30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (2024)

The Mediterranean diet is about eating whole foods, including lots of fruits and veggies, and limiting heavily processed foods and saturated fats. As far as health benefits, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases and increase life expectancy. And, with its emphasis on vegetables and whole foods, it may help you lose weight and then maintain the weight you want. These top-rated recipes showcase the best of Mediterranean cooking -- healthy whole foods, simple preparations, and wonderfully fresh flavors.

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My Big Fat Greek Salad

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (1)

"Deceptively simple and delicious," raves Maura Alia Badji. "The two key instructions made all the difference. One: Salting and draining the cucumbers to get a note of crispness and lose the slight bitterness is a game-changer. Two: Adding the red wine vinegar and tossing before adding the olive oil allows the salad to soak up the vinegar instead of being made water-proof by adding oil first."

02of 31

Spiced Sweet Roasted Pepper Hummus

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (2)

"This is my favorite hummus recipe. It's easy to make, very inexpensive and I can adjust the garlic and cayenne pepper to suit my taste. I have this on hand all the time as a treat!" — German Shepherd Mom

03of 31

Pan Seared Salmon I

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (3)

"These salmon fillets are simply seasoned with salt and pepper and pan-seared with capers, and garnished with slices of lemon." — Noreen421

04of 31

Beaker's Vegetable Barley Soup

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (4)

"Vegetable broth, barley, and lots of veggies make this soup hearty and filling. Easy to make and delicious." — BEAKER1

05of 31

Spanish Moroccan Fish

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (5)

"This Moroccan recipe was passed down for generations in my family. It is a favorite! May be served hot or cold according to taste," says Hanna R.

06of 31

Nicoise-Style Tuna Salad With White Beans & Olives

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (6)

"Fresh and lemony, the zest makes this salad sing." — BGCITYKAT

07of 31

Mediterranean Bean Salad

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (7)

"Fresh and flavorful, and I love the light, refreshing dressing. I used all ingredients to taste and a 2:1 ratio of olive oil to lemon juice." — naples34102

08of 31

Chicken, Zucchini, and Artichoke Salad

30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (8)

"I made up this salad because our garden is simply overflowing with zucchini! We ate it as a main dish for dinner." — homecookingtheworldover

09of 31

Insalata Caprese II

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (9)

"Because this salad is so simple, fresh, top-quality tomatoes and mozzarella are important," Marina says.

10of 31

Avocado and Tuna Tapas

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (10)

"This is a light, healthy tapa that goes best with crisp white wines and crunchy bread. Great for experimenting with a variety of different vegetables, spices, and vinegars." — La Cocina de Redondita

11of 31

Mediterranean Kale

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (11)

"I loved these flavors and the chewy texture of the kale (over limpness of spinach, which I also love). The flavors were great, the preparation was very easy, and I love discovering a healthy recipe that is so tasty." — LFeeley

12of 31

Pan-Seared Scallops with Pepper and Onions in Anchovy Oil

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (12)

"Scallops are one of the most delicious foods if seared properly, and the addition of peppers and onions complements them quite well. Serve with couscous or rice for a delicious meal," Roderic Rinehart says.

13of 31

Creamy Italian White Bean Soup

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (13)

"Hearty and healthy soup that's a favorite with friends and family. It sounds more difficult than it is. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese." — colleenlora

14of 31

Lemony Mediterranean Chicken

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (14)

"The flavors are amazing! Especially the peppers, so I use two," Amanda says. "This makes a delicious sauce that could be served over rice if you want to leave the potatoes out."

15of 31

Easy Arugula Salad

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (15)

"So easy that even I could make it, and I am a beginning cook! It looks very presentable for guests and takes only minutes." — KELLID26

16of 31

Capers and Halibut

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (16)

"This is a very easy seared halibut with a wine and caper sauce! It takes hardly any time at all to make, but it is sure to leave a lasting impression," Barbara Tantrum says.

17of 31

Scallops Provencale

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (17)

"Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of wine combine to make a light yet distinctive sauce for sauteed sea scallops with tiny shrimp," Sean says.

18of 31

Marinated Green Beans with Olives, Tomatoes, and Feta

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (18)

"This was an amazingly refreshing side dish," rags says. "Perfect for a hot summer night. I also made the leftovers into a new lunch the next day. I took the leftovers and added a can of tuna, some red onion, and a bit more vinegar, and it was a hit! I will definitely be making this again."

19of 31

Flounder Mediterranean

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (19)

"I've been making this one for awhile and I always love it. I typically don't use flounder but instead use orange roughy, just because that's usually what I have on hand. I love topping this with a bit of feta cheese as I put it in on my plate. It just adds to the whole Mediterranean feel." — dburdenbates

20of 31

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (20)

"This salad is so refreshing and yummy! Seasonal fruit with a touch of lime and honey makes it elegant, too," Tryna P. says.

