5 Mediterranean Breakfasts Recipes to Try Today (2024)

Start your day right with 5 of the best foods to eat for breakfast on the Mediterranean Diet.

5 Mediterranean Breakfasts Recipes to Try Today (1)

The Mediterranean diet is known to be an eating pattern rich in vegetables, fruit, good fats and more! One of the most common questions I get is what should I eat for breakfast if I’m following a Mediterranean diet? Traditionally, and even today the breakfast first thing in the morning was not a large meal. Usually, it is something small: a coffee and a rusk and than a larger snack at 10. The meal at 10 is called dekatiano. Deka in Greek means ten, so it translates in to the 10 o’clock meal. Whether you eat early or later consider these breakfast choices:

1. Kagianas- Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes and Feta

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A Greek classic egg recipe: scrambled eggs with tomatoes and feta. You’ll get a good amount of vegetables by adding plenty of tomatoes, accompany with some whole wheat bread and you have complete meal. Get the recipe here!

2. Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts

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A classic choice, yogurt is such an important part of the Greek diet. Typically it can be consumed with a bit of starch in the morning such as a piece of bread or a rusk. Or you can add a touch of yogurt, walnuts and some seasonal fruit. This is a filling breakfast and offers a good amount of protein as well.

3. Toast Topped with Good Fats

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Tahini, is often used during the Greek fasting period as it is a vegan source of protein plus it is rich in good fats. Spread it on whole wheat bread, sprinkle with pine nuts and you are set. Some add a touch of honey instead for some sweetness. Apart from tahini, you can make other types of “toast”. You can use pita bread (as I did above) and drizzle some olive oil and a bit of cheese. Or you can of course top with avocado, also a good fat, or some peanut butter (no sugar added). Get the recipe for tahini toast!

4. Olive and Feta Bread – Eliopsomo

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I love this bread. I generally like eating drier foods in the morning, so this bread is perfect. It’s savory, has a bit of cheese to fill me up and I used whole wheat flour for extra fiber. Make it the day before and have a couple of slices for a quick breakfast. And if you are vegan, just omit the feta. Get the recipe for olive and feta bread!

5. Savory Pies – Pites

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This is by far the most popular choice of breakfast for Greeks. Savory pies such as cheese or spinach pies are available every where in Greece. Make a big batch of your own and freeze them. Take them out the night before and heat up in the morning. There is a huge choice: cheese pies, spinach pie, greens, zucchini, the list is endless. Click forGreek pie recipes

Photos by Elena Paravantes©All Rights Reserved

Elena Paravantes

Elena Paravantes, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Writer and consultant specializing in the Mediterranean Diet and Cuisine. She has been active as a clinician, consultant and lecturer for 20 years, both in the U.S. and Greece. An expert on the Greek Mediterranean Diet, her interviews and articles have been published in many publications including CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Prevention, NPR, and Shape. Elena has collaborated with a number of organizations including Loyola University, Yale University, University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, and the American College of Greece.

  1. Hi, Just wanted to let you know (and you don’t have to post this) that under the Yogurt recipe you have that you can add a little yogurt, walnuts, fruit.. I presume you meant honey rather than the yogurt.

    Reply

  2. Is there a substitute for feta? I know it’s used a lot, but my husband and I really don’t like it.

    Reply

    1. You can use a crumbly goat cheese.

      Reply

  3. Will you provide nutrition information for your recipes, please?

    Reply

    1. Hi Martin, We focus on the quality of the food, staying away from processed ingredients and not on calories. However, if you need nutrition information for a specific recipe, I would be happy to provide it.

  4. I’m allergic to sesame so tahini won’t work any suggestions as a substitute.

    Reply

    1. Hi Mary, you can try almond or sunflower seed butter.

      Reply

  5. Elena
    Love your blog! I’m trying so hard to follow the Mediterranean diet.
    When you suggest coffee and a Rusk for first breakfast rusks are expensive here in the US. Would a whole wheat English muffin work or do you have a recommendation. Thanks Tina

    Reply

    1. Thanks Tina! Yes, any whole grain bread.

      Reply

  6. What is the delicious looking breakfast in the top picture? It looks amazing!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Lisa! It is a mini pita bread drizzled with olive oil with added oregano and feta.

      Reply

      1. Thanks – I opened the link because that particular photo really appealed to me but then the recipe for it wasn’t included. It looks delicious!

