Wondering how to make food that’s healthy and delicious? These Mediterranean diet recipes are for you! Whether you’re looking for a quick recipe or ready to make a big change, we’ve got you covered. We are sharing over 60 Mediterranean diet recipes from breakfast to salads, seafood and vegetarian dishes all packed with wholesome ingredients.
The Mediterranean diet has been the top ranked diet for several consecutive years. However, it’s important to know that it’s more than a diet, it’s a lifestyle followed by people of the Mediterranean region who tend to live longer and healthier lives.
Mediterranean way of eating focuses on consuming more traditional ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, legumes and a moderate amount of fish, poultry and healthy fats such as olive oil. Moreover, it encourages people to be active and spend more time with their families and loves ones and share meals together which would reduce stress and make you feel better.
What to eat
When it comes to food, Mediterranean diet offers all the good things! From fresh fruit and vegetables to lean proteins such as chicken and seafood, this lifestyle is all for using real and wholesome ingredients and keeping it simple. Here is what you need to know about what to eat on the Mediterranean diet:
Use more olive oil: Instead of store-bought salad dressing, opt for some extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Use olive oil for cooking and roasting instead of vegetable oil.
Eat more vegetables and plant-based food: Ingredients such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, fruit and leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach are consumed on a daily basis when following the Mediterranean diet.
Lean protein: Chicken, eggs, seafood and fish are the main protein to cook with.
Red meat and sweets: Red meat is used very occasionally in Mediterranean cooking, about once a week or even less, and usually lean cuts of meat or ground meat is consumed. As for sweets, an occasional dessert is all fine.
Leave out: Sugary drinks and sodas and processed food with too many unnecessary ingredients.
Shakshuka with feta is great for brunch. Eggs are poached in a delicious tomato sauce flavored with warm spices and vegetables and then topped with creamy feta. Learn how to make this easy one skillet breakfast recipe and enjoy it any day of the week.
Banana date shake is a delicious and healthy shake that's ready in 5 minutes and gives you enough energy for the morning! This Persian style shake is naturally sweetened.
Gozleme is a delicious Turkish flatbread stuffed with different fillings such as potatoes and spinach. Watch the video to learn how to make this classic Turkish recipe.
Manakish zaatar is a delicious Middle Eastern flatbread topped with zaatar. Learn how to make this delicious zaatar bread from scratch with just a few ingredients.
A tasty mezze platter is a cornerstone of any Mediterranean party. Learn how easy it is to build a Mediterranean mezze platter in just 10 minutes that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds!
Spinach and eggs, Persian style! This one pan breakfast is easy, healthy and ready in only 20 minutes. You only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious egg recipe.
Ready in 20 minutes, this spinach omelette with a Mediterranean twist is perfect for breakfast. It's packed with vegetables and flavor, and is very easy to make.
This Spanish tortilla recipe is a classic. Also known as tortilla espanola, this easy Spanish potato omelette is so easy yet very satisfying. You're only four ingredients and a skillet away from one of the most popular Spanish dishes!
Roasted artichoke is easy to prepare and can be a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Each artichoke is cut in half and roasted to perfection with olive oil, garlic and herbs, making them tender and delicious in every bite.
Sausage breakfast muffins come together in no time and are super simple to make. These Breakfast egg muffins are packed with tasty sausage and vegetables!
Avocado Egg Sandwich with a Greek twist is ready in 20 minutes and is perfect for breakfast. Avocado and egg wrapped in pita with some olives and feta offers so much flavor in every bite.
This Chewy Granola Bars Recipe is so easy and simple to make. It has a handful of ingredients, naturally sweetened with dates, and has a crunchy texture thanks to walnuts.
Enjoy grilled zucchini the Mediterranean way! Thin zucchini slices are grilled to perfection and then served on a bed of tahini yogurt with tomatoes, making the perfect side dish or appetizer.
This authentic Lebanese fattoush salad is a Middle Eastern classic. Fresh chopped salad is flavored with crispy toasted pita and a bright, zesty dressing.
This Mediterranean salad is loaded with fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs. This fresh salad is flavored with a delicious dressing.
Tabouli, also known as tabbouleh, is a beautiful Middle Eastern salad that's very simple to make. Fresh tomatoes, and finely chopped herbs, mixed with bulgur, lemon juice, and olive oil, are the ingredients of this simple yet delicious salad. This salad is ready in 20 minutes.
Enjoy this egg salad with a Mediterranean twist that's ready in 20 minutes. This no mayo version gets its bright flavors from herbs, olives and zesty feta.
