55 Mediterranean Diet Recipes Ready in Just 30 Minutes
Updated: May 28, 2020Following the highly-rated Mediterranean diet doesn't have to be a chore. These healthy dinner recipes come together in 30 minutes or less.
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Feta Garbanzo Bean Salad
This super quick garbanzo bean salad is a hit with my crowd. If there are any leftovers, which rarely happens, I pile them into pitas for lunches the next day! You can also add grilled chicken or steak to turn it into a hearty main-dish salad.—Judy Doepel, Ballston Lake, New York 2 / 55
Cod and Asparagus Bake
In this bright and lively one-pan dish, green and red veggies back up tender fish, and lemon pulls everything together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
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Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee 4 / 55
Skillet Chicken with Olives
While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. —Rosemarie Pisano, Revere, Massachusetts 5 / 55
Mediterranean Pork and Orzo
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 6 / 55
Elegant Pork Marsala
Wine and mushrooms lend elegance to this oh-so-simple pork dish. Use pre-sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to save time. Cleanup is one-pan easy. —Kim Gillis, High Falls, New York 7 / 55
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California 8 / 55
Bruschetta Steak
My husband and I love bruschetta, especially in the summertime with fresh tomatoes and herbs from our garden. —Kristy Still, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 9 / 55
Grilled Salmon with Nectarines
My family liked this recipe so much one evening that I made it for a potluck the very next day. Everyone raved about it there, too—even people who aren't particularly fond of fish. —Kerin Benjamin, Citrus Heights, California 10 / 55
Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls
An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon 11 / 55
Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin 12 / 55
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
This moist and tender chicken comes complete with its own creamy spinach side dish! It makes a pretty presentation and comes together in no time flat for a nutritious weeknight meal. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin 13 / 55
Balsamic-Glazed Beef Skewers
With only five easy-to-double ingredients, these mouthwatering kabobs are one of our favorite recipes. We like them with hot cooked rice and a tossed salad. To prevent wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading on the meat. —Carole Fraser, Toronto, Ontario 14 / 55
Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania 15 / 55
Mediterranean Chickpeas
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts 16 / 55
Rosemary Chicken with Spinach & Beans
With two young boys constantly on-the-go, I’m always looking for ways to simplify meals. This recipe uses just one skillet, making it a cinch to prepare dinner for a hungry family in half an hour. —Sara Richardson, Littleton, Colorado 17 / 55
Skillet Beef and Potatoes
Sirloin strips with red potatoes and fresh rosemary are seriously amazing and ready in a flash. The key is precooking potatoes in the microwave to speed the process. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 18 / 55
Lemon-Lime Salmon with Veggie Saute
A fresh squeeze of lemon juice brightens so many flavors—acid is one of the most important influencers in how a dish tastes. If one acid is good, two is stronger: Add lemon and lime juice when you bake salmon, cooking the supporting cast of vegetables separately until crisp-tender. —Brian Hill, West Hollywood, California 19 / 55
Tuscan Chicken and Beans
Rosemary and beans make a nice rustic Italian meal in this flavorful dish. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan 20 / 55
Mediterranean Tilapia
I recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio 21 / 55
California Quinoa
I’m always changing this salad up. Here I used tomato, zucchini and olives for a Greek-inspired salad. Try adding a few more favorite fresh veggies you know your family will love. —Elizabeth Lubin, Huntington Beach, California 22 / 55
Salmon with Root Vegetables
This cozy hash is loaded with protein and healthy fats that keep you going on busy days. We've been known to devour it at breakfast, lunch and dinner! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas 23 / 55
Mediterranean Chicken Stir-Fry
Barley is a chewier and more flavorful alternative to white rice. Try making the switch in this quick and colorful garden-fresh stir-fry. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 24 / 55
Stuffed-Olive Cod
Visit the olive bar in your supermarket to put a new twist on cod in this simple high-protein, low-fat entree that’s a weeknight lifesaver. — Tria Olsen, Queen Creek, Arizona 25 / 55
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Say bye-bye to ho-hum tuna salad. Here's a recipe we actually look forward to eating. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin 26 / 55
Whole Wheat Orzo Salad
