There’s a reason the Mediterranean diet gets as much hype as it does. It’s highly nutritious and has been shown to reduce the risk of certain illnesses, but what we love most about this diet is how delicious it is. If we’re being honest, even if a diet were to make us immortal, we’d have a hard time sticking to it if it wasn’t enjoyable to eat.
Fortunately, with the Mediterranean diet, we don’t have to choose. Although this diet does typically include fish, in general, it’s very vegetable-forward, making it a natural fit for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. Here are some of our favorite dishes.
Greek Gemista
Gemista are roasted vegetables, most often tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, traditionally stuffed with a mixture of herbed rice and ground beef. Mint and parsley lend a fresh flavor to this vegan version by 100 Kitchen Stories while potatoes thrown in the baking dish make it a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Minimalist Baker Ultimate Mediterranean Bowl
This protein-packed bowl is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to throw together on busy nights and it can be ready in as little as 30 minutes if you prepare the falafel ahead of time or use a store-bought option. Parsley salad, kalamata olives, and tahini sauce provide the classic Mediterranean flavors we love, though there is also an option for a chili garlic sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vegan Mushroom Shawarma
Mediterranean cookbook author Suzy Karadsheh knocks it out of the park with this vegan alternative to a classic dish. Portabella mushrooms substitute meat while spices like cumin and paprika remain true to the traditional preparation.
