14 Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes for Your Outdoor Dinners (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 10 foods on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The foundation of the Mediterranean diet is plant foods. That means meals are built around vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains. Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry and eggs are part of the Mediterranean diet, as is seafood.

You can base your diet on these foods: Vegetables: tomatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips. Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, grapes, dates, figs, melons, peaches.

There are always Mediterranean food classics like shawarma, falafel, tomato cucumber salad that goes with everything, and the simple but delicious Greek salad, but there are also many brand-new recipes with exciting modern twists that have quickly become some of the most loved recipes on the site.

Many people wonder whether you can eat potatoes on the Mediterranean diet. It's recommended by experts that you prioritize non-starchy vegetables like dark leafy greens, bell peppers and broccoli among others. But you can definitely enjoy starchy options like potatoes in moderation on a Mediterranean diet.

Milk, yoghurt and of course CHEESE. Ricotta, mozzarella, fetta and haloumi are all vitamin rich dairy options that fit within the Mediterranean diet. Best of all, you can easily incorporate these into breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What is a traditional Mediterranean meal? ›

Fresh tomatoes, olives, fish, lemon, feta, mint, za'atar, and more make their way into delectable dishes like stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, shish kebabs, and fattoush salad. Discover traditional Mediterranean food and riffs on the region's classic flavors with this collection of Mediterranean recipes.

Common spices and herbs used in the Mediterranean include basil, bay leaf, black pepper, cloves, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, paprika, rosemary, saffron, sage, savory, sumac, tarragon, thyme, and turmeric.

When it comes to Mediterranean decor, keep things simple and elegant. Focus on natural materials like linen tablecloths, woven baskets, and fresh flowers for your party. Incorporate Mediterranean-inspired colors like blue and white, and use candles and lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere.

Eat 2 or more servings of vegetables every day, with at least one serving fresh in a salad. Eat at least 2-3 daily servings of fresh fruit (“including natural juices”) Eat at least 3 servings per week of “legumes” Eat at least 3 servings of fish or seafood, including at least one serving of fatty fish.

Common Mediterranean Breakfast Foods

Yogurt: We love Greek yogurt which is higher in protein, and lower in sugar. Eggs: A great source of protein and healthy fats. Oats: A healthy whole grain used in oatmeal and baked goods. Fruit: All types of fruit are encouraged on the Mediterranean diet.

Key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine include olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish and whole grains with moderate amounts of wine and red meat.

The Mediterranean diet is an eating plan that emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. If you're following the Mediterranean diet, you may want to try eating avocados and eggs for breakfast. You might also want to try eating Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and flax seed.