21of 31

Lemon Chicken Piccata

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (21)

"This delicious chicken dish easy to prepare. The light and luscious lemon sauce really pops without being too acidic; it is simply divine. Serve it with herb-roasted potatoes or lemon-rice pilaf." — LemonLush

22of 31

Tomato Basil Salmon

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"This quick salmon dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with a side of sauteed spinach and a glass of pinot noir." — CHEDDAR97005

23of 31

Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (22)

"Fakes (pronounced 'Fah-kehs') is a staple in the Greek kitchen and an especially filling meal," Diana Moutsopoulos says. "It is traditionally served with a drizzle of olive oil and lots of vinegar. Though the vinegar is, of course, optional, try it. It lifts the lentils and adds another dimension of flavor!"

24of 31

Mediterranean Zucchini and Chickpea Salad

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (23)

"Delicious, refreshing, and hearty salad for the hot days of summer. And also an excellent gluten-free substitute for pasta salad. A larger portion is a meal in itself." — Lazy Cook

25of 31

Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (24)

"A nice change from the ordinary grilled chicken. This is excellent served with pita bread, garlicky tzatziki, and a Greek salad. Lamb can be substituted for the chicken, and many variations on vegetables can be used," Dolce Cuoco says.

26of 31

Real Hummus

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (25)

"A wonderful recipe! So easy that I make this about once a week," Amy says. "Sometimes, I take the time to peel off the skins on the garbanzo beans. It does make a creamier texture but it isn't really that necessary. It tastes fantastic either way."

27of 31

Lemon Rosemary Salmon

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (26)

"This is the perfect romantic dinner for two when served with an Oregon Pinot Noir, crusty bread, wild rice, and salad." — CHEDDAR97005

28of 31

Briam (Greek Baked Zucchini and Potatoes)

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (27)

"Briam is a traditional Greek roasted vegetable dish with potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, and red onions with lots of olive oil. It is a typical example of Greek cuisine where a few simple ingredients are turned into an utterly delicious dish with little effort. It can be served as a main course. With olive oil as the only source of fat, it is a quintessential example of the Mediterranean diet, and it is vegan to boot. If preferred, serve with a hearty chunk of feta on the side," Diana Moutsopoulos says.

29of 31

Braised Chicken and Artichoke Hearts with Lemon, Cherry Peppers and Thyme

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (28)

"Even though there are not a lot of different ingredients in this braised chicken dish, those used in this recipe offer a wide range of textures and tastes," Chef John says.

30of 31

Herb Crusted Halibut

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30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (29)

"I knew this recipe would be a sure thing, not likely to disappoint us. And it didn't. It is a true gem and I know I will return to it often — not something I generally say about any recipe," writes naples34102. "This is a fresh-tasting dish that allows the flavor of the beautiful halibut to shine. No heavy seasonings, no heavy, rich sauce. Excellent, especially served with wild rice pilaf."

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More Mediterranean Diet Recipes

30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (30)

  • Best Slow Cooker Recipes for the Mediterranean Diet
  • Simple One-Skillet Recipes for the Mediterranean Diet
  • Top Recipes for Your Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Diet
  • Find our entire collection of Mediterranean Diet Recipes here.
30 Top-Rated Mediterranean Diet Recipes (2024)

FAQs

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.
Jun 28, 2024

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 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Fruits, veggies, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil are foods you'll eat most often with the Mediterranean Diet.

What is a typical dinner on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are main ingredients in meals and snacks. Meals may include small portions of fish, meat, or eggs. People often cook with olive oil and add herbs and spices for flavor.

What is not allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet prohibits the consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, refined grains, and trans fats. Additionally, the diet limits the intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products. In addition, the consumption of alcohol is restricted, with the exception of red wine, which you can have in moderation.

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast? ›

Spain and Italy: toasted bread + soft cheese + fresh fruit or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Greece: paximadia (bread made from whole wheat, chickpea, and barley flour) + olives + cheese. Syria: tahini yogurt with chickpeas + pickles + sliced radishes. Morocco: fried egg in olive oil + soft cheese + olives + flatbread.

What is the staple food of the Mediterranean diet? ›

Mediterranean cooking includes healthy fats found in olive oil and nuts and plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fish. A 5 oz. glass of red wine also can be enjoyed daily. When you adopt a Mediterranean style diet, you would limit red meats and processed foods.

Are bananas ok on the 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.

What is a typical Mediterranean lunch? ›

In Greece, lunch might include a flavorful tomato, olive, cucumber, and feta salad, along with a small piece of grilled fish with lemon and olive oil. In Eastern Mediterranean countries, you might have falafel served alongside hummus and pita, salads, and sometimes a vegetable or meat kebab.

Are potatoes ok on a 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 is the best bread for 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.

Is peanut butter on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Peanuts and peanut butter play an important role in the Mediterranean Diet.

How many eggs per week on a 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.

What to snack on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Things like nuts, fruits and vegetables, occasionally dairy in the form of fat free yogurt or other healthy dairy options. If you need something on the sweet side, opt for a small portion dried fruits like dates, figs, or dried apricots. These are all great options and can be jazzed up to make a healthy, tasty snacks.

What is the fastest way to lose weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

If you want to lose weight following a Mediterranean diet here are my 5 tips that work.
  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

Do you eat bananas on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Yes, you can eat bananas on the Mediterranean diet. It is recommended to eat lots of fruits and vegetables on this diet.

Are potatoes allowed on a 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.

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