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The Mediterranean Dish: 120 Bold and Healthy Recipes You'll Make on Repeat: A Mediterranean Cookbook

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The highly anticipated debut cookbook from the creator of The Mediterranean Dish website, with more than 120 recipes for bright and flavorful Mediterranean diet-inspired meals.

“I want to cook everything in this book! It’s not just beautiful—the recipes are fresh and exciting.”—Gina Homolka, New York Times bestselling author of the Skinnytaste cookbooks

What began as one of the first online Mediterranean food blogs has blossomed into the leading site for modern Mediterranean cooking and lifestyle with millions of readers—and now it is the inspiration for the long-awaited first cookbook from Suzy Karadsheh . In her cookbook, Suzy brings cross-culturally inspired dishes from throughout the Mediterranean into American home kitchens, using easy-to-find ingredients and easy-to-follow, tested-to-perfection recipes to make your meals more vibrant, delicious, and yes—even a little healthier, too!  
 
Born and raised by the sea in Port Said, Egypt, Suzy lived in Michigan and Des Moines with her family before moving to Atlanta, where she now lives. Her modern cooking reflects the rich and complex traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle East, from Greece and southern Spain to Jordan and Tunisia, as well as inspiration from her new Southern roots. Practical and weeknight-easy recipes Spanakopita Egg Muffins, Chicken Shawarma Bowls, Garlicky Spinach and Chickpea Soup with Lemon and Pecorino Romano, Roasted Asparagus Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil, Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Toasted Vermicelli and Pine Nuts, Orange-Cardamom Olive Oil Cake, and of course Homemade Pita Bread to serve with just about everything. 
 
Suzy’s winning combination of approachable instructions, reliable recipes, stunning photography, charming authentic stories, and simple assemblies is sure to thrill anyone hungry to eat healthier food that bursts with flavor and spice.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 13, 2022

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753 people want to read

About the author

Suzy Karadsheh

2 books15 followers

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5 stars
314 (52%)
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179 (30%)
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85 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha M..
111 reviews
October 15, 2022
Admittedly, there is a lot about Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food that mystifies me. Being a Southern California native, and having a lot of the spices and ingredients of this exotic and tantalizing food region at my fingertips with the selection of Middle Eastern markets in my area, I was excited to stumble upon The Mediterranean Dish to help guide me through the process of bringing these delightful scents to my home kitchen. So many of the choices in the book are things I would go for in takeout, because I thought they would be too complex to execute on my own. Am really glad to see that Suzy Karadsheh has made these recipes approachable and fun to make. I’ve received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
First of all, she introduces herself and leads through the pantry, which is a huge help. She even takes time to explain what a “pinch” or a “dash” truly equates to, especially depending on which type and grind of salt you may have on hand. She gives permission to play with what grabs your particular taste, and that freedom for wiggle-room means a lot. The recipe I had the most fun with was “Anytime Falafel” (p. 106) because I am huge fan and this turned out amazing, and I totally recommend her suggestion of replacing a couple pieces of falafel in scrambled eggs (like you’d place tater tots, etc)… SO good! Because I am a baker (formerly by trade), I wanted to whip up her “Orange-Cardamom Olive Oil Cake” (p.268). It is such a robust addition to evening after-dinner coffee, that is naturally sweet with or without the dusting of confectioners sugar. Very simple for a beginning baker, too. This is a great book to continue exploring the flavors of her home region, for varying ranges of skill in the kitchen.
Profile Image for Haley Stricker.
73 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2023
4.5! I LOVE this cookbook. It is really practical with simple ingredients, while pushing me to make things differently than I always do. I love the section on Mediterranean pantry staples and all of the everyday sauces at the end.

