Looking for delicious, satisfying dinners that are packed with protein and full of Mediterranean flavor? You’re in the right place! These 15 high-protein Mediterranean dinners bring together fresh vegetables, wholesome ingredients, fragrant herbs, and bold spices for meals that are as nourishing as they are delicious.
The post below is broken down by protein source so you can go right to what you like.
Why you’ll love this
- Packed with protein: These satisfying dinners feature protein-rich ingredients like chicken, fish, and beef to help keep you feeling full. All the recipes have 20 grams of protein per serving.
- Fresh Mediterranean flavors: Think bright lemon, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, warming spices, and colorful vegetables.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: Many of these dishes are easy to prepare and use simple, everyday ingredients.
- Great for meal prep: Several recipes can be prepared ahead of time, making weekday dinners easier.
High-Protein Chicken Dinner Recipes
Chicken is a staple in Mediterranean cooking, and for good reason! It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and a great source of lean protein.
Grilled Chicken Margherita (Chicken Caprese)
This Grilled Chicken Margherita is a fresh and easy summer dinner made with juicy grilled chicken breasts, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil. It comes together with minimal effort and in under 45 minutes.
Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe!
Homemade Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Wrap or Bowl)
You don’t need a vertical spit to make your own homemade Lebanese chicken shawarma wraps and bowls. This recipe is straightforward and uses your oven. It’s a perfect weeknight meal and comes together in very little time. Pair it with vermicelli rice, Lebanese pita bread, Toum (garlic sauce), Tahini Sauce, pickled turnips or shatta (chili paste).
Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe!
Chicken Kafta Kebabs
Looking for a mouthwatering and easy-to-make recipe? My chicken kafta is a must-try! Packed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, these grilled chicken kafta patties or kebabs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Chicken Kafta Kebabs Recipe!
Za’atar Chicken Thighs
With za'atar, sumac, and 7-spice, these za'atar chicken thighs are a great weeknight dinner. Marinate when you get home from work, then roast for just 25 minutes.
Za’atar Chicken Thighs Recipe!
Greek Chicken Salad (with Butter Beans, Feta and Fresh herbs)
This hearty and delicious Greek Chicken Salad includes roasted chicken, creamy butter beans, fresh vegetables and herbs, and feta cheese in a tangy dressing. I guarantee that you’ll be adding it to your recipe rotation! Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Greek Chicken Salad with Butter Beans Recipe!
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe (with Sides)
My Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers are on regular rotation not only in the summer grilling season but in the cooler months too. The easy dinner recipe comes together so quickly, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers Recipe!
One Pan Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Can I just say, this one pan Greek lemon chicken and potatoes recipe is my go-to quick weeknight dinner fix! It takes me 15 minutes to prepare and then roasts away on its own for 45 minutes. It’s incredibly satisfying and delicious.
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe!
Harissa Chicken Skewers (with Sides)
These Harissa Chicken Skewers are a delicious and satisfying addition to your weeknight meal rotation. They are incredibly easy to make and don’t require too many complicated ingredients. The chicken can be marinated in advance, saving you time. Pair these skewers with vermicelli rice, sumac onions and chopped salad for an easy dinner.
Harissa Chicken Skewers Recipe!
Harissa Honey Chicken (Butterflied Whole Chicken)
This Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe is a showstopper! The perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy and salty. This recipe uses a whole chicken which you will need to spatchcock (butterfly). Don’t worry, I outline the process for you below with pictures too!
Harissa Honey Chicken Recipe!
Quick and Easy Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad
This Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant mix of tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and bright pesto. It comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for quick lunches, summer potlucks, picnics and BBQs.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe!
Mediterranean White Chicken Chili
This Mediterranean White Chicken Chili is creamy, hearty and comforting, with tender shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and just the right amount of heat. A little cream cheese gives the broth richness, while lemon, fresh cilantro, feta and a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil brighten everything up.
Mediterranean White Chicken Chili Recipe!
High-Protein Beef Dinner Recipes
Hearty, satisfying, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, these beef recipes are perfect when you’re craving something comforting and protein-rich.
Steak Caesar Salad with Tahini Dressing
This Steak Caesar Salad with Tahini Dressing is my Middle Eastern spin on a classic salad. Juicy seared steak meets caramelized sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, all tossed with a creamy, tangy tahini Caesar dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner or even brunch.
Steak Caesar Salad with Tahini Recipe!
Pomegranate Short Ribs (Slow Braised)
This Pomegranate Short Ribs recipe is a showstopper! It’s a Middle Eastern twist on a classic dish with tangy pomegranate molasses and earthy spices. Perfect for a weekend meal, dinner party or special occasion. The best part? Most of the heavy lifting is done in the oven.
Pomegranate Short Ribs Recipe!
Tender Italian Meatballs Recipe (without Breadcrumbs)
These Tender Italian Meatballs are gluten-free, packed with flavor, and baked right in a skillet of bubbling marinara sauce. If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful meatball recipe that doesn’t rely on breadcrumbs and eggs, you’re in for a treat.
Italian Meatballs Recipe!
Greek Meatballs Recipe (Easy Keftedes with Sides)
If you’re craving bold Mediterranean flavors and an easy dish that works for weeknights or entertaining, you’re going to love this Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) recipe. These juicy, tender meatballs are packed with herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice. This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes!
Greek Meatballs Recipe!
Middle Eastern Beef Shish Kebab (with Sides)
These Middle Eastern Beef Shish Kebabs are incredibly easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for either a weeknight or the weekend. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving something deliciously easy, these kebabs are guaranteed to impress.
Beef Shish Kebabs Recipe!
Hashweh (Spiced Rice with Ground Beef)
Hashweh (Spiced Rice with Ground Beef) is a one-pot dish that is comforting and delicious. It can be enjoyed on its own as a main dish or served as a side or base with roasted proteins and vegetables. It combines warm Middle Eastern spices with fragrant basmati rice and ground meat.
Spiced Rice with Ground Beef Recipe!
Pasta alla Genovese (Beef and Onion Ragù)
This Pasta alla Genovese (Beef and Onion Ragù) recipe is comforting and delicious. What makes it so special is the rich flavor you get from the slow-cooked onion sauce base. You're going to need a lot of onions! It’s a perfect weekend meal. Personally, this is one of my go-to winter dinner party meals.
Pasta alla Genovese Recipe!
Beef Bolognese (My Way)
Easy, delicious, and even better the next day, this Beef Bolognese recipe is my ultimate go-to dinner. Enjoy it with your favorite pasta, or layer it in lasagna Bolognese. This recipe is not traditional or even authentic but rather my own take on the classic.
Beef Bolognese Pasta Recipe!
Meatball Soup (Levantine Kofta and Noodle Soup Recipe)
A Levantine classic, this Meatball Soup consists of perfectly seasoned kofta meatballs and vermicelli noodles in a rich tomato broth. It’s not too difficult to make and uses standard pantry and fridge ingredients. This comforting soup can be served as an appetizer or as a light lunch.
Kofta Meatball Soup Recipe!
Beef Kofta (Easy Kafta Kebabs)
This beef kofta recipe combines accessible ground beef with aromatic Middle Eastern spices and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect recipe for a quick and easy lunch or weeknight dinner.
Beef Kofta Kebabs Recipe!
Short Rib Ragu
Tender and flavourful, slow-cooked short rib ragù is perfect for serving with hearty pasta or polenta. Total comfort food and so delicious. While the recipe takes about three hours from start to finish, most of that isn't active time, and it's well worth it.
Short Rib Ragu Recipe!
Arayes (Authentic Middle Eastern Meat Stuffed Pitas)
Arayes is a popular Middle Eastern dish that consists of stuffed and grilled (or baked) pita bread filled with a mixture of minced meat, typically beef or lamb, along with various seasonings and spices. This incredibly easy-to-prepare recipe includes 2 cooking methods to suit your preferences, as well as a dipping sauce.
Meat Stuffed Pita Recipe!
High Protein Fish and Seafood Dinner Recipes
Fresh, light, and full of flavor, Mediterranean fish and seafood recipes are a delicious way to add more protein to your dinner rotation.
Sayadieh (Middle Eastern Fried Fish with Spiced Rice)
Sayadieh is a showstopping Middle Eastern fried fish and spiced rice dish that is delicious, comforting and highly customizable. My version includes a savory tomato sauce that I think brings the whole dish together. Make it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Fried Fish with Spiced Rice Recipe!
