Main Dishes Advanced Gallurese Chiusoni with Red Shrimp and Wild Asparagus
Gallurese chiusoni made from semolina dough, finished with red shrimp, wild asparagus, and a light shrimp bisque.
Diet
Dairy-Free
Browse 97 dairy-free recipes from Mediterranean Joy.
97 recipes
Main Dishes Advanced 
Main Dishes Easy Polpettine di Agnello
Pan-fried Sardinian lamb meatballs with fresh mint, garlic, and onion. A quick, flavourful second course from the family table.
Appetizers Easy Marinated Anchovies
Fresh anchovies marinated in lemon or vinegar, then dressed with garlic, mint, chili, and olive oil. A cold Sardinian coastal antipasto.
Appetizers Advanced Aragosta alla Catalana
Boiled lobster served warm over a bed of raw vegetables with a sharp lemon-mustard vinaigrette. A Sardinian classic from Alghero.
Appetizers Medium Polpo alla Catalana
Tender boiled octopus tossed with cherry tomatoes, celery, olives, and an orange-balsamic dressing. A Sardinian salad from Alghero.
Main Dishes Medium Agnello alla Mauritana
Traditional Sardinian lamb stew from Carloforte with sun-dried tomatoes, served over fregula cooked in the same pot.
Main Dishes Easy Merca - Preserved Mullet (Merca)
Whole mullets briefly boiled in brine and wrapped in marsh grass. A traditional Sardinian preservation method from the Cabras lagoon.
Desserts Advanced Cuddureddi and Lolli in Vino Cotto
Traditional Sardinian almond pastries and rustic pasta bites gently cooked in vino cotto and finished with reduced grape syrup.
Main Dishes Easy Pork Liver in Caul Fat (Fegato nella Rete)
Cubes of pork liver wrapped in caul fat with bay leaves and grilled until crisp. A direct Sardinian street food.
Appetizers Medium Dolmades (Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice)
Traditional dolmades — tender grape leaves stuffed with herbed rice, pine nuts, and lemon. A Greek classic that's naturally vegan.
Main Dishes Easy Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans in Tomato Sauce)
Fasolakia — Greek green beans braised in tomato sauce with olive oil and potatoes. A one-pot comfort dish that's naturally vegan.
Sides Easy Greek Lemon Potatoes (Patates Fournou)
Greek lemon roasted potatoes — crispy outside, creamy inside, with oregano, garlic, and bright lemon flavor. The ultimate side dish.
Main Dishes Medium Agnello al Finocchietto
Traditional Sardinian lamb and wild fennel stew, slow-braised with tomato and onion until the meat falls from the bone.
Main Dishes Easy Spaghetti with Lobster (Spaghetti all'Aragosta)
Spaghetti tossed with lobster meat simmered in a simple tomato sauce. A Sardinian pasta dish that turns a small amount of lobster into a full meal.
Main Dishes Medium Porceddu al Forno
Sardinia's oven-roasted suckling pig, cooked low, salted mid-roast, and finished with crisp skin and fresh myrtle.
Main Dishes Easy Grilled Octopus Skewers (Polpo allo Spiedo)
Whole octopus threaded onto skewers and grilled slowly over charcoal, basted with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. A Sardinian coastal classic.
Main Dishes Medium Fregola with Clams, Peas and Saffron
Sardinian fregola with clams, peas, fresh tomato, and saffron. A lighter seafood pasta that still tastes firmly of the coast.
Main Dishes Medium Sea Bream with Salted Anchovies (Orata alle Acciughe Salate)
Whole sea bream baked with salted anchovies tucked into slashes in the back, deglazed with Vernaccia wine. A Sardinian roasting technique.
Main Dishes Medium Braised Artichokes with Lemon, Garlic, and Mint
Tender braised artichoke halves cooked slowly with lemon, garlic, and mint. A classic Mediterranean preparation for fresh artichokes.
Main Dishes Medium Caponata Siciliana di Verdure
Sicilian caponata with eggplant, peppers, celery, tomato, olives, capers, and agrodolce. Serve cool or at room temperature.
Main Dishes Easy Cauliflower Steaks with Tahini-Lemon Sauce and Herbs
Thick slices of roasted cauliflower served with a creamy tahini-lemon sauce. A satisfying plant-based main that proves vegetables can be the star.
Sides Easy Chermoula (Herb-Spice Sauce for Fish and Vegetables)
A bright North African sauce blending fresh herbs, warm spices, and preserved lemon. Perfect for fish, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.
Sides Easy Gremolata (Lemon Zest, Garlic, Parsley) for Beans and Vegetables
Three ingredients, five minutes. This Milanese condiment wakes up beans, braised dishes, and roasted vegetables with bright citrus and raw garlic.
