7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (2024)

Looking for a healthy and delicious gluten-free meal plan? Check out this FREE 7 Day Mediterranean diet meal plan!

You probably know I love the Mediterranean lifestyle and diet if you’ve followed The Spicy RD Blog for a while. This healthy anti-inflammatory diet is based on the traditional diet and eating habits of people who live in countries near the Mediterranean Sea.

In my opinion, it’s the best diet to try if you’re looking to discover the joy of eating again! A Mediterranean diet is also my first recommendation for anyone with Sjogren’s, like I have, or any autoimmune disease.

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (1)

Health benefits of the Mediterranean diet

U.S. News and World Report ranked the Mediterranean diet as the best overall diet in 2022. Numerous studies have reported positive health benefits and lowered risk of chronic diseases associated with adherence to a Mediterranean diet, including:

  • Heart health
  • Reduced blood sugar levels & type 2 diabetes prevention.
  • Cancer prevention.
  • Lower cognitive decline & improved brain health (also check out the MIND diet for Alzheimer’s prevention)
  • Decreased risk of depression (read more: Good Mood Food.)
  • Weight management

You will also like The Best Gluten-Free Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Your Health, featuring a Mediterranean diet food list and 70+ Mediterranean diet-inspired recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, and desserts.

Your 7 Day Mediterranean Diet meal plan centers around high-fiber, nutrient-dense whole foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains featured in the Mediterranean region.

In addition, extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. And quality lean proteins from dairy, poultry, and fish round out your Mediterranean diet plan.

This Mediterranean Diet 7 Day Meal Plan is a well-balanced diet created with four key nutrients in mind:

Monounsaturated Fats

Good-quality fats are associated with a lower risk of heart diseaseandcancer. This plan is rich in heart-healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds and lower in saturated fat, meats, and dairy products.Olive oilis the primary source of fat in a Mediterranean diet.

It contains tocopherols, polyphenols, and a balanced linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid profile, which benefits the immune system and inflammatory responses.

Note: If you are looking for high-polyphenol olive oils, I recommend AmphoraNueva Organic Tunisian Chetoui or Spanish Hojiblanca. If you are an APOE4 carrier, you may benefit from consuming high-polyphenol olive oil.

Omega-3 Fats

An important source of protein in a Mediterranean diet is fish. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish providecardiovascular benefitsandreduce inflammation. In addition, fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) associated with improvedcognitive function.

This Mediterranean diet meal plan incorporates salmon, trout, and tuna into several meals and snacks. In addition, plant-based sources of omega-3 fats, like walnuts, are included in your meal plan.

Fiber

Adequate dietary fiber intake has several health benefits, including betterdigestive health,lower blood pressure,weight loss, andreduced inflammation. Therefore, this meal plan provides ~ 35 grams of fiber daily from plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

In addition, soluble fiber found in oats, lentils, hummus, leafy greens, and apples is incorporated into the meal plan, as these foods may improve glycemic controlandlower blood cholesterol.

Antioxidants

Essential fat-solubleantioxidantslikevitamin Aandvitamin Esupport various cellular functions of our immune system, reduce oxidative stress in cells and are helpful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This meal plan is packed with vitamin A sources like sweet potato, carrots, and salmon and incorporates vitamin E through a daily dose of healthy oils, nuts, and seeds.

These foods are paired with healthy fats to increaseabsorption. Antioxidant-rich dried and fresh herbs plus spices also star in this delicious Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan.

What’s NOT on your 7-day menu?

I don’t believe in strict rules when it comes to meal planning. However, your 7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal plan is free of red meat, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and excess sugar. Like me, if you have a sweet tooth, I’ve included one healthy treat each day. Wink, wink!

The plan is also gluten-free, but keep in mind that whole wheat and wheat derivatives like spelt, farro, and bulger, along with barley and rye, are traditional staples of the Mediterranean diet and can be enjoyed if you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet.

