35 Mediterranean recipes (2024)

Grilled kofte (izgara köfte)

A plate of grilled kofte – a Cypriot meat dish made with lamb or beef mince – will go down a treat at a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Halloumi and black olive cake

Make this Cypriot halloumi and black olive cake, then serve it alongside Meliz Berg's grilled kofte and türlü (roasted vegetable stew) as part of a Mediterranean spread.

Orzo with mussels, saffron and ouzo

Bring the rich, sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean to your table with this Greek orzo with mussels, saffron and ouzo recipe.

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Roast spatchco*ck chicken mojo rojo

Try this roast with a Mediterranean twist, where roast chicken is drizzled in a wild garlic pesto, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a twist of black pepper. This recipe comes from The Sun Inn in Dedham.

Mediterranean chicken traybake

So good we put it on our cover in August 2020, this simple chicken traybake recipe comes sprinkled with olives, feta, oregano and baby plum tomatoes.

Türlü (roasted vegetable stew)

Roast veg with herbs and warming spices to make this vegan dish from Cyprus – it can be eaten hot, warm or cold.

Mediterranean baked hake

A fresh and vibrant way to serve hake, with plenty of hot smoked paprika for added kick. You can mop-up all those lovely juices with crusty bread.

Mediterranean roast peppers with olives and goat’s cheese

Stuff sweet crunchy peppers with cherry tomatoes and garlic then roast and top with creamy goat's cheese for a low calorie vegetarian midweek meal.

Halloumi and Mediterranean veg traybake

Our vegetarian tray bake packs in plenty of seasonal veg and salty halloumi for a vibrant Mediterranean dinner ready in 30 minutes. Discover our best halloumi recipes here.

Gigantes plaki (Greek baked beans)

Ready in under an hour, this Mediterranean one-pot is packed with plenty of fresh flavours as well as protein and fibre, making it a healthy vegetarian meal idea with less than 300 calories.

Baked chorizo and squash rice with manchego crust

Try our Spanish inspired baked rice dish with crispy manchego crust and butternut squash for a filling midweek meal ready in 50 minutes. Check out more of our butternut squash recipes here.

Chicken cacciatore

This summery Italian one-pot is easy to make and freezes brilliantly, plus, it's low cal and gluten free. The recipe is easily halved if you only want to serve 3-4 people.

Leek and green olive pissaladière

Pissaladière is a dish which originated from Nice in Southern France. The dough is usually a bread dough thicker than that of the classic Italian pizza. This is a great version using leeks, green olives and sultanas.

Spicy merguez and cod tray roast

Spicy, smoky lamb merguez gives this sauce a rich, deep flavour and combines really well with the cod. You could also use cooking chorizo for a similar result. Try more of our ideas with olives here...

Spanakopita

Check out this traditional Greek spanakopita pie recipe. This easy spinach filo pastry pie is super crispy and packed with creamy feta. Plenty more Greek recipes to try here...

Vegetable tagine

This recipe for Moroccan veg and chickpea tagine is vegan, low-fat and really easy to make. This makes enough for four, but the leftovers freeze well.

Orzo deli salad

Check out this super simple orzo salad recipe with crunchy red onion and sweet SunBlush tomatoes. This vegan salad recipe is easy to make and low in calories.

Green gazpacho with burrata and prosciutto

Check out this vibrant gazpacho recipe with punchy jalapeños, crispy prosciutto and creamy burrata. Chilling this gazpacho will allow its flavours to develop fully. You could use red tomatoes, but you won’t get as vivid a colour.

Roast monkfish with chorizo, sherry and rice

Check out this super simple monkfish recipe for two. Ready in 40 minutes, this easy fish dish is wholesome midweek meal to enjoy all year through.

Italian baked meatballs

Meatballs baked in rich tomato sauce with a melting mozzarella topping - this recipe is all about comfort food. It's also perfect for freezing, making it a great option for when you don't want to cook mid-week. Looking for meatballs ideas? Click here to try.

Lamb tagine

Spicy lamb tagine is a real crowd pleaser. It serves six so is great for feeding the family or a group of friends, or you can freeze it in smaller batches so that it'll do several nights. Olives add a richness to this traditional Moroccan recipe.

Chicken parmesan

Our take on a classic comfort food dish, this recipe for chicken parmesan is easy and ready in just 30 minutes.