Main Dishes Easy Mushroom and Lentil Ragù (Plant-Based)
A rich, savory plant-based ragù made with mushrooms and lentils. Deep umami flavor in a completely vegan sauce that satisfies like the meat version.
Sides Easy Olive Tapenade (Green and Black Versions)
The Mediterranean spread that's more than the sum of its parts. Two versions—briny black and bright green. Perfect for bread, vegetables, and more.
Sides Easy Orange + Lemon Herb Vinaigrette (For Bitter Greens and Fish)
A brighter, sweeter vinaigrette that tames bitter greens and complements fish. Orange juice softens the lemon's edge while herbs add aromatic depth.
Appetizers Easy Pane Carasau "Pantry Bruschetta" (Tomato + Olive Oil + Oregano)
The simplest Sardinian snack: crispy pane carasau flatbread topped with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano. Five minutes, no cooking.
Main Dishes Easy Peperonata
Italian peperonata with red and yellow peppers, shallot, capers, oregano, and basil. Soft, glossy, and best after a short rest.
Sides Easy Preserved Lemon Paste (Condiment That Wakes Up Everything)
The secret weapon of Mediterranean and North African cooking. Salted, fermented lemons blended into a paste that adds brightness and depth to any meal.
Main Dishes Easy Roasted Vegetable Tray Bake with Olives (Feta Optional)
A sheet pan of roasted Mediterranean vegetables—zucchini, peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Simple, flexible, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Main Dishes Easy Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant with Salsa Verde
Roasted zucchini and eggplant slices drizzled with bright green salsa verde. A simple vegetable dish transformed by an herb-packed sauce.
Sides Medium Romesco (Roasted Pepper + Nuts + Olive Oil)
The Spanish sauce that transforms vegetables. Roasted peppers, tomatoes, almonds, and garlic create a rusty-red sauce perfect for grilled veg, fish or bread.
Sides Easy Salsa Verde (Parsley, Capers, Lemon, Olive Oil)
The ultimate Mediterranean sauce for fish. Bright parsley, briny capers, sharp lemon, and grassy olive oil. Five minutes to transform any seafood dish.
Main Dishes Medium Roasted Lamb With Rosemary and Oregano (Sardinian Style)
The Sardinian Sunday roast: lamb shoulder slow-cooked with wild herbs until falling-off-the-bone tender. Simple, aromatic, and made for gatherings.
Sides Easy Simple Tomato Sauce (Garlic, Olive Oil, Basil)
The foundation sauce. Garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and basil. Master this and you have the base for pasta, braises, soups, and countless variations.
Main Dishes Easy Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) with Lemon and Dill
Classic Greek spinach rice—a simple, nourishing dish of rice, spinach, lemon, and dill. Comfort food that comes together in 30 minutes.
Main Dishes Medium Stuffed Eggplant with Tomato, Herbs, and Breadcrumbs
Sicilian-style stuffed eggplant boats filled with tomato, herbs, and crispy breadcrumbs. Baked until tender and golden. Vegetarian, meal-prep friendly.
Sides Easy Tahini-Lemon Sauce (Creamy Without Dairy)
The creamy sauce that isn't dairy. Tahini, lemon, garlic, and water whip into a luscious sauce that works on everything from vegetables to grains to grilled...
Main Dishes Easy Tomato-Braised Cabbage with Olive Oil and Herbs
Cabbage wedges slowly braised in tomato sauce with olive oil and herbs. A transformation of humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying.
Main Dishes Easy Zucchini Boats with Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Herbs
Stuffed zucchini boats filled with a hearty chickpea and tomato mixture. Protein-packed, vegetarian, and perfect for meal prep.
Main Dishes Medium Lamb Stew with Potatoes and Herbs
Sardinian lamb stew braised with potatoes, paprika, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Soups & Stews Easy Chestnut and Wild Fennel Soup (Minestra di Castagne)
A rustic Sardinian soup of peeled chestnuts and wild fennel, simmered with onion and celery and finished with butter.
Soups & Stews Easy Sardinian-Style Barley and Vegetable Soup
Hearty barley soup loaded with vegetables and finished with herb oil. Peasant grain soup from a Sardinian kitchen, ready in an hour.
Sides Easy Basic Hummus (Smooth Technique + Variations)
Restaurant-smooth hummus with the authentic technique. The secret? Hot chickpeas, lots of tahini, and patience with the blending.
Main Dishes Easy Sardinian-Style Beans and Greens
Quick-sautéed white beans and dark greens with garlic, chili, and olive oil. A 15-minute pantry staple from a Sardinian kitchen.
Main Dishes Easy Black-Eyed Peas with Tomatoes and Herbs
Southern Mediterranean comfort: black-eyed peas simmered in tomatoes with onion and fresh herbs. Simple, satisfying, budget-friendly.
