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    Home » Trending

    Too Bland? These 13 Middle Eastern Recipe Ideas Fix That

    Published: May 27, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Feeling like meals have been too bland lately? These 13 Middle East ideas fix that with bold spices, fresh herbs, and unique combinations. Each one brings exciting flavors that turn plain food into something unforgettable.

    Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

    Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Everyday rice can get boring, but Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle proves otherwise. This dish is loaded with texture, spice, and creaminess for a fresh spin.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

    Lamb Kofta Kebabs

    Lamb kofta kebabs on a wooden board with  fresh herbs and vegetables.
    Lamb Kofta Kebabs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Everyday ground meat can turn into something special with Lamb Kofta Kebabs. It’s all about the bold flavors mixed and shaped into a quick, hearty dish.
    Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

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    Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables)

    Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Tired of bland meals? Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables) is an easy way to add bold tangy flavors to your plate. A perfect accompaniment for almost any dish.
    Get the Recipe: Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables)

    Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

    Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Bland spice racks need a refresh, and Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe brings that warm, expert-level balance. Perfect for seasoning meats, veggies, and grains.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

    Fattoush Salad

    Overhead image of a Fattoush Salad in a white bowl.
    Fattoush Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

    Flat salads aren’t exciting until Fattoush Salad comes in with its crunch and fresh mix of flavors. The dressing makes it pop every single time.
    Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad

    Air Fryer Falafel

    Air Fryer Falafel. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Fried isn’t always better. With Air Fryer Falafel, the result is light, crispy, and full of Middle Eastern goodness without all the oil.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

    Kefta Kebabs

    Image shows kefta kebabs stacked on a white tray.
    Kefta Kebabs. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

    Plain ground meat just doesn’t cut it when Kefta Kebabs exist. Juicy and perfectly seasoned, these are shaped and cooked to become a flavor-packed treat.
    Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

    Persian Dill Rice

    Persian Dill Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Forget plain white rice. With Persian Dill Rice, those grains transform into an aromatic and herb-filled base for meals that are anything but boring.
    Get the Recipe: Persian Dill Rice

    Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

    Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
    Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Grilled chicken isn’t always exciting, but Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps make it convenient, flavorful, and perfect for a quick fix that tastes anything but basic.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

    Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

    Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
    Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Forget boring greens because Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad flips the script. Loaded with herbs and a bright kick, it’s anything but ordinary.
    Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

    Sweet Potato Hummus

    Overhead of sweet potato hummus.
    Sweet Potato Hummus. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Give basic dips an upgrade with Sweet Potato Hummus. Creamy, slightly sweet, and unique, it’s an unexpected yet satisfying change.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

    Harissa Vinaigrette

    A jar of harissa vinaigrette on a wooden cutting board.
    Harissa Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Ready to kick up a simple salad? Try Harissa Vinaigrette, a spicy twist that delivers heat with a smooth finish. Great for greens or grilled veggies alike.
    Get the Recipe: Harissa Vinaigrette

    Shawarma Kebabs

    A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
    Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

    No more boring skewers once Shawarma Kebabs hit the grill. Boldly seasoned and cooked to perfection, just one bite makes you forget plain options.
    Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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