Best Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Recipes (2024)

By Lily・Published: ・Updated: ・Post may have affiliate links.

The Mediterranean diet is among the most popular, according to the U.S. News and World Report. With research and studies backing its heart-healthy benefits, what's not to love about it?

Best Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Recipes (1)

The basics of the Mediterranean diet are simple: prioritize fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein sources (like fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy). Olive oil is the preferred fat for the Mediterranean diet, rather than butter.

If you are not sure what to make for breakfast following the Mediterranean diet, here are Mediterranean diet breakfast ideas! Each idea below links to a step-by-step recipe.

Oatmeal

Whole grains are essential to the Mediterranean diet, and quick oats are an easy meal option for busy mornings. Below are quick breakfast options with easy oatmeal recipes.

Fluffy Egg White Oatmeal

5 from 6 votes

5-minute fluffy egg white oatmeal recipe is a great high-protein oatmeal option made with quick oats, mashed banana, egg whites, and honey.

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The Best Protein Oatmeal (With Quick Oats!)

4.63 from 16 votes

This quick and easy everyday protein oatmeal is made with mashed banana, collagen protein, quick oats, water, sliced bananas, and a pinch of salt. It is the BEST protein oatmeal when you need an easy breakfast.

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Blender Oatmeal Banana Almond Milk Pancakes

5 from 3 votes

These are the BEST healthy oatmeal banana pancakes, and they are made with almond milk in the blender within a few minutes. Batch make these pancakes and reheat in the microwave. Serve with maple syrup, honey, or peanut butter.

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Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

5 from 2 votes

Easy roasted sweet potato wedges are an excellent one ingredient breakfast recipe perfect for meal prep. Bake sweet potato wedges on a parchment paper lined baking sheet until tender.

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Sweet Potato Almond Butter Bowl

5 from 3 votes

Sweet potato almond butter breakfast bowls are another great breakfast meal prep recipe. It's nutritious and filling, and it's so easy to make! Mix peanut butter, almond butter, or tahini with mashed potatoes in a bowl. Top with flaked coconut, raisins, and chopped nuts.

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Smoothies

Pineapple Kiwi Spinach Green Smoothie

This pineapple kiwi green smoothie with spinach tastes delicious! It's made with all-natural ingredients, and perfect for getting in some fruits and vegetable servings.

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Peach Banana Pineapple Smoothie

5 from 2 votes

This simple peach yogurt smoothie is made with frozen bananas, pineapple, yogurt, and fresh peaches. It's the ultimate end-of-summer treat and great for peach season.

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Blueberry Kale Banana Smoothie

5 from 3 votes

Get your fruit and vegetable servings with this blueberry kale banana smoothie with strawberries and a Honeycrisp apple. This fiber packed smoothie is vegan, and easy to make in a blender.

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Strawberry Pomegranate Smoothie

5 from 2 votes

This vegan strawberry pomegranate smoothie is made with bananas, pomegranate arils, blueberry, strawberries, dates, and flaxseeds.

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Strawberry Banana Pineapple Smoothie

4.20 from 5 votes

This strawberry banana pineapple smoothie is made with frozen strawberries, frozen bananas, pineapple (frozen or fresh), and dates.

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Fruits and Nuts

Greek Protein Yogurt Fruit Granola Bowls

5 from 13 votes

If you are looking for filling breakfasts, Greek yogurt fruit granola bowls are perfect! This meal is easy to customize for when you need a quick and filling healthy breakfast recipe. Use plain greek yogurt or regular yogurt and any combination of fresh fruits. Sprinkle granola on top for a little extra crunch.

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Bowl of Pomegranate Arils

5 from 3 votes

A bowl of fresh pomegranate arils is packed with antioxidants. This is the best way to cut and de-seed a pomegranate without a mess and in very little time. Store the pomegranate seeds in the fridge or freezer, and use them for snacks, smoothies, or salad toppings.

