16 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes To Make For A Quick, Healthy Dinner

Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes

What if I told you that you could savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean without ever leaving your kitchen? Well, with these easy Mediterranean diet recipes, it's a very close reality. Using an array of colorful and wholesome ingredients is the key to crafting flavorful Mediterranean dishes like these, and you don't always need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to do it. These easy-to-follow Mediterranean recipes make healthy eating an effortless and delicious adventure. Grab some paper and a pen for your Mediterranean diet grocery list, and let's dive in!

Feel Good Foodie

Greek Salad

Absolutely zero cooking is involved with this fresh and fun dish! Simply throw some veggies together in a bowl, coat it all with the olive oil + red wine vinegar dressing, and voila – you've got yourself a quick and easy Mediterranean side dish to pair with heartier proteins or pastas. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken + Veggies

Sheet pans are the secret to making super easy Mediterranean diet recipes like this one. All this meal requires is a bit of chopping, seasoning, and oven roasting, and the best part is you won't need to wash too many dishes after it's done. Just don't skip the lemon-y tahini sauce that goes on top! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Crowded Kitchen

White Bean Salad

White beans are a real staple for the Mediterranean diet, but they can be pretty bland on their own. This dense bean salad spruces 'em up with edamame, artichokes, capers, and feta cheese for that marvelous Medi flair. You could easily meal prep a big bowl of this to keep on-hand for a last-minute lunch or dinner side. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Hello Little Home

Mediterranean Strata

Wanna host a Mediterranean brunch, but don't exactly know what to make? Look no further than this veggie-loaded strata, which is based in fluffy ciabatta bread and eggs. It's so savory, and your guests won't be able to get enough! (via Hello Little Home)

The First Mess

Tender Grilled Eggplant Slices

Bet you've never had eggplant like this. Coating some slices in salt and letting them sit allows a lot of moisture to be released, rendering the eggplant pieces extremely crispy once you grill 'em hot for a few minutes. Things get even better with this recipe once you sprinkle on some spices! (via The First Mess)

Half Baked Harvest

20-Minute Mediterranean Hummus Noodles

If you have a huge tub of hummus sitting around, it means you can make this easy pasta dish with ease. To make it, you'll essentially cook up some spaghetti, toss it with an array of Mediterranean veggies, and coat it all with a dollop of hummus and pesto to amp up the flavor and nutritional content! (via Half Baked Harvest)

This Wife Cooks

Mediterranean Flatbread

We are obsessed with flatbread recipes, and this colorful iteration is just lovely for sharing with the whole fam. To make this easy recipe even easier, use some pre-made pizza dough and slather it up with all the healthy toppings! (via This Wife Cooks)

Veggie Society

Vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a quintessential grain to throw in your Mediterranean recipes, and with this lively salad, it kind of hides in between all of the fresh veg. Everything gets drenched in a zesty olive oil dressing, so none of the ingredients go unflavored or fall flat. (via Veggie Society)

Forks & Foliage

Tomato Panzanella

This refreshing meal is the perfect excuse to hit the farmer's market for some heirloom tomatoes this season. This particular kind of tomato is so juicy and fresh, which is ideal for balancing out the crusty, crunchy bread in this Mediterranean medley. This pick is definitely unique from a lot of other side dishes, so it's sure to impress your guests. (via Forks & Foliage)

Live Eat Learn

Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This dish is heartier and more warming than your typical Mediterranean recipe, which can be helpful for those moments where you're just craving more. Roasted sweet potatoes make the perfect palette for a smothering of chickpeas, tomatoes, and a citrusy hummus sauce. (via Live Eat Learn)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Air Fryer Falafel

Falafel is a whole lot easier to make at home than you'd think, plus, once you've prepped the dough and cooked it (or in this case, air fried it), it's easy to toss the balls onto a salad or pita when you don't have the time nor patience to make a meal from scratch. Make sure you spice these bites up! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Greek Grilled Vegetable Bowls

Grilled veggies are the way to go in the midst of a Mediterranean summer, and building these healthy bowls couldn't be easier. You don't even necessarily need to use a grill for this pick – you could oven-roast the ingredients in a jiffy. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Bowl of Delicious

Shrimp + Orzo Salad

Has there ever been a better combo than shrimp and orzo? I fear not. This fresh, summer-y fare only takes half an hour to make initially, then once you've got lots of leftovers on your hands, dishing up your next quick lunch becomes much easier. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Culinary Hill

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

A good serving of lentils help bulk up an otherwise wimpy salad with this easy Mediterranean recipe. The best part about this one is you can customize the greens and topping to be whatever you like. (via Culinary Hill)

