Mediterranean Diet Recipes For a Healthy Life Style

Browse my collection of delicious Mediterranean diet recipes if you're starting a healthier lifestyle or simply looking for some cooking ideas.

These healthy and delicious dishes are made with fresh, vibrant ingredients that will bring a delightful Mediterranean twist to your family meals!

Imam Bayildi

Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Aubergine) is a classic Ottoman dish made with aubergines cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and then stuffed with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Packed with Mediterranean flavors, this baked stuffed aubergine dish is a very easy yet extremely delicious recipe to make.

To learn more: Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant)

Mediterranean 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 with Meat

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 Yemegi - Green Bean Stew with Meat

Lebanese Lentils and Rice

Lebanese lentil and rice dish garnished with chopped parsley — Ayla Clulee

Mujadara (or Mujaddara) is a simple yet delicious Lebanese Recipe made with Lentils and Rice and flavored with caramelized crispy onions.

It is extremely easy to make with only a few simple ingredients which you probably already have in your pantry. Also, this beautiful dish is inexpensive to make, full of nutrition, and gluten-free.

To learn more: Mujadara - Lebanese Lentils and Rice Recipe

Turkish Spinach Dip

borani dip served with a drizzle of chili oil — Ayla Clulee

Ispanak Borani is a creamy, earthy, and delicious Turkish dip made with spinach, onions, garlic, and yogurt. It’s usually served as an appetizer, or a side dish and is best when served with warm bread or pita.

To learn more: Turkish Spinach Dip - Ispanak Borani

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

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

Lebanese Moussaka

Lebanese eggplant moussaka served with Coban Salatasi on the side — Ayla Clulee

This deliciously healthy Vegan Lebanese Moussaka, also known as Maghmour combines roasted aubergines and chickpeas in a tangy tomato sauce flavored with Lebanese spices.

Just like traditional Turkish Moussaka, this healthy Lebanese aubergine dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors.

To learn more: Vegan Lebanese Eggplant Moussaka (Maghmour)

Greek Fava Dip

Greek Fava is a smooth, creamy, and delicious yellow split pea dip that has been a favorite in Greece for many years. Despite its name, it’s not made from fava beans but from split yellow peas, which give the dish its signature velvety texture and flavor.

To learn more: Greek Fava Recipe - Split Pea Dip

Fresh Fig Cake

If you're looking for a simple yet delicious way to use up your fresh figs, this extra moist Fresh Fig Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s easy to make, packed with natural flavors, and works wonderfully for any occasion, whether it's dessert or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.

To learn more: Fresh Fig Cake Recipe

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. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt and is truly worth trying. Made from everyday ingredients you likely already have at home, Kabak Dolması is also budget-friendly.

To learn more: Kabak Dolmasi - Rice Stuffed Zucchini

Tabbouleh

taboule garnished with pomegranate seeds — Ayla Clulee

This Taboule Recipe (Lebanese Tabouli Salad) is a refreshing and healthy salad made with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur. It is full of flavor, color, and nutrition and is extremely easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

To learn more: Taboule (Lebanese Tabouli Salad)

Vegan Lentil Meatballs

serving mercimek Koftesi with lettuce leaves and sliced lemons — Ayla Clulee

Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs) is a healthy and flavourful Turkish dish made with fine bulgur, red lentils, onions, tomato & red pepper paste, and spices.

To learn more: Mercimek Kofte (Vegan Lentil Meatballs)

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

These delicious Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi) are filled with aromatic stuffing made of rice, onions, pine nuts, currants, and various herbs/spices. You can serve them as a side dish as well as the main meal or an appetizer. The leftovers are great for a boxed lunch the next day or a picnic.

To learn more: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi)

Turkish Borlotti Beans

serve with lemon slices and chopped parsley — Ayla Clulee

Barbunya Pilaki (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans) is a classic Turkish dish braised in olive oil with onions, garlic, and tomato (paste).

This delicious vegan dish is perfect to serve as a light lunch, a part of a mezze spread, or a side dish to grilled and roasted meat, fish, and vegetables.

To learn more: Barbunya Pilaki (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans)