17 Low-Carb, High-Protein Mediterranean Diet Dinner Recipes
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
According to the U.S. News & World Report, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest eating patterns in the world. Packed with lots of nutritious foods like seafood, whole grains, legumes and fermented condiments, these dinner recipes align with the Mediterranean diet to support your body in fighting symptoms of inflammation and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Plus, these dinners can help you feel satiated for longer and more able to meet your nutrition goals, as they have no more than 14 grams of carbohydrates and at least 15 grams of protein per serving. Try our Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Salmon and Frittata with Asparagus, Leek & Ricotta for flavorful and healthy meals that help you feel your best.
Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata
Freshen up a classic chicken dish by using Meyer lemons for the sauce. These lemons have a great tangy aroma and are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons.
Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Salmon
For this quick and easy dinner for four, the vegetables and sauce come together in one skillet in a matter of minutes while the salmon broils. Plus, salmon is swimming in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and loaded with vitamins and nutrients like B vitamins and potassium.
15-Minute Pesto Shrimp
This versatile and quick pesto shrimp can be served alongside a hunk of crusty bread, over pasta or rice, or even used as a topping for pizza. Look for shrimp that are free from preservatives, which can alter the texture and add sodium to the dish. We like the brightness and fresh flavor of refrigerated pesto, but a homemade classic basil pesto will make the dish extra special.
Frittata with Asparagus, Leek & Ricotta
Serve this spring-vegetable-loaded frittata with an arugula salad and a hunk of crusty bread. Tip: This recipe cooks quickly, so be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
Sautéed Striped Bass with Lemon and Herb Sauce Is the Perfect Summer Dinner
If you find sea bass to be strong-flavored, remove the pan drippings from the skillet before making the sauce for a milder final product. The wine-butter sauce is a good complement to the dish, especially with caramelized lemon notes.
Pistachio-Crusted Halibut
A layer of pistachios combined with panko breadcrumbs on top of the halibut fillets provides a delicious crunch and a pop of vitamin B6, a nutrient important for blood sugar regulation. We like the firm texture and mild flavor of halibut, but cod, haddock or tilapia can be used in its place.
Grilled Salmon & Vegetables with Charred Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
This grilled salmon recipe paired with grilled vegetables and a charred lemon-garlic vinaigrette captures the flavor of summer with smoky flavor from the grill. Asparagus and zucchini are quick and easy to grill and pair nicely with the salmon.
Kimchi-Tofu Soup with Sesame & Egg
Cubed tofu soaks up the delicious aromatic broth, full of tang and flavor from prepared kimchi, garlic paste and ginger paste. Use your favorite brand of kimchi, just be sure to drain it before adding. A fried egg adds protein to this vegetarian kimchi-tofu soup.
Broiled Salmon with Lemon
For quick weeknight meals, go for the broiler. It preheats in a flash and acts like an upside-down grill, bringing salmon to perfect doneness in just 10 minutes. Don't sweat it if you slightly overcook the salmon. Serve it with a dipping sauce or drizzle a bit of olive oil over top to bring back instant moisture. This basic broiled salmon recipe is even better when served with a creamy yogurt sauce and a side of quickly steamed or broiled broccolini.
Low-Carb, High-Protein Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats
Summer-fresh zucchini brims with a zesty mix of peppers, ground turkey and spices in these ground turkey zucchini boats. Nothing goes to waste here, as the flesh from the zucchini gets chopped and mixed with the filling. To ensure they cook evenly, use zucchini that are similar in size.
Air-Fryer Chicken Sausage & Veggie Frittata
Packed with chard, tomatoes, scallions and chicken sausage, this healthy frittata makes the perfect breakfast for two.
Shirataki Noodles with Chicken, Feta & Tomato
We pair shirataki noodles with feta and tomatoes in this quick and vibrant dinner recipe. The tomatoes release their juices to create a glossy sauce that clings to the noodles and carries with it the flavors of garlic, oregano and basil. Crumbled feta and Kalamata olives add a briny punch.
Super Quick Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi
This low-calorie and low-carb shrimp scampi feels like a restaurant dish, but it is actually very easy to make. There is just enough buttery sauce to coat the shrimp. The trick is to not over-reduce the sauce when cooking it. It's better to make it a little more saucy then dry. If you want to bulk up this entrée, you could add peas or thinly sliced carrots, or serve it over your favorite low-carb pasta substitute like spaghetti squash.
Sheet-Pan Lemon-Garlic Salmon with Delicata & Kale
In this easy sheet-pan dinner, salmon is roasted alongside vegetables for a filling, flavorful meal. The sweetness of the squash balances the bitter kale, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Be sure to spread the kale out on the baking sheet to encourage even browning.
Goat Cheese-Stuffed Chicken
Goat cheese is a luscious and creamy cheese that's lower in calories, fat and sodium than other soft cheeses. Here, we combine it with fresh herbs and garlic, then stuff the mixture inside chicken breasts for a deliciously speedy weeknight dinner.
Ginger White Fish & Cabbage
Use any firm white fish you like in this ginger white fish and cabbage recipe—halibut, cod and sea bass would all work well. Steaming the fish results in tender and moist fillets. The crispy garlic-chile oil adds delicious spice; if you prefer a milder flavor, use red Fresno chile instead of Thai chile.
Grilled Salmon with Red Pepper Relish
We love the sweetness and bright hue red bell peppers add to the relish here, but you can substitute with yellow or orange peppers, too. Skip green peppers, though, as they may be too bitter for this dish.
