12 Middle Eastern Recipes You Should Make This Summer

By Jenn Segal

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, Middle Eastern cuisine is perfect for summer. Many of these dishes are surprisingly easy to make at home, too. From shakshuka to falafel, here are nine delicious Middle Eastern recipes that you can whip up with ease.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a one-skillet dish of eggs poached in a smoky, spicy, vegetable-laden tomato sauce.
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip

Similar to htipiti, the salty and tangy Mediterranean mezze spread, this feta dip is fabulous with toasted pita or veggies.
Falafel

Making falafel is as easy as making meatballs, and you don’t even have to deep-fry!
Israeli Salad with Feta

Simple but packed with flavor, Israeli salad is a standard accompaniment to most Israeli meals, even breakfast!
Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a refreshing and good-for-you yogurt and cucumber dip. Serve it with pita, grilled meats, gyros, or just eat it with a spoon.
Hummus

This is the best homemade hummus recipe, and it’s easy to whip up with very few ingredients.
Middle Eastern Kofta

Made with fragrant spices, roasted nuts, herbs and aromatics, this lamb kofta will take your taste buds on a Middle Eastern adventure.
Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from smoky eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and spices.
Middle Eastern-Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs

These chicken kebabs marinated in a tangy blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic and spices are a huge crowd-pleaser. Make extra!
Epic Hummus Board

Get ready for ‘wows’ at your next party with this gorgeous and good-for-you hummus board with creamy hummus, fresh veggies, crispy chickpeas, and a garlicky yogurt sauce.
Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce is delicious drizzled onto meat, fish, falafel, or roasted vegetables. It can also be served as dip for fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.
Labneh

Labneh is a tangy Middle Eastern dairy spread made by straining yogurt to a creamy, cheese-like consistency, often garnished with olive oil and herbs and served as part of a mezze.