5 Mediterranean Dishes to Savor: Chicken Salad, Crockpot Soup, Pasta Dinner, Garlic Bread, & Dessert
If you're in the mood to mix and match a Mediterranean feast, you're in for a treat! These recipes bring together fresh, nourishing ingredients, bold flavors, and healthy twists to elevate your weeknight meals. From a light chicken salad to an indulgent dessert, here’s a balanced Mediterranean-inspired menu.
1. Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
This light yet satisfying chicken salad is loaded with protein and greens. It’s perfect for lunch or as a starter to a larger meal.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano and Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
1 cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked. Let the chicken cool, then slice or shred.
3. In a large bowl, toss the greens, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and olives. Top with the sliced chicken and sprinkle feta on top.
4. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and drizzle over the salad.
Swap Tip: Sub chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a plant-based alternative.
2. Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Lentil Soup Recipe
This crockpot soup is a hearty, cozy dish that’s perfect for cool nights. Full of fiber-rich lentils and veggies, it’s as nutritious as it is comforting.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and broth to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in cumin, thyme, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Swap Tip: Add diced potatoes or zucchini for extra bulk. For protein, you can toss in some shredded chicken or turkey breast at the end of cooking.
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3. Mediterranean Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach Recipe
This pasta dinner is a quick, flavor-packed dish that feels indulgent but is loaded with healthy veggies and heart-healthy olive oil.
Ingredients:
12 oz whole-wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
4 cups baby spinach
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grilled chicken or shrimp
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and olives. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir to coat with the garlic-oil mixture. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Top with crumbled feta and serve.
Swap Tip: For a gluten-free version, use chickpea or brown rice pasta. You can also swap the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a slightly different flavor.
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4. Garlic Herb Bread Recipe
This garlic bread recipe is quick and easy, making it the perfect side to any Mediterranean meal. The fresh herbs add a vibrant touch, and whole-wheat baguette keeps it light.
Ingredients:
1 whole-wheat baguette, sliced in half lengthwise you can use a French bread loaf or any other loaf you have or want to eat.
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Italian spices and seasoning to taste.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
3. Brush the garlic oil mixture over the cut sides of the baguette. Add Italian seasoning and spices.
4. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Swap Tip: Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier, Mediterranean twist on classic garlic bread. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before baking.
You can wrap in tinfoil if you prefer that method.
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5. Greek Yogurt & Honey Parfait with Fresh Berries Recipe
For dessert, let’s keep it light and refreshing with a simple Greek yogurt parfait. It’s packed with protein and sweetened naturally with honey and fresh berries.
Ingredients:
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey
1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pistachios)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract.
2. Layer the yogurt mixture in serving glasses, alternating with fresh berries.
3. Top each parfait with chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Swap Tip: For a dairy-free option, use coconut or almond yogurt. You can also swap the berries for seasonal fruits like pomegranates, figs, or even roasted peaches.
There you have it—a complete Mediterranean meal plan with plenty of variety, from light salads to hearty soups, pasta dishes, and a refreshing dessert.
Each recipe is designed to be flexible with simple swaps to fit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
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