simplicity in ingredients does not translate to simplicity in flavour!
Mediterranean cuisine is known for using ingredients like olive oil, garlic, sea salt, fresh lemon, and herbs to bring out the natural flavours of the foods you’re using. As a result, dishes are typically straightforward to prepare and taste refreshing instead of heavy.
And that’s exactly why Mediterranean cooking goes hand-in-hand with summer! During our summers, so many wonderful vegetables and fruits are in their prime. We often want to enjoy flavourful meals without spending hours in the kitchen, and with the heat, many of us often prefer meals that are light, but satisfying.
Travel with your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this roundup of recipes full of fresh, simple ingredients and timeless flavours.
Grilled Halloumi With Figs & Honey
The perfect sweet & salty combo! Fresh figs come into season in June – mark that down because you won’t want to miss them when they’re at their best! Try this fig and halloumi recipe as an appetizer or add them to your summertime charcuterie boards for a statement!
Mediterranean Feta Dip
Creamy and oh-so-fresh! Made with sour cream and sheep’s milk feta, this dip is the perfect partner for fresh veggies, pita, or our Pita Chips! Makes a great healthy snack for lunches!
Antipasto Skewers
Perfect for your summer picnics! These skewers combine cured meats, cheese tortellini, fresh mini bocconcini and marinated and pickled veggies! Guests can save the time to prep their own antipasto assortment – all they have to do is grab a skewer!
Fattoush Salad
Hot summer days call for something fresh and light and this Middle Eastern classic is just that! Filled with crisp romaine, crunchy vegetables, aromatic herbs, and garnished with our Fattoush Chips and famous Lemon Garlic Dressing. It’s simple, but packs refreshing flavour. Top it with your grilled protein of choice to turn it into a full meal.
Tomato, Avocado, and Burrata Salad
From the outside, Burrata looks very similar to fresh mozzarella, but on the inside, its texture is much more creamy. When you cut it open, its buttery interior seeps from the center making it a beautiful cheese to spread over crusty bread. Enjoy this salad with a glass of wine on a Friday evening after a long week at work!
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa is an ancient grain with a nutty flavour and high nutrient density. It’s a great source of plant-based protein, making this a recipe for vegans and vegetarians too! (Just swap the regular feta for our Vegan Feta!)
Caprese BLT
The classic BLT meets the simplicity and freshness of Caprese salad! Vine-ripened tomato, pesto, Farm Boy™ Double Smoked Bacon Rounds (shaped perfectly for buns), and mozzarella – we would have this for lunch every day!
Mediterranean Pesto Pasta With Goat Cheese
Basil pesto, pickled red pepper, and goat cheese make this a delicious flavour-forward pasta and chicken gives it some heartiness!
Oven Roasted Shawarma Chicken
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food made with shaved marinated meat seasoned with warm spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and turmeric. Try our baked version with our Fattoush Salad recipe above!
Potato Gnocchi With Brown Butter and Sage
Gnocchi is made with just three simple ingredients: potato, flour, and egg! This classic recipe features a brown butter and sage sauce. Our Potato Gnocchi is easy to prepare and made with quality ingredients for an authentic taste. It’s a go-to meal for those busy summer days when you want something quick that the whole family will love!
Gazpacho With (or Without) Shrimp
There’s no meal more refreshing on a hot day than a bowl of chilled gazpacho! We make ours fresh with a blend of tomatoes and fresh vegetables, and a little jalapeno pepper for some heat! Find it in our Chef Department this summer.
Pan-Seared Scallops With Garlic Flower Caper Sauce
The Mediterranean is where you’ll find some of the best and freshest seafood, including scallops. Serve these over fresh pasta or alongside grilled seasonal vegetables for a scrumptious seafood indulgence!
Gelato
We couldn’t leave out dessert! Our creamy gelato will have you feeling like you’re seaside in Italy! Made with 100% Canadian milk, it’s a must for summer.
Give these tasty recipes a try this summer and share your photos with us on social! We love to see what our customers are cooking up!
