The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and soul. For vegetarians, the Mediterranean cuisine offers a treasure trove of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare and satisfyingly healthy.
Today, we’re diving into 5 ingredient Mediterranean vegetarian recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to keep things simple without sacrificing taste. These recipes combine the best of fresh vegetables, herbs, and pantry staples, showcasing how a handful of ingredients can transform into a mouthwatering meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, these recipes are designed to be quick, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious. Plus, they beautifully capture the essence of Mediterranean cooking – bright, wholesome, and full of zest.
Ready to explore these effortless dishes? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These 5 ingredient Mediterranean vegetarian recipes are the epitome of simplicity and flavor harmony. The Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes fresh produce, heart-healthy fats like olive oil, and aromatic herbs, making these recipes not only tasty but also nutritious.
You’ll appreciate how easy they are to prepare—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for anyone who wants to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.
Each dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.
From vibrant salads to warm, comforting mains, these recipes bring the sunshine of the Mediterranean right to your table.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes – juicy and bursting with sweetness
- Canned chickpeas – a protein-packed pantry staple
- Fresh basil leaves – for that aromatic Mediterranean touch
- Extra virgin olive oil – essential for flavor and healthy fats
- Feta cheese – adds creaminess and a salty tang
Equipment
- Mixing bowl – for tossing salads or combining ingredients
- Colander – to rinse chickpeas and tomatoes
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping basil and tomatoes
- Serving plates or bowls – to present your dishes beautifully
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing gently
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry tomatoes: Rinse 2 cups of cherry tomatoes under cold water, then halve them carefully on your cutting board.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas: Open one 15oz can of chickpeas, drain them in a colander, and rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt.
- Tear fresh basil leaves: Take about 10 fresh basil leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces to release their aroma.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and basil with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add feta cheese: Crumble ½ cup of feta cheese over the salad and give it one last gentle toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Variations
“Using fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality olive oil makes all the difference in simple recipes like this!”
For a heartier meal, add some toasted pine nuts or sliced olives. You can also swap feta for a vegan cheese alternative if you prefer dairy-free options.
Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of dried oregano for an extra Mediterranean punch. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or as a side to grilled vegetables.
If you want to make a warm version, sauté the chickpeas and tomatoes lightly in olive oil with garlic before mixing in basil and feta.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Fat | 18 g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and feta) |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 350 mg (can vary depending on feta and canned chickpeas) |
Serving Suggestions
This fresh Mediterranean salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish. Serve it alongside warm Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a balanced meal, or pair it with grilled vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
It also works beautifully as a filling for pita pockets or wraps, adding a refreshing crunch to your sandwich routine. For a Mediterranean mezze platter, include this salad with hummus, olives, and warm flatbreads.
Conclusion
These 5 ingredient Mediterranean vegetarian recipes prove that simplicity and great taste can go hand in hand. With just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients, you can create vibrant and satisfying dishes that celebrate the heart-healthy, flavorful Mediterranean lifestyle.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these recipes offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy wholesome vegetarian meals any day of the week. Don’t forget to explore other inspiring recipes like the Bread And Gravy Recipe or the delightful Bluebill Duck Recipes for more culinary adventures.
So grab your olive oil, fresh herbs, and a can of chickpeas, and bring a taste of the Mediterranean home today!
More 5 Ingredient Mediterranean Vegetarian Recipes
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, quinoa, canned chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese
- Instructions: Cook quinoa, mix with chickpeas and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stuff into halved bell peppers, top with crumbled feta, and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Greek Chickpea Salad
- Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, olive oil
- Instructions: Chop cucumber and tomatoes, mix with rinsed chickpeas and olives, drizzle with olive oil, and toss gently. Serve chilled.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
- Ingredients: Baguette slices, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil
- Instructions: Toast baguette slices, mix diced tomatoes with chopped basil and minced garlic, drizzle with olive oil, spoon over toasts and serve immediately.
Mediterranean Hummus Bowl
- Ingredients: Hummus, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese
- Instructions: Spread hummus in a bowl, top with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy.
Spinach and Feta Frittata
- Ingredients: Fresh spinach, eggs, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic
- Instructions: Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil, whisk eggs with crumbled feta, combine and cook in a skillet until set.
- Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, olive oil
- Instructions: Chop cucumber and tomatoes, mix with rinsed chickpeas and olives, drizzle with olive oil, and toss gently. Serve chilled.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
- Ingredients: Baguette slices, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil
- Instructions: Toast baguette slices, mix diced tomatoes with chopped basil and minced garlic, drizzle with olive oil, spoon over toasts and serve immediately.
Mediterranean Hummus Bowl
- Ingredients: Hummus, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese
- Instructions: Spread hummus in a bowl, top with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy.
Spinach and Feta Frittata
- Ingredients: Fresh spinach, eggs, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic
- Instructions: Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil, whisk eggs with crumbled feta, combine and cook in a skillet until set.
- Ingredients: Hummus, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese
- Instructions: Spread hummus in a bowl, top with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy.
Spinach and Feta Frittata
- Ingredients: Fresh spinach, eggs, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic
- Instructions: Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil, whisk eggs with crumbled feta, combine and cook in a skillet until set.
For more inspiration on simple, flavorful dishes, check out our Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes or indulge in the sweet delights from our 50 Cupcake Recipes.
📖 Recipe Card: 5 Ingredient Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Description: A quick and refreshing vegetarian salad combining classic Mediterranean flavors. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives in a large bowl.
- Add crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice on top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 20 g
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