50 Mediterranean Diet Recipes You'll Actually Crave

Long known to be delicious and heart-healthy, a Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, herbs and spices, and eating red meat less often. Give it a taste with one of our flavorful recipes.

Mediterranean Chicken Breasts With Avocado Tapenade

"My husband and I made this for dinner last night and our only complaint was that we ate too much because it was so good!"

-McGelby

Crispy Fried Falafel

"First time making falafel and this was surprisingly easy and really really good. They were crispy on the outside and super tender in the middle."

-emcquaid

Mediterranean Tilapia Pockets

"Loved these little fish foil packets so much. They were so easy and the oven does all the work for you which is always a nice bonus. These would be great thrown on the grill as well."

-Jonathan Melendez

Lebanese Lentil Salad

"A very refreshing salad that's easy to throw together....would be made quicker with the use of canned lentils. I had it for lunch with some nice home made bread... Yummo!"

-Stardustannie

Mediterranean Balsamic Mushrooms

"I'm starting to cook more with balsamic vinegar and this one hit the spot. I used white button, less oil and no salt. Delicious!"

-nemokitty

Shakshuka Burrito with Pepper Salsa & Tzatziki

This shakshuka breakfast burrito is topped with roasted red pepper salsa and an easy-to-make yogurt sauce. Plus, it's Mediterranean diet.

Pan-Seared Moroccan Salmon

"The best salmon recipe on Food.com. I make it over and over again. Sometimes I double the marinade since that is the best part and add a bit of water at the end to have some gravy."

-plambago

Mediterranean Lasagna

This lasagna is packed with veggies between each noodle layer.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Let this salad shine on its own, or pair it with your favorite pasta for an extra-hearty meal.

Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies

This Mediterranean-style recipe uses olive oil to bake a tender, moist cookie.

Mediterranean Salmon

"Loved it! A quick and easier version of the copy-cat Buca Di Beppo Salmon Siracusa I often make! Delish."

-Cook4_6

Strawberry Trifle

This Mediterranean-style trifle is made with olive oil chocolate chip cookies, fresh fruit, honey and a dusting of flaky sea salt.

Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables

“Superb recipe. Delicious served with roast chicken. I’ll add salmon next time!”

-Anonymous

mediterranean couscous salad

"This was great! I omitted the feta cheese, and used walnuts instead of pine nuts. It all came together in the end, with the crunch of the walnuts complimenting the kidney beans, tomatoes, and couscous to perfection!"

-Anu_N

Greek Turkey Burgers

The flavor of these burgers will transport you to the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Kalamata Hummus

"I thought this was the best hummus I have ever had. And I made it!"

-cinderelladressmaker

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

“This was a most enjoyable salad. With the cheese this could easily be a full meal on it's own but it was great with grilled chicken. A wonderful balance of flavors.”

-Annacia

Tzatziki

"Mmmmm.....turned out just right! Incredibly easy. I used dill and look forward to trying it with mint. I had to use a regular cucumber and just seeded it. I halved the recipe and it made a lot."

-Lucky in Bayview

Lamb & Carrot Meatballs with Cauliflower Tabbouleh

For a flavorful, refreshing dinner full of veggies, try this well-balanced dish. The lamb meatballs have plenty of spice and use less meat thanks to the addition of shredded carrots.

Eggplant Caponata

"This is an excellent and versatile recipe. I even froze a bunch of it and have reheated it to serve with pasta or as relish for a main dish. I did leave the skin on the eggplant for color and fiber."

-spatchcock

Spinach & Bulgur Salad

"I have eaten quite a number of bulgur salads, but this one really is one of the best! The flavors mingle perfectly, and the dill and feta combined with the tomatoes and spinach are just super yummy!"

-Lalaloula

Stuffed Avocado Salad

"The little salad on top of the avocados is SO flavorful. It goes perfectly with the butteriness of the avocados. It's a great simple and healthy weeknight meal, or perfect as a side dish!"

-Jonathan Melendez

Slow-Cooker Chicken Casablanca

"This was amazing! I'm not on a diet, but thought we could use some more veggies in our diet. I never was a fan of sweet potatoes or cooked carrots before, but this dish changed my mind!"

-Peachie Keene

Italian Eggplant Ragu

"This was delicious. I served it over a bowl of polenta, and it was the ultimate comfort food meal. I'll be making this again and often."

-Halima Dances

Tomato & Barley Soup

"Very good recipe just as it is, and also lends itself well to using up other orphaned produce in the fridge, or odds and ends in the freezer, cupboard or pantry. It's hearty, warming and has a satisfying texture and consistency."