Honey Harissa Salmon (with Garlic, Thyme and Lemon)
This Honey Harissa Salmon is the spicy-sweet sheet pan dinner of your dreams. It’s smoky, zesty, a little fiery, and perfectly balanced with sweet honey, lemon, and fresh thyme. Bonus: it’s wildly easy to throw together and makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. The whole thing is ready in under 30 minutes.
Honey Harissa Salmon Recipe!
Pasta alla Vodka with Cherry Tomatoes and Shrimp
This Pasta alla Vodka with Cherry Tomatoes and Shrimp is rich, creamy, a little spicy and seriously satisfying. Tender shrimp are served over pasta coated in a silky tomato vodka sauce made with Calabrian chili paste, heavy cream, Parmesan and butter. Ready in under 45 minutes.
Pasta alla Vodka with Shrimp Recipe!
Baked Cod in Puttanesca Sauce
If you're looking for a bold, briny, and satisfying seafood dish that doesn't take much effort, this Baked Cod in Puttanesca Sauce checks all the boxes. Made with pantry staples like olives, capers and marinara, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver that feels a little fancy, but is super easy to pull off.
Baked Cod in Puttanesca Recipe!
Baked Mediterranean Salmon (with Paprika, Garlic and Lemon)
Sometimes you need to get dinner on the table, and this Baked Mediterranean Salmon recipe does that! It’s seasoned with lemon, paprika, grainy mustard, and oregano. The whole thing is ready in under 30 minutes. And you can even bake some vegetables with the fish for a complete sheet pan style meal.
Baked Mediterranean Salmon Recipe!
Mediterranean Salmon Salad (with Herbs & Crispy Capers)
I'm all about taking a humble salad and making it heartier and more filling and this Mediterranean Salmon Salad does exactly that! It's packed with fresh vegetables, a vibrant lemon dressing, and topped with crispy capers. It’s light but satisfying, full of fresh flavor, and perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Mediterranean Salmon Salad Recipe!
Tuna and White Bean Salad (with Caper Vinaigrette)
This Tuna and White Bean Salad with Caper Vinaigrette is one of those recipes I turn to again and again when I need something quick, nourishing, and full of bold flavor. It’s got pantry-friendly vibes with a fresh, zippy twist. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnics, or as a light dinner with some crusty bread on the side.
Tuna and White Bean Salad Recipe!
Mediterranean Shrimp Rice Bowl (with Salad)
This Mediterranean Shrimp Rice Bowl recipe is light, bright, and hits every craving for fresh flavors without tons of fuss. Juicy shrimp, zesty salad, and fluffy rice all come together for a bowl that’s perfect for a hearty lunch, a light dinner or even meal prep.
Mediterranean Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe!
Greek Salmon Recipe with Tomatoes, Olives and Lemon
This Greek Salmon with Tomatoes, Olives and Lemon is an easy, vibrant, delicious and comforting Mediterranean-inspired dinner recipe that you’ll have on repeat. Tender salmon fillets are baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, sweet red onion, and lemon slices. The whole thing is ready in under 30 minutes.
Greek Salmon Recipe!
Baked Trout with Pomegranate Molasses Herb Sauce
My Baked Trout with Pomegranate Molasses Herb Sauce is tangy, savory, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still being special enough for entertaining or a dinner party.
Baked Trout with Pomegranate Molasses Recipe!
One-Pan Baked Za’atar Salmon (with Vegetables)
My Baked Za’atar Salmon with Vegetables is an easy, delicious and quick one-pan dinner that is perfect for weeknights, but also special occasions. Salmon fillets are seasoned simply with olive oil and za’atar, then baked over a colorful mixture of cherry tomatoes, squash and red onion.
Baked Za’atar Salmon Recipe!
Grilled Mediterranean Salmon Kabobs (Skewers and Sauce)
Nothing says summer quite like firing up the grill, and these Grilled Mediterranean Salmon Kabobs are one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh salmon. The marinade is bright and herbaceous, the grill gives everything a delicious char, and a simple herby side sauce brings it all together. This recipe is easy, fast, and perfect for al fresco dining.
Grilled Salmon Skewers Recipe!
Other Ideas to Explore
Ideas and Roundups
Ideas and Roundups
Ideas and Roundups
Ideas and Roundups
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