21 Mediterranean Diet Recipes (Quick & Easy) | Fresh N Lean (2024)


Having trouble finding Mediterranean diet recipes for a full week’s menu? Check out these 21 quick and easy heart-healthy (and wallet-friendly) meals.

And if you’re looking for an even faster and more affordable way to eat on the Mediterranean diet, let us do the meal prep for you with our Mediterranean diet plan! Get fresh meals delivered straight to your door every week, no cooking or shopping required.

Table of Contents
Breakfast

Caprese Avocado Toast

Blueberry Muffins
Tahini Apple Toast
Mango Strawberry Smoothie
Smoked Salmon Waffles
Lunch
Chicken, Broccoli, Tomato, Quinoa Bowl
Herb Portobello Turkey Burgers
Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Garlicky Greens with Harissa Yogurt
Healthy Shrimp Scampi
Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Dinner
Turkey Meatballs
20 Minute White Bean Soup
Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Olive Tapenade
Coconut Cod Stew with Rice
Tilapia Fish Tacos

Broiled Spanish Mackerel

Breakfast

Egg in a Hole Peppers & Salsa

Calories: 385 Fat: 19.5g Total Carbs: 14.2g
Net Carbs: 8.3g Fiber: 5.9g Protein: 15.1g

“Egg in a hole” traditionally involves cutting a hole in bread or toast and grilling an egg in the center on a skillet. Replacing the toast with bell pepper rings makes this recipe more Mediterranean diet friendly.

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Caprese Avocado Toast

Calories: 329 Fat: 12g Total Carbs: 25g
Net Carbs: 17g Fiber: 8g Protein: 12g

Refreshing basil on delicious, toasted bread is balanced with the acidity of tomato and balsamic glaze. Out of any of these Mediterranean diet recipes, this is a popular breakfast option because it has a great balance of flavors.

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Spinach & Feta Wrap

Calories: 154 Fat: 9g Total Carbs: 17g
Net Carbs: 12g Fiber: 5g Protein: 3g

Nothing’s faster than a wrap! Stuff with fresh arugula, mozzarella, avocado, and basil for a refreshing morning on-the-go Mediterranean breakfast.

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Blueberry Muffins

Calories: 204 Fat: 14.6g Total Carbs: 14.9g
Net Carbs: 12.9g Fiber: 52.9g Protein: 5.8g

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and low in sugar. These muffins use blueberries and other low-carb options like almond and coconut flour for a healthy muffin Mediterranean diet recipe.

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Tahini Apple Toast

Calories: 198 Fat: 8.6g Total Carbs: 26g
Net Carbs: 22g Fiber: 4g Protein: 7g

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, making it a great way to incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.

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Mango Strawberry Smoothie

Calories: 156 Fat: 1g Total Carbs: 33g
Net Carbs: 30g Fiber: 3g Protein: 7g

Though higher in carbs, this is a healthy option because it uses whole fruits, Greek yogurt, turmeric, and ginger which all support the Mediterranean diet.

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Smoked Salmon Waffles

Calories: 320 Fat: 14g Total Carbs: 31g
Net Carbs: 30g Fiber: 1g Protein: 17g

These are savory waffles made from red onion, dill, flour, and milk (remember, dairy and white flour should be limited on the Mediterranean diet!) and topped with capers and salmon.

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Lunch

Chicken, Broccoli, Tomato Quinoa Bowl

Calories: 481 Fat: 23g Total Carbs: 45g
Net Carbs: 30g Fiber: 7g Protein: 24g

Quinoa is a great high protein choice to fill you up. Combined with roasted broccoli, tomato, and grilled chicken, this bowl is a lot of energy packed into one meal.

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Herb Portobello Turkey Burgers

Calories: 340 Fat: 25g Total Carbs: 13.8g
Net Carbs: 9.4g Fiber: 4.4g Protein: 27.9g

Mediterranean diet recipes with a high amount of fat may sound bad, but they are usually good fats! This burger has 4 grams of saturated fat and is low in carbohydrates and sugar because it uses portobello mushrooms for buns instead of bread.

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Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Calories: 260 Fat: 16g Total Carbs: 25g
Net Carbs: 18g Fiber: 7g Protein: 7g

Spaghetti made from shredded squash can satisfy those pasta cravings without packing too much of a caloric punch.

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Garlicky Greens with Harissa Yogurt

Calories: 289 Fat: 7.2g Total Carbs: 24g
Net Carbs: 15g Fiber: 9g Protein: 23g

Leeks, broccoli, dill, and kale make up the “greens” part of this dish while garlic, lemon juice, and chili bring the flavorful garnish.

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Healthy Shrimp Scampi

Calories: 378 Fat: 8g Total Carbs: 41g
Net Carbs: 35g Fiber: 6g Protein: 38g

Shrimp scamp is a buttery, garlicky lunch option that is easy to make in under an hour.

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Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Calories: 361 Fat: 23g Total Carbs: 4g
Net Carbs: 3g Fiber: 1g Protein: 34g

This recipe doesn’t use mayonnaise, but it does have a tangy citrus lemon herb dressing and mixed with fresh veggies for a refreshing crunch.

