23 Easy Mediterranean Keto Diet Recipes (2024)

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23 Easy Mediterranean Keto Diet Recipes (1)

By Stephanie Cain

Published Jan 13, 2021

When it comes to eating healthy, it seems like everyone's buzzing about two diets in particular. On one hand, you have the ketogenic (aka keto) diet: a pretty strict regimen that’s all about burning fat and losing weight by following a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb diet. On the other hand, you have the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes filling your plate with healthy whole grains, veggies, beans, low-fat dairy, nuts, fish, lean red meat and olive oil (it’s hardly a diet at all). The two eating plans might sound like they’re totally incompatible, but we can prove that’s not the case with these 23 Mediterranean keto recipes that are low on carbs and packed with flavor.

Foods You Can Eat On A Mediterranean Keto Diet

  • Healthy fats: To fill the keto fat requirement, load up on Mediterranean staples like olive oil, seeds and nuts instead of butter.
  • Seafood: Fish and seafood are staples on the Mediterranean diet, and they’re good sources of protein and fat.
  • Vegetables: Focus on high-fiber, nutrient veggies like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies (you know, like Brussels sprouts and broccoli).
  • Lean meat: While the Mediterranean diet is typically low in red meat, make a keto compromise by choosing lean, lower-fat varieties.
  • Dairy: Eat dairy in moderation, and choose options like feta cheese, Greek yogurt and Parmesan.

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1. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

A decadent sauce with lots of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes? This is amore.

2. Low-carb Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

It’s the ultimate comfort food with a keto-friendly twist.

3. Grilled Swordfish With Mediterranean Cumin Spice Rub

In case you’re wondering, we’re repurposing this spice rub for salmon too.

4. Israeli Salad

Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge all week.

6. Mediterranean Grilled Zucchini Tomato Feta Boats

Close your eyes and you’re in the Greek Isles.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

7. Pomegranate-maple Glazed Lamb Chops

Pomegranate molasses adds a tangy finish that will have you coming back for seconds.

Get the recipe

Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott/Nothing Fancy

8. Alison Roman’s Swordfish With Crushed Olives And Oregano

Even seafood skeptics will be won over by this dish. Swordfish is so mild, it almost tastes like chicken.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

9. 20-minute Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

A fresh, filling dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Don’t mind if we do.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

10. 15-minute Gazpacho With Cucumber, Red Pepper And Basil

With some ripe produce and a blender or food processor, you can make this chilled soup in no time.

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11. Cauliflower Soup

Dana Carpender/The Keto for One Cookbook

12. Keto Steak And Blue Cheese Salad For One

It’s healthy without leaving us hungry in 15 minutes—aka exactly what we’re craving.

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Leslie Grow/Keto In an Instant

13. Keto Instant Pot Greek Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice doesn’t have a ton of flavor on its own, but adding a few classic Greek flavors (like olives and feta) is a genius update.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14. Bacon-wrapped Black Cod With Spinach And Capers

We’re definitely not complaining about the level of bacon here.

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Donna Griffith/The Primal Gourmet Cookbook

15. Piri Piri Chicken

The flavors of this dish originate in southeast Africa. It’s fresh, easy, super low-carb (just five grams per serving) and too delicious to pass up.

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Dana Carpender/The Keto for One Cookbook

16. Keto Pasta With Lemon-kale Chicken

Yep, pasta is on your diet. This dish calls for tofu shirataki noodles to keep the whole thing low in carbohydrates.

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What's Gaby Cooking

17. Perfect Meatballs With Cherry Tomato Sauce

It’s the next best thing to having an actual Italian grandma.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Sarah Copeland

18. Baked Feta With Dill, Caper Berries And Citrus

Baked cheese as your dinner? You better believe it. (Just skip the pita bread to keep it keto.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

19. Bruschetta Chicken

This one tastes super indulgent (thanks to juicy pieces of tomato and a dusting of Parm) but is actually low cal, low carb and packed with protein.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

20. Shrimp With Cauliflower “grits” And Arugula

Is there anything cauliflower can’t do?

