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18 Mediterranean Diet Dishes That Will Make Your Entire Family Wonder Why You've Been Hiding These Recipes From Them

When you hear the phrase "Mediterranean diet," places like Spain, Italy, and Greece might be top of mind. But did you know that Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, and the greater Levant are also part of this rich culinary tradition?

The Mediterranean diet, highly regarded for its health-supportive abilities, is all about filling your plate with colorful produce, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. In this vibrant recipe roundup, you'll find an array of dishes inspired by the Mediterranean diet, taking roots in diverse regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. From fresh salads and hearty soups to grilled fish and roasted legumes, there’s something for every palate and time of day.

1.Cioppino

Seafood stew with mussels, clams, shrimp, and squid in a tomato base, garnished with parsley and served with crusty bread

Dive into this hearty Italian Cioppino, a classic seafood stew that brings the flavors of the ocean right to your table. Fresh fish, shrimp, and clams unite in a rich, aromatic tomato broth, making each spoonful a delight for the senses.

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Recipe: Cioppino

2.Zucchini "Linguini" With Roasted Shrimp

Shrimp and zucchini noodle dish garnished with yellow bell pepper strips in a wooden bowl

This "linguini" with roasted shrimp is a light and flavorful dish that serves as a wonderful twist on traditional pasta. The zucchini ribbons complement the plump, juicy shrimp perfectly, creating a pasta-like experience without the carbs.

Recipe: Zucchini "Linguini" With Roasted Shrimp

3.One-Pan Salmon And Egg Bake

Salmon fillet with a poached egg and sautéed spinach on a white plate

This one-pan bake is a delightful twist on breakfast for dinner. Flaky salmon paired with fluffy eggs and fresh herbs makes for a nutritious and colorful meal any time of day.

Recipe: One-Pan Salmon And Egg Bake

4.Roasted Chickpea And Avocado Salad

Bowl of mixed salad with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, avocado, and crunchy chickpeas

This gorgeous roasted chickpea salad is an embodiment of creamy textures and bright flavors. It's a wholesome side dish that tastes great and provides a hearty dose of good-for-you nutrients.

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Recipe: Roasted Chickpea And Avocado Salad

5.Salmon With Quick Parsley-Walnut Pesto

A plate with a grilled salmon fillet topped with a fresh herb and garlic sauce, showcasing a savory dish

This succulent salmon dish features a vibrant and nutty pesto sauce that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean. Served with a side of veggies, it's a main course that's hard to beat.

Recipe: Salmon With Quick Parsley-Walnut Pesto

6.Farro Lentil Salad

Glass container with farro, lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and arugula on a wooden table near a plant and laptop. Text: "Farro Lentil Salad"

This hearty salad is a protein-rich medley of farro and hearty lentils tossed with seasonal veggies and a tangy dressing. It's a nutritious dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Recipe: Farro Lentil Salad

7.Tin Salmon Citrus Pasta

Plate of spaghetti with tuna, garnished with herbs and served with a fork on a floral-patterned dish. Glass of wine and herbs in the background

In this bright and zippy pasta, zesty citrus flavors are paired with tender salmon. It's a refreshing twist to your pasta night that's quick and enjoyable. Use whole-wheat pasta for more fiber and vitamin-rich goodness.

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Recipe: Tin Salmon Citrus Pasta

8.Tomato Pesto Salmon

Salmon topped with pesto and cherry tomatoes on a bed of zucchini and squash slices, served on a square white plate

Get ready to savor this salmon, where tender salmon fillets are baked to perfection and smothered with a basil-spiked tomato pesto. It's a flavor-packed dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking.

Recipe: Tomato Pesto Salmon

9.Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad

Four dishes featuring salads with nuts, grains, and vegetables, likely highlighting diverse textures and seasonal tastes

Enter the realm of the Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad, where sweet potatoes mingle with juicy pomegranate seeds and mixed greens for a salad that's refreshing and bursting with flavor. It's an ideal companion for your Mediterranean feast.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad

10.Parchment Lemon Dill Salmon

Salmon fillet baked on asparagus with dill, lemon, and onion, served on parchment paper on a white plate

This classic culinary technique features parchment paper to steam salmon to luscious perfection while infusing it with zesty lemon and fragrant dill. Add a whole grain pilaf on the side to make it a full meal.

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Recipe: Parchment Lemon Dill Salmon

11.Farro Salad With Cucumber And Yogurt-Dill Dressing

A bowl of creamy vegetable salad with visible chunks of cucumber, radish, and herbs on a marble countertop. Fresh greens are blurred in the background

This fresh, cool dish combines the nuttiness of farro with the crisp flavors of cucumber. It's topped off with a creamy dressing for a satisfying experience perfect for these (gradually) warmer days.

Recipe: Farro Salad With Cucumber And Yogurt-Dill Dressing

12.Wild Salmon With Pepper Sauce

Grilled salmon on quinoa with roasted vegetables on a rectangular white plate, arranged neatly for a meal presentation

This dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Tender salmon fillets are paired with a piquant pepper sauce to create a harmony of flavors that define Mediterranean cooking.

Recipe: Wild Salmon With Pepper Sauce

13.Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas seasoned and served in a bowl, offering a crunchy, savory snack option

Get your snack on with Spicy Roasted Chickpeas. Crunchy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying, these little powerhouses are perfect for a quick bite or salad topper.

Recipe: Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

14.Winter Citrus Salad

Bowl of mixed grain salad with pistachios and slices of fruit, placed on a table near a basket of oranges and a glass of juice

The Winter Citrus Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish showcasing seasonal produce. Bursting with color and flavor, it celebrates the joyful essence of winter eating while keeping things bright and nutritious.

Recipe: Winter Citrus Salad

15.Chopped Mediterranean Salad

Person mixing a fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese in a dark bowl using wooden utensils

Try this chopped salad for a refreshing burst of flavors with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese, dressed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for an enjoyable side dish or light lunch.

Recipe: Chopped Mediterranean Salad

16.Roasted Whole Red Snapper With Tomatoes, Basil, And Oregano

A smiling person in glasses, wearing a white shirt and navy apron, stands in front of a plate of fish with tomatoes and potatoes

Treat yourself to this red snapper meal — an outstanding dish that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to the forefront through simple ingredients prepared to perfection.

Recipe: Roasted Whole Red Snapper With Tomatoes, Basil, And Oregano

17.Healthy Mediterranean Salad

A fresh Greek salad in a wooden bowl featuring lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and chicken slices

Enjoy a healthy Mediterranean salad featuring crisp ingredients like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, topped with a zesty homemade dressing for a quick and refreshing meal that's perfect for any day of the week.

Recipe: Healthy Mediterranean Salad

18.Lentil Soup

A bowl of lentil soup garnished with fresh cilantro leaves

Warm up with a bowl of Lentil Soup that combines nourishing lentils with classic Mediterranean spices, delivering comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful — ideal for a cozy night in.

Recipe: Lentil Soup

For even more delicious recipes and meal ideas, download the award-winning Tasty app for iOS and Android! 🍳

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This post was curated with recipes from the Tasty library using AI and edited by our staff.