And she is right: za’atar on everything is a game changer.
786 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2023
I really appreciated that the vegetarian main dishes were separated from the other main dishes! Made it very easy to navigate, which recipes would actually be useful for us :)
Profile Image for Karlie B.
75 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2025
I normally don’t write reviews for cookbooks, however I picked this up from the library looking for something to make that aligns with the diet plan I’m on, and I’ve really been enjoying Mediterranean food lately. So many of these recipes follow my diet plan, however there are plenty of indulgent options as well. Looking forward to trying the recipes. I also enjoyed reading the blurbs about each recipe, why it was chosen, and occasionally the history behind those dishes.
Profile Image for Kim.
446 reviews13 followers
February 17, 2025
I so enjoyed reading the author’s heartwarming stories of growing up in Egypt, and the lovely introductions to each recipe. Since so many of the recipes appeal to me, I’ll return this to the library and order my own copy.
825 reviews
November 20, 2022
This book is a gem! I love reading about Egypt. But I haven't really had read much about its beautiful cuisine, than its famous pyramids and rich history. Suzy is voice is lyrical in her memories from Egypt and I'm so glad the western hemisphere has a place to her cuisine with this beautiful book! I love all the juicy salad recipes and specially one recipe that caught my mind is "Cheater's hawawshi pies". I want to make them soon (PS: And all the meaty dishes from that chapter!). I would pair hawahshi pies with orange and olive oil cake from chapter "After Dinner and in between". If there's anyone out there that loves middle eastern cuisine, this book is a must to have in your collection!
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Thank you so much for Clarkson Potter for the free book, for I have published this free and unbiased review in exchange.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,374 reviews30 followers
September 28, 2022
This is a great cookbook with lots of great recipes. I rate cookbooks by whether I want to try out the recipes or not. In this case practically all of them had me wanting to give them a try. I'm looking forward to seeing if they are as good as they sound.
Profile Image for Dave Bruno.
Author 1 book10 followers
December 29, 2025
Reddit recommended this one and I’m so glad they did. This book lays out its recipes simply and easily, even telling you how to make some of the spice mixtures. I’ve made a lot of really healthy and delicious dishes from this one.
Profile Image for Lacie.
101 reviews
March 4, 2024
So yummy 🤩 This one is going on my wishlist
Profile Image for Alyson Wills.
54 reviews
September 20, 2025
I read this through when I got it for Mother’s Day. After several months of trying recipes, I keep coming back to it for healthy, flavorful meals. Based on lean meats and veggies, with unique spice combos, lemons, olives, olive oil, nuts, etc. it challenges me to use things I have on hand in the pantry more creatively than I normally do. The recipes and easy and fresh. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Gina Zappa.
494 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2022
I want to eat everything in this book immediately! Like, why am I not eating all of these things right this minute? It's not right. I need to go home and meal prep some of the Spanakopita Egg Muffins (pg. 115) today, and I'm super excited about trying the Easy Preserved Lemons (pg. 285) since I've been wanting to make those for a while now. This was a great book and went straight into the Amazon cart once I was done looking at my copy from my library.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
212 reviews13 followers
October 10, 2024
This was an impulse buy, but it worked out. The day I got it I made the chicken schawarma, though not as part of a bowl as she suggests (I did it as part of a pita sandwich with tzatziki, tomatoes, lettuce, lemon tahini, and pepperoncini). I was surprised by how easy it was, and it was absolutely delicious. I made 4 chicken thighs, and my 7yo ate two of them (though he didn't eat anything else).

I'll update this review when I make more recipes. Here are some thoughts based on a thorough perusal:

- Many of the salads in the mezze section are things you can easily think of yourself and don't need a cookbook to tell you about it. This is becoming a pet peeve of mine, I think. I get that they have to fill the section but for me, it seems preferable to have a much smaller section of interesting recipes than a bigger section full of fluff. One example of this is the "mid-summer tomato and peach panzanella." I think we all know how to make this type of salad, with tomatoes, peaches, fresh mozzarella, and herbs. Another example is the "greek horiatiki salad" (there are no capital letters in the titles so I'm just adhering to the convention in the book). This salad is...a Greek salad. It's just a Greek salad. I don't think we need it taking up space. A solution if they want to keep these salads in here would be to have a page listing different types of salads with their basic ingredients and the variations on them. That way, we could skim and remind ourselves that a Greek salad contains tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta, and oregano, but without the patronizing recipe attached.

- I love the recipes for basic things, like labneh and falafel, as well as the section on sauces, pickles, and extras "to jazz up the meal." It's stuff you can use with lots of the recipes in the book (and many others).

- Stuff that looks interesting to try includes spanakopita egg muffins, sweet and nutty couscous in milk, mama's citrus carrot-jam, harissa/red lentil/tomato soup, frothy mint limonada, umm ali, orange-cardamom-olive oil cake (which I've made a thousand variations of but am more than willing to try another), and lemon cheesecake with pistachio-walnut crust.
Profile Image for Melinda Thomas.
24 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
A gorgeous book - high quality paper, spectacular photos, yummy-looking food… I’ve only made a couple of the recipes so far (and they came out great!).

Suzy’s personality shines through on every page and inspires me to try new flavors, new concoctions, as well as travel to new (Mediterranean) locations.

I have two small quibbles with the book. First, it’s too pretty. I don’t know about you, but when I’m cooking, my cookbook gets pretty “decorated,” heh. I don’t want to bring this book into the kitchen while I cook because I respect it too much!

The only other problem I have with this book is the amount of olive oil that gets poured into everything. I’m watching my calories and yes, I know olive oil is good for me, but Suzy uses a LOT. It’s really a minor concern, because I use the amount of oil I want, the dish(es) come(s) out the way I want them to, so ultimately all is well. It just creates a momentary pause each time so I can figure out how much oil I really want in each dish. Like I said, a very minor consideration.