The Endless Meal

Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes

Get into the Mediterranean mood with these stuffed tomatoes! To amp up their coastal flair, opt for brown rice to supply a healthy grain. From there, you'll fall deeply in love with the melty feta and herby effect from the parsley and oregano. (via The Endless Meal)

Averie Cooks

25-Minute Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Nothing says "easy meal" like a pasta salad. The hardest part about this recipe is probably boiling the water! After the pasta is cooked, adding some Medi veggies and dressing is a no-brainer. (via Averie Cooks)

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Mushrooms act as a wholesome, earthy base for easy, one-bite Christmas appetizers. Once the stems are twisted off, the ‘shrooms can be filed with a host of flavorful toppings like bacon, cheese, and aromatic veggies, then roasted or slow-cooked until bubbly and tender. Start prepping your turkey, because we have irresistible stuffed mushroom recipes below.

Slow-Cooked, Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

Feast your eyes on a stuffed mushroom that’s filled with spinach-artichoke dip. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

If you don't have a ton of time to bake your mushrooms, this is literally the perfect appetizer. It can be served cold, but between the onions, olives, cheese, and tomatoes, there are so many amazing flavors your guests won't even care. (via Brit + Co)

5-Ingredient-Stuffed Mushrooms

A Spicy Perspective

The star ingredient in these Asian-inspired bites is plum sauce, which offsets the savoriness of pork sausage, sesame oil, and mushrooms. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Jalapeño-Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Peas and Crayons

Looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried jalapeño poppers? These baked bites, which still taste indulgent, fit the bill. (via Peas and Crayons)

Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Real Food Dietitians

These vibrant, slightly spicy ‘shrooms make a flavorful appetizer for a Mexican-inspired meal. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms With Hollandaise

Foodie Crush

These three-cheese hollandaise-drizzled mushrooms are the new brunch attraction in town. (via Foodie Crush)

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms With Garlic and Gouda

Peas and Crayons

Make a platter of these, and your seafood-lovin’ friends won’t know what hit them. (via Peas and Crayons)

French-Onion-Soup-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Veg Life

These mushrooms pack all of the flavors of French onion soup, including the signature cheesy crust, into one convenient bite. (via The Veg Life)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon

Port and Fin

These cheesy mushrooms are wrapped in a crispy bacon hug. (via Port and Fin)

Spanakopita-Stuffed Mushrooms

Wholesome Yum

Flaky, feta-rich spanakopita is a staple at cocktail parties. Enjoy a low-carb version by replacing the pastry with mushrooms. (via Wholesome Yum)

Easy Pizza Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms

The Girl on Bloor

These stuffed mushrooms are basically just mini pizzas, and what could be better than that? Nothing. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Vegetarian, Italian-Stuffed Mushrooms

Bowl of Delicious

You don’t need meat to give stuffed mushrooms a robust flavor. These get plenty of pizzazz from shallots, garlic, parmesan, and herbs. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Bacon-and-Blue-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms With Creamy Hot Sauce

The Food Charlatan

These saucy bites will be a welcome addition to any spread, be it a game-day party or movie night. (via The Food Charlatan)

Vegan, Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms

Hummusapien

This guilt-free appetizer gives you a healthy dose of greens from spinach and basil. (via Hummusapien)

Shrimp-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Little Spice Jar

You’ll be transported to a little restaurant by the sea when you take a bite of these mushrooms. The breadcrumbs on top add a crunch that complements the tender shrimp. (via Little Spice Jar)

Italian, Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Chunky Chef

These breakfast-friendly ‘shrooms would make a deliciously unexpected side to sweeter pancakes or French toast. (via The Chunky Chef)

Buffalo-Chicken-Stuffed Mushrooms

My Life Cookbook

Whether or not you’re keto, you’ll find many things to enjoy about these low-carb, high-fat mushrooms like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken, and a touch of hot sauce. (via My Life Cookbook)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Food Fanatic

In this case, stuffed mushrooms are really just an excuse to eat ample bites of gooey goat cheese, and we’re all for it. (via Food Fanatic)

Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms

Plain Chicken

If you ask us, you can have pizza without crust but never without cheese. Enjoy all the flavors of a meat lover’s pie in these easy, stuffed mushrooms. (via Plain Chicken)

Curry-Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Pretty Bee

Indian flavors, including garam masala and coconut milk, fill these white button mushrooms. (via The Pretty Bee)

Follow us on Pinterest for more stuffed mushroom recipes *and* more amazing ideas!

