There’s nothing not to love about a Mediterranean diet — these delicious ingredients and vibrant meals are associated with a longer lifespan, improved brain function, and reduced risk of chronic disease.
A bonus is that many Mediterranean foods are inexpensive and easily prepared, but taste incredible, so you won’t want to skip out on these five mediterranean-inspired dinners.
Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo
Chicken and rice is boring, but Mediterranean chicken and orzo with aromatic flavors of lemon, olives and parsley, is anything but. Throw your ingredients in a slow cooker (or instant pot) and — voila — a succulent dinner at your fingertips.
Mediterranean Socca Pizza
Who said pizza can’t be healthy? Not the Greek or Lebanese, that’s for sure. This flatbread is made with chickpea flour over refined white flour, which means it’s crammed with extra protein, fiber and vitamins. Top your socca the way you would any other pizza: Use any variety of vegetables, herbs, saucey drizzles, or extra cheese.
Greek-Style Tuna Salad
This isn’t your typical mayonnaise-drenched tuna salad. Instead, it’s colorful and loaded with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Tossed in olive oil and tangy lemon juice, freshly chopped parsley and oregano sprinkle the top. Talk about piquant!
Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs
Grilled chicken, fresh mushrooms, and juicy cherry tomatoes are the heart of this Mediterranean dinner. Tossed in a tantalizing marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, and a handful of spices, stopping after just one kebab might prove impossible.
Mediterranean Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Peppers stuffed with ground beef and bread crumbs are childhood favorites of many. This Mediterranean version goes in a different direction, using quinoa, chickpeas, and vegetables to create a vegan stuffed pepper that’s truly irresistible. Full of fiber, these peppers prove themselves satiating, but you can even add chicken or turkey for an extra boost of protein.
