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    Cooking Gorgeous » MSN Posts

    Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Beginners

    Published: Nov 5, 2024 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    These beginner-friendly recipes are just what you need if you’re starting a Mediterranean diet and want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients like olive oil, fresh veggies, whole grains, and flavorful herbs, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, colorful meals that are as good for your health as they are delicious. Great for anyone looking to keep things simple, these easy Mediterranean recipes make healthy eating feel both effortless and exciting!

    Baked Salmon

    salmon fillet is cooked until it is flaky
    Ayla Clulee

    Mediterranean Baked Salmon is a simple yet impressive and delicious dish, whether you serve it as the centerpiece of a holiday dinner table for special occasions or as a quick weeknight dinner.

    It is the perfect combination of fresh salmon fillet marinated with Mediterranean flavors such as lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic.

    To learn more: Mediterranean Baked Salmon

    Green Bean Stew

    etli taze fasulye yemeği served with salad and bread
    Ayla Clulee

    Etli Taze Fasulye Yemegi, or Green Bean Stew with Meat, is a traditional Turkish vegetable stew where fresh green beans and meat are simmered in a simple tomato sauce until tender. This delicious and simple summer dish has been a family favorite in our household for many years.

    To learn more: Etli Taze Fasulye - Green Bean Stew with Meat

    Rice Stuffed Courgettes

    kabak dolmasi - rice stuffed zucchinis served with a bowl of salad
    Ayla Clulee

    Kabak Dolması, or Rice-stuffed Courgette, is a traditional dish that brings together fresh courgettes and a flavorful filling made with rice, ground meat, fresh herbs, onions, and spices.

    To learn more: Kabak Dolması - Rice-stuffed Zucchini

    Grilled Chicken Thighs

    Ayla Clulee

    These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are a favorite in our household. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for everything from weeknight family dinners to weekend backyard barbecue parties.

    To learn more: Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Greek Roasted Vegetables

    colourful greek roasted vegetables served on a plate
    Ayla Clulee

    Briam is a hearty Greek casserole dish featuring roasted vegetables cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and seasoned with simple Mediterranean flavors.

    To learn more: Briam - Greek Roasted Vegetables

    Chicken Kofta

    4 pieces of chicken kofta served with Lebanese rice and salad
    Ayla Clulee

    You're going to love this Chicken Kofte (or Kofta) Recipe! It's super easy to make, ready in just 20 minutes, and packed with delicious Mediterranean flavors.

    You can pan fry, bake, grill, or air fry them—they all turn out fantastic.

    To learn more: Chicken Kofta Recipe

    Melitzanosalata

    Ayla Clulee

    Melitzanosalata (Roasted Greek Aubergine Dip) is a smokey and delicious Greek appetizer/meze made with fire-roasted aubergines, tangy lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.

    This heavenly salad is a harmonious blend of smoky, zesty, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

    To learn more: Melitzanosalata (Roasted Greek Eggplant Dip)

    Braised Celeriac

    Ayla Clulee

    Zeytinyağlı Kereviz Yemeği (or Braised Celeriac) is a delicious Turkish & Mediterranean dish made with celery root and carrots braised in olive oil and orange juice. This healthy dish combines the nutty and earthy celeriac with sweet carrots and citrusy oranges.

    To learn more: Zeytinyağlı Kereviz Yemeği - Braised Celeriac

    Mediterranean Lentil Soup

    Mediterranean lentil soup served in a bowl
    Ayla Clulee

    Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a healthy, yet incredibly flavorsome dish made with green lentils, onions, carrots, and celery cooked in a tomato-based broth. 

    It is flavored with bay leaves and cumin and then brightened with a generous amount of lemon juice.

    To learn more: Mediterranean Lentil Soup

    Baked Whole Sea Bass

    whole baked sea bass in foil served with lemon slices
    Ayla Clulee

    Baked Sea Bass in Foil (Firinda Levrek in Turkish) is a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavourful dish that requires little effort and time. This delicious white fish is elegant enough to put on your next holiday menu or when you want something a little different for a family gathering.

    It is also rich in iron, potassium, and vitamins, so it’s a great choice to include in your diet. 

    To learn more: Baked Sea Bass in Foil - Firinda Levrek

    « Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
    Authentic Turkish Meals for Dinner »

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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