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Spicy Cauliflower Rice & Ground Turkey

Calories: 443 Fat: 31g Total Carbs: 18g
Net Carbs: 11g Fiber: 7g Protein: 28g

Enjoy as a small side dish or chow down an entire bowl! Mediterranean diet recipes are elevated using the spices in this dish including turmeric, cumin, garlic, and paprika.

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Dinner

Turkey Meatballs

Calories: 328 Fat: 22g Total Carbs: 2g
Net Carbs: 2g Fiber: 0g Protein: 30g

These meatballs take 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook for a tasty dish ready in under half an hour.

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20 Minute White Bean Soup

Calories: 356 Fat: 21g Total Carbs: 33g
Net Carbs: 24g Fiber: 9g Protein: 11g

This recipe is also gluten-free and vegan, so it makes a great crossover recipe for other dietary needs.

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Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Olive Tapenade

Calories: 431 Fat: 32g Total Carbs: 10g
Net Carbs: 9g Fiber: 1g Protein: 23g

Chicken is high in protein and can be incorporated occasionally into your Mediterranean diet recipes. Just make sure it’s lean, white meat with as much fat trimmed off as possible!

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Coconut Curry Cod Stew with Rice

Calories: 382 Fat: 11.3g Total Carbs: 49.5g
Net Carbs: 44.2g Fiber: 5.3g Protein: 19.2g

Cod is a cheaper fish option to fuel your fatty fish requirements. This dish is paired with sweet potatoes and rice seasoned with curry powder, ginger, and garlic.

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Tilapia Fish Tacos

Calories: 309 Fat: 6g Total Carbs: 33g
Net Carbs: 31g Fiber: 2g Protein: 29g

Use whole wheat tortillas as a healthier taco option for this delicious fish taco recipe!

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Creamy Butternut & Apple Soup

Calories: 202 Fat: 7g Total Carbs: 37g
Net Carbs: 28g Fiber: 9g Protein: 3g

This soup is loaded with fiber and lots of nutrients and guaranteed to help you finish your day with a hearty meal.

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Broiled Spanish Mackerel

Calories: 259 Fat: 20.9g Total Carbs: 3g
Net Carbs: 2.7g Fiber: 1.3g Protein: 16.2g

Follow this recipe for a fast and nutritious dinner that’s ready in 15 minutes! Just marinate your fillet with paprika, lemon, pepper, and olive oil and broil to perfection.

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21 Mediterranean Diet Recipes (Quick & Easy) | Fresh N Lean (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of a Mediterranean diet meal? ›

7-day meal plan
BreakfastVegetable and egg frittata served with sliced avocado on top of whole grain toast For extra calories, add another egg.
DinnerSpicy lentil soup with spinach
BreakfastGreek yogurt parfait made with walnuts, fresh berries, and chia seeds For extra calories, add 1–2 ounces of almonds.
18 more rows

What foods are easy to eat on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, melons, peaches, pears, strawberries, blueberries. Grains: whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, quinoa, brown rice, oats. Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans. Nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts.

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 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.

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 to lose belly fat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Choose Lean Proteins: Focus on fish and poultry over red meat. Include beans, nuts, and other plant-based proteins. Moderate Wine Intake: If you consume alcohol, switch to wine and drink in moderation. Stay Active: As the study suggests, coupling the diet with regular physical activity yields better results.

What is the Mediterranean hack to lose weight? ›

How to Lose Weight on a Mediterranean Diet – 5 Tips
  1. Eat your main meal early in the day. ...
  2. Eat vegetables as a main course cooked in olive oil. ...
  3. You should drink water mostly and sometimes tea, coffee and wine (for adults) ...
  4. Consume the right amount of olive oil. ...
  5. Move.
Jan 17, 2024

What to drink on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Water should be the first thing you reach for. Coffee and tea are also fine, as long as you watch the added cream or sugar. Limit intake of sugar- sweetened drinks, like soda, fruit juice, or sweet tea. One glass of red wine is also permitted in this diet.

What pasta is allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Pasta is a welcome part of the Mediterranean Diet, emphasizing balance and moderation. Here's what is recommended when you choose pasta: Opt for whole grain or legume-based pasta to boost fiber and nutritional content.

Is peanut butter allowed on Mediterranean diet? ›

And as plant-based protein sources that are high in good and unsaturated fats, peanuts and peanut butter are a natural fit within Mediterranean and Flexitarian ways of eating. Unfamiliar with the Mediterranean and Flexitarian diets?

What is the best bread to eat on the 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 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.

What are the 8 foods in the Mediterranean diet? ›

Atop exercise stand the core foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and olive oil. The groups recommend eating fish and seafood twice a week and moderate amounts of dairy, eggs, and poultry. Red meat and sweets are consumed just sometimes.

What is a traditional Mediterranean meal? ›

Fresh tomatoes, olives, fish, lemon, feta, mint, za'atar, and more make their way into delectable dishes like stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, shish kebabs, and fattoush salad. Discover traditional Mediterranean food and riffs on the region's classic flavors with this collection of Mediterranean recipes.

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