If you are looking for the best most creative Mediterranean diet recipes on the internet, look no further! The Mediterranean diet has been voted the best diet in the world for 7 straight years, and for good reason! It emphasizes eating a variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal, incorporating whole grains into your diet, and limiting meats and processed foods. Nothing is officially off-limits, but healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes are encouraged! These super creative Mediterranean diet recipes do just that!
Mediterranean Diet Recipes For Weight Loss
The Mediterranean diet promotes weight loss due to its emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, which are filling yet lower in calories compared to processed foods. Additionally, its focus on olive oil, nuts, and fish provides essential fats that support satiety and overall metabolic health, contributing to sustainable weight management.
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Want to understand more about why the Mediterranean diet might be right for you, even when everything else that you have tried has failed? Our free guide will give you a practical overview of this incredible lifestyle, along with a full Mediterranean diet shopping list, practical advice for sustaining the lifestyle, recipes, and new evidence-based research!
Sardinian Minestrone Soup With Canned Beans
Sardinian minestrone soup gained popularity thanks to the captivating Netflix documentary ‘Live to 100, Secrets of the Blue Zones’. This soup is made up of a variety of hearty, nutritious seasonal vegetables, beans, and spices, making it both delicious and extremely healthy. It’s incredibly versatile, and in this particular Sardinian minestrone recipe, we save time and effort by using canned beans!
Roasted Beets and Carrots with Lemon Tahini Sauce
In this roasted beets and carrots recipe, we drizzle the root vegetables with a lemon tahini dressing and add a dollop of cucumber yogurt on top. Serve it over your favorite whole grain for a super healthy and delicious vegetarian dinner, packed with bright and balanced flavors!
Shrimp and Quinoa Buddha Bowl
Buddha bowls, frequently referred to as grain bowls, are a versatile and healthy dish that can be made with almost any produce and grains you have on hand. In this recipe we combine seared shrimp, arugula, brown rice and quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado with a simple pesto dressing. It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option as a lunch or Mediterranean diet dinner recipe!
Blanched Asparagus Salad with Mint Gremolata
In this quick and super healthy recipe, we blanch asparagus and radishes in hot water followed by an ice bath. While the refreshing asparagus salad chills, we prepare a zesty citrus and herb mint gremolata with marinated artichoke hearts. Ready in just 15 minutes, this veggie side dish can be served alongside your favorite protein for a full meal!
7 Ingredient Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs
Marinated in herbs and citrus, chicken and crisp vegetables are grilled on kabobs and drizzled with a lemon dill yogurt sauce. The best part is that this recipe only requires only 7 ingredients to make!
Mediterranean Chopped Sandwich with Homemade Ranch
Chopped sandwiches are all the rage, and we’re all in! In this Mediterranean chopped sandwich recipe, we mix marinated artichokes, olives, peppers, kale, and a variety of other healthy vegetables with a homemade ranch Greek yogurt dressing. Every bite is packed with delicious flavor, and it’s surprisingly quick to make!
Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse
This easy Greek yogurt chocolate mousse recipe is both satisfying and guilt-free! With 13 grams of protein per serving and gut-healthy probiotics, it’s a nutritious and filling Mediterranean diet dessert recipe. It comes together quickly, using the microwave instead of a double boiler to melt the chocolate, saving time and dishes.
Mediterranean Cod With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta
This Mediterranean cod recipe, inspired by Greek cuisine, is a simple and healthy fish dinner that the whole family will enjoy. The cherry tomatoes and olives become incredibly flavorful after simmering in a white wine and lemon sauce, bursting with sweet and tangy notes. Topped with feta cheese, this dish makes for a healthy and quick weeknight meal. Fish is a staple in the Mediterranean diet because it provides high-quality protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals that support heart health.
Roasted Butternut Squash Steaks
These roasted butternut squash steaks, coated in a sweet and robust spice blend, are roasted to perfection and topped with yogurt and pistachios, making them an ideal plant-based dinner option for Mediterranean diet enthusiasts.
Hummus Recipe Without Tahini
You are going to love this creamy hummus recipe without tahini, especially if you’re like me and rarely have fresh tahini on hand. Instead of traditional tahini, we use a common pantry staple – peanut butter! Peanut butter is more readily available, making it a convenient substitute. We balance the nuttiness of the peanut butter with bright citrus and mint flavors, creating a delicious and easy hummus, which is a Mediterranean diet staple.
Curried Broccoli Stem Soup
Curried broccoli stem soup is a smart way to use those often-overlooked broccoli stems, reducing waste and saving money! Warm curry spices give the soup a flavorful kick, making it both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal!
Mango Cucumber Salad
If you are looking for a five-minute lunch idea, this mango cucumber salad with lemon honey dressing is a delicious and healthy option! With just a little bit of chopping and mixing, you will have a no-bake lunch ready in no time. Eat it by itself or serve it as a side salad!
Slow Cooker Salmon With Olives, Tomatoes, and Lemony Quinoa
This slow-cooker salmon recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest fish dishes you’ll ever make! Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours before adding quinoa to soak up all the lemony broth. It’s incredibly healthy and a great way to incorporate more fish into your diet.