Sides Easy Braised Greens with Garlic and Olive Oil
The Mediterranean way with cooking greens. Garlic, olive oil, gentle heat. Works with any greens from spinach to collards.
Appetizers Medium Calamari Salad with Lemon, Olive Oil & Fresh Herbs
Tender poached calamari tossed with celery, olives, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. A classic Mediterranean seafood salad that's light yet satisfying.
Main Dishes Easy Chickpea and Eggplant Stew
Tender eggplant and hearty chickpeas in a cumin-spiced tomato broth with a bright lemon finish. Satisfying plant-based dinner.
Main Dishes Medium Chickpea Fritters (Panelle-Style)
Crispy Sicilian chickpea flour fritters, pan-fried until golden. Serve with lemon and herb salad for a light Mediterranean meal.
Salads Easy Chickpea Salad with Lemon, Herbs, and Olive Oil
Simple, protein-packed Mediterranean chickpea salad with bright lemon, fresh herbs, and quality olive oil. Ready in 10 minutes.
Soups & Stews Easy Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Tender chickpeas in a lemon-garlic broth with wilted spinach. A 30-minute weeknight dinner packed with protein and fiber.
Main Dishes Easy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach
A 20-minute weeknight bowl of chickpeas braised in garlicky tomato sauce with wilted spinach. High protein, high fiber, minimal effort.
Main Dishes Easy Everyday Lentils with Carrots and Parsley
Simple, homey lentils with carrots, celery, and parsley. The kind of everyday pot that should be in everyone's repertoire.
Salads Easy Sardinian Fennel and Orange Salad
A bright, refreshing salad of thinly sliced fennel and orange segments with olives and sea salt. Simple and authentically Sardinian.
Soups & Stews Medium Mediterranean Fish Soup with Fennel and Tomato
Mediterranean fish soup with fennel, tomatoes, and saffron. A light, flavorful one-pot meal ready in under an hour.
Main Dishes Medium Sardinian Fregola with Seafood
Sardinian fregola with mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari, cooked risotto-style in shellfish broth with tomato paste and onion.
Main Dishes Easy Garlic Shrimp with Paprika & Lemon (Gambas al Ajillo)
Sizzling shrimp cooked in olive oil with garlic, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lemon. A classic Spanish tapa that's ready in 10 minutes.
Main Dishes Easy Gigantes Plaki (Greek Baked Giant Beans)
Gigantes plaki—Greek giant beans slow-baked in tomato sauce with olive oil and herbs. A taverna classic that's vegan and gluten-free.
Soups & Stews Easy Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)
Hearty Greek lentil soup finished with vinegar and olive oil. Simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying comfort food.
Soups & Stews Easy Greens and Beans Soup
Italian-style soup with dark leafy greens and white beans, finished with olive oil and lemon. Simple, nutritious, endlessly satisfying.
Main Dishes Easy Grilled Sardines with Lemon, Parsley & Garlic
Fresh sardines charred on the grill with a bright lemon-garlic dressing. A classic Mediterranean fish dish that's high in omega-3s and impossibly simple.
Soups & Stews Easy Harira-Inspired Chickpea and Lentil Soup
Warmly spiced chickpea and lentil soup inspired by Moroccan harira. Aromatic, hearty, and perfect for cold evenings.
Drinks Easy Mediterranean Herbal Infusion
A calming, non-caffeinated drink made with Mediterranean herbs. The traditional after-dinner ritual that aids digestion and relaxation.
Appetizers Easy Hummus Three Ways
A classic lemon-tahini hummus base turned into three bowls: original, roasted red pepper, and herb. Good for snack plates, wraps, sandwiches, and lunch boxes.
Soups & Stews Easy Lemon Chicken Soup with Herbs
Light, bright chicken soup with generous lemon and fresh herbs. Comforting without being heavy—Greek avgolemono meets fresh.
Sides Easy Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette (The Essential Dressing)
The one dressing you need. Bright, versatile, and Mediterranean to the core. Use on salads, grains, vegetables, fish—everything.
Main Dishes Medium Lentil Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Tender lentil meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. All the comfort of classic meatballs, entirely plant-based.
Main Dishes Easy Lentil Ragù Over Whole Grains
Hearty lentil ragù with vegetables and herbs, served over farro or any whole grain. Comfort without heaviness—the vegetarian bolognese.
Salads Easy Lentil Salad with Roasted Peppers and Herbs
Earthy lentils meet sweet roasted peppers in this protein-packed salad with a bright lemony herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep.
Salads Easy Mediterranean Potato Salad (No Mayo)
Warm potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, and fresh parsley. The Mediterranean answer to potato salad—lighter and brighter.
Main Dishes Easy Mediterranean Salmon with Olive Oil, Lemon & Herbs
Baked salmon fillets topped with a vibrant herb mixture of parsley, dill, and lemon zest. Simple, elegant, and ready in 20 minutes.