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Homemade Larabars (4 Variations)

5 from 2 votes

Homemade date nut bars (Larabars) are quick, delicious, and made with just TWO whole ingredients: dates and nuts. Make any combination of dates and nuts and store for several weeks.

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Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Granola

5 from 1 vote

Apple cinnamon Greek yogurt granola is a quick breakfast made with Greek yogurt, maple syrup, apple, cinnamon, and granola.

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Egg Recipes

Sunny Side Up Eggs With Sumac

5 from 4 votes

Sumac eggs fried in olive oil are a Middle Eastern influenced egg recipe. Serve with fresh herbs, pita bread, sliced tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cucumbers. This recipe is the perfect way to jazz up your morning egg routine.

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Shakshuka Eggs With Potato Hash

5 from 3 votes

This shakshuka recipe is a family favorite. The secret? A grated potato hash that absorbs all of the spices to make the ultimate shakshuka base. This Mediterranean dish is the perfect combination of protein and plant-based foods for a well-balanced breakfast.

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Egg White Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage

5 from 2 votes

This lean egg white breakfast casserole has homemade turkey sausage, hash browns, egg whites, rotel, bell pepper, and onion. It's a healthy and delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole with a southwestern flair. Serve with some chipotle hot sauce.

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Mediterranean

Many countries in the Mediterranean region naturally follow the Mediterranean diet. Here are a few Mediterranean diet breakfast recipes with Mediterranean roots.

Lox Bagel With Creamy Labneh Cheese

5 from 3 votes

This lox bagel is a satisfying 5-minute meal made with a toasted whole-grain bagel, smoked salmon, creamy labneh cheese, capers, fresh dill, and onion. Labneh has less fat than the cream cheese alternative, and it can be made easily at home!

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Egyptian Baked Falafel (Tameya)

4.84 from 6 votes

Lighten up your fried falafel with this gluten-freebaked falafel recipe. This Egyptian Ta'ameya recipe is authentic and made from scratch. Store the falafel mix in the freezer for a quick falafel any day of the week.

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Egyptian Ful Medames

4.50 from 8 votes

Egyptian ful medames is a very popular breakfast dish in Egypt made from dried fava beans. This freezer-friendly recipe is made using dried beans either on the stovetop or with a pressure cooker.

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Labneh Pita Sandwich

4.20 from 5 votes

This labneh sandwich is made with Lebanese pita bread, homemade labneh, zaatar, olive oil, fresh mint, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes. It's rolled up into a pita burrito that can be eaten on the go!

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Zaatar Manakeesh (Thyme Flatbread)

5 from 8 votes

Zaatar manakeesh, or manouche, are Lebanese thyme and olive oil flatbreads.Typically, manakeesh is served with leafy greens, fresh herbs, tomatoes, pickles, and cucumbers.

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Other Breakfast Ideas

Avocado toast is a simple and nutritious breakfast made with toasted whole-grain bread (or white bread) and crushed avocado. Top avocado toast with a soft boiled egg or hard-boiled egg, or drizzle avocado with olive oil, a squeeze of lime and flaked sea salt. Or, swap this garlic guacamole recipe for plain avocado to elevate things a bit.

A toasted English muffin with a poached egg is a delicious and quick recipe. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add some healthy fats.

Fruit bowls are a great way to get plenty of fruits. Use any combination of strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, papaya, pineapple, banana, apples, pears, grapes, pomegranate arils, and cantaloupe.

More Mediterranean Diet

  • Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Granola
  • Lebanese Vermicelli Rice Pilaf
  • Authentic Bengali Chicken Curry
  • Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Dip

About Lily

Howdy! My name Lilian, but my friends call me Lily. I'm the founder and one of the recipe authors here at The Matbakh. I enjoy sunsets, long walks to the fridge, meaningful relationships, and anything related to food. I'm so happy you are here!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave A Comment

  1. Christal

    I'm allergic to banana. Any ideas for me?

