12 Mediterranean Recipes for Valentine's Day to Savor Together

You're looking for a way to make Valentine's Day special, and Mediterranean cuisine is a great choice. You'll find dishes like Romantic Greek Salad and Italian Bruschetta Toast that are perfect for a romantic evening.

But what makes these recipes truly special, and how can you use them to create an unforgettable night with your loved one? You'll discover more about the flavors and ingredients that will make your Valentine's Day unforgettable.

1. Romantic Greek Salad

Romantic Greek Salad, a classic combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese.

Ingredients

• 4-6 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 block of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted
• 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

2. Baked Salmon Fillet

Delicious salmon fillet baked with Mediterranean herbs and lemon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
6. Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon fillets.
7. Sprinkle rosemary over the salmon fillets.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

3. Mediterranean Vegetable Soup

Hearty Mediterranean Vegetable Soup for a cozy Valentine's Day dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, chopped
• 1 large can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped fresh kale
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chopped carrots and potatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried thyme.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Stir in chopped kale and cook until wilted.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

4. Classic Moussaka Recipe

Moussaka is a classic Greek dish with layers of eggplant and rich meat sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup bechamel sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt.
3. Bake the eggplant slices for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. In a large pan, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
6. Stir in the tomato puree, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the meat sauce simmer while preparing the bechamel sauce.
8. In a separate saucepan, make the bechamel sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to make a roux, then slowly adding milk, whisking constantly.
9. To assemble the moussaka, create a layer of eggplant slices in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
10. Spread half of the meat sauce over the eggplant, followed by half of the bechamel sauce.
11. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese.
12. Repeat the layers, starting with the eggplant, then the meat sauce, the bechamel sauce, and finally the remaining Parmesan cheese.
13. Bake the moussaka for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

5. Grilled Lemon Chicken

Tender chicken marinated in a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

6. Moroccan Tagine Dish

Moroccan Tagine Dish is a slow-cooked stew with tender meat and flavorful spices.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lamb or beef
• 2 medium onions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dried prunes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

1. Heat oil in the bottom of a clay or ceramic tagine or a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly browned.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the lamb or beef and cook until it is browned on all sides.
5. Stir in the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the broth, prunes, and honey, and bring to a boil.
7. Cover the tagine or Dutch oven and transfer it to the oven.
8. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
9. Stir in the parsley and serve over couscous.

7. Seafood Paella Nights

Savor the taste of Spain with Seafood Paella, a romantic dish perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 pound clams, scrubbed
• 1 cup mixed seafood (squid, scallops, lobster)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the mixed seafood, shrimp, mussels, and clams, and cook until the seafood is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the smoked paprika, saffron threads, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
6. Add the Arborio rice and stir to combine with the seafood and spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the chicken broth, water, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

8. Spicy Shrimp Skewers

Spicy shrimp skewers make a romantic and flavorful Valentine's Day dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
4. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp.
6. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

9. Italian Bruschetta Toast

Italian Bruschetta Toast is a classic appetizer with fresh tomatoes and basil.

Ingredients

• 4-6 bread slices
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the bread and sprinkle with garlic.
4. Bake the bread in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
5. Top each bread slice with diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

10. Chicken Shawarma Wrap

Delicious Chicken Shawarma Wrap with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Warm the pita bread by wrapping it in foil and heating it in the oven for a few minutes.
6. Assemble the wrap by slicing the grilled chicken and serving it in the pita bread with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

11. Roasted Vegetable Bowl

A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with roasted vegetables and Mediterranean spices.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 large cauliflower
• 1 large red onion
• 2 large red bell peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
3. Rinse and chop the cauliflower, red onion, and red bell peppers into 1-inch pieces.
4. Mince the garlic cloves.
5. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes, cauliflower, red onion, and red bell peppers with olive oil, garlic, and dried oregano.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
8. Serve the roasted vegetables in a bowl and top with feta cheese (if using).

12. Turkish Stuffed Bell

Turkish Stuffed Bell is a flavorful dish filled with rice, meat, and spices.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
5. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
6. Stir in cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture and place in a baking dish.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until bell peppers are tender.

Conclusion

You're the master chef of your Valentine's Day, and these 12 Mediterranean recipes are the keys to revealing a romantic feast. Savor each dish, and let the flavors be the sparks that ignite your evening, a culinary fire that burns bright and leaves you craving more. Your taste buds will dance, and your love will flourish.