Whether you are following the Mediterranean Diet plan or looking for healthy Mediterranean Diet recipes, appetizers are great to serve before a main course or enjoy as a light lunch or snack. Each mouthwatering appetizer is filled with healthy, delicious and nutritious foods.
Tzatziki Sauce or Dip
Tzatziki is a very versatile dish. Often served as an appetizer as a dip for fresh vegetables, Tzatziki is also served as a salad dressing, sauce or spread.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce container plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh vegetables of your choice for dipping
Directions
- Place the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper into a blender or food processor.
- Blend or process until well mixed.
- Place into a covered container.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving as a dip with your favorite fresh vegetables.
Baked Tomato
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil (amount varies based on the size of the size of tomatoes)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon basil, finely chopped (can substitute 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Whole grain bread (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Brush the bottom of a baking dish with olive oil.
- Slice tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices.
- Place the tomatoes slices into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the garlic and basil onto the tops of the tomatoes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle olive oil over the sliced tomatoes.
- Bake for approximately 20 - 25 minutes.
- Remove from baking dish and serve.
- Pour the olive oil and tomato juice from the bottom of the pan into a small bowl as a dipping sauce for warm whole grain bread. (optional)
White Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans navy beans
- Extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Saute the onion, garlic and a diced red bell pepper in virgin olive oil until tender, and onions are translucent.
- Drain and rinse two cans of white navy beans.
- Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Serve with warm slices of whole wheat pita bread.
Mediterranean Diet Recipes: Appetizers for Healthy Eating
When it comes to Mediterranean Diet recipes, appetizers often double as dips, sauces and spreads. Many are also enjoyed as side dishes served as an accompaniment to a main course. Whether you are following the Mediterranean Diet plan as a way to lose weight, maintain your current weight or adopt a healthy way of eating, the health benefits are numerous. According to the American Heart Association, by eating healthy and nutritious foods such as those included in the Mediterranean Diet, your risks of having a stroke or heart attack are reduced. Remember to check with your doctor before beginning any type of diet to make sure it is safe for you.