In less than 30 minutes, I can put together this hearty salad of pasta, white beans and veggies – and it’s good for a crowd. — Mya Zeronis, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 27 / 55
Garden Quinoa Salad
This recipe is special to me because it’s delicious as well as healthful. Serve it hot or cold, and enjoy the leftovers while they’re fresh! —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California 28 / 55
Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas 29 / 55
Lemon-Olive Chicken with Orzo
This quick skillet recipe is a healthy all-in-one meal. I just add a tossed salad for a menu the entire family loves. —Nancy Brown, Dahinda, Illinois 30 / 55
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas 31 / 55
Sweet-Chili Salmon with Blackberries
My garden is often my cooking inspiration. Because I have a large berry patch, I especially enjoy using just-picked berries in savory dishes to add natural sweetness and sometimes a bit of tart. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California 32 / 55
Arugula & Brown Rice Salad
When we have company, arugula with brown rice is always on the menu. It’s my go-to pick for the potluck and party circuit, and I'm always sharing the recipe. —Mindy Oswalt, Winnetka, California 33 / 55
Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach
My family enjoys cooking easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts 34 / 55
Warm Rice & Pintos Salad
During my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It's so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia 35 / 55
Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California 36 / 55
Lemon Salmon with Basil
At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon 37 / 55
Greek Fish Bake
As a military spouse living overseas, I got the chance to try many styles of cooking. Here's a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that we still love today. —Stacey Boyd, Springfield, Virginia 38 / 55
Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes
This recipe is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona 39 / 55
Citrus Scallops
My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. —Cheri Hawthorne, North Canton, Ohio 40 / 55
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 41 / 55
Grapefruit-Gremolata Salmon
If you're looking for a simple fish dish, make this Italian-inspired recipe that combines salmon, broiled grapefruit and a fragrant gremolata. Halibut may be substituted for the salmon. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware 42 / 55
Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri 43 / 55
Pizzaiola Chops
My favorite cousin shared this recipe, and I tweaked it for our family. Taste as you go, and try the Italian trick of sprinkling on some oregano to give it that extra something. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario 44 / 55
Garlic Tilapia with Spicy Kale
We make this main dish and side together, and adjust the heat from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the table. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado 45 / 55
Pepper and Salsa Cod
After tasting a similar dish at the grocery store, my husband figured out how to make this awesome cod topped with salsa and peppers. —Robyn Gallagher, Yorktown, Virginia 46 / 55
Peppered Tuna Kabobs
When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia 47 / 55
Tomato-Herb Grilled Tilapia
This super tilapia with ginger and lemon takes dinner over the top with minimal prep. Grilling the fish in foil is about as easy as it gets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho 48 / 55
Chili-Rubbed Steak with Black Bean Salad
Busy weeknights don't stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida 49 / 55
Artichoke Cod with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Cod is a great break from heavier dishes. I like to serve it over a bed of greens, or with pasta or quinoa. A squeeze of lemon gives it another layer of freshness. —Hiroko Miles, El Dorado Hills, California 50 / 55
Salmon Veggie Packets
I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY 51 / 55
Tomato-Poached Halibut
My halibut with a burst of lemon comes together in one pan and stays super moist. Try it with polenta, angel hair pasta or crusty bread. —Danna Rogers, Westport, Connecticut 52 / 55
Pistachio Salmon
This simple salmon gets its crunch from a coating of crushed pistachios, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add steamed veggies and rice and it's dinnertime! —Anthony Oraczewski, Port St. Lucie, FL 53 / 55
Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute
I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan 54 / 55
Ginger Salmon with Green Beans
I developed this flavor-packed dinner for a busy friend who wants to eat clean. —Nicole Stevens, Austin, Texas 55 / 55
Pan-Seared Cod
Cod has a soft, buttery appeal that goes with cilantro, onions and crunchy pine nuts. This pan-seared cod is the easiest preparation I’ve found. —Lucy Lu Wang, Seattle, Washington Originally Published: June 11, 2018
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