The Mediterranean Diet

One of the world's healthiest ways to cook and eat is the Mediterranean diet. Lebanese recipes include all of the components of the Mediterranean Diet: the healthy fats, legumes, grains, fresh produce, herbs and spices that are so flavorful and so good for us. This makes sense because Lebanon is perched on the Mediterranean Sea!

Labneh with Extra Virgin Olive oil for the Mediterranean Diet

These are the fats that deliver on every level! Think extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts, laban and labneh (yogurt). Healthy fats satisfy our hunger and support other ingredients in recipes. Try to use good extra virgin olive oil every day is for cooking, baking, and finishing most Mediterranean recipes.

Pita wrap with mujadara

These healthy powerhouses include lentils and chickpeas. Cooked til very tender and dressed in all kinds of ways, legumes become just a delicious part of a healthy diet. They are nutrient-rich, too, packed with protein and fiber. Add legumes to any meal and there won’t be any hunger pangs for a good long while.

Bulgur Pilaf with zucchini on a platter with a silver spoon

Quinoa, bulgur, and freekeh are the protein-rich darlings of the Mediterranean diet grains. Their heft and versatility make any meal they’re part of that much more satisfying. All are easily prepared, cooked like rice and used as pilafs or as the basis for salads and bowls dressed studded with all kinds of flavor-makers.

Lebanese Pickles

The Mediterranean diet is all about color on the plate. Fresh fruits and vegetables several times a day are the gateway to health and flavor. Lebanese cuisine offers a huge variety of salads, vegetable side dishes and main dishes, and includes fruit (often without any special treatment) as part of daily health.

Easy Cabbage Salad with Garlic and Lemon

Herbs and Spices:

Flavor makers! Use fresh herbs and spices whenever possible—which means we need far less of the ingredients that aren’t as good for us to get flavor (butter, salt). Fresh herbs and spices are lavished everywhere in Lebanese cooking.

Cook and Eat Lebanese for the Mediterranean Diet

Find ingredients, tips, and recipes for success right here.

Recipes for the Mediterranean Diet

SHOP Olive Oil, Spices, Grains, Legumes, and More

From the Shop

Lebanese Extra virgin olive oil in a bottle with a tag

Lebanese Extra Virgin

Fine and Coarse Bulgur Wheat

Lebanese baklava mixed tray

Lebanese Pastry

Lebanese 7 Spice blend in a jar

Flavor Maker Spices

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