You Just Started the Mediterranean Diet—Here Are the 24 Dinner Recipes to Make First

Click here to view original web page at www.eatingwell.com

Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley These recipes are perfect if you’ve just started the Mediterranean diet , known to be one of the healthiest eating patterns around. Each of these tasty dinners is packed with key ingredients of the diet including […]

Click here to view original web page at www.eatingwell.com

These recipes are perfect if you've just started the Mediterranean diet, known to be one of the healthiest eating patterns around. Each of these tasty dinners is packed with key ingredients of the diet including fish, vegetables, legumes, protein and whole grains. Try options like our High-Protein Penne with Ground Turkey & Mushrooms or our Tuna & White Bean Melt for a healthy and delicious dish that will make adjusting to this new lifestyle a breeze.

White Bean Enchilada Skillet

This skillet recipe takes inspiration from classic enchiladas, featuring veggies, tortillas, white beans and a cheesy topping. Instead of rolling up the filling, the tortillas are baked right into the skillet for the perfect weeknight dinner. We love tangy green enchilada sauce here, but feel free to swap it out for red sauce if you prefer.

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02 of 24

High-Protein Penne with Ground Turkey & Mushrooms

In this tasty pasta dish, lean ground turkey teams up with cottage cheese, which not only boosts protein but also adds creaminess without relying on heavy cream. Mushrooms bring a savory depth of flavor while being low in calories, and whole-grain penne adds fiber for a hearty and balanced meal!

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03 of 24

Marry Me Chickpea Soup with Kale

This creamy chickpea soup was inspired by Marry Me Chicken, a dish that features chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. We gave this dish a plant-based spin by swapping out the chicken for chickpeas and kale to create a cozy, warming meal perfect for cooler weather.

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04 of 24

Tuna & White Bean Melt

This ultra-quick tuna melt with white beans is a protein-packed sandwich that’s perfect for a fast and satisfying lunch or dinner. The beans add creaminess and fiber, while the tuna provides lean protein and omega-3s, making this dish as nutritious as it is flavorful. Plus, it comes together in minutes, ideal for days when time is in short supply.

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05 of 24

Spinach & Artichoke–Stuffed Butternut Squash

Tender roasted butternut squash halves are filled with a cheesy spinach-and-artichoke mixture, making each bite better than the next. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a hint of heat and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy-sweet flavor contrast that ties it all together.

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06 of 24

One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

This comforting dish combines tender orzo, protein-packed white beans and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy garlic-and-herb cheese sauce. This one-pot meal is both quick and satisfying, perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty without the hassle.

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07 of 24

Salmon Salad with Crispy White Beans

This anti-inflammatory salad is a delicious meal that delivers big on flavor. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while the beans provide a nice texture and are a great source of fiber. A quick soy-sesame-ginger dressing completes this salad.

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08 of 24

Turmeric Chicken & Avocado Wraps

These chicken salad wraps are packed with ingredients that help reduce inflammation. Turmeric, with its bright golden hue, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while chickpeas add fiber and plant-based protein. Mix up the chicken salad at the beginning of the week to enjoy in a wrap or serve it over greens if you prefer.

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09 of 24

Roasted Squash Hummus Bowls

This hummus bowl offers the perfect balance of earthy, nutty and vibrant flavors while delivering plenty of anti-inflammatory benefits. You’ll fill up with a healthy dose of legumes, dark leafy greens and roasted vegetables. Use classic hummus or experiment with different flavored varieties as the base for this delicious dish.

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10 of 24

Bibimbap-Inspired Veggie Bowls

From dark green spinach to shredded red cabbage, these plant-based bibimbap bowls offer plenty of powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. They’re topped with a perfectly cooked fried egg and a tangy mayonnaise-based drizzle that adds richness and a satisfying creamy element to the dish.