Greek Layered Dip
This Greek layered dip is a fantastic Mediterranean diet appetizer or snack because it’s both healthy and incredibly easy to make. In just 5 minutes, you can create a delicious and nutritious dish by layering hummus and tzatziki on a platter, then topping it with chopped vegetables and feta.
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
This recipe for roasted broccoli and carrots with honey Dijon dressing is a flavorful and healthy side dish. The honey and Dijon mustard add a sweet and savory element, while paprika and cumin provide a smoky warmth. Simply roast the vegetables and drizzle with the dressing for a delicious combination. Perfect as a side for baked chicken or salmon, or even as a snack. The recipe uses fresh ingredients and offers storage tips for leftovers.
One Skillet Shrimp and Orzo
You only need one skillet to prepare this flavorful shrimp and orzo dinner, featuring buttery shiitake mushrooms and tangy kalamata olives! It’s simple to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and satisfyingly filling. Trust me, this dish promises to be one of the best shrimp dinners you’ll ever taste!
Roasted Veggie Wrap
This roasted veggie wrap is packed with savory roasted vegetables, creamy hummus, fresh greens, and buttery cheese, making it a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. Simply roast the vegetables on a baking sheet, then layer them with the other ingredients on a wrap. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Quinoa
This slow-cooker lemon chicken recipe is bright, light, and easy to make entirely in the crockpot! We add quinoa at the end to soak up the garlicky-lemony chicken broth, creating the perfect base for this delicious and nutritious dinner. No pan-searing is needed, and it only takes 5 minutes to prep!
Vegetarian Stuffed Tomatoes
In this vegetarian stuffed tomatoes recipe, large juicy beefsteak tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with healthy vegetables and couscous! Versatile and customizable, you can use different vegetables and grains or pastas to suit your taste. Encouraging vegetarian meals aligns with the Mediterranean diet’s focus on plant-based foods, making this quick, healthy, and an absolutely delicious dish, perfect for any meal.
Matcha Overnight Oats
If you’re looking for a healthy, antioxidant-rich breakfast that’s easy to make, try matcha overnight oats! This recipe combines the flavor of matcha with bright citrusy lemon and sweet honey. It comes together in just minutes and can be made ahead of time, keeping in the fridge for up to four days.
Super Simple Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl
Roasted sweet potatoes are combined with greens, quinoa, and fresh vegetables in this simple sweet potato quinoa bowl. Use whatever you have in your refrigerator, making this recipe versatile and perfect for a healthy lunch or quick dinner!
Raspberry Blueberry Chia Pudding
Raspberry and blueberry chia seed pudding is one of the easiest healthy breakfast recipes! Frozen fruit is blended, and omega-3-rich chia seeds are soaked in the mixture overnight. It’s that simple! The recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare (though the chia seeds need time to soak), and there are many variations you can try.
Creamy Mushrooms in Goat Cheese Sauce
In this delicious and simple dish, earthy mushrooms are smothered in a herby melted goat cheese sauce. You can spoon it over chicken, serve it as a mushroom side dish, or pour it over pasta for a savory dinner. It’s ready in about 20 minutes and reheats easily, making it a great option to bring to a gathering!
Vegetable Frittata
This vegetable frittata recipe is packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese, aligning with the diet’s emphasis on plant-based ingredients and healthy fats. Its combination of fluffy eggs and nutritious vegetables makes this frittata a delicious and easy-to-make meal, perfect for any time of the day.
Shredded Parmesan Crusted Cod
This baked Parmesan-crusted cod recipe features heart-healthy fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and incorporates a flavorful, crispy Parmesan coating that adds a satisfying crunch without extra carbs. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish encourages the consumption of more fish, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, while making use of leftover Parmesan cheese.
Broccoli Feta Soup with Almonds
This broccoli feta soup with almonds is an excellent Mediterranean diet recipe because it’s loaded with vitamins, plant-based protein, and healthy fats from the almonds. Despite its simplicity, this soup offers a delicious, flavorful way to enjoy nutrient-rich ingredients that are staples of the Mediterranean diet.
Harissa Vinaigrette
Harissa is used in the Mediterranean as a versatile condiment, marinade, and flavor enhancer for meats, vegetables, soups, stews, and grain dishes, adding a spicy and aromatic depth to various recipes. Harissa vinaigrette can be used to add a spicy kick to salads, drizzled over roasted vegetables, as a marinade for meats and seafood, or as a flavorful dressing for grain bowls and sandwiches.
Rosemary Roasted Chickpeas and Walnuts
Crispy chickpeas and toasted walnuts are tossed with a sweet and woodsy rosemary mixture, making them a perfect addition to any grazing or mezze board. They can also be added to salads and grain bowls for extra protein and healthy fat, or simply enjoyed as a delicious Mediterranean diet snack on their own!
Barley Salad with Lemon Gravy
This barley salad recipe is Mediterranean diet friendly because it features heart-healthy toasted walnuts, nutrient-rich mushrooms, and whole-grain barley, all brought together with warm spices and a tangy lemon gravy. The addition of bright pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley not only enhances its flavor, but it also adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants!
