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Published: 1 May 2023We all love eating delicious Mediterranean diet cuisines at expensive restaurants, but what if we made them at home? Seems difficult, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be, if you have the perfect Mediterranean diet cookbook to guide you along the way.
Mediterranean diet cookbooks have a variety of recipes along with various tips and tricks to master your cooking skills and please your family as you fill your kitchen with flavor. Plus, with the widely known health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, you can’t really go wrong with learning a couple of new recipes.
With various Mediterranean diet cookbooks out there, we want you to get one that isn’t too hard to follow, and is filled with mouthwatering recipes that everyone can try. Therefore, we’ve come up with the top Mediterranean diet cookbooks of 2023 to aid you in your culinary journey.
Show contentsBuying Guide: Mediterranean Diet Cookbooks
If you’re picky about your food like most people, you don’t want to risk spending money on a cookbook that isn’t catered to your taste. So how do you choose the perfect Mediterranean diet cookbook? Well, reading a buying guide can help you a lot in your purchase decision.
Our buying guide explains all you need to know to select a cookbook that’ll tingle your taste buds with every bite of their recipes.
Things To Consider
When searching for a Mediterranean diet cookbook, here are some essential things you should ask yourself and keep in mind:
Number of recipes
Whenever you are picking out a Mediterranean diet cookbook, you need to find one that has ample recipes to last you at least three weeks before you try the same dish again. The Mediterranean diet isn’t filled with fat, juicy steaks, and cheeseburgers, so if you’re transitioning to healthy meals, having a wide variety of dishes to try out will definitely help out. Generally, a book with at least 40 recipes will fare well in the kitchen.
Portion size
Many Mediterranean diet cookbooks are catered toward small-sized portions, and when you try to upscale them, you’re left with a salty steamy mess at the dinner table. Therefore, you should look for recipes that cater to different meal sizes, or get one that conforms to your specific requirements — for example, hosting enough proportions that’ll fill you and your loved one to the brim.
The author
Most people who’re getting into the world of Mediterranean meals aren’t in the greatest shape when it comes to their health, and any wrong advice could go horribly wrong. That’s why you should look for a cookbook made by an author with professional experience and certifications as a dietary nutritionist.
Ingredients used in the book
When it comes down to ingredients, you need to take into consideration whether the ingredients mentioned in the cookbook are accessible where you live. Cookbooks aren’t catered to people all over the globe, and there’s a high chance that herbs and fruits that are common in one region, aren’t that common in another.
You should also make sure that the ingredients mentioned in the Mediterranean diet cookbook aren’t something you’re too sensitive about. Since cookbooks are written by humans, it’s only justified that they’re peppered with personal ingredients and flavors that the author liked. If you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to wheat, then make sure to carefully read the cookbook’s description to understand the core ingredients used in the recipes.
Cooking and prep time
No one likes waiting on their Mediterranean-style casserole to bake for an hour while their stomach growls. That’s why it’s always a good idea to look for Mediterranean diet cookbooks that have a short prep and cooking time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more at the dinner table.
The short cooking times also let you try new recipes without feeling stressed or lazy to cook. It’s a plus if your cookbook has labels indicating the cooking time, so it’s easier for you to scour through and find one that suits your available time.
The layout of the cookbook
Often overlooked, having a Mediterranean diet cookbook with an eye-pleasing layout can make your life so much easier in the kitchen. Neatly arranged recipes in their specific categories, labels indicating each recipe type, and recipes differentiated by the time of the day they’re supposed to be devoured at are some of the things you should look out for.
Pictures are also a great help since they give you a visual representation of the finished dish you’re aiming for. Plus, concise descriptions of the recipe laid out in a manner that is pleasant for your eyes and easy to follow while cooking is more beneficial than you might think.
The book itself
A cookbook’s meant to be used in the kitchen, and catching splashes of oil and a dusting of flour is pretty normal. Therefore, your cookbook should be made to stand its ground against water and food debris, rather than getting wrinkled and torn up in a couple of days. Make sure the book has thick-quality paper with high-quality printing that doesn’t fade away if it’s wiped with a wet cloth.
Foods To Avoid While on a Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean diet consists of lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts and olive oil, and a minimal amount of red meat. If you truly want to adopt the Mediterranean lifestyle, then there are a couple of foods and ingredients you need to lay off. These include processed meats like hotdogs and sausages, along with heavily processed products like sodas and sugary beverages.
You’d also have to cut down on alcohol, but since you’ll be using red wine, you won’t feel a significant difference. Also, if you’re a fan of butter, then you may need to reconsider since a Mediterranean meal is made solely with healthy olive oil.
Healthy Snacks You Can Have on a Mediterranean Diet
Cutting down on processed foods isn’t easy, especially if you’re used to filling yourself up on snacks between meals. Well, luckily enough, the Mediterranean diet features a variety of nutritious yet delicious snack options that should definitely be tried out:
- You can eat baby carrots, try dipping them in some lovely hummus and enjoy.
- You can pair up a sweet fruit with cottage cheese, and you’ll be surprised by the delicious outcome. We recommend trying out plums or pineapples first.
- Missing the guacamole with your tacos? Well, grab some sliced bell peppers and dip them in guacamole.
- You can make a chocolate chia pudding and enjoy some earthy-chocolate flavors to boost your mood
Top Mediterranean Diet Cookbook of 2023
1The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Two
– Best OverallBuy on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart“The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Two” is the perfect option to guide you through some delicious recipes for you and your loved one. The recipes are proportioned for two people, cutting down on your grocery bill and leftovers, which you’re often forced to finish by the end of the week.