-Katwyn

Uncle Bill's Vegetarian Minestrone

"Absolutely delicious! I'm the world's worst cook but this has given me quite a morale boost. So pleased to find a recipe that works for me."

-madelinecolam

Shakshuka with Swiss Chard

"Being half-Israeli, I am immediately skeptical of all shakshuka recipes. This one surpassed all expectations."

-t7995

World's Best Tabbouleh Salad

"This recipe totally lives up to its name. The best! I made it with quinoa instead of bulgur wheat and it was fabulous."

-girlofthepuddle

Brown Rice & Pepper Pilaf

"We really enjoyed this healthier version of rice pilaf. Great flavor! The extra cooking time (for the brown rice) is worth it; the rice is fluffy and scrumptious!"

-NELady

Mediterranean Chicken With Tomatoes, Olives & Mushrooms

"Delicious recipe. My wife loves olives and chicken thighs, so this recipe hit the spot."

-Shock55

Lentil & Couscous Salad

"I added garlic and used this delicious salad as a filling for pita pockets! Use both fresh mint and fresh parsley from the garden, too!"

-COOKGIRl

Mediterranean Hummus Appetizer

"Amazing! I licked the bowl clean!"

-Natural Life

Mediterranean Lentil Soup with Spinach

"This was delicious! My fiance (the vegetarian) and I (the carnivore) loved it. It was earthy, substantial and flavorful!"

-MtlCarly

Mediterranean Shrimp With Garlic Chips

"Delicious! We all loved the garlic chips. The shrimp were perfectly done, the rosemary just right. Served over linguini with some lemon olive oil."

-Chef Kate

Cod With Mediterranean Salsa

“We really enjoyed this! I used nice thick pieces of cod - I soaked them in milk for about 30 minutes prior to cooking them to take some of the fishy flavors out. I then followed the recipe as written and it was perfection!”

-jenne

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

“This was so easy to prepare and simply delicious. The tarragon, lemon and mustard blended just beautifully and elevated the components of the salad."

-justcallmetoni

Mediterranean Tuna Stuffed Tomato

"Yum! This was great. I've never had a tuna salad before that didn't have mayo so this was a refreshing contrast."

-lazyme

Mediterranean Corn Salad

“This salad is so good and the basil really adds a ton of flavor. The corn and chickpeas are great together. That's a great filling lunch!”

-Boomette

Mediterranean Salad

"Fantastic salad. The chickpeas make it filling enough to be a complete meal. I made this according to the recipe and included the optional capers and added some sliced onion. Simple but great!"

-Parsley

Mediterranean Spinach

“We really enjoyed the appearance & the taste of this recipe. I didn't have fresh dill so I used dry. Easy to prepare!”

-Bergy

Mediterranean Dip Duo

"I thought the salsa was totally awesome! I loved all the flavors, and the feta added just the right kick to make it a little different from other salsas. Lovely!”

-Kim127

Mediterranean Edamame Salad

"We loved it! The salad had the crunch from the beans, sweetness from the tomatoes and salt from the cheese and olives!"

-Abby Girl

Mediterranean White Bean Soup

“This bean soup has become a staple in my house. It's proof that a bean soup does not need pork or bacon to be delicious. The only thing I do differently is add an extra potato for more thickness!”

-Janny7

Mediterranean Salad With Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

“This was such a yummy salad, and a such a fantastic dressing to go with it. We found it had a lovely blend of the lemon and vinegar!”

-FrenchBunny

Mediterranean Salad

"This is really, really good stuff. I mean really good!"

-Happyday49

Mediterranean Frittata

"What a delightful meal! I absolutely loved all of the fresh basil, with all those veggies and feta. It's easy to make, and full of flavor!"

-loof751

Mediterranean Mahi Mahi With Olive and Shallot Tapenade

"This was a great dinner. I used fresh herbs from my garden, and kalamata olives. A lovely meal and one that we will be making again."

-Dr. Jenny

Mediterranean Feta Dip

"This is delicious! I think that I will throw the kalamata olives in with the rest of it next time, rather than using them for garnish."

-Paris D

Easy Falafel

Crispy falafel balls paired with a creamy tahini drizzle... Serve it up as an appetizer or as a sandwich in flatbread or pita.

Bonus: "Sun-Dried" Tomatoes

"I have a large abundance of Roma tomatoes this year and this recipe helped us use them up. Very easy to do and my kitchen smelled wonderful. I love using fresh herbs and garlic on these."

-mary winecoff

KEEP SCROLLING FOR NEXT STORY