    Reply

    • Lily

      The Greek yogurt fruit granola bowls are delicious. You can also omit the banana in the oatmeal recipes and substitute maple syrup, agave, or honey. Also with oatmeal you can add a splash of milk, almond milk, or oat milk.

      Reply

Best Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best breakfast to eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Quick Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Ideas

Or, a quick boiled egg with a side of fresh tomato and and cucumber (yes, salad for breakfast!) 3- In the Eastern Mediterranean, it's not uncommon for leftover homemade hummus, Labneh, or plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of good olive oil to show up on the breakfast table.

What is an authentic Mediterranean breakfast? ›

Spain and Italy: toasted bread + soft cheese + fresh fruit or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Greece: paximadia (bread made from whole wheat, chickpea, and barley flour) + olives + cheese. Syria: tahini yogurt with chickpeas + pickles + sliced radishes. Morocco: fried egg in olive oil + soft cheese + olives + flatbread.

Is oatmeal ok on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Choose oats, barley, quinoa or brown rice; Bake or roast red skin potatoes or sweet potatoes; Choose whole grain bread, cereal, couscous and pasta; Limit or avoid refined carbohydrates. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). 1 to 4 servings per day.

What do I drink in the morning on a Mediterranean diet? ›

7 Drinks the Mediterranean Diet Encourages
  • Zest Tea. Tea is fine to drink on the Mediterranean diet. ...
  • Red Wine. The Mediterranean diet is compatible with alcoholic drinks that fit the low carb and heart-healthy requirements of the diet. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Water. ...
  • Fruit Juice (with Conditions) ...
  • Milk and Dairy Drinks. ...
  • Smoothies.

Can I eat peanut butter on a Mediterranean diet? ›

And as plant-based protein sources that are high in good and unsaturated fats, peanuts and peanut butter are a natural fit within Mediterranean and Flexitarian ways of eating. Unfamiliar with the Mediterranean and Flexitarian diets?

What do Spanish people eat for breakfast on the Mediterranean diet? ›

A traditional Spanish breakfast is toast with olive, oil, tomatoes, and salt.

What are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine include olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish and whole grains with moderate amounts of wine and red meat.

What is an anti-inflammatory breakfast? ›

The 6 Best Breakfasts for Fighting Inflammation
  • Smoothies.
  • Breakfast Salads.
  • Berries and Yogurt.
  • Avocado Toast.
  • Whole Grains and Nuts.
  • Eggs and Greens.
Aug 22, 2023

What is not allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

Are bananas ok on the Mediterranean diet? ›

You can base your diet on these foods: Vegetables: tomatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips. Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, grapes, dates, figs, melons, peaches.

What cereal is OK on Mediterranean diet? ›

There are hundreds of options in the grocery store, but cereals such as bran flakes, shredded wheat, or those that contain some dried fruits can be good choices, she said. It's important to check the nutritional label, she said, because some cereals contain a lot of added sugar.

How to lose belly fat on Mediterranean diet? ›

Choose Lean Proteins: Focus on fish and poultry over red meat. Include beans, nuts, and other plant-based proteins. Moderate Wine Intake: If you consume alcohol, switch to wine and drink in moderation. Stay Active: As the study suggests, coupling the diet with regular physical activity yields better results.

What is the fastest way to lose weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

If you want to lose weight following a Mediterranean diet here are my 5 tips that work.
  1. Eat your main meal early in the day. ...
  2. Eat vegetables as a main course cooked in olive oil. ...
  3. You should drink water mostly and sometimes tea, coffee and wine (for adults) ...
  4. Consume the right amount of olive oil. ...
  5. Move.
Jan 17, 2024

What kind of bread is on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Is sourdough bread allowed on the Mediterranean diet? Any bread that is made from whole wheat, whole grains, sprouts, and sourdough is recommended while on a Mediterranean diet. You will want to avoid bread made from refined grains, such as white bread if you are following this diet.

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