Navigating a new eating plan can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to avoid certain ingredients like fish. That’s why I’ve put together this collection of 35 mouthwatering, Mediterranean diet recipes without fish. From satisfying breakfasts to light lunches, hearty dinners, and even some sweet treats, you’ll find plenty of inspiration. So, grab your apron, stock up on fresh produce, and let’s get cooking!
Breakfast
1. Breakfast Scramble with Tomatoes and Feta
Kickstart your day with this savory and satisfying scramble. Sauté diced tomatoes and onions in olive oil until softened, then add your eggs and scramble until cooked through. Crumble feta cheese over the top and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Serve with a side of whole-wheat toast for a complete breakfast.
2. Spinach and Feta Scrambled Eggs
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast of scrambled eggs with spinach and feta cheese. Sauté the spinach with a little garlic for extra flavor, then add it to your eggs while they’re cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a side of whole-wheat toast and a piece of fruit for a balanced and satisfying meal.
3. Berry Greek Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries in a jar or glass for a healthy and satisfying breakfast. Use a variety of berries for a colorful and flavorful parfait, and choose a granola that’s low in sugar. You can also add a drizzle of honey or some chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch. This parfait is perfect for meal prepping – simply assemble the ingredients in jars the night before and grab one on your way out the door.
4. Avocado Toast with Cherry Tomatoes
Toast a slice of whole-wheat bread and top it with mashed avocado, sliced cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic glaze for extra flavor. For an extra protein boost, add a fried egg. This simple breakfast is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients.
5. Whole-Wheat Pancakes with Fruit and Yogurt
These fluffy pancakes are made with whole-wheat flour, milk, and eggs. You can add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor. Top them with fresh fruit and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. These pancakes are a healthier alternative to traditional pancakes and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Lunch
6. Lentil Soup with Whole-Wheat Bread
This hearty soup is packed with protein and fiber. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch all week long. This soup is also a great source of iron and other essential nutrients. Serve it with a slice of whole-wheat bread for a satisfying lunch.
7. Greek Salad with Quinoa
This refreshing salad is made with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and quinoa. Add some fresh herbs like oregano and mint for extra flavor. Toss it with a lemon vinaigrette dressing for a light and healthy lunch. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
8. Hummus and Veggie Wrap
Spread hummus on a whole-wheat tortilla and fill it with your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a salty bite. This is a quick and easy lunch that’s perfect for on-the-go and can be easily customized with your favorite veggies.
9. Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
This flavorful salad is made with shredded chicken, grapes, walnuts, and celery. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option. Serve it on whole-wheat bread or crackers for a satisfying lunch. This salad is a great source of protein and healthy fats.
10. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Roast your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and zucchini, and toss them with quinoa and a lemon vinaigrette dressing. This salad can be served warm or cold and is perfect for meal prep. Add some chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
Dinner
11. Chicken Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
This healthy stir-fry is made with chicken, brown rice, and your favorite vegetables. Try adding broccoli, carrots, and snow peas for a colorful and nutritious meal. Use a low-sodium soy sauce and a touch of honey for a delicious sauce. This stir-fry is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor.
12. Vegetarian Chili
This hearty chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and flavor. Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. You can easily make this chili in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal. This chili is a great source of protein and fiber.
13. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
This low-carb alternative to pasta is made with spaghetti squash and marinara sauce. Top it with your favorite vegetables and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Roast the spaghetti squash with a little olive oil and garlic for extra flavor. This dish is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your favorite Italian flavors.
14. Chicken Fajitas
These flavorful fajitas are made with chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for extra flavor. Serve them with whole-wheat tortillas, salsa, and guacamole. This is a fun and interactive meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
15. Eggplant Parmesan
This classic Italian dish is made with eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Use fresh basil and oregano for an authentic Italian flavor. Serve it with a side of whole-wheat pasta or a salad. This dish is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy eggplant.
Snacks
16. Fruit Salad with Greek Yogurt
This refreshing snack is made with your favorite fruits and Greek yogurt. Try adding a drizzle of honey or some chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch. This is a great snack to pack for work or school. Choose a variety of fruits for a range of vitamins and minerals.
