The Mediterranean region, consisting of 22 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and culinary diversity. Countries like Italy, Greece, Egypt, France, and Morocco contribute to the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated for its flavors and health benefits.
The Mediterranean diet is famed for its emphasis on seafood, olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, red wine, and minimal dairy.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook
Price: $15 at Amazon, $15 at Walmart, $29 at Barnesandnoble.com
Pros:
- Extensive collection of recipes
- Meal planning advice
- Tags for quick and vegetarian dishes
- Features 500 recipes
Cons:
- Could use more recipe photographs
The title “Complete” truly describes this cookbook, with over 500 Mediterranean-inspired recipes, many of which are quick to prepare with easily found ingredients. The book adheres to the Mediterranean diet pyramid, favoring certain food groups like seafood over poultry and red meat.
A comprehensive introduction covers the basics of Mediterranean cooking, pantry essentials, and offers meal and menu planning advice. Nutritional information accompanies all recipes, with tags for quick and vegetarian options. Recipes such as shakshuka, braised lamb shanks with bell peppers and harissa, and chilled yogurt and cucumber soup showcase the diet’s variety and health benefits. There’s even a chapter on fruit-based desserts.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 500
- Pages: 440
- Published: 2016
- Formats: Hardcover, paperback, e-reader
Best for Instant Pot
Mediterranean Instant Pot
Price: $15 at Amazon, $15 at Walmart, $27 at Bookshop.org
Pros:
- Approved by Instant Pot
- Provides nutritional information
- Comprehensive guide with troubleshooting tips
- Well-organized recipes
Cons:
- Recipes tested only with Instant Pot
America’s Test Kitchen combines the Mediterranean diet with the Instant Pot’s convenience, resulting in delicious meals that can be prepared quickly. Most of the 95 recipes take less than an hour to make and come with complete nutritional information.
The introduction covers the basics of using an Instant Pot, setting you up for success with recipes such as lamb meatballs with pickled onions, couscous with tahini, and spiced rice pilaf with pomegranate and sweet potatoes.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 95
- Pages: 192
- Published: 2019
- Formats: Hardcover, e-reader
Best Vegetarian
Vegetarian Mediterranean Cookbook
Price: $12 at Amazon, $12 at Walmart, $16 at Bookshop.org
Pros:
- Includes timing for each recipe
- Clean produce information
- Over 125 recipes
- Uses locally sourced ingredients
Cons:
- Lacks enough recipe photos
Mediterranean cuisine, with its heavy reliance on fruits and vegetables, is ideal for vegetarians. The introduction covers pantry essentials and shopping tips, along with the “clean 15” and “dirty dozen” lists to help avoid pesticides.
With over 125 recipes, from panzanella salad to roasted cauliflower tagine and baklava, this cookbook offers a diverse range of vegetarian dishes.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 125+
- Pages: 202
- Published: 2020
- Formats: Paperback, e-reader
Best for the Coffee Table
Mediterranean Every Day
Price: $19 at Amazon, $27 at Barnesandnoble.com
Pros:
- Beautiful photography
- Simple three-ingredient recipes for snacks
- Most recipes include photos
- Written by a registered dietitian
Cons:
- Fewer than 80 recipes
Author Sheela Prakash, RD, presents a blend of cookbook, textbook, and diary, drawing readers into her passion for Mediterranean food. The book features over 75 recipes with stunning photos, ranging from beginner-friendly to more complex dishes, with many vegetarian options.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 75+
- Pages: 208
- Published: 2020
- Formats: Hardcover, e-reader
Best for Two
The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Two
Price: $12 at Amazon, $17 at Walmart, $16 at Barnesandnoble.com
Pros:
- Written by a registered dietitian
- Introduction backed by scientific studies
Cons:
- Needs more recipe photographs
This cookbook is tailored for small households, with recipes designed for two servings, preventing excess leftovers. The introduction explains the Mediterranean diet principles, good versus bad fats, and the diet pyramid. With 100 recipes, including lemon panna cotta with blackberries and easy shrimp paella, it’s perfect for couples.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 100
- Pages: 212
- Published: 2020
- Formats: Paperback, spiral-bound, e-reader
Best for Weeknights
The 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
