Since last week’s blog post, The Mediterranean Diet: Jump Start Your Heart Health!, we’ve received quite a few positive responses… looks like we’re not the only ones who noticed that Mediterranean food continues its #1 ranking in Best Diets Overall by U.S. News and World Report! As we promised last week, we’re here to give you fantastic foodies some Mediterranean food recipes featuring amazing hummus flavors to kickstart your delicious diet plan
Before we get going, it’s important to note that there are many different types of Mediterranean food. You may immediately think of Greek fare, for example, but there are plenty of delectable dishes in Italian, Lebanese, Arabic, and North African cultures as well. Additionally, there is plenty of room to explore and get creative—because as we explained last week, the requirements of the diet focus on what types of food you should eat and how often, rather than striving to recreate traditional recipes
Let’s get cooking!
Mediterranean Food Recipes
As always, we’ve had a little fun in designing dishes in our HOPE Kitchen. We love thinking outside the box! So while we love the inspiration of ths type of food, we’ve decided to give you some creative ways to spice up your new diet. But if these avant-garde Mediterranean food examples aren’t enough for you, try visiting our foodie friends on Instagram for a ton of other creative ideas.
Toasted Falafel Pita Sandwich
Of all the types of Mediterranean cuisine, gyros are probably one of the most recognized and beloved. This tasty stuffed pita recalls the classic gyro, filling a pita bread pocket with falafel, Original Recipe hummus, avocado, arugula, carrots, and red cabbage. For a little extra protein and flavor, add some yogurt-based tzatziki sauce for a Greek treat!
Kale Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Wait, is this Mediterranean food? Of course it is! This take on Italian pasta dishes substitutes zucchini noodles for traditional egg-and-flour pasta. Add on some sauce made with Kale Pesto hummus and spinach or kale, then add some baked brussel sprouts, and voila!—you’ve got a healthy, yummy vegan dish modeled after classic Mediterranean food recipes.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
This riff on Arabic stuffed bell peppers wins big in the calorie department by replacing high-carb rice with quinoa. Stuff red bell peppers with quinoa, cucumber, tomato, lemon juice, EVOO, cilantro, and spices, bake it in the oven, and you’re ready to top with a dollop of Original Recipe hummus. Or you can get crazy and try some Red Pepper hummus as well!
Baked Falafel Bliss Bowl with Tahini Dressing
An unconventional take on classic Mediterranean ingredients, this creative salad bowl packs a lot of flavor and nutrients! Homemade falafel is assembled with red quinoa, cabbage, carrots, avo, cucumber, and tomato—then topped with a tahini dressing made with Original Recipe hummus. Definitely a power-packed lunch or dinner.
Tomato and Olive Crostini
Want to serve guests some Mediterranean food examples they’ll recognize? Try these tiny bread bites. Simply toast baguette slices and top them with EVOO, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, fresh basil, and the warm flavor of Roasted Black Garlic hummus, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
These are only a few of the Mediterranean food recipes you can find through our HOPE Kitchen and Instagram community. If you try one, or if you come up with your own, let us know… and maybe you could be one of our next flavor creators!