Best Mediterranean Appetizers

Zucchini Feta Skewers

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Zucchini Feta Skewers with marinated feta is a gluten-free appetizer recipe that’s easy, elegant, and festive enough for any dinner party. Recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

Calories (per skewer): 121 Protein: 6.6 grams Carbs: 3.2 grams

Mediterranean Antipasto Skewers

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Mediterranean skewers are a total crowd-pleaser at a party. They are colorful and offer your guests a wide variety of flavors and textures; from the turkey to the olives, to the fresh mozzarella balls. Recipe from A Cedar Spoon.

Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce

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These kebabs (or skewers) from The Foodie Physician are packed with protein and bursting with flavor. Present them on a platter accompanied by an assortment of fresh vegetables, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce and your guests will think you’re a culinary rockstar!

Calories (per kofta + sauce): 120 Protein: 13.5 grams Carbs: 2 grams

Vegetable & Halloumi Kebabs

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Not only are these vegetable and halloumi skewers great for BBQ or summer parties, they are also fabulous as finger food or an appetizer. Recipe from Hungry Healthy Happy.

Calories (per skewer): 155 Protein: 8 grams Carbs: 6.5 grams

Shrimp Skewers

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These shrimp skewers are my go-to when I want something quick, juicy, and full of Mediterranean flavor. A little garlic, lemon, and olive oil magic, then straight to the grill—simple but impressive every time. High-protein, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free.

Calories (per skewer): 100 Protein: 11 grams Carbs: 3 grams

Mozzarella Salad With Balsamic Tomatoes

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This bruschetta-inspired fresh mozzarella salad with balsamic tomatoes and basil are gorgeous, delicious and perfect as an appetizer.

Calories: 347 (per generous portion) Protein: 28 grams Carbs: 13 grams

Greek Tabbouleh Salad

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Tabbouleh is a grain-based salad with variations all over the Med. This Greek version features a base of bulgur wheat and the addition of fresh dill. A Lebanese version may be heavier on the parsley. Recipe from A Cedar Spoon.

Calories (per 6-person serving): 250 Protein: 5 grams Carbs: 20 grams

Peach Caprese Salad

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This peach caprese salad is my summertime obsession. Sweet peaches meet creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic—basically sunshine on a plate. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and looks way fancier than the effort it takes.

Calories: 73 Protein: 2 grams Carbs: 8 grams

Caprese Wreath

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I love bringing this caprese wreath to gatherings—it’s festive, fresh, and people think I worked harder than I did. Juicy tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and full of Italian charm.

Calories: 66 Protein: 3 grams Carbs: 2 grams

Tomato Ricotta Salad With Gremolata

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Italian-inspired salad with sweet, nutritious tomatoes are topped with creamy ricotta and sea salt and zesty gremolata with lemon zest and a touch of garlic. Vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free.

Calories: 190 Protein: 8 grams Carbs: 7 grams

Greek Potato Salad

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There is regional flair to every potato salad recipe, and this one takes inspiration from Greece with a simple and tangy vinegar and oil dressing and fresh dill to finish off the flavor. Recipe from Recipes From Europe.

Calories (per serving): 338 Protein: 4 grams Carbs: 33 grams

Horiatiki (Greek Village) Pasta Salad

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Similar to potato salad, there exists a wide array of techniques for crafting a delectable pasta salad. This dish combines crisp vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, all harmoniously dressed with feta cheese and aromatic herbs to achieve that timeless Greek flavor. Omit the pasta for a low-carb option. Recipe from The Lemon Apron.

Calories (per serving): 465 Protein: 8 grams Carbs: 21 grams

Turkish Ezme Salad

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Ezme is a classic Turkish appetizer. It’s a spicy salad dip, almost like a salsa that’s usually served on the side of kebabs with some fresh bread. It’s ready in 10 minutes. Recipe from Unicorns In The Kitchen.

Calories: 87 Protein: 2 grams Carbs: 10 grams

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

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These parmesan crusted zucchini slices are crispy, cheesy little bites of joy. I make them when I need something snacky but still wholesome. They’re gluten-free, low-carb, and seriously addictive once you start munching.

Calories (per serving): 224 Protein: 6 grams Carbs: 18 grams

Mediterranean Roasted Artichokes

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Artichokes are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Roast ‘em with sun dried tomatoes, capers, feta, and herbs for an easy recipe using canned artichokes for ease. Recipe from Midwest Foodie Blog.

