The traditional eating habits of people in countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain are what inspire this Mediterranean Diet meal plan. It focuses on whole, nutrient-rich foods and encourages a balanced approach to eating. You might think it’s all about the bread and pasta, but in fact, several health organizations like the American Heart Association, and Diabetes UK recommend following a Mediterranean-style diet. Find out more about the key components of this type of diet here. Otherwise, read on for the meal plan!
Our 7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan
*Note: The recommended serving size per recipe on this Mediterranean Diet meal plan is 1, unless stated otherwise. This works out to 1200 calories per day, approximately.
For breakfast, you can pair the vegan toast with 1 (150 g) serving of low fat flavored yogurt or you can choose to make this your AM snack.
For dinner, you can pair the beef and broccoli stir fry with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice.
For breakfast, you can pair the mediterranean eggs with 1 slice of sourdough bread.
For dinner, you can pair the salmon asparagus with 1 serving of mashed potatoes.
For breakfast, you can pair the vegan toast with 1 (150 g) serving of low fat flavored yogurt or you can choose to make this your AM snack.
For dinner, you can pair the beef and broccoli stir fry with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice.
For lunch, you can pair the skillet mushroom chicken with 1 slice of sourdough bread.
For breakfast, you can pair the bacon broccoli cheddar crustless quiche with 1 (182 g) medium-sized serving of apple or you can choose to make this your AM snack.
For dinner, you can pair the crock pot garlic balsamic pork loin with 1 serving of mashed potatoes.
For breakfast, you can pair the mediterranean eggs with 1 slice of sourdough bread.
For breakfast, you can pair the bacon broccoli cheddar crustless quiche with 1 (182 g) medium-sized serving of apple or you can choose to make this your AM snack.
For lunch, you can pair the skillet mushroom chicken with 1 slice of sourdough bread. While for dinner, you can pair the crock pot garlic balsamic pork loin with 1 serving of mashed potatoes.
You can also
print
or
share
it
Ingredient and Shopping Tips for the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan
The 7-day meal plan we’ve created for the Mediterranean Diet is easy to follow – but some tips never harmed anyone! And we’re all about saving time, money, and making your eating habits work for you. Here are a few things to consider when you’re shopping for your ingredients.
- In this meal plan, there are similar recipes planned for other days to help you save time and budget your money. Here’s a quick overview, these are the repeating recipes that you will need to prepare two or three servings and store properly in a separate airtight container and placed on the refrigerator.
Recipes | Number of servings to prepare | Day and meal planned |
Vegan French Toast | 2 servings | Day 1 and 4 Breakfast |
Mediterranean Eggs | 2 servings | Day 2 and 6 Breakfast |
Bacon Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Quiche | 3 servings | Day 3, 5, and 7 Breakfast |
Easy Healthier Pizza Rolls | 2 servings | Day 1 and 3 Lunch |
Pesto, asparagus and potato salad | 2 servings | Day 2 and 5 Lunch |
20-Minute Skillet Mushroom Chicken | 2 servings | Day 4 and 7 Lunch |
Baked Potato Chips | 3 servings | Day 1, 3 and 7 Snacks |
Hummus & Vegetable Stick Snack Jars | 2 servings | Day 2 and 5 Snacks |
Fresh Fruit Salad | 2 servings | Day 4 and 6 Snacks |
Quick 15 Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry | 2 servings | Day 1 and 3 Dinner |
Spicy Shrimp Pasta | 2 servings | Day 4 and 6 Dinner |
Crock Pot Garlic Balsamic Pork Loin | 2 servings | Day 5 and 7 Dinner |
Mashed Potatoes | 3 servings | Day 2, 5 and 7 Dinner |
- You can also choose one type of rice grain for all of the recipes that require rice.
- The same goes for the recipes that require bread and pasta, you can choose one type of bread and pasta for the other recipes too.
Some food safety reminders
This Mediterranean diet meal plan recommends preparing meals in advance for some recipes, to save you time. Here are some food safety tips to keep in mind when preparing meals in advance:
- Start with clean hands and surfaces.
- Use fresh ingredients and check expiration dates.
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
- Cook foods thoroughly and cool them quickly.
- Store meals in airtight containers with labels and dates.
- Thaw safely in the refrigerator, under cold water, or in the microwave.
- Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before eating. Except for those that have different reheating requirements.
- Use or discard leftovers within a safe time frame.
- Trust your senses – if it smells off, looks odd, or has mold, discard it.
The Basis of a Mediterranean Diet and Meal Plan
A Mediterranean diet isn’t just an excuse to eat bread, pasta, and olive oil at every meal (we wish!). Although all of these elements are incorporated, the Mediterranean diet is much more than that. Here are some of the key components the diet (and this meal plan) are built on.
Vegetables, fish, fats, and more
Fruits and Vegetables
One of the key elements of the Mediterranean diet is the abundant consumption of fruits and vegetables. These colorful and flavorful foods contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. It’s also one of the reasons it’s so healthy and well balanced!
Rich in healthy fats
Unlike some diets that shy away from fats, the Mediterranean diet celebrates healthy fats. Olive oil, nuts, and avocado are all eaten on this type of diet. Plus, there’s also fatty fish like salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These support heart health and brain function.
Whole Grains
This diet pattern uses less refined grains and more whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. These grains provide lasting energy and are a great source of fiber, supporting digestive health.
Lean Proteins for Muscle Health
Lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, beans, and legumes are great to incorporate into your meals. Why? These protein sources are essential for building and repairing muscles (read more about muscle protein synthesis here, if you’re interested). This 1200-calorie Mediterranean diet meal plan is high in lean protein – another health win!
Spices and Herbs
The Mediterranean diet relies on herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding taste without extra sodium. There’s no harm in buying dried herbs and spices, because you can use them in a lot of Mediterranean recipes.