The Mediterranean diet is widely known to have numerous health benefits. It’s a way of eating that’s rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts.
By following a Mediterranean diet, you can lower your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Here are 30 healthy Mediterranean recipes to get you started on this delicious and nutritious way of eating.
1. Greek Salad
This classic salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese, all drizzled with a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.
2. Baba Ghanoush
This creamy dip is made from roasted eggplants, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It’s perfect for dipping pita bread or vegetables.
3. Ratatouille
This French vegetable stew is made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a great way to use up summer vegetables.
4. Lentil Soup
This hearty soup is made with lentils, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a great source of protein and fiber.
5. Grilled Fish
Fish is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Try grilling a filet of salmon, trout, or sea bass and serving it with a side of vegetables.
6. Lemon Chicken
This simple dish is made with chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. It’s a great option for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
7. Tzatziki
This refreshing dip is made from Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and lemon juice. It’s perfect for serving with grilled meats or vegetables.
8. Chickpea Salad
This salad is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs, all tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing.
9. Shrimp and Feta
This dish is made with sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese. It’s delicious served over a bed of couscous or quinoa.
10. Greek Yogurt Parfait
This breakfast or snack option is made with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
11. Hummus
This creamy dip is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It’s perfect for dipping pita bread or vegetables.
12. Stuffed Tomatoes
This vegetarian dish is made with ripe tomatoes, rice, herbs, and feta cheese. It’s a great option for a light dinner or lunch.
13. Olive Tapenade
This flavorful spread is made from olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil. It’s perfect for serving with crostini or crackers.
14. Quinoa Salad
This salad is made with quinoa, cucumber, red onion, tomato, and herbs, all tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing.
15. Baked Greek Shrimp
This dish is made with baked shrimp, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs. It’s a great option for a quick and easy dinner.
16. Artichoke and Olive Pasta
This pasta dish is made with artichoke hearts, olives, garlic, and herbs, all tossed in a rich olive oil and tomato sauce.
17. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
These chicken skewers are marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled for a delicious Mediterranean flavor.
18. Tuna Salad
This salad is made with canned tuna, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and a lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s a great source of protein and healthy fats.
19. Greek Frittata
This frittata is made with eggs, spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. It’s a great option for a healthy breakfast or brunch.
20. Roasted Vegetable Pita
This vegetarian pita is stuffed with roasted vegetables, hummus, and feta cheese. It’s a great option for a quick and easy lunch.
21. Greek-style Baked Fish
This fish dish is marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese on top.
22. Greek Spinach and Feta Pie
This savory pie is made with phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. It’s a great option for a light dinner or lunch.
23. Falafel
These fried chickpea balls are served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce. They’re a popular street food in the Mediterranean region.
24. Greek-style Lamb Chops
These tender lamb chops are marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
25. Greek Egg Salad
This salad is made with boiled eggs, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and a lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s a great option for a healthy lunch or snack.
26. Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are made with ground beef, rice, and herbs, then baked with a tomato and olive oil sauce.
27. Greek-style Yogurt Chicken
This chicken dish is marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection.
28. Greek-style Tomato and Cucumber Salad
This simple salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.
29. Chickpea and Spinach Stew
This hearty stew is made with chickpeas, spinach, and herbs. It’s a great option for a vegetarian dinner.
30. Grilled Halloumi Salad
This salad is made with grilled halloumi cheese, vegetables, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. It’s a great option for a light and healthy lunch.