Poblano Corn Chowder
This creamy poblano corn chowder is delightfully bright, featuring tangy lime, a hint of spice from the poblanos, and rich creaminess from feta cheese. Made with almost all whole foods, it’s a super healthy recipe that comes together in just over half an hour!
Mediterranean Baked Fish Tacos
These Mediterranean-style baked fish tacos make a great, nutritious addition to your weekly dinner rotation! Tender white fish, seasoned with oregano and spices, is baked and topped with a refreshing balsamic cucumber tomato salad and a zesty lemon garlic Greek yogurt taco sauce. This quick dish is ready in about 20 minutes, offering a vibrant and fresh way to enjoy seasonal local produce and fish.
Crockpot Lemon Chicken
Crockpot lemon chicken is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that will amaze you with its flavor and simplicity! Slow-cooked in a tangy lemon gravy, the chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of healthy sides. This recipe is dairy-free, using no butter, and can be made with either chicken thighs or chicken breasts for a versatile, delicious meal.
Blueberry Strawberry Ricotta Toast
This quick and delicious toast recipe is the perfect way to kickstart your day! Sweet and juicy berries are paired with creamy ricotta cheese and topped with fresh, peppery basil. Using whole grain or sourdough bread makes this recipe Mediterranean diet friendly, as these breads provide more fiber, nutrients, and have a lower glycemic index compared to refined grains.
Spinach Salad with Asparagus, Feta, and Mushroom Bacon
If you’re craving a truly delicious salad, look no further than this spinach salad with asparagus, feta, and mushroom bacon! Simple ingredients combine to create complex flavors—crumbly feta, vibrant asparagus, smoky mushroom bacon, and crunchy toasted almonds—making this vegetarian dish a satisfying choice for any meal!
Anti Inflammatory Smoothie
This anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe blends superfoods like cherries and flaxseed with nutritious strawberries and pineapple for a delicious, inflammation-fighting drink. With minimal prep, this pineapple cherry smoothie is an excellent choice for a quick and healthy anti-inflammatory breakfast or snack.
Sheet Pan Hummus Chicken and Veggies
Check out this easy sheet pan dinner! Chicken breasts are coated in garlicky hummus, a popular Mediterranean staple, and placed on a sheet pan with chopped zucchini and red onion. It honestly doesn’t get much easier than that! With only about 10 minutes of preparation (if that), sheet pan hummus chicken and veggies is sure to become your new favorite lazy dinner recipe!
5-Minute Vegan Sundried Tomato Pesto
Different from traditional pesto, this bright red condiment known as ‘pesto rosso’ is chunkier, more flavorful, and less drippy. It can be easily served as a dip with crackers, a sauce for pasta, or even as the base for a pesto-inspired bruschetta! I make this recipe all the time because it only takes 5 minutes to make and the flavor is out of this world.
7 Ingredient Eggplant Pasta
This easy roasted eggplant pasta recipe features tender eggplant, olives, and artichoke hearts baked to perfection, then tossed with your favorite pasta and a zesty olive oil and vinegar dressing. It’s quick to prepare, and the hearty, meaty texture of the roasted eggplant makes it an excellent choice for a satisfying vegetarian dinner any night of the week!
Mediterranean Baked Cod
This Mediterranean baked cod recipe features golden cod fish baked in a large skillet with green olives, red onion, tomatoes, and parsley, topped with creamy feta cheese. It’s a simple and delicious dish that’s both healthy and colorful, ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes!
Greek Lemon Soup with Chickpeas
Add a ray of sunshine to your day with this comforting Greek lemon soup with chickpeas! Packed with nutritious ingredients that enhance its delicious flavor, this soup is both vegan and Mediterranean diet-friendly. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome meal!
One Pot Chicken and Lentil Stew
This one-pot chicken and lentil stew is a light and healthy meal bursting with creamy, zesty deliciousness! The chicken is marinated in a blend of nutritious, anti-inflammatory spices, yogurt, and tangy orange juice, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
Baked Feta Pita Chips
This feta baked pita chips recipe combines tangy feta cheese with creamy Greek yogurt and aromatic flavors, spread over pita bread and baked briefly. The sauce can be prepared in advance, and baking takes just 10 minutes, creating a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack. My kids love this recipe and I’m sure yours will too!
Easy Shakshuka
You can’t share Mediterranean diet recipes without sharing a good shakshuka recipe! Shakshuka features nutrient-dense ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, and eggs, providing a flavorful and protein-rich dish that aligns with the diet’s emphasis on fresh vegetables and lean proteins.
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
Sheet pan recipes make dinner SO much easier, and this Greek chicken thighs and vegetables recipe is quick, healthy, and delicious!
Tomato Orzo Soup with Chicken
This tomato orzo soup with chicken is both delicious and comforting, made easily and packed with heartiness. Nutrient-dense kale is added at the end for an antioxidant boost, while chicken breast provides protein, and onions and carrots add to the wholesome base. Altogether, it’s a soup that deserves to be enjoyed time and again!
Almond Flour Banana Pancakes