7 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Delicious Dinners

The Mediterranean Diet is widely praised for its heart-healthy benefits and vibrant flavors. Based on the traditional eating habits of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, it focuses on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh produce. If you’re looking to embrace a Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, dinner is a great place to start. Below are 7 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners—each dish is nourishing, flavorful, and simple to make.

1. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 tomato, chopped

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup kalamata olives

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

3. Prepare the salad: Combine cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta. Drizzle with red wine vinegar and olive oil.

4. Serve grilled chicken atop the salad for a refreshing and balanced dinner.

This dish is a staple in many Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners, combining lean protein with fresh veggies.

2. Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Veggies

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Juice of half a lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Place salmon on top and season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.

This recipe is an excellent option for your Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, offering omega-3s and a medley of roasted vegetables.

3. Chickpea and Spinach Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

2. Add cumin and paprika. Stir in chickpeas and broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

A warm, comforting dish, and one of the most Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes that’s also vegetarian-friendly.

4. Shrimp Saganaki (Shrimp in Tomato and Feta Sauce)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook onion and garlic until softened.

2. Add tomatoes and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink.

4. Top with feta cheese and parsley before serving.

Shrimp Saganaki is a classic in Mediterranean Diet Recipes, perfect served with whole-grain bread or brown rice.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Feta

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup crumbled feta

• 1 small zucchini, diced

• 1 tomato, diced

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix quinoa, zucchini, tomato, feta, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Stuff each pepper half and place in a baking dish.

4. Bake for 30–35 minutes until peppers are tender.

A great vegetarian dinner idea within your Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners rotation.

6. Lentil and Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils

• 1 can crushed tomatoes

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in olive oil until softened.

2. Add cumin, lentils, tomatoes, and broth.

3. Simmer for 30–35 minutes until lentils are tender.

4. Season and serve hot.

High in fiber and protein, this soup is a staple in many Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes for chilly evenings.ą...

7. Whole Wheat Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole wheat pasta

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. Drain and toss with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil.

3. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving, if desired.

Quick, delicious, and ideal for a Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan when you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

Following the Mediterranean Diet doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen. These Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes show that healthy eating can be both delicious and convenient. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to add variety to your Mediterranean Diet Recipes Dinners, these dishes offer the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

Want to Learn More?

If you're looking to dive deeper into the Mediterranean lifestyle and expand your dinner ideas even further, we highly recommend The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen.

This comprehensive guide features 500 kitchen-tested recipes that align perfectly with the Mediterranean Diet, including easy weeknight dinners, heart-healthy meals, and complete meal plans. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this book is a fantastic resource to support your Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan.

👉 Click here to get your copy on Amazon