Bottom line, if you are interested in cooking tasty Mediterranean-style dishes at home, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better jumping-off point than this gorgeous book.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,156 reviews62 followers
August 18, 2024
This is an irresistible cookbook with beautiful, mouthwatering photos and an engaging writing style. Almost all of the recipes looked easy enough for most motivated cooks, whether beginners or advanced. I marked several that I’d like to try.

This is author/blogger Suzy Karadsheh’s first cookbook, but she’s been sharing recipes with readers on her popular website www.themediterraneandish.com for several years. In this cookbook she adds a sweet autobiographical introduction describing her food background and cultural history, and throughout the book we learn more about her and her family through her charming stories.

The book is straightforwardly organized and easy to navigate with both a Table of Contents and an Index. The spices and Mediterranean ingredients are clearly explained, with many meatless recipes, seafood, breakfasts, meats, desserts, sauces and “extras” – almost all with accompanying gorgeous photos.

Whether or not you are familiar with Mediterranean cooking, if you like to cook or just want to enjoy the inspirational photos, this is a book you’ll want to spend some time with.
Profile Image for Reading Fool.
1,098 reviews
September 14, 2022
The author, Suzy Karadsheh, grew up in Egypt and now lives in America (in Atlanta). She is the creator of The Mediterranean Dish website, which I have always enjoyed, so I was excited about this publication. I always appreciate the introduction of any ethnic cookbook because it often gives me a primer on the culture's diet, spices and herbs, and influences. This one did not disappoint and was very educational. The recipes here are easy to understand and follow, and the photos are gorgeous. I have tried a few recipes, all successfully (my friends and family enjoyed them and had seconds!). One standout was Sheet Pan Smoky Chicken, Chickpeas, and Carrots - so good that I prepared it for my husband and myself, loved it, then cooked it for company soon after. They loved it, too. I even made the Orange-Cardamom-Olive Oil Cake for dessert. Also a winner. These are very user-friendly recipes that a home cook at any level will appreciate. I've received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Jodi.
28 reviews13 followers
January 5, 2023
The author gained credibility to me when she said you need to de-skin your chickpeas before making hummus. I figured out that myself but never have seen that echoed anywhere. It makes a huge difference to texture and flavor (the skins are bitter).

Otherwise, every recipe I have tried has been a huge success. The savory feta and the kofta and potatoes are my favorites so far. I've followed true to recipe. Recipes are easy to follow and the seasoning / spice amounts and cook time have been spot on. There are a handful of unusual ingredients if you aren't used to Mediterranean cooking (harrissa paste, a couple spices) but they are easy to find if you are in a city or order online, and they are not featured in every recipe so you can do without. Most recipes are accompanied by beautiful photos (true to the dish) and are accessible to a home cook.

The one negative is for a healthy cookbook, she doesn't have the calories / nutrient breakdown per serving. I've done them myself and have always been impressed so would have been a nice feature.
Profile Image for Lene Kretschz.
176 reviews
September 14, 2022
An excellent cookbook and a must-have for any readers of Suzy Karadsheh's food blog, The Mediterranean Dish. This beautifully produced, colourful, and well-organized cookbook is full of appealing recipes that range from traditional (Matbucha, Fasolia, Makhlouta) to transformative (Tomato Peach Panzanella Salad, Za'atar Sweet Potato and Chickpea Breakfast Hash, Lemony Dukkah-Crusted Sea Bass with Smashed Peas), nearly all of which are healthy and relatively light, emphasizing fresh ingredients and bright flavours. A helpful pantry guide and thorough index make using the cookbook very easy and Karadsheh's chatty, approachable writing style make it a pleasure to read. I'm really glad I preordered this and it's going to sit nicely alongside my beloved Claudia Roden cookbooks.
976 reviews15 followers
September 20, 2022
I had not heard of this author's blog when I received this cookbook. I love Mediterranean food; so, I was excited when the book arrived in the mail. The cover is eye-catching. The photographs of the dishes throughout the book are gorgeous and drool worthy. I couldn't possibly choose some favorite recipes as there are so many healthful, wholesome, easy to prepare recipes. I loved reading about how her food blog came about. I now subscribe to her blog. I find the contents section very helpful in finding the kind of recipe I want to prepare. I like the introductions to each of the recipes. With the number of recipes that I'll be preparing, this cookbook may become my number one go to cookbook. I've received a free copy from Clarkson Potter in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Catlin.
13 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2025
Everything I have cooked from this book has been incredible. The Everyday Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Dad's Salad "Whisky" is fresh, delicious, and has a delightful story. I particularly love the Charred Chicken Thighs with Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce. I've made it several times, including for family and a picky eater who loved the chicken (no sauce for him). It also comes with a great story.

I've cooked lots of Mediterranean food, but the spice mixes in this book are deeper and more unique than other Mediterranean cookbooks and sites that I've tried. Suzy's Egyptian perspective lends a fresh spin to this cuisine.