Cod, cherry tomato and green olive tray roast

This recipe for cod, cherry tomato and green olive tray roast is so quick and easy to prepare but looks impressive when you pull it out of the oven. Serve with a big bowl of buttered orzo.

Spinach and ricotta filo pie

This spinach and ricotta vegetarian pie made with filo pastry is very light at under 200 calories per slice. Ready in under an hour you can make it ahead and cook it when you need it. If you're a fan of pie and vegetarian, try our ideas here.

Baked Spanish rice with chicken and chorizo

A spicy Spanish one pot. Made with chicken and chorizo and plenty of hot smoked paprika, this is a gutsy rice dish that is sure to impress friends and family. Plenty more Spanish recipes to try here...

Broccoli and red pepper frittata

This broccoli and roasted red pepper frittata makes for a quick, healthy and delicious midweek meal. It's on the table in just 20 minutes, plus it's low-cal and 5:2 diet-friendly.

Tuscan slow cooked shin of beef with chianti

Italian cusine never goes out of fashion. This recipe for Tuscan slow-cooked shin of beef with chianti is a brilliant example of how to do things simply but perfectly. This is a great one to make when you need to feed a crowd

Marinated tomato and feta salad

This recipe for marinated tomato and feta salad makes a quick and easy vegetarian meal for two midweek. It also makes a tasty lunch to take to work.

Smoky albondigas

The best Spanish meatballs recipe: These albondigas are made with beef and pork mince and served in a quick, rich tomato sauce. Make for easy tapas, or part of a dinner-party menu.

Chicken traybake with lemon, orzo and olives

This chicken tray bake with lemon, olives and orzo is a great midweek meal for all the family. It's super simple, and low in calories.

Antipasti rigatoni

This recipe for antipasti rigatoni is a great Italian-inspired recipe for a speedy, healthy supper. Using the best Italian antipasti ingredients and combining it with pasta is ideal for a mid-week meal.

Portuguese custard tarts

Make classic Portuguese custard tarts Pastéis de Nata with step-by-step help from the olive test kitchen. Dusting the pastry with icing sugar gives the tarts a golden, caramelised crust when cooked.

Loukoumades Greek donuts

One of the pleasures of a Greek holiday comes in those moments after dark (and after dinner) when everyone moves to the tables in a local square to drink coffee and eat plates of tiny cinnamon-scented doughnuts. Whether your preference is for the sugar-dusted variety or those soaked in honey, try making them at home for a crowd-pleasing dessert with a difference.

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Tiramisu

Whip up our smart, authentic version of this classic Italian dessert, made with mascarpone, marsala and savoiardi biscuits soaked in coffee and Tia Maria.

35 Mediterranean recipes (2024)

FAQs

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 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 are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine include olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish and whole grains with moderate amounts of wine and red meat.

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

The foundation of the Mediterranean diet is plant foods. That means meals are built around vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains. Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry and eggs are part of the Mediterranean diet, as is seafood. In contrast, red meat is eaten only once in a while.

Can you eat rice on a Mediterranean diet? ›

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.

Can you eat cheese on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Cheese and yogurt are eaten regularly in the traditional Mediterranean diet, but in low to moderate amounts. The calcium in cheese and yogurt is important for bone and heart health. Low fat and nonfat dairy products ease concerns of adverse consequences of somewhat higher consumption of dairy products.

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 Mediterraneans eat bananas? ›

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 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

Is peanut butter on the 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 majority of protein in the Mediterranean diet? ›

High-Protein Foods to Eat on the Mediterranean Diet

Fish: Fish is a great source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of omega-3-rich salmon provides 22 g of protein. Nuts and seeds: High in protein and healthy fats, a 1/4-cup serving of almonds provides about 7 g of protein.

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.

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.

Can you have potatoes 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 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.

What is a typical Mediterranean meal? ›

It includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils as well as seafood and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. It also includes a moderate amount of chicken, turkey, eggs and fermented dairy, like yogurt or kefir, while limiting red meat, sweets and processed foods.

What is the Mediterranean diet for seniors? ›

Eat 2 or more servings of vegetables every day, with at least one serving fresh in a salad. Eat at least 2-3 daily servings of fresh fruit (“including natural juices”) Eat at least 3 servings per week of “legumes” Eat at least 3 servings of fish or seafood, including at least one serving of fatty fish.

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