Discover The Top 30 Mediterranean Recipes For A Healthy Lifestyle (2024)

Get on the road to a healthier you with the tasty and nutritious Mediterranean Diet. Packed with good fats, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and veggies, this diet is all about eating well without strict rules, just less sugar and processed stuff. Backed by science, it's proven to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, plus it helps with weight loss. Ready to give the Mediterranean lifestyle a shot? Check out the top recipes for a yummy and healthy experience.

1. Lentil Salad with Tuna

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This Lentil Salad with Tuna packs a protein punch that will keep you satisfied until dinner! It's full of Spring goodies like carrots and kale. Dress it with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing and you are good to go. (gluten free) Get the recipe.

2. Copycat Panera Bread 10 Vegetable Soup

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This Copycat Panera Bread 10 Vegetable Soup is comforting, spicy, and loaded with vegetables. It's easy to make in around thirty minutes, and I've made it gluten free! Bring on the comfort food. Get the recipe.

3. Fish Taco Grain Bowl

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Take your favorite fish taco recipe and put it into a bowl. This Fish Taco Grain Bowl is layered with quinoa, flaky white fish, red cabbage, avocado, and tomatoes. It's hearty, satisfying, and oh so healthy. (gluten free, dairy free) Get the recipe.

4. Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Egg, Tomatoes and Avocado

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This Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Egg, Tomatoes and Avocado will start your day with tons of protein. You will be full until lunch for sure. Get the recipe.

5. Quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes

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This Quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes is the perfect way to celebrate seasonal summer produce. Sauteing the zucchini first gives it a nice smoky flavor. Make it on Sunday and eat healthy all week! (gluten free) Get the recipe.

6. Quinoa Salad with Greens

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This Quinoa Salad with Greens is packed with healthy goodness like zucchini, cucumbers, greens, and almonds. You will love how easy it is to make! (gluten free) Get the recipe.

7. Broccolini and Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing

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This Broccolini and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing is bursting with delicious flavors. It makes the perfect addition to your lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Get the recipe.

8. Quinoa and Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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These Quinoa and Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are jam-packed with all the good stuff you need to nourish your body. They are super satisfying and nutritious. (gluten free, vegan, dairy free) Get the recipe.

9. Berry Peach Smoothie Bowl

This simple Berry Peach Smoothie Bowl will get your day started right! It's sweet, creamy and full of beneficial fruits. Hello, summer in a bowl. Get the recipe.

10. Turmeric Salmon and Couscous

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This Turmeric Salmon and Couscous skillet takes only a few ingredients to make on a weeknight but is seasonal and tasty enough for company. Loaded with good-for-you ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

11. Baked Salmon with Black Rice

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Baked Salmon with Black Rice can be baked in the oven and ready in half an hour. It's full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. (gluten free) Get the recipe.

12. Black Rice and Spinach Salad

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This healthy Black Rice and Spinach Salad is full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Treat yourself to this gluten free power salad - you deserve it! Get the recipe.

13. Instant Pot Lentil Soup

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This Instant Pot Lentil Soup tastes like it's been cooking all day but only takes minutes to prepare. It's loaded with protein and greens and perfect for those cold winter nights. (gluten free) Get the recipe.

14. Skinny Roasted Cod with Tomatoes

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Skinny Roasted Cod With Tomatoes is a huge weeknight win. The fish is mild, tender and flavorful and the roasted tomatoes give it a natural sweetness. Get the recipe.

15. Skillet Tilapia with Tomatoes

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Quick, easy, and full of healthy veggies, this Skillet Tilapia with Tomatoes is a great recipe for a busy night. It takes only about 30 minutes so you can spend more time enjoying this dish. (gluten free, paleo, whole 30) Get the recipe.

16. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

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This easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a cinch to make, and it's packed with flavor. Using lots of herbs really fills it with seasonal goodness. Chickpeas are such a versatile ingredient, if you don't use them in your cooking, it's time to give this legume a try. I like it because this salad holds up when stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It's perfect for weekly meal prep! Get the recipe.

17. Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with Greens

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Try this hearty, healthy Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with Greens. It's packed with nutritious vegetables and sprinkled with spices to liven it up. It's a filling meal that can be prepped on Sunday and eaten all week! This Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with Greens is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The greens in this actually taste good, and you will want to eat them! (gluten-free, keto) Get the recipe.

18. Quinoa Tabbouleh With Kale

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This Quinoa Tabbouleh with Kale is full of fresh seasonal goodness. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, lots of parsley and a fresh lemon dressing. I like quinoa because it's the perfect healthy base for any meal. It's gluten-free, protein-rich, and pairs well with just about any vegetable. Clean eating at its best. (gluten-free) Get the recipe.