Main Dishes Medium Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers (Gemista)
Greek-style stuffed peppers with herbed rice, tomatoes, and olive oil. Baked until tender and caramelized. Vegetarian, meal-prep friendly.
Main Dishes Easy Mussels in Tomato & Herb Broth (Cozze al Pomodoro)
Plump mussels steamed in a garlicky tomato sauce with white wine and fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the broth.
Desserts Easy Olive Oil Citrus Cake
Moist, fragrant cake made with olive oil and fresh citrus. Mediterranean baking at its best—simple, elegant, and not too sweet.
Fermented Foods Easy Quick Fermented Vegetables (Beginner-Friendly)
Lacto-fermented vegetables in just a few days. Crunchy, tangy, probiotic-rich—and easier than you think.
Main Dishes Medium Ratatouille (Provençal Vegetable Stew)
Classic French-Mediterranean vegetable stew with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes. Make a big batch and eat it all week.
Salads Easy Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Salad
Silky roasted eggplant meets juicy tomatoes in this simple summer salad. Garlic, basil, and good olive oil make it sing.
Soups & Stews Easy Roasted Squash Soup with Rosemary Oil
Silky roasted butternut squash soup with rosemary-infused olive oil and toasted seeds. Autumn comfort at its best.
Sides Easy Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables with Herb Oil
Perfectly caramelized Mediterranean vegetables with herb-infused olive oil. The simple side that makes any meal better.
Salads Easy Sardine and Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula, quality sardines, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. A 10-minute high-protein lunch celebrating simplicity.
Main Dishes Easy Seafood & Vegetable Tray Bake with Fennel & Citrus
White fish, shrimp, and seasonal vegetables roasted together on one sheet pan. Fennel, orange, and olives create a distinctly Mediterranean flavor.
Main Dishes Easy Shrimp Orzo with Tomatoes & Parsley
Plump shrimp and orzo pasta cooked together in a garlicky tomato sauce with white wine. A one-pot Mediterranean meal that's ready in 25 minutes.
Main Dishes Easy Socca (Chickpea Flour Flatbread)
Crispy, golden chickpea flour flatbread from Nice. Naturally gluten-free and perfect with rosemary and olive oil.
Bread & Baking Medium Sourdough Starter (From Scratch)
Create your own wild yeast starter for naturally leavened bread. A 7-day process that rewards patience with a lifetime of baking.
Main Dishes Easy Spaghetti with Anchovies, Garlic & Toasted Breadcrumbs
A classic Southern Italian pasta where anchovies melt into the sauce, creating deep umami flavor. Topped with crispy garlic breadcrumbs for texture.
Main Dishes Easy Sardinian Spaghetti with Bottarga and Lemon
A fast Sardinian pasta of spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and grated bottarga. Minimal ingredients, strong sea flavor.
Soups & Stews Easy Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Silky smooth soup with the sweetness of roasted peppers and the brightness of tomatoes. Garlic and basil round out this Mediterranean classic.
Soups & Stews Easy Tuscan Bean Soup with Bread (Ribollita-Style)
Hearty Tuscan bread soup with white beans and vegetables. Day-old bread makes it thick and satisfying—peasant food at its best.
Soups & Stews Easy Light Sardinian Vegetable Broth with Greens
A light vegetable broth loaded with seasonal greens, finished with olive oil and lemon. Brodo-style supper from a Sardinian kitchen.
Soups & Stews Easy White Bean and Kale Soup
Hearty Tuscan-style soup with creamy white beans, tender kale, and a rosemary olive oil finish. Comfort food that's genuinely good for you.
Salads Easy White Bean, Tuna, and Caper Salad
An Italian-style tuna and white bean salad with olives, capers, parsley, shallot, and a lemon-Dijon dressing. Briny, bright, rich, and ready fast.
Soups & Stews Medium Classic Sardinian Minestrone (Minestrone alla Sarda)
A traditional Sardinian minestrone from the Blue Zone of Ogliastra, made with seasonal vegetables, fregula sarda, and a finish of raw olive oil and pecorino.
Main Dishes Easy Lemon Oregano Chicken with Roasted Potatoes
Classic Greek-style chicken: juicy thighs with crispy potatoes, all roasted together in lemon, garlic, and oregano. One pan, minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Main Dishes Easy Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon & Herbs
A simple, protein-rich dinner that comes together in one pan. Fresh white fish, potatoes, and olives roasted to perfection.
Bread & Baking Advanced Sardinian Potato Bread (Moddizzosu)
A soft Campidano bread made with semolina, a little flour, boiled potato, lard, yeast, and warm water. It stays tender for days.
Salads Easy Tuna and White Bean Salad with Lemon & Herbs
The ultimate pantry lunch: canned white beans, quality tuna, lemon, and fresh herbs. High protein, no cooking, ready in 5 minutes.