15+ Christmas recipes from the Mediterranean Cuisine

Amidst an avalanche of kids’ performances and business parties to attend, hundreds of to-do bullets to cross off your planner, ridiculously long shopping lists to go through, and the aftermath of Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas & New Year’s dinners can be a tad intimidating—and that’s an understatement! So wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could find a good dose of inspiration, great suggestions & ideas, versatile, original, tried & true recipes for appetizers, sides, main courses, and desserts, anything you might need around and about a holiday table, whether you’re hosting a big party or a simple family dinner, all in one good post? Well, here it is! A great collection of carefully curated recipes to make planning for your Christmas dinner a whole lot easier.

Even if you’re not in a “Falalalala lala lala” mood at this stage in your life—or have just always really hated Christmas—I think we can all agree that even the grumpiest of grumps can appreciate a good (festive) meal. Put on your Grinch face if you have to, and just scroll:

Αααχ, οι γιορτές! Μια χιονοστιβάδα από σχολικές παραστάσεις, πάρτι, δεκάδες υποχρεώσεις στην ατζέντα σας και γελοιωδώς μεγάλες λίστες για ψώνια. Μέσα σε όλο τον κακό χαμό, το τραπέζι των Χριστουγέννων & της Πρωτοχρονιάς ίσως είναι το τελευταίο πράγμα που θέλετε να αναλάβετε. Ακόμα και η αναζήτηση ιδεών στο διαδίκτυο μπορεί να αποδειχθεί χρονοβόρα – εκτός και αν είναι όλες μαζεμένες σε μια σελίδα! Όπως εδώ!

Πάρτε μια βαθιά αναπνοή και φτιάξτε μια κούπα ζεστή σοκολάτα. Ανατρέξτε στις κατηγορίες, έχω διαμορφώσει τις εξής:

Σημειώστε τις συνταγές που σας αρέσουν (με ένα κλικ σε κάθε φωτογραφία θα μεταφερθείτε κατευθείαν στην αντίστοιχη συνταγή – τις περισσότερες θα τις βρείτε έτοιμες στα ελληνικά αλλιώς ο μεταφραστής του browser σας μπορεί να σας λύσει τα χέρια). Συνθέστε το δικό σας μενού και ψωνίστε τις προμήθειες σας από νωρίς – εκτός από τα ευπαθή προϊόντα και υλικά. Έχετε βρεί μια καλή δόση έμπνευσης, ένα ευέλικτο και πρωτότυπο μενού με δοκιμασμένες, απλές συνταγές και είστε πανέτοιμοι/ες για το γιορτινό τραπέζι, είτε πρόκειται για ένα μεγάλο πάρτυ είτε για ένα απλό οικογενειακό δείπνο. Παρακαλώ, δεν κάνει τίποτα!

15+ Christmas recipes from the Mediterranean Cuisine

“The mulled wine spice mix can be added to wine or other hot drinks, and it is perhaps the best way to relax & enjoy a cold winter night. It is also a wonderful, festive gift!” —Evi Skoura @The Healthy Cook

“I think there is no better way to celebrate with your friends and family than with a warm, inviting cup of chocolate.”—Katerina Delidimou @Culinary Flavors

“The sweet chilly & tomato jam is never missing from my fridge. It is perfect on a cheese platter. Labneh is a delectable & alternative way to enjoy yogurt. The yogurt cheese balls are very tasty and healthy!” —Evi Skoura @The Healthy Cook

“The chestnut pumpkin soup is a creamy sweet & savory soup, perfect for cold winter days. Comfort food at its finest!” —Eleni Anagnostopoulou @My Easy Gourmet

“I present you with an Aglio e Olio Pasta With Broccoli Rabe & Roasted Tomatoes. I like it because it’s festive, perfect for a crowd, and super tasty. Merry Christmas from my family to yours!” —Gina Martino Zarcadoolas @Foodie WineLover

“Christmas is a magical time in Greece, and baked goods from savory to sweet are made to be enjoyed with family & friends. Rest assured, they will completely devour these buttery traditional Cheese Puffs!” —Didi Dalaba @didicoffeegirl – Just a Pinch Recipes

“The pork roast is straightforward and delicious. Just be careful to crisp the rind nicely; it needs some tender love and care. The beetroot salad has been a huge hit on festive tables; crunchy and crisp, it complements the roast perfectly.” —Eugenia Makrogianneli @Eat Yourself Greek

“The salmon salad with asparagus is an impressive opening for any festive dinner, although it can also be served alone as a light meal. The main course of salmon with potatoes, roasted garlic, and tarragon sauce may take a while to prepare, but believe me, it’s worth it!” —Evi Skoura @The Healthy Cook

“The super-food salad needs a semi-hard smoked cheese. I used ladotyri, but pecorino is a good alternative. The crispy leek risotto recipe simultaneously calls for a side project, but it’s worth trying! Remember to set aside some leek and pomegranate seeds for decoration. Enjoy.” —Eleni Anagnostopoulou @My Easy Gourmet

“The white chocolate & pistachio parfait may seem hard to make, but it is not! Its delicious flavor will be the perfect ending note for your festive dinner.” —Evi Skoura @The Healthy Cook

“‘Diples are delicious dough sweets, bathed in honey & drizzled with cinnamon, we all enjoy during Christmas. They are so addictive, you cannot possibly eat just one!” —Katerina Delidimou @Culinary Flavors

“Kourabiedes are traditional Christmas sweets that you can find in any Greek home during the Holidays.” —Katerina Delidimou @Culinary Flavors

*photos (in order of appearance) courtesy of The Healthy Cook, Culinary Flavors, My Easy Gourmet, Foodie WineLover, Didi Dalaba & Eat Yourself Greek