These Colorful, Meal-Prep-Worthy Dishes May Be the Most Flavorful Way to Lose Weight

The Mediterranean diet has been getting a lot of buzz lately. Why? Because it has consistently been proven to be one of the best diets for weight loss and overall health, and yet those who try the Mediterranean diet often find that it's much easier to follow than other plans.

That's because the Mediterranean diet is more than a diet; it's an eating template you can follow for the rest of your life, making it a great choice for weight loss. The list of foods isn't restrictive, the diet is easy to sustain, and there are lots of delicious dishes you can cook up. We've rounded up 15 recipes to get you started, and once you give these a try, you'll have all the tools you need to build your own tasty Mediterranean meals.

01
Chia and Hemp Seed Superfood Oatmeal
Delightful Mom Food

Chia and Hemp Seed Superfood Oatmeal

You'll feel satisfied all morning long with this combo of heart-healthy oats, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries.

Get the recipe: chia and hemp seed superfood oatmeal

02
Caprese Salad Skewers
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Caprese Salad Skewers

No time to cook? These skewers are low-carb, easy to prepare, and full of fresh flavor. Keep a few in the fridge for a quick snack, or serve alongside a veggie-packed salad for a complete meal.

Get the recipe: caprese salad skewers

03
Easy Lemon Butter Baked Fish
Simply Delicious

Easy Lemon Butter Baked Fish

Sheet pan dinners make it so easy to stay on track, and this baked fish is no exception. Toss your veggies and protein on one pan, bake, and dinner is done.

Get the recipe: easy lemon butter baked fish

04
Quinoa Salad With Cherries and Feta
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Quinoa Salad With Cherries and Feta

Quinoa contains more protein and fiber than brown rice, which can help you feel fuller longer. This sweet and savory salad would be great as a side with baked fish.

Get the recipe: quinoa salad with cherries and feta

05
Kale, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Egg Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Kale, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Egg Muffins

Egg muffins are the perfect breakfast on the go, and this kale, caramelized onion, and gouda recipe is packed with veggies and protein. Make a large batch over the weekend, pop them in the freezer, and reheat as needed.

Get the recipe: kale, caramelized onion, and gouda egg muffins

06
Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Soup
Host the Toast

Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo Soup

Soups are an ideal meal for weight loss, as long as they're filling and nutritious like this orzo soup. While still low-cal, the inclusion of orzo pasta and chicken give it staying power.

Get the recipe: lemon garlic chicken orzo soup

07
Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
Show Me the Yummy

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Looking for a super side dish to serve with dinner? This recipe boasts a good mix of starchy and non-starchy veggies and a low-calorie balsamic dressing that'll keep you coming back for more.

Get the recipe: balsamic roasted vegetables

08
Salmon Nicoise Salad
Inspiralized

Salmon Nicoise Salad

Have you jumped on the spiralizing train yet? It's a fun way to boost your veggie intake while keeping your meals relatively low-carb. This nicoise salad uses spiralized potatoes for a dose of energy-boosting carbs.

Get the recipe: salmon nicoise salad

09
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Culinary Hill

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Lentils, a protein- and fiber-packed legume, replace lettuce in this Mediterranean salad. With lots of fresh veggies and even more protein from the feta cheese, it could easily be served as an entrée salad all on its own.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean lentil salad

10
Easy Bruschetta
Show Me the Yummy

Easy Bruschetta

If brunch is on the menu, toast up this tasty bruschetta. A slice or two of this beautiful bread alongside an omelet or frittata will easily hold you over until your next meal.

Get the recipe: easy bruschetta

11
Mediterranean Kale Quinoa Salad With Chicken
How Sweet Eats

Mediterranean Kale Quinoa Salad With Chicken

You're never going to stick to your weight-loss plan if you're eating bland, boring meals. This Mediterranean chicken salad checks all the boxes for color, flavor, and nourishment with its rainbow of healthy ingredients.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean kale quinoa salad with chicken

12
Roasted Broccoli Rabe With Lemon, Chili Flakes, and Parmesan
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Roasted Broccoli Rabe With Lemon, Chili Flakes, and Parmesan

If you're trying to lose weight, adding in more green veggies is a good way to get started. This roasted broccoli recipe has loads of flavor and just a hint of spice.

Get the recipe: roasted broccoli rabe with lemon, chili flakes, and parmesan

13
Pesto Pasta Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Pesto Pasta Salad

If you need a potluck-friendly food that won't throw you off your weight-loss goals, whip up this pasta salad. Feel free to follow the recipe as is, or throw in your favorite combination of fresh veggies.

Get the recipe: pesto pasta salad

14
Scallop and Apple Noodle Spinach Salad with Spiced Walnuts
Inspiralized

Scallop and Apple Noodle Spinach Salad with Spiced Walnuts

Seafood is a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet, but even salmon and cod can get boring after a while. This fruity salad is topped with scallops, making it as healthy as it is beautiful.

Get the recipe: scallop and apple noodle spinach salad with spiced walnuts

15
Avocado Citrus Salad
How Sweet Eats

Avocado Citrus Salad

If you prefer to start your day with citrus, this citrus-loaded fruit salad brings all the tart goodness you crave. The sliced avocados and honey lime vinaigrette add enough healthy fat to fill you up.

Get the recipe: avocado citrus salad

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