Tired of the same old boring meals week after week? I hear you! That’s why I’m so excited to share these 35 delicious and authentic Mediterranean diet recipes that are perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student on the go, or just someone who wants to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, these recipes have got you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Breakfast
Start your day with these healthy and delicious breakfast recipes that are perfect for meal prepping.
1. Berry Greek Yogurt Parfaits
Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and a mix of fresh or frozen berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) in a jar or container. This parfait provides protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and satisfying way to start your day. Prepare a few at a time and grab one on your way out the door. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Overnight Oats with Berries and Nuts
Combine rolled oats, milk (dairy or plant-based), yogurt, chia seeds, and your favorite berries in a jar, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This no-cook breakfast is perfect for busy mornings. Top with nuts and seeds for a healthy and satisfying breakfast that will keep you full until lunchtime. Experiment with different flavor combinations by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
3. Spinach and Feta Scrambled Eggs with Whole-Wheat Toast
This protein-packed breakfast is perfect for meal prepping. Scramble eggs with spinach and feta cheese, and serve with a slice of whole-wheat toast. The spinach adds vitamins and minerals, while the feta provides a salty, tangy flavor. Make a batch of scrambled eggs at the beginning of the week and reheat them each morning.
4. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups
These individual oatmeal cups are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts. Combine oats, milk, apples, cinnamon, and spices, and bake in muffin tins. You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or other dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. These oatmeal cups can be reheated in the microwave or oven, making them a convenient and healthy breakfast option.
5. Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast
This healthy and satisfying breakfast is made with whole-wheat toast, smoked salmon, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon. Smoked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and avocado provides healthy fats. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning. This open-faced sandwich is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day.
Lunch
These lunch recipes are perfect for taking to work or school. They are all healthy, delicious, and easy to make ahead of time.
6. Greek Quinoa Salad
This salad is packed with protein and healthy fats. Combine quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette. This salad is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or red onion for extra flavor and crunch. Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
7. Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
This classic chicken salad is made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist. Serve on whole-wheat bread or lettuce cups. The grapes add a touch of sweetness, while the walnuts provide healthy fats and crunch. You can also add chopped celery or red onion for extra flavor.
8. Tuna Salad with Celery and Apple
This healthy tuna salad is made with Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard. Serve on whole-wheat bread or crackers. The apple adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, while the celery provides fiber and a satisfying crunch. For added flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of dill.
9. Lentil Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with protein and fiber. It’s perfect for a cold winter day. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and iron. This soup is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. You can add different vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach to this soup for added nutrition.
10. Turkey Chili
This healthy chili is made with ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s a great option for a quick and easy lunch. Turkey is a lean protein source, and beans provide fiber and protein. This chili is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Top with your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
Dinner
These dinner recipes are healthy, delicious, and easy to make ahead of time. They are perfect for busy weeknights.
11. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
This flavorful chicken is roasted with lemon, herbs, and vegetables. It’s perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner. Roasting the chicken with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions creates a complete meal. The lemon and herbs add a bright and fresh flavor. You can use any combination of your favorite herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
12. Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
This healthy and delicious dish is made with salmon, roasted vegetables, and a lemon-dill sauce. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Serve this dish with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.
13. Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
This light and healthy dish is made with shrimp, zucchini noodles, garlic, and white wine. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food that is also a good source of selenium. Zucchini noodles are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta. This dish is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
14. Beef Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
This quick and easy stir-fry is made with beef, vegetables, and brown rice. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying dinner. Use lean beef and a variety of colorful vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Brown rice is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. You can use your favorite stir-fry sauce or make your own.
15. Turkey Meatloaf with Sweet Potato Mash
This healthy meatloaf is made with ground turkey, vegetables, and whole-wheat breadcrumbs. Serve with a side of sweet potato mash. Turkey is a lean protein source, and the vegetables add nutrients and flavor. Sweet potato mash is a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. You can add herbs and spices to the meatloaf for extra flavor.
Snacks and Sides
These healthy snacks and sides are perfect for meal prepping. They are all easy to make and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
16. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and nutrients. They are perfect for a quick and easy snack. They can be eaten plain or added to salads and sandwiches. You can also make deviled eggs for a more flavorful snack.