This post has been updated.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

We know you love pumpkin spice lattes and other warm winter drinks, but get ready to spruce up the most classic of them all: hot chocolate! With the holiday season quickly approaching, time might feel like it's simply going *too* fast, but it will definitely slow back down when there's a comforting mug of hot chocolate in your hands.

These hot chocolate recipes range from simple and healthy to sweet and boozy, so there's something for every taste. Wear your favorite slippers, sit back, and relax. Here's to drinking hot chocolate for breakfast and topping it with far too many marshmallows.

Check out our best hot chocolate recipes below!

Vegan Slow-Cooker Hot Cocoa 

Brit + Co

If you're hosting a party, serve up the goods in a slow cooker, so guests can serve themselves. Don't forget plenty of toppings! (via Brit + Co)

Jaques Torres Hot Chocolate 

Brit + Co

Start with a classic. This version is extra-rich due to the use of high-quality chocolate coins. (via Brit + Co)

Mulled Wine Hot Chocolate 

Brit + Co

This boozy libation packs all of the flavors of the holidays, from star anise to cranberries, in one warm, chocolatey cup. (via Brit + Co)

Peppermint Hot Chocolate 

A Zesty Bite

There’s no better way to add a refreshing zing to hot chocolate than with peppermint patties. A candy cane stirrer makes it fit for a queen. (via A Zesty Bite)

Boozy Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate 

Minimalist Baker

You don't have to add Kahlua or bourbon to this already decadent hot chocolate, but it is a good idea. (via Minimalist Baker)

Salted Vanilla Hot Chocolate 

Love & Olive Oil

Sweet vanilla powder and an unexpected touch of salt unite for a hot chocolate that stands out. (via Love & Olive Oil)

Adaptogenic Hot Chocolate

Hello Glow

We all knew chocolate could mend a broken heart, but this healthy beverage can heal a headache; it uses magnesium-rich ingredients to soothe tension. (via Hello Glow)

Low-Carb Hot Chocolate 

Savory Tooth

Unsweetened cocoa powder and low-carb sweetener transform this splendidly creamy hot chocolate into a keto-friendly beverage. (via Savory Tooth)

Unicorn Hot Chocolate

Love & Olive Oil

If wintry weather has you down, this pink-as-can-be, sprinkle-covered white hot chocolate will cheer you up in no time. (via Love & Olive Oil)

Vegan Gingerbread Hot Chocolate

Domestic Gothess

Plenty of dairy-free beverages claim to be creamy, but thanks to ground cashews, this vegan hot chocolate really is luscious. Spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for an even more soothing sipper. (via Domestic Gothess)

Hot Chocolate Spoons

Fork and Beans

Finally, something exciting to put in an ice-cube tray: chocolate and marshmallows. You'll have fun working for your hot chocolate by swirling these spoons into warm milk. (via Fork and Beans)

Italian Hot Chocolate 

Inside the Rustic Kitchen

Pretend you're in an Italian cafe as you sip on this luxurious cioccolata calda, made with chopped dark chocolate. (via Inside the Rustic Kitchen)

Slow-Cooker Mint Hot Chocolate

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slowly steeping mint in hot chocolate makes its bright flavor come through. (via The Magical Slow Cooker)

Pumpkin Coconut Hot Chocolate 

How Sweet Eats

Coconut milk is the base of this vegan hot chocolate, which gets a unique twist from homemade pumpkin syrup. (via How Sweet Eats)

Earl Grey Hot Chocolate 

Port and Fin

Can't decide between tea and hot chocolate? With this beverage, you don't have to. (via Port and Fin)

Matcha Honey Hot Chocolate 

How Sweet Eats

Matcha adds a healthy — and photogenic — touch to this white-chocolate-based drink. (via How Sweet Eats)

Spiked Orange Hot Cocoa 

Salt & Lavender

Thanks to Grand Marnier, this deeply flavorful hot chocolate burns in the best way. (via Salt & Lavender)

Mexican Hot Chocolate 

Delish Knowledge

Cayenne and cinnamon are the keys to cocoa with a kick. (via Delish Knowledge)

Stovetop Cinnamon Cocoa  

Jelly Toast

Ground cinnamon is a reliable, easy way to amp up your hot chocolate without going to the grocery store for a special ingredient. (via Jelly Toast)

Red Wine Hot Chocolate 

Paper & Stitch

Just when you thought hot chocolate couldn't be more relaxing, here's one with a big splash of red wine, which acts as a natural sweetener. (via Paper & Stitch)

What's your favorite hot chocolate recipe? Let us know on Instagram!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Kate Puhala.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.