Calories (per serving): 211 Protein: 9 grams Carbs: 33 grams

Kolokithokeftedes (Crispy Zucchini Fritters)

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Kolokithokeftedes (crispy zucchini fritters) Fresh mint and feta give these crispy golden fritters their exceptional Greek flavor. These are perfect for dipping into tzatziki or whipped feta. Recipe from Real Greek Recipes.

Calories (per fritter): 77 Protein: 2 grams Carbs: 3 grams

Patatas Bravas

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Patatas bravas are one of the simplest and most popular Spanish tapas. Learn how to make this quick and easy dish at home. Recipe from Spanish Sabores.

Calories (per serving): 200 Protein: 4.7 grams Carbs: 38 grams

Whipped Feta With Roasted Tomatoes & Garlic

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Feta has exceptional flavor. In this whipped feta recipe, it’s accentuated with sweet roasted tomatoes and caramelized roasted garlic, perfect for mopping up with crusty bread or pita.

Calories (per serving): 193 Protein: 5.3 grams Carbs: 6 grams

Hot Honey Roasted Feta

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Don’t underestimate the power of cheese. This recipe brings out the goodness in a block of feta with a little heat and a generous drizzle of honey, perfect as a centerpiece for your mezze. You can sub out feta with halloumi for similar results. Recipe from My Kitchen Little.

Calories (per recipe): 1,430 Protein: 20 grams Carbs: 109 grams

Kreatopita (Greek Meat Pie)

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These meat pies will disappear as quickly as you set them out. Flaky phyllo crust encases a succulent blend of mushrooms and ground beef for a hearty starter. Recipe from The Hungry Bites.

Calories (per serving): 397 Protein: 23 grams Carbs: 27 grams

Greek Dolmades with Avgolemono Sauce

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You may know these as dolmas or stuffed grape leaves. This recipe has vegetarian adaptations, but is traditionally served stuffed with ground beef. Top it off with this creamy lemon sauce – like a Greek hollandaise – to steal the show. Recipe from Binge Worthy Bites.

Calories (per roll, with sauce): 105 Protein: 2 grams Carbs: 3 grams

Stracciatella with Anchovies & Balsamic Peppers

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This stracciatella with anchovies and balsamic peppers is my kind of fancy-meets-easy appetizer. Creamy cheese, sweet roasted peppers, and a salty anchovy punch—every bite tastes like a seaside holiday. Low-carb and Mediterranean-style delicious.

Calories (per serving): 96 Protein: 6 grams Carbs: 2 grams

Easy Calamari With Garlic Lime Sauce

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Calamari is something you’ll find regularly exploring the Mediterranean coast. You can always batter and fry it, but this recipe is light and fresh with a zesty garlic and citrus sauce to serve. Recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

Calories (per serving): 282 Protein: 18.5 grams Carbs: 9.2 grams

Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita)

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Like the Greek meat pies, this recipe features a savory beef filling. Instead of phyllo dough, use fresh pita. Recipe from Hungry Paprikas.

Calories (per serving): 156 Protein: 10 grams Carbs: 13 grams

Baked Kibbeh (Kibbeh Bil Sanieh)

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Indulge in the delicious world of Lebanese cuisine with this baked kibbeh recipe. A symphony of ground meat, cracked wheat, and aromatic spices offers a taste of warmth and tradition in every bite. Recipe from Cooking with Mima.

Calories (per serving): 388 Protein: 33 grams Carbs: 8 grams

Traditional Lebanese Hummus

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If you’ve never made your own hummus, it’s a must! It’s exceptionally easy, budget-friendly, and worlds better than store-bought. Recipe from Sinful Kitchen.

Calories (per serving): 25 Protein: 1 gram Carbs: 1 gram

Tzatziki

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I could eat this tzatziki by the spoonful—it’s that good. Cool, garlicky, and refreshing, it’s the dip that makes veggies and pita way more interesting. Made with yogurt, cucumber, and dill, it’s low-carb, protein-rich, and totally Mediterranean.

Calories (per serving): 40 Protein: 4 grams Carbs: 3 grams

Taramasalata (Greek Fish Roe Dip)

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Dips are kind of a thing in Mediterranean cuisine which leaves no shortage of awesome appetizer selections. This fish roe dip, blended with olive oil and lemon, is a delicacy. Recipe from Souvlaki for the Soul.