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Aubrie Pick/Great Tastes

21. Tomato Salad With Grilled Halloumi And Herbs

If you’ve never tried halloumi cheese, now’s your chance. When grilled, it gets melty on the inside but keeps its satisfyingly chewy bite.

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Helen Cathcart/Tuscany

22. Zucchini & Tomato Ragù

This would go great on a bed of spaghetti squash.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

23. New Caprese Salad

It’s a classic with a twist. We added grilled zucchini slices for a modern update.

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23 Easy Mediterranean Keto Diet Recipes (25)

Stephanie Cain

Freelance PureWow Editor

read full bio

23 Easy Mediterranean Keto Diet Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Do you lose weight faster on keto or Mediterranean diet? ›

Both groups lost similar amounts of weight and showed better blood sugar stability, but the Mediterranean diet came out a clear winner on one very important factor: its ability to reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, aka "bad" cholesterol.

What is the difference between low-carb and Mediterranean diet? ›

The ketogenic diet is an ultra-low-carb, very high-fat diet that involves a drastic reduction in carbohydrate intake. The Mediterranean diet is a low-carb, moderately high-fat diet that emphasizes vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, olive oil and fish.

What is the difference between low-carb and keto diet? ›

The main difference between these diets is carbohydrate intake. On a low carb diet, you typically eat 50–150 grams of carbs per day, but on the keto diet, daily carb intake is restricted to fewer than 50 grams. Another main difference is protein intake.

What is not allowed on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Foods to limit on a Mediterranean diet include: Added sugar: added sugar is found in many foods but especially high in soda, candies, ice cream, table sugar, syrup, and baked goods. Refined grains: white bread, pasta, tortillas, chips, crackers. Trans fats: found in margarine, fried foods, and other processed foods.

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 foods can I eat unlimited on keto? ›

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

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 pasta on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet encourages upping your intake of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seafood, and extra-virgin olive oil. Therefore, pasta (whole grain pasta, in particular), can absolutely be part of a Mediterranean diet. Chickpea noodles are also encouraged in Mediterranean pasta recipes.

What are 3 cons of the Mediterranean diet? ›

There may be health concerns with this eating style for some people, including:
  • You may gain weight from eating fats in olive oil and nuts.
  • You may have lower levels of iron. ...
  • You may have calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products.
Jul 30, 2022

What are the best carbs for the Mediterranean diet? ›

The carbohydrates in Mediterranean-style diets tend to come from unrefined, fiber-rich sources like whole wheat and beans. These diets are also rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish, with only modest amounts of meat and cheese.

What is better than keto? ›

Though both the keto diet and Mediterranean diet can both promote weight loss, evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet is safer, more sustainable, and more effective long-term.

What is dirty keto? ›

In essence, dirty keto is a variation of the keto diet (a high fat, moderate protein, low carb diet) that allows you to consume whatever you want as long as it meets your macro goals. While it still reduces carb intake, it does not pay attention to the nutritional value of the fats and protein consumed.

What is the lowest carb for keto? ›

Most people will need to go under 50 grams per day to reach ketosis. Keep in mind that this doesn't leave you with many carb options — except vegetables and small amounts of berries. To calculate your net carbs, subtract fiber, sugar alcohols, and other nondigestible carbs from the total amount.

How much weight can you lose in a month with no carbs? ›

How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Month on Keto? Individuals on a keto diet can lose an average of 10-12 pounds in their first month if they stay consistent with the diet and maintain a calorie deficit. However, weight loss can vary depending on starting weight, age, and activity level.

What carbs are OK on 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.

What are the top 10 foods on a Mediterranean diet? ›

10 foods to add to your Mediterranean lifestyle
  • Extra virgin olive oil. ...
  • Walnuts. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Wild salmon as a healthy animal protein. ...
  • Garlic for a reduced risk of cancer. ...
  • Oregano as an anti-inflammatory agent. ...
  • Mushrooms for a mental health boost.
Feb 3, 2022

What are 3 examples of a Mediterranean diet? ›

Each day, eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant-based fats. Each week, have fish, poultry, beans, legumes and eggs. Enjoy moderate portions of dairy products. Limit how much red meat you eat.

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