11 Mediterranean Diet Foods You Can Get at Trader Joe’s

The Mediterranean diet, a favorite among dietitians and nutritionists, is considered by experts to be among the best ways to eat for optimal health. This diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean proteins, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, isn’t about deprivation; it’s a celebration of delicious and healthy foods. One place that knows a thing or two about doing healthy food in delicious and creative ways is Trader Joe’s, and you can find a lot of great Mediterranean diet foods there. Here are some of our favorites.

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1. Riced Cauliflower Bowl

A bowl is always on trend, and for good reason: it’s filling, hearty, healthy, and delicious, not to mention simple and satisfying.

“My favorite Trader Joe’s food that fits in the Mediterranean diet is their Riced Cauliflower Bowl made with tahini sauce, marinated chickpeas, sweet potatoes, baked tofu, and roasted onions,” says heart-health dietitian Michelle Routhenstein.

This dish is a favorite for several reasons: “It’s delicious, full of flavor, and satisfying for a quick easy lunch meal when I am in a pinch,” continues Routhenstein. “It also aligns with a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet given its low sodium and saturated fat profile, and cardioprotective elements of fiber, heart-healthy fats, and vitamins like B6, potassium, and magnesium.”

2. Mediterranean Style Salad Kit

Grabbing a salad at a local cafe can get pricey fast, but these salad kits are the same experience at a fraction of the price.

“One of my favorite options is the Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Style Salad Kit,” says dietitian Melissa Wasserman Baker. It includes a mix of greens, vegetables, and a tangy Mediterranean-style dressing. “This salad kit is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which are all essential nutrients for maintaining optimal health.”

Related: Ranking the 10 Best Trader Joe’s Salad Kits

3. Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

Trader Joe’s offers heart-healthy wild Alaskan sockeye salmon available frozen, fresh, or smoked.

“It has a wealth of nutrients and it’s a protein staple in the Mediterranean diet,” says board certified sports dietitian Roxana Ehsani. “Wild Alaskan sockeye contains vitamin B12, zinc, calcium, and iron. It also has more vitamin D than other salmon species. For example, one 3-ounce serving of cooked wild Alaska sockeye salmon contains 14.2 micrograms of vitamin D, very close to meeting your daily needs of 15 micrograms. Farmed salmon only has a quarter of the vitamin D content compared to wild species.”

The Mediterranean diet also stresses consuming two servings of fish and seafood per week, and enjoying mostly healthy sources of fat such as those found in salmon. “Wild Alaska sockeye salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health,” Ehsani says. “Choosing seafood coming from Alaska also guarantees it was caught sustainably and has fewer contaminants than farmed.”

4. Cauliflower Gnocchi

Another great option is Cauliflower Gnocchi, and there are so many ways to enjoy it.

“Made with cauliflower and potato flour, this gnocchi is a healthier alternative to traditional pasta. It’s also low in calories and carbs, making it a great option for those following a Mediterranean diet,” says Wasserman Baker.

5. Organic Pitted Kalamata Olives

“Trader Joe’s organic olives are in a wonderful brine of extra virgin olive oil and have the taste that you get when you eat olives in the Mediterranean,” says dietitian Bill Bradley.

Use olives in salads, add them to a cheese plate, or snack on them.

6. Marinated Grilled Artichoke Halves

Another delicious snack enjoyed in the Mediterranean: Artichoke hearts.

“These are low in calories, and a great snack if you are trying to lose weight. I eat them with feta and fresh tomatoes with oregano on the side,” says Bradley.

Related: 7 Creative Uses for Artichoke Hearts

7. Falafel Mix

Takeout falafel is a fun treat, and with Trader Joe’s convenient mix, you can enjoy it at home whenever the craving strikes.

“Falafel are super healthy, mostly made up of beans and herbs,” says Bradley. “Simply combine [the Trader Joe’s mix] with water half an hour before making them and you’re ready,” Bradley says. “You can either fry them in healthy extra virgin olive oil (yes, you can fry with olive oil) or bake them in the oven. We always fry them, and they’re amazing served with fresh vegetables and pita bread and a lemon tahini sauce drizzled on top.”

It’s a healthy comfort food that’s filling and rich in protein.

8. Vanilla Overnight Oats

Any of the Trader Joe’s overnight oats are delicious and fit perfectly into the Mediterranean diet.

“They have no added sugars, are whole grain, and aren’t overly processed,” says Erika Collette, RD. “While you could easily make overnight oats, the Trader Joe’s version is perfect for a quick on-the-go breakfast with no work on your part.”

Enjoy them as is, or top with berries or peanut butter.

Related: Overnight Oats Recipes That Go Way Beyond Cinnamon and Honey

9. Lemon Chicken and Arugula Salad

These pre-made salads make lunch very easy, and they taste great.

“There are no extra preservatives or additives, and you can keep them stocked in your fridge for a grab-and-go meal,” says Collette. “Pair it with some whole grain crackers and hummus for a complete meal that will leave you full and won’t hurt your goals.”

10. Organic Yellow Lentil & Brown Rice Spaghetti

The Mediterranean diet is all about whole grains and as little processing as possible.

“This pasta made from lentils and brown rice is fully whole grain, has nothing else in it, and even has 14 grams of protein in it from the lentils,” says Collette. “Plus, it doesn’t taste any different than the usual highly processed white pasta once you add some fresh pesto or tomato sauce and dress it up a little.”

Related: The Absolute Best Alternatives to Wheat Pasta in Every Category

11. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

This pesto is so creamy and delicious, it’s hard to believe that it’s so healthy.

“It has no added processed ingredients, just what the name says,” says Collette. “The Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy fats found in nuts like cashews and olive oil, which make up a large percentage of the pesto. While the pesto is vegan, you can use it on top of fish or chicken or mixed in with the Organic Yellow Lentil & Brown Rice Spaghetti.”

Read next: 7 Mediterranean Diet Dinner Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less