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11 of 24

Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Butter Beans

These creamy garlic-Parmesan butter beans are a quick and comforting plant-based dinner. Velvety butter beans are simmered in broth with plenty of garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and flavorful stew-like dinner. Served with crusty bread for dipping, it’s the perfect cozy meal to whip up on a busy evening—hearty, warm and utterly delicious.

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12 of 24

Cheesy One-Pot Chicken-Broccoli Orzo

This cheesy dish brings crowd-pleasing flavors of chicken and broccoli together in one pan for easy cleanup. Sharp Cheddar cheese adds savory flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying, comforting and delicious.

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13 of 24

Thai Red Curry with Cod & Sweet Potatoes

This Thai red curry dish is a vibrant, aromatic meal. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, peas and omega-3-rich cod makes this dish a powerhouse for reducing inflammation. Black cod’s rich, buttery texture makes it a standout choice for this dish, offering a luxurious mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with the curry.

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14 of 24

Marry Me Chicken & Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This Marry Me chicken and spaghetti squash casserole is a satisfying protein-packed dinner. The tender chicken and nutrient-dense spaghetti squash deliver a hearty meal that will keep you full and energized. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, complementing the creamy sauce.

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15 of 24

Pasta with Garlicky Tomato Sauce & Bay Scallops

Sweet, tender bay scallops are lightly seared to perfection and combined with a fresh, garlicky tomato sauce simmered with zucchini to deepen the flavors. This scallop pasta is an easy yet elegant dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss.

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16 of 24

Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

This veggie-packed soup is easy to prepare, ideal for those busy nights when you want a delicious, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Just pair it with some crusty bread and a side salad, and you’ve got a warm, comforting dinner the whole family will love!

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17 of 24

Baked Brie, Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta

Creamy, melted Brie creates a velvety sauce that fills in the ridges of fusilli pasta, while Parmesan cheese adds nutty, savory depth. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness that balances the richness. A little crushed red pepper adds heat and wilted spinach provides earthy notes and nutrients.

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18 of 24

Cheesy Chicken & White Bean Skillet

With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, this skillet dinner the perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy. Pepper Jack cheese and a jalapeño pepper add some heat, while chicken and white beans add plenty of protein and staying power.

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19 of 24

Lemon-Garlic Clams with Brown Rice Risotto

Littleneck clams are steamed in a white wine and garlic sauce and served over no-stir brown rice risotto that’s baked in the oven and made creamy by adding Parmesan cheese and a little butter. The clams are garlicky and briny, with a pop of heat from red pepper and a bit of acidity from lemon, a perfect contrast to the creamy risotto.

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20 of 24

French Onion Cabbage Soup

This soup is a creative twist on the classic, bringing a new level of comfort to this warming soup. This version swaps out some of the onion for caramelized cabbage. The savory broth, infused with sweet onions and topped with cheesy croutons, remains just as satisfying, but with a veggie-packed twist.

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21 of 24

Spaghetti Squash Nests with Kale, White Beans & Mushrooms

Creamy white beans, earthy caramelized mushrooms and antioxidant-packed kale sit on top of roasted spaghetti squash—a fiber-rich combo that will keep your microbiome in tip-top shape. The white balsamic vinaigrette brings the entire dish together and brightens the flavors.

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22 of 24

Orange Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

This protein-packed orange chicken and broccoli skillet casserole is a vibrant dish that combines the sweet and zesty flavor of oranges with the savory richness of chicken thighs. Baked together with fresh, crisp broccoli and hearty brown rice, it’s a complete meal that’s both nutritious and easy to clean up.

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23 of 24

Chicken Parmesan Soup

This soup combines the rich flavors of a traditional chicken Parm—juicy seasoned chicken, tangy marinara sauce and savory Parmesan cheese—with the warmth and comfort of a soup. It’s a perfect dish for those chilly days when you crave something familiar with a fun, innovative twist!

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24 of 24

Lemon-Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon with Potatoes & Green Beans

With tender salmon, crispy potatoes and fresh green beans drizzled with lemon, this sheet-pan dinner is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and clean up. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you want a nutritious meal without the hassle.

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