Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Regional Recipes
  4. Healthy Mediterranean Recipes
  5. Quick & Easy Mediterranean Recipes
  6. Mediterranean Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes

Mediterranean Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes

Skip gallery slides
Pin
5691842.jpg
20 minutes is all you need to get these healthy Mediterranean diet dinners on the table. Featuring the good-for-you foods the Mediterranean diet is known for (think whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein and plenty of fruits and veggies) these delicious dinners come together quickly and easily.
Start Slideshow

1 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Shrimp Puttanesca

5691842.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Because refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split! Puttanesca, traditionally made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, gets a makeover with shrimp for extra protein and artichoke hearts to boost the vegetable servings (and the fiber!). If you can't find frozen artichoke hearts, sub in drained canned artichoke hearts.

1 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sicilian Olive Chicken

4473515.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This saucy one-skillet chicken dish is full of tomatoes, spinach, olives and capers. Try Kalamata olives in place of the green Sicilians or a combination of both. Serve over whole-wheat egg noodles with a mixed green salad on the side.

2 of 36

3 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Minestrone with Italian Sausage & Pesto

6183600.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With two convenience foods--precooked chicken sausage and refrigerated basil pesto--you can turn ordinary canned minestrone soup into a lunch or dinner that's satisfying and unique. While scanning the canned soup aisle, look for healthy soups that contain less than 450 mg sodium and more than 3 g fiber per 1-cup serving.

3 of 36

Advertisement

4 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chickpea & Quinoa Buddha Bowl

4548023.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It seems Buddha bowls have as many variations as there are stars in the sky, and there is no wrong way to build one! But we prefer to keep things classic and simple with hummus, quinoa, avocado and loads of veggies!

4 of 36

5 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Bean & Veggie Salad

White Bean & Veggie Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This meatless main-dish salad combines creamy, satisfying white beans and avocado. Try mixing it up with different seasonal vegetables.

  • Watch Video

5 of 36

6 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Watch: Is the Mediterranean Diet the Healthiest?

Senior Digital Nutrition Editor, Lisa Valente, M.S., R.D., answers all your questions about the Mediterranean diet!

6 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Greek Kale Salad with Quinoa & Chicken

5050778.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Toss the cooked chicken into this healthy 5-ingredient salad recipe while it's still warm to lightly wilt the kale, making it softer and easier to eat. Using store-bought salad dressing saves time, but you could also make your own Mediterranean vinaigrette.

7 of 36

8 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula

4526607.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Prosciutto and arugula elevate this simple grilled pizza. If you have time, let the dough stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to make rolling it out easier in this 20-minute healthy pizza recipe. Thawed frozen corn works in place of fresh, just pat it dry before sprinkling it on the pizza.

8 of 36

9 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Seared Salmon with Pesto Fettuccine

Seared Salmon with Pesto Fettuccine
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The brightness of basil pesto is a nice match for the buttery flavor of salmon in this quick and healthy dinner recipe. Refrigerated pesto, found near fresh sauces and salsas at most stores, is prettier and has a better taste than jarred.

9 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini Noodle Salad with Chicken

Zucchini Noodle Salad with Chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Load up on vegetables, but not on calories, with this healthy zoodle salad. Look for zucchini noodles with other prepared vegetables in the produce section or make your own with a spiralizer.

10 of 36

11 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mediterranean Lentil & Kale Salad

5583224.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The kale and lentils in this Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe are combined with sweet red peppers and a bold garlic and dried tomato vinaigrette. To cut down on prep time, we use refrigerated steamed lentils, but offer instructions on preparing your own.

11 of 36

12 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl

Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Quinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these Mediterranean meals and pack in containers with lids to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab & go lunches all week long.

12 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tabbouleh, Hummus & Pita Plate

5377506.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This Mediterranean-inspired vegan picnic dinner features traditional fare like tabbouleh, hummus, olives and fresh fruit and vegetables. It's perfect to pack and take along or even to serve as an easy, healthy meal at home.

