Baklava Classic Honey-Walnut Baklava with Crisp Phyllo Layers Ingredients: For the baklava: 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup unsalted butter, melted For the syrup: 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 1/2 cup honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cinnamon stick 2 strips lemon peel Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix walnuts, pistachios, and cinnamon. Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the pan, brush with butter, and repeat until 8 layers are stacked. Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo. Add 4 more phyllo layers (buttering each), then another layer of nuts. Repeat until all nuts are used. Finish with 8 more phyllo sheets on top, buttering each. Cut the unbaked baklava into diamond or square shapes with a sharp knife. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and crisp. While baklava bakes, make the syrup. Combine sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Remove baklava from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let it cool completely and soak for several hours or overnight before serving. Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes + soaking time Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 24 pieces #baklava #greekdessert #middleeasternsweets #phyllodessert #honeywalnutbaklava #homemadedesserts #traditionalbaking #sweettooth #dessertrecipe #holidaydessert #easybaklava #crispphyllo #nutsandhoney #authenticbaklava #bakedtreats #classicdesserts #mediterraneanflavors #makeaheaddessert #dessertlover #sweettreat This classic Baklava is flaky, buttery, and dripping with honeyed syrup. A crunchy, sweet delight perfect for any celebration!

Zucchini and Tomato Soup Garden-Fresh Zucchini & Tomato Soup with Basil and Garlic Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 medium zucchinis, sliced 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped (or one 14-oz can of diced tomatoes) 3 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Directions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning. Stir in the zucchini and cook for 5–6 minutes, until lightly softened. Add tomatoes, broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until zucchini is tender and flavors are blended. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup (optional) for a thicker texture. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil just before serving. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired, and a slice of crusty bread. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #zucchinisoup #tomatosoup #vegetariansoup #summerrecipes #easydinners #healthycomfortfood #gardenfresh #basilrecipes #souprecipes #zucchinirecipes #homemadesoup #onepotmeals #lightlunch #meatlessmeals #lowcalrecipes #mediterraneanflavors #veggiesoup #zucchiniandtomato #herbydelight #quickweeknightdinner Zucchini + tomato = the summer soup you didn’t know you needed! Light, fresh, and full of flavor—this bowl is comfort food with a healthy twist.

Pasta Salad Zesty Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies and Herbed Vinaigrette Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) rotini or penne pasta 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cucumber, diced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until well coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #pastasalad #mediterraneanflavors #freshsalads #easymeals #fetaandveggies #quicklunch #makeaheadmeals #healthyrecipes #coldpasta #summerdishes #vegetarianfriendly #saladseason #mealprepideas #bbqside #partyfood #flavorfulsalads #pastaandveggies #lightlunch #refreshingsalad #easyentertaining This Zesty Mediterranean Pasta Salad is your new go-to side for summer BBQs and picnics! 🥒🍅🧅 So fresh, flavorful, and easy to make!

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skewers Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 4 cloves garlic, minced Zest and juice of 2 lemons 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before use) Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours for maximum flavor. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly. Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on edges. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Marinating Time: 1-3 hours | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating) Kcal: Approximately 250 kcal per serving Servings: 4 servings #chickenspiedini #lemonchicken #garlichicken #butterchicken #grilledchicken #chickenskewers #healthygrilling #easyrecipes #summergrilling #mealprep #mediterraneanflavors #lemonbutter #garliclover #homecooking #skewers #proteinpacked #deliciousmeals #familydinner #flavorfulchicken #quickmeals 🍋🔥 Grilled to perfection! These Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini are bursting with zesty, buttery flavors that’ll have you craving more. Perfect for summer grilling! 🍗✨

Grilled Chicken Skewers with Veggie Rice Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers Served Over Herbed Vegetable Rice Ingredients: For the Chicken Skewers: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste Wooden or metal skewers For the Veggie Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced 1/2 cup zucchini, diced 1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped 1/4 cup onion, diced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Directions: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes if using. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers 4–5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and char marks appear. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes. Add zucchini and cook another 2 minutes. Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute. Add broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve grilled chicken skewers over veggie rice and enjoy hot. Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time) | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 435 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #grilledchickenskewers #veggierice #summergrilling #easychickendinner #healthymeals #familyfriendlyrecipes #skewerrecipes #chickenandrice #grillseason #balancedmeals #dinnerideas #ricebowls #veggielovers #chickenlovers #mediterraneanflavors #grilledmeat #homecookedmeals #simpleanddelicious #colorfuldinners #glutenfreemeals Juicy grilled chicken skewers paired with veggie-packed rice = summer perfection on a plate! 🍗🌿🍚 Simple, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser every time!