I'm looking forward to continuing to learn new dishes and techniques from this book.
Profile Image for Kara Sorensen.
149 reviews8 followers
June 27, 2023
This is my new favorite cookbook. I actually found the author's website first and was printing so many of the recipes that I figured I might as well check out the book. I'm so glad I did. With gorgeous pictures, easy to follow instructions and simple, flavorful recipes, what's not to love? I appreciate that most of the ingredients needed are things that I already have in my pantry and for the ones that I don't (where has Sumac been all my life?), there's a shopping list and discussion on choosing the right ones. It's only been four days, but I've already made the Hummus, Everyday Cucumber Salad, Falafel, Chicken Schwarma and Pita Bread. I look forward to many more!
Profile Image for Sharon.
259 reviews
July 15, 2024
Giving it one more star because the layout is lovely and I like the idea of this book.
I only cooked 2 recipes and I’d make neither again. The chicken dish was over salted (and peppered), although I’ll admit that may have been partially through operator error. There was a broth, some vegetables and the chicken all cooked in a skillet and each step of the way has you sprinkling salt and pepper often without an exact amount given. Flavor might have been interesting but I mostly was hit with too much salt and pepper.
The other one, falafel, was pretty good but not worth the amount of prep time for my lifestyle.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
147 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2024
This is my new favorite Mediterranean cookbook! I've made many of the recipes so far, and they were all fresh, flavorful, and delicious! Definitely a keeper! The Greek Horatiki Salad has been my summer go-to recipe. Everyone raves about it! I highly recommend visiting the book's website as well for tons of how-to videos, extra tips/tricks, and shop for the difficult-to-find Mediterranean spices. I purchased a combo pack of spices along with olive oil from the site, and everything was excellent quality and really enhanced the dishes!
Profile Image for JODY.
17 reviews
August 14, 2024
Thee best and ONLY Mediterranean cookbook you will ever need!! So far, we have cooked about 60% of the recipes in this book and every.single.one has been off the charts amazing! Recipes are easy to follow and every ingredient we have used, we were able to find at our local supermarket. Also, I don’t know if it’s a fluke or not, but the first 2 weeks I had this cookbook and ate exclusively, meals prepared from it…I lost 8 pounds (without working out)!! Mediterranean Food…Where Have You Been All My Life!!
Profile Image for Cheryl Gibbs.
35 reviews
January 7, 2024
I have been following Suzy for several years now and am signed up to her email list where she sends out recipes on a regular basis. I was elated to find out she had put a book relating to the recipes I've been receiving. The Mediterranean Dish features the basics of a Mediterranean Diet and so much more. Who know eating healthy could be so enjoyable. The recipes and photos in this book are intoxicating for a cookbook junkie like myself.
Profile Image for T.
1,028 reviews8 followers
October 8, 2022
I love Suzy’s website so I was thrilled to discover she FINALLY published a cookbook. I was also thrilled to get my hands on a copy of said cookbook from my library and I will be purchasing a copy of my own. Suzy’s recipes are usually winners - and Mediterranean cuisine is my favorite to both cook and eat.
Profile Image for Haley S.
33 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2023
I LOVE this cookbook! I recently bought this cookbook, and now I’m on a major Mediterranean food kick. I’ve been referring to this book every week when I meal plan. I love how Suzy breaks down the recipe and gives interesting insights about the food you’re cooking. She has such a great spirit. And the book is absolutely beautiful.
Profile Image for erin iocco.
156 reviews
January 18, 2025
So many simple and delicious Mediterranean meals that I turn to over and over again. This is one of my most used cookbooks. The basic Greek salad recipe has become my everyday salad and the lentil soup is on rotation in my house all winter. Almost everything is gluten free or can easily be made gluten free which I appreciate as well.
Profile Image for Tina.
69 reviews
August 25, 2025
This book really helped me understand Mediterranean cooking and I’m excited to try the dishes. She has a website where you can order spices that are hard to find. She also explains how to choose good olive oil, so I learned that too. And choosing proper feta. My mind is swirling with recipes and the foods and spices combine. Excited to try the recipes
Profile Image for Steve Clark.
Author 1 book
December 22, 2025
If you like good food and like to cook. This is a winner. It especially wins if you like Mediterranean food: fish, pasta, olives, dates, spices, lamb, etc.

The cooking is very doable for Americans, except that sometimes spices, like sumac, can be a bit hard to find. If you have trouble, try Googling the spice and buy online.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,270 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2022
It’s full of nice recipes and most have an accompanying photo. If you’re looking for shawarma wrap or gyro recipes, you’ll be a bit disappointed. I’m looking forward to making the hummus, falafel, fresh pita, a few appetizers and several of the vegetarian/vegan recipes.
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