13 of 36

14 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mediterranean Cod with Roasted Tomatoes

5551225.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Oregano, thyme and paprika flavor the cod in this 15-minute, Mediterranean-inspired meal. Olives, capers and roasted cherry tomatoes add color and zest to each bite.

14 of 36

15 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spaghetti with Broccolini Pesto

Spaghetti with Broccolini Pesto
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Broccolini stems are quickly softened in the pasta-boiling water before being whirled with basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano into a flavorful pesto sauce in this healthy vegetarian pasta recipe. It's worth seeking out Parmigiano-Reggiano to make the pesto-its superior flavor elevates the final dish. Edamame bumps up the protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

15 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mediterranean Tuna-Spinach Salad

3759287.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This tuna salad recipe gets an upgrade with olives, feta and a tahini dressing. Served over baby spinach, this is the perfect easy and light lunch or dinner salad.

16 of 36

17 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing

4550449.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty vegan salad is loaded with plant-based power ingredients: chickpeas, quinoa and hummus. We love the crunch of the sunflower seeds and the unexpected flavor of roasted peppers.

17 of 36

18 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Shrimp Scampi

4615521.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Many scampi recipes involve cooking the shrimp with the other ingredients. You can do that here, too, but the benefit of cooking the shrimp separately is twofold: it's easier not to overcook them, and you can whisk in the butter to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. Serve as an appetizer or as a main course with rice, orzo or your favorite grain, spooning the garlicky sauce over everything. It's also great with crusty bread.

18 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas

5694957.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta. We've added a flavorful burst of sun-dried tomato tapenade to spread over the whole-wheat pita before nestling the scrambled eggs inside. If you can't find it, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well.

19 of 36

20 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad

Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This festive salad features colorful greens, fruit and cheese tossed with a light and zesty dressing.

20 of 36

21 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce

3759324.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ripe tomato and fresh basil give this quick recipe tons of flavor. Serve this healthy pasta dinner with crusty garlic bread and steamed green beans.

21 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Broccolini & Goat Cheese Tartines

3879408.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Skip the top piece of bread and make a healthy open-face sandwich, aka a tartine. In this version, we top crusty whole-grain bread with roasted broccolini, garlicky goat cheese and crushed red pepper for a little kick of heat. Try stirring fresh or dried herbs into the goat cheese spread for even more variety.

22 of 36

23 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shrimp Oreganata Cauliflower Gnocchi

6249485.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This cauliflower gnocchi dinner is ready in just minutes on busy nights. A simple flavor-packed sauce marries the tender pasta with cooked shrimp. If you don't eat shrimp, use rotisserie chicken instead.

23 of 36

24 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garlic, Sausage & Kale Naan Pizzas

3759291.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We love sausage, but it can be high in sodium. In this fast, healthy dinner, we make our own turkey sausage with crushed red pepper, garlic, fennel seeds, paprika and just a touch of salt.

24 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loaded Mediterranean Chicken-Quinoa Salad

Loaded Mediterranean Chicken-Quinoa Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Turn simple precooked ingredients into a delicious one-dish meal, high in fiber and with plenty of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.

25 of 36

26 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Garlicky kale and creamy white beans elevate simple canned tomato soup into a 10-minute lunch or dinner that really satisfies. Use a soup with tomato pieces for a heartier texture. Look for a brand that's low- or reduced-sodium, with no more than 450 mg sodium per serving.

26 of 36

27 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Melon Plate

Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Melon Plate
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This perfect picnic for two is great for an outdoor date night or even just a quick, romantic dinner at home. The fresh fruit, vegetables and cheese pair perfectly with prosecco for sipping. Chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert make the meal extra-special.

27 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons & Parsley Brown Butter

Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons & Parsley Brown Butter
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For this recipe, convenient store-bought potato gnocchi are tossed with delicate ribbons of zucchini, shallots and cherry tomatoes that have all been sautéed in nutty browned butter.

28 of 36

29 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Greek-Style Chicken Salad

chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Transform leftover chicken into a fresh Mediterranean-style salad with bottled vinaigrette, plenty of veggies, feta and olives.