19. Greek Quinoa Salad

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Packed with plant-based protein, this Greek Quinoa Salad will keep your energy levels high all day. Pack a big batch in containers for meals throughout the week. Quinoa is the perfect blank slate because it is versatile enough to go with any ingredients. It has a very mild flavor that works well with just about any toppings, sweet or savory. (gluten free) Get the recipe.

20. Greek Zucchini Noodle Salad

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Embrace zucchini season with this healthy Greek Zucchini Noodle Salad. It's fresh and full of flavor with a light Greek dressing. And I want this Greek Zucchini Noodle Salad over and over again! I think you'll be surprised by how these delicious noodles made out of zucchini can be. They really absorb the Greek dressing and hold a lot of flavor. (low carb, gluten free, keto) Get the recipe.

21. Slow Cooker Chicken with Olives and Peppers

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Slow Cooker Chicken with Olives and Peppers is a set it and forget it weeknight dinner the whole family will love. The chicken gets so tender and the sauce is full of salty flavor from the olives. It is so easy to throw in the slow cooker in the morning and not think about it again until you get home. I like to add the red peppers at the last minute so they don't get too tender. (gluten free) Get the recipe.

22. Cheesy Quinoa With Meatballs

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This quick Cheesy Quinoa with Meatballs uses prepared meatballs for an easy shortcut. The kids will love all the cheese and you'll love that it's packed with proteins and that it's gluten free. It's the perfect combo of salty and cheesy with that bottom layer of quinoa which goes with everything. Get the recipe.

23. Chicken Gyro Bowl with Rice

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This Chicken Gyro Bowl with Rice is packed with so much wholesome goodness, and it's great for dinner, meal prep, or lunches. Using SEEDS OF CHANGE™️ Quinoa & Brown Rice with Garlic makes it super fast. This Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic is so delicious and it's ready in 90 seconds. Yes, that's what I said. 90 seconds. (gluten free) Get the recipe.

24. Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

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Grilled Chicken Souvlaki is always a favorite grilled chicken at my house. The marinade makes the most tender, moist and flavorful chicken. This chicken is gluten-free and easy to prepare. Marinating this Greek Chicken Souvlaki keeps it moist and tender. (keto, gluten free, whole30, paleo) Get the recipe.

25. Gluten Free Pasta Salad

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This Gluten Free Pasta Salad will easily become your favorite summer side dish. It's full of summer's seasonal bounty, healthy and gluten-free. Bring it to your next barbecue and watch it disappear. The salad dressing is homemade with red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon, and some Italian herbs de Provence. So delicious! I make a big batch, keep it in a Mason jar and use it on salads all week. Get the recipe.

26. Skillet Chicken with Feta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives

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This Skillet Chicken with Feta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives is a quick and easy way to spice up your weeknight chicken. Topping the sautéed chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, feta and olives adds so much flavor. Get the recipe.

27. Crostini with Scallops and Avocado

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This Crostini with Scallops and Avocado is the perfect appetizer for all your holiday parties. The scallops are sauteed to perfection and placed on top of crunchy crostini spread with avocado. A drizzling of balsamic syrup really takes the flavor over the top. Get the recipe.

28. Skinny Watermelon Feta Salad

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Skinny Watermelon Salad with Feta is the perfect potluck dish for summer barbecues and parties. It's bursting with refreshing, juicy watermelon, fresh lime juice, and salty feta cheese with a hint of fresh mint. If you're looking for the perfect dish to cool you down and fill you up on a hot summer day, this chilled watermelon salad with feta absolutely must be on your menu. Get the recipe.

29. Grilled Tomato Salad With Feta and Basil

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This Grilled Tomato Salad with Feta and Basil is bursting with summer flavor. Serve with grilled chicken or fish for a perfect summer dinner. This was an heirloom mix with yellow, red, and black cherry tomatoes. Adding the salty feta and the spicy, sweet basil, and you have a hit. (gluten-free) Get the recipe.

30. Skinny Cucumber and Tomato Salad

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This Skinny Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a healthy, easy-to-prepare option for busy summer days. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days and is super light, gluten-free and healthy. It's full of fresh, crunchy vegetables and protein-filled black beans. Get the recipe.

Karen Kelly

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Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food and travel writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find delicious recipes and fun travel ideas.

