9 Mediterranean Diet Vegetarian Recipes We Love Right Now

You know that following a Mediterranean diet is a proven way to improve your health. Many studies point to this eating style’s myriad benefits, including lower rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Since it emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil, there are tons of Mediterranean diet vegetarian recipes for you to enjoy, whether you eat a plant-based diet all the time, or simply want to incorporate more veg-focused meals.

The best part: With the range of flavors and ingredients available within the Mediterranean diet, you can make vegetarian meals that are as loaded with great taste as they are with good nutrition. Here are nine satisfying Mediterranean diet vegetarian recipes to get you started.

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1. Chickpea and Kale Shakshuka

Shakshuka, a North African and Middle Eastern dish, traditionally involves poaching eggs in a sauce made with tomatoes and peppers. In this version, chickpeas and kale provide additional protein and fiber. Plus, spices like cumin and coriander add even more layers of flavor.

Try this recipe on Smitten Kitchen.

2. Moroccan Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Stuffing a vegetable with a hearty mix and baking it makes for a comforting dish. Eggplant is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, and in this recipe, you stuff it with tomato-y spiced lentils and top it with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for crunch (the recipe called for plant-based cheese, but dairy also works here). It’s loaded with plant-based fiber and protein, so it’s filling and satisfying.

Try this recipe on Minimalist Baker.

3. Greek Vegan Spanakopita

Traditional spanakopita is a Mediterranean favorite, and this version calls for a cashew-based feta that you can make or buy. Of course, you can use regular feta, if you prefer. Stick to spinach, or use a mix of spinach and chard to add a shot of color to your plate.

Try this recipe on Veggies Don’t Bite.

4. Favorite Quinoa Salad

So many classic Mediterranean diet go-to ingredients come together in this dish. Quinoa salad is a perfect make-ahead dish, and this one requires just 20 minutes of prep, so you can whip it up over a weekend and grab it for quick lunches during the week. Swap in a different whole grain for the quinoa, like brown rice, if you prefer.

Try this recipe on Cookie and Kate.

5. Vegan Rainbow Falafel Wrap

Falafel, spiced patties made from chickpeas, are a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. In this recipe, you wrap them up with a variety of colorful veggies, like beets, avocado, and carrot, for a super nutrient-rich and tasty meal. Make your falafel from scratch, buy them pre-made in the freezer section, or try a mix, like the one sold at Trader Joe’s.

Try this recipe on Haute and Healthy Living.

6. Green Bean Salad with Grilled Halloumi

Halloumi is a popular rich and salty Mediterranean cheese that’s so firm, you can toss it on the grill. Here you pair it with a light and fresh green bean salad with cherry tomatoes, tossed with a simple buttermilk-based dressing. Have it with a whole grain on the side, or serve it over mixed greens.

Try this recipe on Craving Something Healthy.

7. Vegetarian Paella

Traditional paella, usually studded with seafood, chicken, and sausage, works beautifully as a vegetarian dish thanks to chickpeas, frozen peas, artichoke hearts, and roasted peppers. With the saffron-infused rice, tomatoes, and garlic, it’s chock-full of flavors and textures as well as protein and fiber.

Try this recipe on A Couple Cooks.

8. Easy Vegan Moussaka

With its layers of eggplant and a creamy béchamel sauce, moussaka is a classic Greek comfort dish. A protein-rich lentil filling takes the place of traditional beef or lamb in this vegetarian recipe, and the creamy sauce has a cashew base and nutritional yeast for added flavor. Toss a salad while it bakes, or just slice some tomatoes and cucumber and drizzle with olive oil.

Try this recipe on Minimalist Baker.

9. Epic Baba Ganoush

Roasting eggplant gives it a rich, smoky flavor, the basis for this classic Middle Eastern favorite. Simply blend the roasted eggplant pulp with lemon, garlic, tahini, cumin, and olive oil, and these basic ingredients transform into a complex, luscious dip that’s perfect with toasted pita or sliced veggies.

Try this recipe on Cookie and Kate.

Read next: 10 Mediterranean Diet Desserts to Tame Your Sweet Tooth