17. Edamame
Edamame is a healthy and delicious snack that is high in protein and fiber. It can be steamed or boiled and then sprinkled with salt or your favorite seasoning. Edamame is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
18. Carrot Sticks with Hummus
This healthy snack is perfect for on-the-go. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and fiber. Hummus is a healthy dip that is made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. You can also use other vegetables like celery, cucumber, or bell peppers with hummus.
19. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
This sweet and satisfying snack is perfect for a quick and healthy treat. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Almond butter is a healthy source of protein and healthy fats. You can also use other nut butters like peanut butter or cashew butter.
20. Greek Yogurt with Berries and Granola
This healthy and delicious snack is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium. Berries are a good source of antioxidants and fiber. Granola adds a bit of crunch and sweetness. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Vegetarian
These vegetarian recipes are healthy, delicious, and easy to make ahead of time. They are perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
21. Vegetarian Chili
This hearty and flavorful chili is made with beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s a great option for a quick and easy meal. Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. This chili is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. You can add different vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to this chili for added nutrition.
22. Black Bean Burgers
These veggie burgers are made with black beans, vegetables, and spices. They are a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. Black beans are a good source of protein and fiber. These burgers can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings.
23. Tofu Scramble
This tofu scramble is a great alternative to scrambled eggs. It is made with tofu, vegetables, and spices. Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein. You can add any vegetables you like to this scramble, such as onions, peppers, and spinach. Serve it with toast or tortillas.
24. Vegetable Stir-Fry
This quick and easy stir-fry is made with vegetables and your favorite sauce. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal. You can use your favorite stir-fry sauce or make your own. Serve this stir-fry over rice or noodles.
25. Lentil Curry
This flavorful curry is made with lentils, vegetables, and spices. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. This curry is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Serve this curry with rice or naan bread.
Gluten-Free
These gluten-free recipes are perfect for those who are following a gluten-free diet. They are all healthy, delicious, and easy to make ahead of time.
26. Gluten-Free Pancakes
These pancakes are made with almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca starch. They are a great option for a healthy and delicious breakfast. You can add your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, and syrup. Make sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
27. Gluten-Free Waffles
These waffles are made with almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca starch. They are a great option for a healthy and delicious breakfast. You can add your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, and syrup. Make sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
28. Gluten-Free Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is made with gluten-free pasta, vegetables, and your favorite dressing. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful salad. You can use your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta.
29. Gluten-Free Chicken Stir-Fry
This quick and easy stir-fry is made with chicken, vegetables, and gluten-free soy sauce. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Make sure to use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Serve this stir-fry over rice or noodles.
30. Gluten-Free Pizza
This pizza is made with a gluten-free crust, your favorite toppings, and a delicious sauce. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. You can use a store-bought gluten-free crust or make your own. Top with your favorite vegetables, cheese, and meat.
Paleo
These paleo recipes are perfect for those who are following a paleo diet. They are all healthy, delicious, and easy to make ahead of time.
31. Paleo Pancakes
These pancakes are made with almond flour, coconut flour, and eggs. They are a great option for a healthy and delicious breakfast. You can add your favorite paleo-friendly toppings like fruit and nuts. These pancakes are grain-free and dairy-free.
32. Paleo Chili
This hearty and flavorful chili is made with ground beef, vegetables, and spices. It’s a great option for a quick and easy meal. This chili is grain-free and legume-free. You can add different vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to this chili for added nutrition.
33. Paleo Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
This healthy and delicious dish is made with salmon, roasted vegetables, and a lemon-dill sauce. This dish is grain-free and dairy-free. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Serve this dish with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete paleo meal.
34. Paleo Chicken Stir-Fry
This quick and easy stir-fry is made with chicken, vegetables, and coconut aminos. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. This stir-fry is grain-free and soy-free. Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Serve this stir-fry over cauliflower rice.
35. Paleo Shepherd’s Pie
This paleo shepherd’s pie is made with ground beef, vegetables, and a cauliflower mash topping. It’s a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. This shepherd’s pie is grain-free and dairy-free. You can add different vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas to this dish for added nutrition.
Conclusion
So there you have it! 35 authentic Mediterranean diet recipes ready to streamline your meal prep and elevate your everyday eating. With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, healthy meals no matter how busy life gets. Remember to have fun with it, experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and make these recipes your own. Happy cooking!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.