Check Out These Recipes From the Best 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