Price: $11 at Amazon, $12 at Walmart, $18 at Barnesandnoble.com
Pros:
- Authored by registered dietitians
- Recipes tagged for allergens
- Ideal for beginners
- Dishes ready in 30 minutes
Cons:
- Lacks sufficient recipe photographs
For those adopting Mediterranean cuisine, this book simplifies the process with 101 recipes designed to be ready in less than 30 minutes. The introduction outlines the Mediterranean diet’s benefits and principles, with dishes like Mediterranean lentil sloppy joes, tahini chicken rice bowls, and honey-cherry walnut brownies.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 101
- Pages: 196
- Published: 2018
- Formats: Paperback, spiral-bound, e-reader
Best Keto-Friendly
The New Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
Price: $15 at Amazon, $15 at Walmart
Pros:
- Low-carb recipes
- Scientific explanations and diagrams
Cons:
- Focused on a specific audience
This book combines Mediterranean and keto diets, offering low-carb recipes while maintaining the benefits of Mediterranean cuisine. The introduction explains the hybrid diet with health science and diagrams, featuring 100 recipes like superfood shakshuka and almond pistachio biscotti.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 100
- Pages: 208
- Published: 2021
- Formats: Paperback, spiral-bound, e-reader
Best Sicilian
The Sicily Cookbook
Price: $24 at Amazon, $22 at Walmart, $30 at Barnesandnoble.com
Pros:
- Based on Sicilian culture
- Rich with local knowledge
- Features local chefs
Cons:
- Some ingredients may be hard to find
Focusing on Sicilian cuisine, this cookbook includes classics like pasta alla Norma and Sicilian orange bread, alongside plant-based recipes. The book also profiles local chefs and includes photography of Sicilian architecture and landscapes, providing a cultural and culinary journey.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 70+
- Pages: 240
- Published: 2020
- Formats: Hardcover, e-reader
Best for Meal Planning
The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners
Price: $12 at Amazon, $12 at Walmart, $20 at Barnesandnoble.com
Pros:
- Over 100 recipes
- Includes meal plans
- Authored by a registered dietitian
Cons:
- Contains many common food allergens
Ideal for beginners, this book combines recipes with a 14-day meal plan and shopping lists. Written by registered dietitian Elena Paravantes, it offers expert guidance and tips for navigating the Mediterranean diet with ease.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 100
- Pages: 192
- Published: 2020
- Formats: Paperback, spiral-bound, e-reader
Best Vegan
Nistisima
Price: $24 at Amazon, $15 at Walmart, $35 at Barnesandnoble.com
Pros:
- Stunning photography
- Clean layout
- Focuses on traditional vegan Mediterranean dishes
- Comprehensive guide to Mediterranean plant-based cooking
Cons:
- Some recipes might be challenging to recreate without specialized ingredients
Nistisima is an exemplary cookbook for those who follow a vegan lifestyle while still enjoying the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The book highlights traditional vegan dishes from the region, such as stuffed grape leaves, baked eggplant, and chickpea and spinach stew. The author, Maria Loi, provides a deep dive into Mediterranean vegan cooking with clear instructions and beautiful photographs that capture the essence of each dish.
The book’s layout is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, featuring detailed descriptions and helpful tips for preparing plant-based Mediterranean meals. Recipes are designed to be both nourishing and flavorful, using accessible ingredients wherever possible.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 100
- Pages: 208
- Published: 2020
- Formats: Hardcover, e-reader
Best Paleo Cookbook: Mediterranean Paleo Cooking
- What We Like: Over 150 paleo and gluten-free recipes, shopping guides, substitutions and swap suggestions, two 30-day meal plans
- What We Don’t Like: Minimal nutrition information
For those who follow a paleo diet but still want to embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean, Mediterranean Paleo Cooking offers a diverse collection of recipes that align with paleo principles. This cookbook goes beyond traditional Mediterranean fare, integrating the gluten-free and dairy-free requirements of the paleo diet.
The book includes over 150 recipes that cover a wide range of meals, from hearty dinners to satisfying snacks. It also features two 30-day meal plans, making it easier to stick to your diet while enjoying the richness of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re craving a classic dish like moussaka or a more modern creation like paleo pizza, this book provides plenty of options.