Calories (per serving): 170 Protein: 9 grams Carbs: 3 grams

Classic French Salmon Rillettes

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Made with both poached as well as smoked salmon, these salmon rillettes are an easy-to-make yet elegant spread, with big flavor! They deliver a chunky texture with a rich smoky taste from the salmon. Recipe from Pardon Your French.

Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)

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This dip channels the spirit of baba ghanoush, featuring a creamy roasted eggplant base. What sets it apart is the undeniable star power of the eggplant, embracing its charred brilliance and unique texture without any distractions. Recipe from Eating European.

Calories (per serving): 151 Protein: 1 gram Carbs: 7 grams

Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)

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This Muhammara dip recipe boasts a luscious blend of red pepper goodness, enhanced by the nutty richness of walnuts, which perfectly complement its sweet and spicy undertones. Recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

Calories (per serving): 200 Protein: 5.5 grams Carbs: 20 grams

Lebanese Baba Ghanoush

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This creamy eggplant dip is a common menu item in Mediterranean haunts across the globe. Make your own for optimal dipping potential with this traditional Lebanese version. Recipe from The Perfect Tide.

Calories (per serving): 100 Protein: 2.5 grams Carbs: 11.5 grams

Pita Bread

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You need something to scoop up all those tasty dips with. Enter the homemade pita bread. Of course you could opt for store bought, but this simple recipe may change your mind. Recipe from Tastes Better from Scratch.

Calories (per serving): 156 Protein: 5 grams Carbs: 29 grams

Authentic Spanakopita

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An authentic Spanakopita recipe is a delightful Greek classic, featuring layers of flaky phyllo pastry embracing a savory filling of spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Baked to a golden perfection, it’s a mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors and hospitality. Recipe from Cooking for Keeps.

Calories (per serving): 208 Protein: 4.5 grams Carbs: 13 grams

Cauliflower Rice Arancini

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Elevate the classic arancini recipe to a healthier level with gluten-free cauliflower rice and bread crumbs, transforming these Italian delights into lighter fare. Crispy on the outside and brimming with savory goodness inside, these arancini offer a delicious twist on tradition while catering to all audiences. Recipe from Lean Green Nutrition Fiend.

Calories (per recipe): 2,300 Protein: 110 grams Carbs: 130 grams

Homemade Falafel

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Everyone loves falafel. This traditionally plant-based fritter can be fried or baked. Many people opt to make it from a box mix, but you won’t regret trying your hand at making them from scratch! Recipe from Cooking with Ayeh.

Calories (per serving, before frying): 77 Protein: 74 grams Carbs: 13 grams

Italian Antipasto Platter with Anchovy Vinaigrette

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A Mediterranean-inspired charcuterie board is incomplete without the salt, brine, and smoke in a classic collection of antipasto favorites. Serve with pita and your choice of dips. Recipe from Our Salty Kitchen.

Calories (per serving): 191 Protein: 7 grams Carbs: 4 grams

Greek Mezze Platter

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The mezze is highly customizable using many of the dips, breads, and appetizers featured here today. This recipe combines a tempting array of selections to create a stunning board of seriously good eats. Recipe from Hungry Healthy Happy.

Calories (per serving): 1077 Protein: 62 grams Carbs: 89 grams

Italian Antipasto Platter

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This antipasto platter is a combination of Italian meats, cheeses, vegetables and breads, all arranged to create a fabulous appetizer display. The perfect showpiece for any gathering, and it takes just minutes to put together! Recipe from Dinner At The Zoo.

French Cheese & Charcuterie Board

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Learn how to make this charcuterie board using the best fromage. Impress your guests with brie, comté & French-inspired accoutrements. Recipe from Ain’t Too Proud To Meg.

Turkish-Inspired Mezze Party Platter

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Loaded up with hummus, baba ganoush, marinated feta, tzatziki, tomato rice salad, muhammara, za’atar pita chips, sliced veggies, and nuts, this mezze platter is the perfect spread of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Recipe from Host The Toast.

Greek Mezze Platter V2

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Another delicious Greek mezze platter filled with pita bread, dips, fresh vegetables and cheese is the perfect way to feed a crowd and perfect for entertaining. Recipe from Simply Delicious Food.