The cookbook focuses on meals made using fresh produce, posing various health benefits and acting as a perfect weight loss remedy. Plus, the carefully selected ingredient choice is present all year round, so you won’t be scratching your head trying to find your ingredients at the supermarket. Make salads or sauces, kebabs or hummus, all with a classic Mediterranean twist with the help of this cooking guide. With the quick prep times for each meal, you can try a new recipe every day to keep your taste buds tingling.
With a hundred recipes made with in-season produce, this Mediterranean diet cookbook soars up to the top of our list.
Pros- Perfect proportions for two people
- Recipes use in-season produce
- A variety of recipes to try
- Quick prep time for recipes
Cons- Recipes aren’t for family-sized proportions
2Serena Ball RD Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
– Easy to FollowBuy on AmazonCheck Price on WalmartThe Serena Ball RD Mediterranean Diet Cookbook focuses on creating mouth-watering meals that help you improve your heart health and cholesterol levels. These recipes are made from everyday ingredients in your pantry and healthy fats, so you can maintain weight and reduce the risk of heart diseases. It includes all types of recipes from breakfast to lunch, dinner, and even appetizers, so you have a complete range at hand.
All the meals in this book are quick and convenient, ensuring you do not have to spend much time preparing them. You can include them in everyone’s routine without any fuss or tantrums. Lastly, the details make it easy to understand the look of your food.
Pros- Easy and quick recipes
- The food improves your health
- Contains all types of recipes
Cons- Not a lot of illustrations
3The Mediterranean Diet Weight Loss Solution
– Best for Weight LossBuy on AmazonCheck Price on WalmartIf you’ve been struggling to shed a few pounds, then you should definitely give “The Mediterranean Diet Weight Loss Solution” cookbook a try. The book contains a 28-day meal plan, equipped with around 100 recipes — something new for every meal.
The Mediterranean diet cookbook explains the failings in an average American diet, along with the nutritional benefits of shifting to Mediterranean meals. You also get to read and learn various exercises to help you along the way. Plus, the book has a habit tracker, allowing you to write down healthy habits you want to adopt for the next four weeks and tick them off every day as you succeed.
With easy-to-make recipes with convenient labels identifying the time required to cook them, you won’t find your tummy rumbling in the kitchen while you’re waiting for your zucchini lasagna to bake. Create your own sleep schedule, learn the science of weight loss and take yourself on a four-week journey of delicious food and a healthy lifestyle with this Mediterranean diet cookbook.
Pros- Recipes are great for weight loss
- Includes exercise tips
- Meals are quick and easy to make
Cons- Paper of the book isn’t spill-proof
4The Mediterranean Diet for Beginners
– Best for BeginnersBuy on AmazonCheck Price on WalmartIf you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of sweet and homely Mediterranean meals, then you have to get “The Mediterranean Diet for Beginners” by Rockridge Press. This Mediterranean diet cookbook has 40 different recipes that are super easy to follow along with and prepare. Plus, the short prep times make it a breeze to try out a different recipe every day.
You also get a seven-day meal plan, so you don’t waste your time trying to come up with what, when, and how much to eat. The information is concise and to the point, and you’re not left reading a page full of filler content before you get to the part where you learn how a dilly salmon is made.
Read the book to learn all about the Mediterranean diet and convert it into a lifestyle rather than a mere recipe option. With various tips to assist you along the way, coupled with the use of healthy ingredients, you’ll be able to step up your culinary game in no time.
Pros- Easy-to-follow recipes for beginners
- Includes a seven-day meal plan
- To-the-point information
- Includes various tips for a healthy lifestyle
Cons- Lack of photographs of the recipe
5The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners
– Most RecipesBuy on AmazonCheck Price on WalmartAnother alternative for people looking to delve into Mediterranean dishes is “The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners”, written by the award-winning nutritionist Elena Paravante. The book contains a total of 100 cooking recipes to follow that are not only easy to cook, but are made with accessible ingredients available at your local supermarket.
This Mediterranean diet cookbook explains in detail how to source your ingredients, cook them, and how you can stick with the diet plan for days to come. You’re also given a 14-day meal plan, so you’re met with flavorful and tummy-filling recipes every day, carefully chosen by a professional.
From seafood to pasta, you’ll find an abundance of things to cook and learn. Plus, the cookbook focuses on how you can adopt the Mediterranean way of life with different tips and suggestions that aren’t only limited to the kitchen, but for other aspects of life as well.
Pros- Includes a two-week meal plan
- Recipes are easy to cook
- A variety of recipes to cook
- Includes suggestions and tips for life
Cons- Not good for people sensitive to wheat
People Also Asked
Q: Is the Mediterranean diet good for my body?A: Yes, a Mediterranean diet is an excellent anti-aging remedy and helps increase your lifespan by preventing cardiovascular diseases and introducing you to a healthy lifestyle.
Q: Does the Mediterranean diet help with weight loss?A: People have claimed to have significantly lost weight after opting to shift towards a Mediterranean diet. This is mainly due to the diet cutting down on processed and sugary foods and choosing nutritious, healthy, and low-calorie counterparts instead.
Q: Are there any drawbacks of a Mediterranean diet?A: Everything has its pros and cons, and so does a Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean meals are low on meat and dairy, which can be fatal if your body is already deficient in iron or calcium. Therefore, always consult your nutritionist whenever opting for a diet change.
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