Turkish tomato salad made with fresh, plump tomatoes, cucumbers and crunchy walnuts is absolutely delicious. Flavored with pomegranate molasses and ready in 15 minutes, this is the perfect side dish.
An easy three bean salad recipe with a Mediterranean twist. This protein-packed vegan salad is perfect for meal prep or as a side dish. Make sure to watch the video for step-by-step instructions.
Nicoise salad is a French salad that's made with fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs and tuna. This salad is ready in 30 minutes and you can serve this salad as a light lunch or dinner.
Mediterranean potato salad is so easy and simple. It’s made with only a few ingredients and is packed with flavor thanks to a homemade zaatar dressing.
This caprese salad recipe is an Italian classic made with fresh mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. It takes only 10 minutes to make this salad and fresh and quality ingredients is the key to its great flavor.
Ezme is a classic Turkish sauce, condiment and appetizer that’s usually served on the side of kebabs with some fresh bread. It’s ready in 10 minutes and is so delicious thanks to tomatoes, peppers and herbs.
This is the ultimate homemade hummus recipe. It’s smooth and creamy with a bright flavor, and pairs perfectly with bread! Follow along for tip and tricks, a video tutorial and complete details!
This classic tzatziki recipe is made with just a few ingredients and will be ready in only 10 minutes. It's perfect for vegetables, meat, or simply as a dip. Check out our video and step-by-step tutorial.
Labneh is a rich and creamy yogurt cheese from the Middle East. This easy recipe results in a tangy spread that you can top with extra virgin olive oil and serve with warm pita.
A North African staple, harissa is a spicy sauce or condiment made with chiles. Learn how to make harissa paste at home in 30 minutes using a handful of ingredients. You can use harissa to spice up almost any dish!
Skordalia is a popular Greek potato and garlic dip that's creamy and full of flavor. Watch the video to learn how to make this traditional dip with just a few simple ingredients.
This homemade chicken shawarma recipe is made with a special spice mix that infuses it with classic Middle Eastern flavors. Serve it in a wrap to get the satisfying taste of take-out shawarma at home!
This Greek chicken gyro recipe is easy and exceptionally delicious. The marinade makes the chicken extra flavorful and juicy. Stuff it into a pita with fresh veggies and homemade tzatziki for a fabulous Greek deliciousness!
Fast food chicken sandwiches may be trendy these days, but it's hard to beat this tasty recipe prepared at home! Yogurt marinated chicken breast is grilled to perfection, topped with tahini sauce and served with fresh toppings. Trust me, this is a delicious sandwich for any time of the year.
Soutzoukakia Greek Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Soutzoukakia also known as Greek baked meatballs in tomato sauce is a classic recipe that's full of flavor. Juicy meatballs cooked in a flavorful rich tomato sauce makes the perfect recipe. Follow along for all my tips and tricks to make the juiciest meatballs!
Arayes are Lebanese meat stuffed pitas that are so easy to make. This classic Middle Eastern street food is ready in 20 minutes, ideal for a weeknight dinner. Follow along to learn how to make delicious beef arayes at home with just a few ingredients!
Beef shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern street food. Tender slices of beef are marinated in olive oil and warm shawarma spices and cooked to perfection, then wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and fries. Learn how to make beef shawarma at home with my tips and tricks.
Kofta kebab is a classic Middle Eastern ground beef recipe that's packed with flavor. Learn how to make kofta kebab with my step by step tutorial and video.
This steak sandwich is juicy, tasty and ready in 30 minutes. Served with a tasty arugula salad and a pesto sauce, every bite of this sandwich is delicious!
Try this easy recipe for homemade Greek chicken souvlaki. Made with a delicious garlic and lemon marinade, this classic street food is packed with amazing Mediterranean flavors and served with creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ready in 30 minutes, this Italian chicken skillet recipe is a great option for a healthy and comforting dinner. This is a simple skillet chicken recipe that calls for real ingredients and is seasoned with bright spices and lemon.
An easy one pan chicken and rice recipe made Greek style! Juicy chicken and flavorful rice make the perfect weeknight dinner that's easy yet super delicious.
Kofta kebab is a classic Middle Eastern ground beef recipe that's packed with flavor. Learn how to make kofta kebab with my step by step tutorial and video.
This grilled lamb burger is juicy, easy and ready in 20 minutes. It's seasoned with Mediterranean spices and served with sumac onions and a tasty yogurt sauce.
