Feta

Pastourma (also spelled basturma) is seasoned, cured beef.

Here, radicchio is paired with another member of the chicory family: frisée. With Sherry vinegar, feta, oranges, and Kalamatas, this salad has great Mediterranean flavor.

For a great vegetarian entrée, serve the vegetables on a bed of couscous.

Tamal "en cazuela" Combining pork shoulder, Sherry, and a classic Cuban marinade of garlic, cumin, and sour orange in a ropa vieja–like stew that gets tucked between corn-rich pastry, this hearty meal is ideal for a big family gathering. True, it takes some effort, but the good news is that you can break up the tasks and finish them ahead of time—leaving nothing to worry about except the reheating (and maybe the in-laws).

These newfangled burgers are stuffed with feta cheese. Pressing the center of the raw hamburger to form a slight indentation prevents the burger from puffing up in the center when cooking.

Fattoush is a Middle Eastern take on panzanella, Italian bread salad. In fact, rustic Italian bread is a good alternative to the pita.

Wishy-washy greens needn't apply: A gorgeously balanced symphony of peppery and bitter greens, cut with a lemony vinaigrette that makes the feta go creamy, and an occasional pop of sticky, sweet date, this is sure to become your go-to salad all summer long.

Mixing aromatic herbs like mint and basil with asparagus and peas creates a beautiful green dish. Salty feta sparks it up.

Contrasting textures — crunchy salad and creamy chickpeas spread over freshly grilled pita — make this vegetarian meal something truly special.

Yufka (Turkish pastry sheets) are sold at Middle Eastern markets and online at bestturkishfood.com. Phyllo pastry can also be used. Unlike in many recipes, the pastry here isn't brushed with butter.

Start with the first of three small plates (or mezes): this one, the cheese rolls, and the spinach. WHAT TO DRINK: Pour a crisp, dry rosé throughout the meal.

Treat your taste buds to meals that incorporate all six flavors, like this one from Teresa Long, in-house nutritionist at the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.

Protein-packed chickpeas and feta satisfy you for hours; bell pepper offers immunity-enhancing vitamin C.