The layout is user-friendly, with clear instructions and helpful tips for substitutions, making it accessible to both experienced cooks and those new to paleo eating. However, the lack of detailed nutritional information might be a drawback for some readers who closely monitor their intake.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 150+
- Pages: 432
- Published: 2014
- Formats: Paperback, e-book
Best Air Fryer Cookbook: Mediterranean Air Fryer
- What We Like: Neat, easy-to-read layout, includes prep and cook times, suitable for both beginners and experienced air fryer users
- What We Don’t Like: Directions may not translate to every air fryer model
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for their ability to create crispy, delicious dishes with less oil. Mediterranean Air Fryer takes advantage of this trend by offering a range of Mediterranean-inspired recipes that can be prepared in an air fryer.
The book features 95 recipes that include not just main courses but also snacks, sides, and desserts. The layout is clean and organized, with each recipe including prep and cook times to help streamline the cooking process. This is particularly useful for busy individuals who still want to enjoy homemade Mediterranean meals.
While the book provides detailed instructions, some users may find that the directions do not perfectly align with every air fryer model. Nonetheless, the variety of recipes and the focus on healthful, Mediterranean ingredients make this a valuable addition to any air fryer owner’s collection.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 95
- Pages: 168
- Published: 2020
- Formats: Paperback, spiral-bound, e-reader
Best Quick Meals Cookbook: Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook
- What We Like: Stunning presentation, most recipes take less than 30 minutes, includes one photograph per recipe
- What We Don’t Like: Focuses more on Middle Eastern recipes than strictly Mediterranean
Ottolenghi Simple is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to prepare Mediterranean-inspired meals quickly. While the book leans towards Middle Eastern cuisine, it includes many elements that overlap with Mediterranean cooking.
The book’s standout feature is its focus on simplicity and speed, with most recipes designed to be ready in under 30 minutes. Each recipe is accompanied by a photograph, helping you visualize the final dish and making the cooking process more enjoyable. The presentation is visually appealing, and the straightforward approach is perfect for busy home cooks.
Although the book is not exclusively Mediterranean, its approach to quick, flavorful meals is beneficial for anyone looking to incorporate Mediterranean flavors into their busy lifestyle.
Details:
- Number of Recipes: 130
- Pages: 320
- Published: 2018
- Formats: Hardcover, spiral-bound, e-reader
Final Verdict:
After reviewing the best Mediterranean cookbooks of 2024, The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook stands out as our top pick due to its extensive collection of 500 recipes, helpful meal-planning suggestions, and focus on diverse Mediterranean flavors. However, if you’re looking for quick and easy recipes suitable for busy weeknights, The 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is an excellent choice.
What to Consider When Choosing a Mediterranean Cookbook:
- Number of Recipes: Evaluate how many recipes are included to ensure you get enough variety to suit your cooking needs. A larger number of recipes can provide more options and variety, especially if you plan to cook frequently from the book.
- Visuals: Look for cookbooks that include photographs, especially if you are a visual learner. Photos can help you understand what the final dish should look like and make the cooking process more engaging.
- Special Tags: Some cookbooks feature tags for special diets or conditions, such as gluten-free or quick meals. These can be helpful in finding recipes that meet your specific needs or constraints.
- User-Friendly Layout: A clear and organized layout is crucial for ease of use. Check if the cookbook includes numbered directions, serving sizes, prep and cook times, and other helpful details.
FAQs:
- What is the Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet is a healthful eating pattern inspired by the traditional diets of Mediterranean region countries. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, with moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and dairy, and minimal red meat. This diet is linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health.
- How do I start eating Mediterranean food? Begin by exploring local Mediterranean restaurants to get a taste of the cuisine. If you enjoy the flavors, consider investing in a cookbook to prepare Mediterranean dishes at home. Start with popular dishes like lamb moussaka, Greek salad, and seafood paella.
- What are the top 10 foods of a Mediterranean diet? Key foods in the Mediterranean diet include olives and olive oil, nuts, tomatoes, eggplant, rice and grains, pasta and bread, cheese and yogurt, and various herbs and spices. Seafood and lean meats are also integral to this diet.
- What makes a good Mediterranean cookbook? A good Mediterranean cookbook should offer authentic recipes with a clear, well-organized layout. Look for books authored by experts with Mediterranean backgrounds, and check for additional resources like meal plans and shopping guides. Ensure that the recipes align with your cooking skills and dietary preferences.