Easy caprese chicken recipe that's ready in only 30 minutes. Made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and pesto, this is a delicious easy weeknight dinner. Learn how to make this easy chicken recipe at home with our video and step-by-step tutorial.
Shish Tawook is a Lebanese chicken dish that’s simple yet so delicious. Tender chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic makes one delicious meal for the family.
This Greek chicken and potatoes is the perfect dinner. Made in one pan with lots of garlic and lemon, every bit of this baked chicken and potatoes is juicy and packed with flavor.
This grilled branzino recipe with a Mediterranean twist is a must-try! The fish is marinated with a herb and lemon mixture, then grilled to perfection and topped with a bright tomato herb relish. Trust me, there's a feast of flavors in every bite.
Gambas al ajillo, also known as garlic shrimp, is a classic Spanish tapa that's ready in 10 minutes. Delicious shrimp cooked in olive oil with a lot of garlic, it can’t get any better!
This Mediterranean style shrimp recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors. Large shrimp marinated with spices, garlic and olive oil, then cooked in a delicious tomato and pepper sauce results in one of the tastiest 20-minute dinners you'll ever find!
Everything you need to know about pan seared salmon. From what salmon to get to a fool proof how-to. Watch the step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to make the best pan seared salmon that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
This easy Mediterranean style sauteed shrimp recipe is packed with fresh flavors. The aromatic blend of spices will make you feel like you’re dining in Spain or Greece without leaving your house.
Ready in 30 minutes, this garlic lemon tilapia recipe makes the perfect dinner. This is one of the best tilapia recipes out there and it's so easy to make!
Mujadara Lebanese Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions
Mujadara is a delightful fusion of simple ingredients and bold flavors. This Lebanese lentils and rice recipe calls for only a few ingredients and is very easy to make.
This Greek lemon rice is ready in 30 minutes. The lemon and garlic add a lot of flavor to this Greek-inspired dish, which can be served on the side or as the main meal!
Here is a classic spanakopita recipe. This Greek spinach pie is made with phyllo dough, spinach and feta. It's packed with so much flavor. One slice is never enough! Be sure to check out our step by step tutorial and video.
Ratatouille is a hearty and healthy French dish that's packed with flavor. This recipe is made with hearty summer vegetables that you may already have on hand.
This homemade falafel recipe is easy to follow and makes delicious falafels that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Learn how to make this staple of Middle Eastern cuisine at home and ditch the take out.
Briam is a Greek roasted vegetables dish cooked in olive oil. This easy and delicious recipe is made with just a few ingredients and is vegan, low carb and gluten free.
Here's a green lentil soup with a Mediterranean twist. Packed with vegetables and spices, this recipe proves that easy and simple soups don't have to be bland!
This is the best pistachio cake ever! With deep pistachio flavor balanced with the addition of cardamom and rosewater, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
If you love light and creamy desserts, Sutlac, also known as Turkish rice pudding recipe is it. Creamy and rich with a golden top, this baked rice pudding is also gluten-free. Learn how to make this tasty dessert with this tutorial and step-by-step photos.
Ready in just 5 minutes, this Lebanese seven spice mix is used in many Middle Eastern dishes. This aromatic spice mixture doesn't require many ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.
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Wondering how to make food that's healthy and delicious? These Mediterranean diet recipes are for you! Whether you're looking for a quick recipe or ready to make a big change, we've got you covered. Here is the recipe for Mediterranean salad, check out all the other recipes above.
Slice the cucumbers and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Place them in a large bowl. Add in the sliced red onions, olives, artichokes and parsley. Stir to combine.
Make the dressing by mixing the olive oil with lemon juice, sumac, garlic, salt and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can make the dressing ahead of time and mix it with the salad right before serving.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!
What a treasure trove of recipes. Who needs a Mediterranean cookbook when I can pin this post and have all of these recipes at my disposal. Since the New Year we’ve been following the Mediterranean diet and we feel so much better. I can’t wait to start making some of these recipes.
What a treasure trove of recipes. Who needs a Mediterranean cookbook when I can pin this post and have all of these recipes at my disposal. Since the New Year we’ve been following the Mediterranean diet and we feel so much better. I can’t wait to start making some of these recipes.
What a delicious round up of Mediterranean recipes! Bookmarked 🙂
What a great comprehensive collection of recipes! We love all things Mediterranean so this is perfect.
I could eat Mediterranean food all day every day. There is so much amazing choice here.
The lentil meatballs sound delicious. So many great recipes!