Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners offer a delicious, healthy way to enjoy fresh flavors and simple cooking techniques. This recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and vibrant herbs for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's a beginner-friendly meal that's quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Pair it with my Garlicky Sweet Thai Chili Chicken & Green Beans Stir Fry for extra variety and flavor.
Why You'll Love Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Flavorful Healthy Dinner
Discover easy Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners that are healthy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight meals. Simple steps and fresh ingredients included.
- Easy to prepare with pantry staples and fresh ingredients
- Loaded with nutritious vegetables and lean protein
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Rich Mediterranean flavors that satisfy your comfort food cravings
Ingredients for Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Flavorful Healthy Dinner
Chicken: Use boneless skinless breasts for lean protein; thighs can be substituted for juicier meatFeta cheese: Traditional Mediterranean feta adds tang; goat cheese can be a mild alternative
- Chicken: Use boneless skinless breasts for lean protein; thighs can be substituted for juicier meat
- Feta cheese: Traditional Mediterranean feta adds tang; goat cheese can be a mild alternative
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Flavorful Healthy Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Flavorful Healthy Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables, cube chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cook until golden and cooked through about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, garlic, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until veggies are tender but still crisp.
Expert Tips for Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Flavorful Healthy Dinner
- Don’t overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten the dish before serving.
- Add olives last to maintain their firm texture.
Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Flavorful Healthy Dinner
Discover easy Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners that are healthy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight meals. Simple steps and fresh ingredients included.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
How to Make Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners
- Prepare ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables, cube chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cook until golden and cooked through about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, garlic, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until veggies are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and finish: Return chicken to skillet, add olives, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh herbs if using.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Mediterranean Diet & Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Flavorful Healthy Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead and cook it fresh within 24 hours for best texture and flavor.
Goat cheese or ricotta salata can be used for a similar tangy, crumbly texture.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days.
Overcooking chicken causes dryness; cook just until no longer pink inside and remove promptly from heat.
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Before You Go
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