8 Mediterranean Diet Recipes Perfect for Spring

With the longer and warmer days of spring finally here, it’s the perfect time to start moving our diets from the soups, stews, and richer foods of winter into brighter fare. Though Mediterranean diet recipes work year round, spring is especially pleasurable, with farmer’s markets bursting with produce. 

Just in time for spring, here’s a collection of nutrient-rich, visually appealing, and super-flavorful dishes you’ll love all season long.

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1. Stuffed Mushrooms

Sure, stuffed mushrooms are great for a party – but who says you can’t also make them for yourself as a finger-food meal? With roasted red peppers, spinach, ricotta, parmesan, and, of course, olive oil, they’re loaded with flavor and really satisfying. 

Try this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

2. Easy Smoky Chicken Paprikash

The rich, complex flavor of this dish makes it seem like you spent all day on it – but it’s actually on the table in under 30 minutes, and only needs a few simple ingredients. The secret is the combo of sweet and smoked paprikas that give this dish its name.

Try this recipe from Recipe Runner.

3. Spring Couscous Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Spring peas are front and center in this vibrant grain salad. With a bright basil vinaigrette, lots of fresh parsley, salty feta, and crunchy walnuts, it’s truly irresistible. Enjoy it on its own, as part of a picnic spread, or as a side with grilled chicken or fish.

Try this recipe from Little Spice Jar.

4. Mediterranean Fish-White Bean Skillet

This one-pan fish dish displays the magic of the Mediterranean diet – just a few simple ingredients come together to make a meal that’s great for you and loaded with flavor. White wine, lemon, red chilies, meaty Castelvetrano olives, and shallot are the combo here that transform flaky white fish and creamy cannellini beans into a restaurant-worthy dinner. And it all comes together with just 15 minutes of prep.

Try this recipe from From A Chefs Kitchen.

5. Spanakopita Quesadilla

Spanakopita, the classic spinach and feta pie, is a Mediterranean favorite. If you want to enjoy it but don’t have the time to fuss with phyllo dough, simply make it in quesadilla form. It’s the perfect vegetarian lunch or light dinner. We’d whip up a quick tzatziki to dip it into, but that’s purely optional.

Try this recipe from Healthy GF Family.

6. Spring Ratatouille

One of the charms of ratatouille is that there are a zillion ways to make it, and we love this springtime version that includes peas. It’s an effortless dish that can play many roles: It’s a side dish, it’s a pita sandwich filler, it’s an omelet filling. Bonuses: It’s delicious hot or cold, it’s even better the day after you make it, and you can change up the ingredients based on what you have (except for olive oil – that’s a must).

Try this recipe from Not Eating Out in NY.

7. The Perfect Greek Salad

No collection of spring Mediterranean diet recipes would be complete without a Greek salad. Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, kalamata olives  – all the major players are here in this classic version. Make extras of the simple Greek dressing featuring lemon, oregano, and olive oil; you can use it to dress other salads, brush it on grilled vegetables or fish, or fold it into chicken salad. 

Try this recipe from Ahead of Thyme.

8. Mediterranean Lamb Bowls

A grain bowl is always so satisfying, and this one, featuring turmeric rice, spiced ground lamb, hummus, tomatoes, and feta is especially so. Meal prep the rice and lamb, and all you have to do at lunch or dinner is assemble a bowl. Swap some of the rice for chopped romaine if you prefer more of a salad vibe.

Try this recipe from Fox and Briar.

Read next: 11 Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet Recipes We Love