From a sunny and satisfying Mediterranean lunch to a hearty and wholesome dinner, you’ll find something here for every meal of the day. With this list, we hope to help you discover a wide range of ingredients and cooking techniques that reflect the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine. Let’s get cooking. For many more salad ideas, check out our salads category page. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this vegetarian flavorful dish embodies the rich and wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean region.
2. Romesco sauce
Romesco sauce is a creamy dip originating from Spain and crafted from roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic. It offers a wholesome mix of ingredients, perfect for pairing with fresh vegetables, grilled protein, or as a dip for crusty bread.
3. Pita bread
Pita bread is an essential staple in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a versatile and delicious flatbread that perfectly complements various mains and spreads. Its soft and fluffy texture makes it ideal for wrapping flavorful falafel or grilled protein while serving it with dips like hummus, eggplant dip, and tzatziki.
4. Cherry tomato pasta
Taste the simple pleasures of Mediterranean cooking with our cherry tomato pasta, combining juicy tomatoes with garlic and basil atop al dente spaghetti. It’s a quick 30–minute recipe that captures the essence of the region’s wholesome and delicious culinary traditions. It combines the heartiness of beans and pasta in a single pot for a wholesome and flavorful Mediterranean dinner.
6. Tabbouleh or lentil tabbouleh salad
Tabbouleh is an easy Mediterranean salad with a blend of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onions, and soaked bulgur drizzled with lemon juice. For a hearty twist, you can make this lentil–infused variation that adds protein and depth to this classic dish, marrying fresh flavors with the rich pulses.
7. Mediterranean bowl
Next on our list is a colorful Mediterranean bowl featuring protein–packed hummus, pickled onions, and crispy falafel. This wholesome meal provides rich textures and a satisfying and nutritious option for a well–balanced lunch or dinner.
8. Vegetable farro salad
This Mediterranean farro salad is adorned with a colorful medley of pan-fried vegetables. It’s a convenient and nourishing option for meal prep and lunch boxes as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. The tomatoes are filled with a savory mixture of chickpeas, rice, spinach, and spices, offering a satisfying burst of taste and a fulfilling dinner experience.
10. Couscous salad
This 20-minute salad is a beautiful pairing of couscous with crunchy fresh vegetables. Add a delicious and aromatic lemon and cumin dressing to make a wonderful Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad.
11. Lentil mujaddara
Lentil Mujadara is a classic Mediterranean dish with an aromatic blend of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This satisfying meal is infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, creating a flavorful and comforting experience. Served with a dollop of tahini yogurt, Lentil Mujadara is a wholesome and beloved staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
12. Vegetarian bell peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are prevalent in most Mediterranean countries, from Italy to Turkey, Spain to North Africa’s coasts. Try our meatless version with rice, lentils, and spices for a protein–rich and satiating dinner idea. The lentils make this Mediterranean soup nutritious and fulfilling, with texture, protein, iron, and heart and gut-healthy fiber.
14. Hummus
Hummus is a creamy chickpea, tahini, garlic, and olive oil blend. It originates in the Middle East and has become a beloved appetizer and dip in many homes. Hummus is a versatile and popular accompaniment to many dishes; we recommend trying it with falafel, fresh vegetables, and pita bread.
15. Tomato cucumber salad
A refreshing tomato cucumber salad combines vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers tossed with red onions, and good quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s a perfect side dish that embodies the essence of the Mediterranean diet – light, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious.
16. Falafel
Falafel hosts a delicious combination of ground chickpeas or fava beans, aromatic herbs, and spices. These flavorful balls are deep–fried to a crispy golden brown, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a tender interior. We serve the falafel in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce; falafel has become a cherished staple across the Mediterranean region. The smoky notes from perfectly roasted cauliflower complement the rich and nutty undertones of the tahini, a wonderful blend of textures and tastes.
18. Muhammara
Next on our list is muhammara, a Mediterranean dip with vibrant red peppers, earthy walnuts, and a symphony of spices. This inviting dish boasts a velvety texture and a harmonious balance of smoky sweetness, making it the perfect companion for a warm pita or crisp salad.
19. Eggplant caponata
Eggplant caponata is a Mediterranean delight, combining roasted eggplant’s rich, velvety texture with a symphony of flavors. Served as a vibrant appetizer and a versatile side dish, eggplant caponata encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every delightful bite.
20. Chickpea salad
Elevate your lunch with a 15–minute chickpea salad, a Mediterranean meal with flavors. This quick and wholesome dish perfectly blends freshness and protein by combining crisp cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes. We love to add chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro and parsley, to enhance its lively flavor profile.
22. Pan con tomate
Pan con tomate features crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with sea salt. Eat it as a breakfast option as a fresh start to your day in the Mediterranean tradition. Or enjoy it as a quick and satisfying snack for a wholesome and convenient bite.
23. Tuscan white bean soup
Mediterranean white bean soup is a flavorful one–pot meal that seamlessly blends the rich heritage of Mediterranean cuisine. A nourishing fusion of ingredients with the simplicity and warmth of Mediterranean cooking and a wholesome one–pot meal.
24. Chickpea stew
Savor the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with a hearty chickpea stew featuring tender sweet potatoes simmered to perfection in a single pot. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this wholesome dish is a satisfying and nutritious one–pot wonder. Drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this Mediterranean orzo salad is a light and satisfying choice for a sun–soaked lunch.
26. Red pepper pasta
Here is a creamy Mediterranean pasta that marries the richness of velvety sauce with the subtle sweetness of roasted red peppers. Each bite of this roasted red pepper pasta is a journey through a symphony of Mediterranean spices, creating a dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
27. Easy pasta salad
Fresh vegetables, herbs, and honey mustard dressing make a Mediterranean-inspired, fresh, zesty pasta salad. It’s excellent for meal prep (and it takes only 20 minutes to make!), potlucks, and picnics, and you can have it for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner.
28. Chickpea soup
It’s the perfect one-pot lunch or dinner for colder fall and winter days. It’ll nourish every cell because it is warm and packed with healthy plant-based protein and nutrients. The flavor of our chickpea soup is unmistakably Mediterranean; it’ll make you think of your dream holiday in Tuscany.
29. Fattoush salad
Fattoush is a delicious, crunchy, refreshing salad from Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. It has fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted or fried Arabic bread. Fattoush salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of those wonderful eastern Mediterranean countries. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.
30. Vegetable soup
This one–pot Mediterranean soup is filled with seasonal greens and aromatic broth. This vegetable soup is wholesome, tasty, rustic comfort food you can make with seasonal veggies in just over 30 minutes. *Always consult with a health expert, doctor, or nutritionist before starting a new diet or exercise regimen.
30 High Protein Vegetarian Meals
45 Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
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40 Easy Meatless Meals
Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients. Easy right? Comment * Name Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me when Louise or Nico reply to my comment.
Δ Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.