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5 Mediterranean Breakfasts Recipes to Try Today (2024)

FAQs

What's a typical Mediterranean breakfast? ›

Spain and Italy: toasted bread + soft cheese + fresh fruit or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Greece: paximadia (bread made from whole wheat, chickpea, and barley flour) + olives + cheese. Syria: tahini yogurt with chickpeas + pickles + sliced radishes. Morocco: fried egg in olive oil + soft cheese + olives + flatbread.

Is oatmeal allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Oatmeal is on the Mediterranean diet. This way of eating is centered on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Oatmeal is a whole grain, high in fiber and various nutrients. It can be a fantastic component of a balanced, Mediterranean-style breakfast or snack.

Is peanut butter ok on a Mediterranean diet? ›

And as plant-based protein sources that are high in good and unsaturated fats, peanuts and peanut butter are a natural fit within Mediterranean and Flexitarian ways of eating. Unfamiliar with the Mediterranean and Flexitarian diets?

What is the best breakfast to eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Quick Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Ideas

Or, a quick boiled egg with a side of fresh tomato and and cucumber (yes, salad for breakfast!) 3- In the Eastern Mediterranean, it's not uncommon for leftover homemade hummus, Labneh, or plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of good olive oil to show up on the breakfast table.

What is the best thing to eat for breakfast on the Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is an eating plan that emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. If you're following the Mediterranean diet, you may want to try eating avocados and eggs for breakfast. You might also want to try eating Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and flax seed.

Are bananas ok on the Mediterranean diet? ›

You can base your diet on these foods: Vegetables: tomatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips. Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, grapes, dates, figs, melons, peaches.

What is not allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet prohibits the consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, refined grains, and trans fats. Additionally, the diet limits the intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products. In addition, the consumption of alcohol is restricted, with the exception of red wine, which you can have in moderation.

What bread to eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Is sourdough bread allowed on the Mediterranean diet? Any bread that is made from whole wheat, whole grains, sprouts, and sourdough is recommended while on a Mediterranean diet. You will want to avoid bread made from refined grains, such as white bread if you are following this diet.

How to lose belly fat on Mediterranean diet? ›

Choose Lean Proteins: Focus on fish and poultry over red meat. Include beans, nuts, and other plant-based proteins. Moderate Wine Intake: If you consume alcohol, switch to wine and drink in moderation. Stay Active: As the study suggests, coupling the diet with regular physical activity yields better results.

How many eggs per day on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Eggs: Limit egg yolks to 4 per week. Egg whites can be eaten in unlimited amounts. Sweets: Eat sweets less often – use fruit as your dessert. Red Meat: Lean red meats (beef, pork, lamb and veal) can be eaten 3-4 times per month.

What kind of cheese is on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Cheese & Yogurt

Dairy products common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: brie, chevre, corvo, feta, haloumi, manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, ricotta, yogurt (including Greek yogurt).

Is popcorn allowed on the Mediterranean diet? ›

This is a common question we are asked, and yes, popcorn is absolutely included on the Mediterranean diet. Popcorn is a whole grain which means it contains more fiber and minerals than refined grains. If you want to include popcorn in your diet, here are a few things to keep in mind: Pay attention to portion sizes.

What can I use instead of butter on toast on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Brozek recommends substituting both butter and margarine with olive oil or canola oil whenever possible. This falls more in line with a Mediterranean diet, which is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats have been proven to be the best types of fats.

What is an authentic Greek breakfast? ›

The Traditional Greek Kolatsio

Greeks love their bread, marmalade, pastries, cheeses of all sorts, and baked goods for breakfast. Washing it down with strong coffee or a glass of milk, depending on the age, makes them ready for anything!

What do I drink in the morning on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Water should be the first thing you reach for. Coffee and tea are also fine, as long as you watch the added cream or sugar. Limit intake of sugar- sweetened drinks, like soda, fruit juice, or sweet tea. One glass of red wine is also permitted in this diet.

What is a favorite Greek breakfast dish? ›

The iconic “Strapatsada” – The Greek Omelet

One iconic breakfast in Greece dish is “strapatsada.” This delectable creation features scrambled eggs cooked with ripe tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.

How many eggs should you eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Based on their high cholesterol content, the Mediterranean Diet Foundation recommends to consume up to 4 eggs per week, as a healthy alternative to fish or meat [7], and the same amount (2–4 eggs per week) was indicated in the latest Italian dietary guidelines [8].

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