11 Budget-Friendly Mediterranean Meals You Can Make At Home
The Mediterranean diet is often seen as expensive and hard to maintain, but you can actually make meals that are both delicious and affordable. They are also incredibly healthy, so it’s a great way to take care of your body on a tight budget. Here are eleven recipes to help you enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean without the high cost.
1. Panzanella
![An overhead view of a white plate filled with Panzanella.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/panzanella-recipe-msn-1024x576.jpg)
If this Tuscan dish is new to you, then you’ll be surprised by how flavorful it can be, even with just a few ingredients. Panzanella, or bread salad, is made with stale bread, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and basil, all tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
2. Mediterranean Avocado Toast
![An overhead view of two slices of Mediterranean Avocado Toast.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mediterranean-avocado-toast-recipe-1-1024x576.jpg)
Tired of the same scrambled eggs or oatmeal for breakfast? Try this Mediterranean avocado toast recipe. It’s rich in fiber and potassium. It doesn’t hurt that it tastes amazing, too.
3. Orzo Salad With Pesto
![An overhead view of a white bowl filled with orzo pasta with pesto sacue.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chickpea-orzo-salad-recipe-v-3--1024x576.jpg)
This delicious orzo salad with pesto is great for lunches or light dinners. With garden vegetables, healthy fats, feta, and arugula, this dish is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. It is great for social gatherings or as a potluck dish. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course.
4. Artichoke Chicken Pasta
![An overhead view looking down into a serving bowl of this delicious artichoke chicken pasta. A wooden spoon is in the bowl, ready to serve the pasta.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/artichoke-chicken-pasta-1-1024x576.jpg)
This artichoke chicken pasta is a deliciously different option for dinner. If you love artichoke hearts, you’ll adore this pasta dish. Even the kids will love it… maybe…
5. Greek Rice Bowl
![A closeup of a Greek rice bowl with sun dried tomato pieces.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/greek-rice-bowl-1024x576.png)
This Greek rice bowl recipe is a wonderful meal for one person and a great way to use up leftover brown rice. If you love Greek food or you want to make use of any leftovers, this recipe fits the bill.
6. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
![An overhead view of a plate filled with Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mediterraneanchickpeasalad-1-1024x576.jpg)
Even though it’s a cinch to make, you won’t believe how much flavor you can get in this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. It’s quick and easy to make, too.
7. Skinny Roasted Cod With Tomatoes
![Two roasted cod filets on a roasting pan with small tomatoes all around them.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/roasted-cod-1-1024x576.jpg)
Want an affordable yet gourmet meal at home? Try this Skinny Roasted Cod With Tomatoes for a weeknight win. This fish is mild yet flavorful. The roasted tomatoes add the right touch of sweetness.
8. Grilled Mediterranean Flatbread
![A grilled flatbread laying on a cutting board.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/grilled-flatbread-1-1024x576.jpg)
If you love flatbread, try this Grilled Mediterranean Flatbread. It’s topped with many cheeses, tomatoes, and fresh basil. The smoky, grilled crust delivers a fresh and clean flavor.
9. Air Fryer Falafel
![A gray bowl sits filled with air fryer falafel.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/air-fryer-falafel-1024x576.png)
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is versatile and delicious. Take this dish to the next level by adding it to crispy, grilled pita bread to make a sandwich for the most delicious yet budget-friendly Mediterranean meal.
10. Mediterranean Bean Salad
![A large, white serving bowl filled with Mediterranean beans salad.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mediterranean-Bean-Salad-1-1024x576.jpg)
Light, nutritious, and budget-friendly. This Mediterranean Bean Salad is made with fresh and simple ingredients. It’s a satisfying salad you can eat as is or serve as a side dish with grilled meat. It’s also perfect for a quick, easy, and cheap lunch.
11. Greek Grilled Chicken
![A plate filled with chicken drumb sticks.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Greek-Grilled-Chicken-1-1024x576.jpg)
This Greek Grilled Chicken is a simple and delicious meal that comes together easily. The marinade uses six basic ingredients that give you the juiciest chicken.
Sick Of The Same Ol’ Chicken For Dinner? Here Are 101 New Ways To Make It!
![A dutch oven with a cooked whole chicken topped with rosemary twigs.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/dutch-oven-chicken-1024x576.png)
Having chicken for dinner… again? Here are 101 new ways to level up your dinner game tonight.
Healthy Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas That Actually Taste Good
![A skillet filled with ground turkey, chopped tomatoes, chopped avocado and garnished with fresh parsley.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/turkey-vegetable-skillet-1024x576.png)
Lean ground turkey is a great replacement for ground beef if you are working on your health. Here, we give you 17 Meals with ground turkey that are surprisingly good for you.
While You’re Cooking, Prep Breakfast For Tomorrow Too. It Only Takes 5 Minutes!
![An overhead view of a small canning jar filled with overnight oats with raisins.](https://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/overnight-oatmeal-1024x576.png)
Prepping overnight oats the night before is a fantastic way to ensure that your morning runs smoothly. These delicious oatmeal recipes are prepped in just 5 minutes. In fact, you can even make homemade oatmeal packets with these recipes, so all you have to do is grab a packet and get it in the fridge.
This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.