Registered dietitian Wendy Jo Peterson prescribes meals like these better-for-you Mediterranean recipes to her clients. To round out any Mediterranean meal, pair it with lean proteins, nuts, olive oil, beans and extra vegetables.
22 Heart-Healthy Mediterranean Recipes
Updated on Mar. 01, 2024
1/22
Greek Orzo Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tart, refreshing salad is a big hit in my home. All the tasty toppings—including red onions, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and a zesty dressing—give it extra interest. —Judy Roberts, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
2/22
Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is Greek, so I’m always trying new Mediterranean recipes. This lemon chicken orzo soup is his favorite dish that I make. Serve it with a little feta or Parmesan and a side of toast. —Kristine Kosturos, Olympia, Washington.
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 223 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Check here for more homemade healthy Mediterranean soup recipes.
3/22
Mediterranean Spinach & Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire. I like this skillet meal served warm or cold. —Becky Cuba, Spotsylvania, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 187 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
4/22
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you've tried this tangy, yet delicate lemon chicken piccata, you won't hesitate to make it for company. Seasoned with parmesan and parsley, the chicken cooks up golden brown, then is drizzled with a light lemon sauce. —Susan Pursell, Fountain Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 232 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
5/22
Pork and Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 372 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
6/22
Mediterranean Turkey Potpies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your clan will love these wonderful stick-to-the-ribs potpies with a Mediterranean twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 potpie: 326 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/22
Bulgur Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whether it's nutrition or taste you're after, it doesn't get any better than this. Bulgur, beans, tomatoes, pine nuts and olive oil team up in this vegetarian main dish salad. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 298 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 10g protein.
8/22
Feta Asparagus Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this frittata extra special. It's perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 frittata: 425 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 590mg cholesterol, 1231mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
9/22
Mediterranean Eggplant Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mediterranean food, and the flavors in this dip are so vibrant. We make our own mini sandwiches once this platter is complete. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without optional ingredients): 77 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
10/22
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
11/22
Mediterranean Romaine Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is my standard—I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up this easy salad anytime. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 196 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/22
Easy Mediterranean Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/22
Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This picture-perfect linguine is a feast for the eyes and, with a hint of heat, a treat for the palate. —Megan Hidalgo, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 462 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
14/22
Rack of Lamb
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rack of lamb is elegant. It’s special. And it will have your guests thinking you went all out. They don’t have to know how simple rack of lamb really is to prepare. —Susan Nilsson, Sterling, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 rack: 307 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
15/22
Mini Spinach Frittatas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
People can't get enough of these pop-in-your-mouth mini frittatas. They're a cinch to make, freeze well and the recipe easily doubles for a crowd. —Nancy Statkevicus, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini frittata: 128 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
16/22
Marvelous Mediterranean Vegetables
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With so many barbecues in the summer, I created this simple, tasty dish to complement any entree. I like to prepare it earlier in the day and let it marinate, then I just throw it on the grill.—Cathy Godberson, Oakville, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 549mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
17/22
Orzo-Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with orzo, Italian sausage and summer flavors, these stuffed peppers make a fun, fast-fixing meal. Get colorful with green, orange, red or yellow peppers. Use more or less pepper flakes to adjust the level of heat to your liking! —Kelly Evans, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 523 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein.
18/22
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
19/22
Greek Lemon Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled chicken recipe is so full of flavor! The lemon and oregano flavors shine in this simple dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or a side salad. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 359 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
20/22
Mediterranean Chickpeas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 2/3 cup couscous: 340 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
21/22
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In spite of a long list of ingredients, this tuna salad is very quick to prepare. You'll love the fresh flavors. —Renee Nash, Snoqualmie, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 282 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/22
Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet for Two
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“Tender shrimp, fresh spinach and minced basil combine with tangy lemon and feta cheese to give this wonderful pasta toss a unique flavor. It's a delicious, fast dinner for one or two."—Heidi Farnworth, Riverton, Utah