Discover The Top 30 Mediterranean Recipes For A Healthy Lifestyle (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest Mediterranean food? ›

Seafood, seeds, nuts, legumes and some vegetable oils have healthy fats, including the polyunsaturated kind. Fish also are a key part of the Mediterranean diet. Some healthy choices are: Mackerel.

What are the top 10 foods on a Mediterranean diet? ›

10 foods to add to your Mediterranean lifestyle
  • Extra virgin olive oil. ...
  • Walnuts. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Wild salmon as a healthy animal protein. ...
  • Garlic for a reduced risk of cancer. ...
  • Oregano as an anti-inflammatory agent. ...
  • Mushrooms for a mental health boost.
Feb 3, 2022

What should be eaten every meal on the Mediterranean diet? ›

A Mediterranean-style eating pattern prioritizes the following foods :
  • a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • whole grains.
  • legumes.
  • healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
  • moderate amounts of seafood.
  • low amounts of dairy and red meat.

What is the most popular Mediterranean dish? ›

There are always Mediterranean food classics like shawarma, falafel, tomato cucumber salad that goes with everything, and the simple but delicious Greek salad, but there are also many brand-new recipes with exciting modern twists that have quickly become some of the most loved recipes on the site.

Can you eat eggs on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Based on their high cholesterol content, the Mediterranean Diet Foundation recommends to consume up to 4 eggs per week, as a healthy alternative to fish or meat [7], and the same amount (2–4 eggs per week) was indicated in the latest Italian dietary guidelines [8].

What is not eaten in a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast? ›

Common Mediterranean Breakfast Foods

Yogurt: We love Greek yogurt which is higher in protein, and lower in sugar. Eggs: A great source of protein and healthy fats. Oats: A healthy whole grain used in oatmeal and baked goods. Fruit: All types of fruit are encouraged on the Mediterranean diet.

Do you eat bananas on a Mediterranean diet? ›

You can base your diet on these foods: Vegetables: tomatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips. Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, grapes, dates, figs, melons, peaches.

Are potatoes allowed on Mediterranean diet? ›

Many people wonder whether you can eat potatoes on the Mediterranean diet. It's recommended by experts that you prioritize non-starchy vegetables like dark leafy greens, bell peppers and broccoli among others. But you can definitely enjoy starchy options like potatoes in moderation on a Mediterranean diet.

What bread to eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Is sourdough bread allowed on the Mediterranean diet? Any bread that is made from whole wheat, whole grains, sprouts, and sourdough is recommended while on a Mediterranean diet. You will want to avoid bread made from refined grains, such as white bread if you are following this diet.

What cheese is ok on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Cheese & Yogurt

Dairy products common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: brie, chevre, corvo, feta, haloumi, manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, ricotta, yogurt (including Greek yogurt).

How often do you eat eggs on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Eggs: Limit egg yolks to 4 per week. Egg whites can be eaten in unlimited amounts. Sweets: Eat sweets less often – use fruit as your dessert. Red Meat: Lean red meats (beef, pork, lamb and veal) can be eaten 3-4 times per month.

Is oatmeal on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Absolutely to all three! Oats are a whole grain, which is encouraged on the Mediterranean diet. Low or moderate amounts of cheese, such as brie, feta, ricotta, and Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), are also allowed. All types of fresh fruits, including bananas, are a go on the diet.

What rice do Mediterranean people eat? ›

Having different types of rice can be confusing as to whether all are allowed on the Mediterranean diet. Worry not because you can consume any type of rice, while on the diet, be it white, brown, or basmati rice. Still, whole grain rice is preferable, as it contains more fiber and various micronutritious.

What is the Holy Trinity of Mediterranean cuisine? ›

Essid identifies the "trinity" of basic ingredients of traditional Mediterranean cuisine as the olive, wheat, and the grape, yielding oil, bread, and wine respectively.

What is considered the healthiest diet in the world? ›

Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and MIND Diets Are the Best Diets of 2024. All three diets are highly recommended by doctors because of their known health benefits. “The Mediterranean eating plan doesn't have a set calorie range or portion guidelines, which is why it can fit almost anyone's needs.

What meat is best for Mediterranean diet? ›

Lean Beef, Lean Pork, Lean Poultry, Fish/Seafood, Whole Eggs, Soy, Dried Lentils, Dried Beans and Dried Peas.

What is the number one healthiest diet? ›

“It's not surprising that the Mediterranean diet ranked number one,” says Jackie Newgent , a registered dietitian, Forbes Health Advisory Board member and panelist for our best diets ranking. “First, it's not a 'diet' as we have come to think of diets; it's a lifestyle.

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