Mediterranean diet recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks

We’ve heard it for a long time now: The Mediterranean diet is the way to go, at least according to U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of Best Diets that put the eating pattern at the top of the pile six years running.

The diet is characterized by eating primarily plant-based foods, including fruits and vegetables, while also fitting in beans, nuts, whole grains, seafood and lean poultry. There is a focus on unsaturated fat from sources like extra-virgin olive oil, too. 

And it’s a good option for anyone to try, according to dietitians.

But shifting how you eat can feel intimidating. We get it, we’ve been there, too, looking at our pantry like “where do we even start?”

Not to worry, USA TODAY rounded up some very tasty Mediterranean focused recipes from professionals for you to try at home.

“It’s super easy to cook in the way or the style of Mediterranean diet because mostly, you’re using ingredients that you can pretty much find anywhere,” chef Diane Kochilas of “My Greek Table,” tells USA TODAY.

“Most of this food is very simple,” Kochilas says, noting that the biggest transition for some to try a diet like this is getting used to the idea of not eating meat multiple times a day.

Food for thought:Why do we eat foods that we know we shouldn’t?

Kochilas shared her recipes for toasted orzo with carrots, raisins, and pine nuts and a kale caesar with Greek yogurt dressing. 

And Kochilas isn’t the only chef who shared Mediterranean cooking tips and ideas with us.