29 of 36

30 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mediterranean Veggie Wrap with Cilantro Hummus

5551227.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These healthy multi-grain wraps are filled with mixed greens, chopped cucumber, tomato and red onion, as well as feta cheese and a homemade cilantro hummus. As a time saver, the hummus can be prepared up to 3 days ahead, and chilled until you're ready to make the wraps.

30 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beet & Shrimp Winter Salad

3759234.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy dinner salad recipe gets its staying power from protein-packed shrimp and fiber-rich barley. With a simple red-wine vinaigrette, this quick salad makes just one serving but is easy to double or triple. Look for precooked beets with other prepared vegetables in the produce department.

31 of 36

32 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Salmon & Sugar Snap Cauliflower Gnocchi

6249489.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tender cauliflower gnocchi combine with a quick cream sauce, tender peas and flaky salmon for an unforgettable weeknight dinner. This one is so good you might make it for special occasions. If you don't like smoked salmon, use fresh.

32 of 36

33 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pesto Pasta Salad

pesto pasta salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A creamy pesto sauce turns this simple pasta salad into a delightful dinner. Adding broccoli to the pasta cooking water just before the pasta is done is a convenient way to briefly cook it so that it turns a vivid shade of green and softens slightly.

33 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken with Fresh Basil Pesto

5614901.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Typical pesto ingredients--basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil--make a tasty and fresh topper for a cooked chicken breast. But in this recipe, no heavy equipment is needed to make the pesto!

34 of 36

35 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach-Artichoke-Sausage Cauliflower Gnocchi

6249492.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Hearty and piquant, this quick cauliflower gnocchi dinner incorporates several healthy convenience ingredients, including turkey sausage and tender artichoke hearts, so dinner is on your table fast.

35 of 36

36 of 36

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower Gnocchi Carbonara

6249483.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Frozen cauliflower gnocchi is a time-saving, low-carb convenience food that works perfectly as a base for creamy, comforting carbonara.

36 of 36

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 36 Quick Shrimp Puttanesca
    2 of 36 Sicilian Olive Chicken
    3 of 36 Minestrone with Italian Sausage & Pesto
    4 of 36 Chickpea & Quinoa Buddha Bowl
    5 of 36 White Bean & Veggie Salad
    6 of 36 Watch: Is the Mediterranean Diet the Healthiest?
    7 of 36 Greek Kale Salad with Quinoa & Chicken
    8 of 36 Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula
    9 of 36 Seared Salmon with Pesto Fettuccine
    10 of 36 Zucchini Noodle Salad with Chicken
    11 of 36 Mediterranean Lentil & Kale Salad
    12 of 36 Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl
    13 of 36 Tabbouleh, Hummus & Pita Plate
    14 of 36 Mediterranean Cod with Roasted Tomatoes
    15 of 36 Spaghetti with Broccolini Pesto
    16 of 36 Mediterranean Tuna-Spinach Salad
    17 of 36 Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing
    18 of 36 Quick Shrimp Scampi
    19 of 36 Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas
    20 of 36 Balsamic Berry Vinaigrette Winter Salad
    21 of 36 Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce
    22 of 36 Roasted Broccolini & Goat Cheese Tartines
    23 of 36 Shrimp Oreganata Cauliflower Gnocchi
    24 of 36 Garlic, Sausage & Kale Naan Pizzas
    25 of 36 Loaded Mediterranean Chicken-Quinoa Salad
    26 of 36 Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens
    27 of 36 Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Melon Plate
    28 of 36 Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons & Parsley Brown Butter
    29 of 36 Greek-Style Chicken Salad
    30 of 36 Mediterranean Veggie Wrap with Cilantro Hummus
    31 of 36 Beet & Shrimp Winter Salad
    32 of 36 Creamy Salmon & Sugar Snap Cauliflower Gnocchi
    33 of 36 Pesto Pasta Salad
    34 of 36 Chicken with Fresh Basil Pesto
    35 of 36 Spinach-Artichoke-Sausage Cauliflower Gnocchi
    36 of 36 Cauliflower Gnocchi Carbonara

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Mediterranean Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.