17. Trail Mix
This healthy snack is made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It’s a great option for on-the-go and provides a good source of energy. Customize your trail mix with your favorite ingredients. Trail mix is also a good source of healthy fats and fiber.
18. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and nutrients. They’re a quick and easy snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Sprinkle with some paprika or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor. Hard-boiled eggs are also a good source of choline, which is important for brain health.
19. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus
This healthy snack is made with your favorite vegetables and hummus. It’s a great option for a light and refreshing snack. Try different types of hummus, like roasted red pepper or garlic. This snack is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
20. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
This classic snack is a great source of fiber and protein. It’s a quick and easy snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon for extra flavor. This snack is also a good source of healthy fats and vitamins.
Desserts
21. Fruit Salad with Honey and Lime
This refreshing dessert is made with your favorite fruits, honey, and lime juice. It’s a light and healthy way to end your meal. Chill the fruit salad for a refreshing treat. This dessert is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
22. Greek Yogurt with Berries and Honey
This simple dessert is a great source of protein and calcium. It’s a healthy and satisfying way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Add a sprinkle of granola for extra crunch. This dessert is also a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
23. Dark Chocolate Avocado Pudding
This decadent dessert is made with avocado, cocoa powder, and honey. It’s a healthy and delicious way to indulge in your chocolate cravings. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor. This pudding is also a good source of healthy fats and fiber.
24. Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts
These warm and comforting baked apples are a delicious and healthy dessert. They’re made with apples, cinnamon, and walnuts. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey. This dessert is a great source of fiber and antioxidants.
25. Fruit and Nut Bars
These homemade fruit and nut bars are a healthy and delicious snack or dessert. They’re made with your favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds. These bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking. You can customize these bars with your favorite ingredients.
Additional Recipes
26. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
This flavorful sandwich is made with chickpeas, celery, onion, and mayonnaise. Add some fresh herbs like dill and parsley for extra flavor. Serve it on whole-wheat bread for a satisfying lunch or snack. This sandwich is a great source of protein and fiber.
27. Black Bean Burgers
These hearty burgers are made with black beans, oats, and spices. Serve them on whole-wheat buns with your favorite toppings like avocado, tomato, and lettuce. You can bake or grill these burgers. These burgers are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers.
28. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These colorful peppers are stuffed with a mixture of ground meat (lamb is a great option!), rice, and vegetables. They’re a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese before baking. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables.
29. Vegetable Curry
This flavorful curry is made with a variety of vegetables and spices. Use coconut milk for a creamy and rich curry. Serve it over brown rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. This curry is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
30. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
These flavorful skewers are made with chicken, vegetables, and a honey-mustard glaze. Use a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. They’re a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for grilling or baking. These skewers are a fun and easy way to enjoy a healthy meal.
31. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
These low-carb noodles are made with zucchini and pesto sauce. Use a spiralizer to create the zucchini noodles. They’re a light and healthy meal that’s perfect for a summer day. This dish is a great way to enjoy zucchini.
32. Tomato and Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing. Add some fresh herbs like mint and parsley. It’s a light and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This salad is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
33. Roasted Vegetable Platter
This colorful platter is made with a variety of roasted vegetables. Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. It’s a healthy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This platter is a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables.
34. Fruit Pizza
This fun and festive pizza is made with a whole-wheat crust and topped with your favorite fruits. Use a sugar-free whipped cream for a healthier option. It’s a healthy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for parties or potlucks. This pizza is a fun and healthy way to enjoy fruit.
35. Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get a quick and healthy meal or snack. They can be made with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and protein powder. Add some spinach or kale for a boost of nutrients. Smoothies are a great way to start your day or refuel after a workout.
Conclusion
I hope this collection has sparked your culinary creativity and given you the confidence to embrace this incredible way of eating. Remember, the Mediterranean diet is more than just a set of rules – it’s about savoring fresh, wholesome food, enjoying meals with loved ones, and appreciating the vibrant flavors of the region. With a little planning and these recipes as your guide, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you.
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.