Regarding beverages, stay away from sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juice (limit to 8 ounces or less per day). Instead, enjoy still and sparkling water, coffee, and tea. If you consume alcohol, moderate amounts of red wine are part of the Mediterranean diet pyramid, which amounts to no more than two 5-ounce servings per day for men and one 5-ounce serving for women.

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan

Check out all the super-duper yummy recipes included in your Mediterranean diet menu! Click the links for all the individual recipes. Or, scroll to the bottom of the post to download your printable meal plan with all the recipes and a shopping list.

Please note that if you want a sustainable weight loss plan, this Mediterranean Diet meal plan provides ~ 1660 calories daily. If weight loss is not your goal, you may need to add snacks or meals to increase calories.

Day One

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (2)
  • Breakfast: Rosemary Mushroom Lentil Avocado Toast
  • Lunch: Lemony Kale Pasta Salad; Pistachio Nuts; Orange
  • Dinner: Easy Air Fryer Falafel; Quinoa Greek Salad
  • Snack/Dessert: Baklava Butter

Day Two

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (3)
  • Breakfast: Spiced Pomegranate Lemon Lassi; Veggie Baked Eggs with Pesto
  • Lunch: Easy Lentil Salad with Kale, Cherry Tomatoes, Almonds, and Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Dinner: Miso Maple Broiled Salmon; Greek Lemon Potatoes
  • Snack/Dessert: No-Bake Cocoa Lemon Energy Bites

Day Three

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (4)

Day Four

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (5)

Day Five

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (6)
  • Breakfast: Mediterranean Feta Cheese Quinoa Egg Muffins; Raspberries
  • Lunch: Carrot, Hummus, & Arugula Wrap; Grapes & Walnuts
  • Dinner: Walnut Crusted Salmon;
  • Snack/Dessert: Baklava Butter

Day Six

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (7)

Day Seven

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (8)

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan Printable Pdf

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (9)

Are you ready to start a healthy, sustainable, and delicious way of eating? Click the button below to download your FREE 7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan and shopping list!

Yes, please! Download the meal plan!

And wait! Before you go, if you love the meal plan, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, Delicious News, so you don’t miss out on any new recipes, meal plans, and integrative nutrition articles. Sign up here!

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EA Stewart

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

EA Stewart, MBA, RD is an integrative registered dietitian specializing in wellness nutrition, digestive health, autoimmune disease, brain health, and vibrant aging. She creates easy, plant-forward gluten-free recipes for a wide variety of diets including low FODMAP, Mediterranean, and more.

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (2024)

FAQs

Is there a gluten free version of the Mediterranean diet? ›

For someone wishing to combine a gluten free diet with a Mediterranean approach, this will mean going big on rice, legumes, vegetables, fruit and nuts, and replacing traditional bread, pasta and couscous with gluten free alternatives.

What is the fastest way to lose weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

If you want to lose weight following a Mediterranean diet here are my 5 tips that work.
  1. Eat your main meal early in the day. ...
  2. Eat vegetables as a main course cooked in olive oil. ...
  3. You should drink water mostly and sometimes tea, coffee and wine (for adults) ...
  4. Consume the right amount of olive oil. ...
  5. Move.
Jan 17, 2024

How many pounds can you lose each week with Mediterranean diet? ›

This seven-day Mediterranean diet plan helps you practice those habits with help from good-for-you foods and delicious Mediterranean diet-inspired ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for a full week of healthy eating. At 1,200 calories you're on track to lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds per week.

What are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine include olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish and whole grains with moderate amounts of wine and red meat.

What kind of flour is OK on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Best Flour for Baking Mediterranean Diet Bread

Bread, made from whole grain flour, still has the bran and germ intact. So, if you're baking, choosing a whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour, which is a refined grain flour is a good swap. Spelt flour can be used as a one-for-one substitute for AP flour.

What is the stomach disease where you can't eat gluten? ›

Celiac disease is an illness caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten. Gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in your small intestine.

What are 3 cons of the Mediterranean diet? ›

There may be health concerns with this eating style for some people, including:
  • You may gain weight from eating fats in olive oil and nuts.
  • You may have lower levels of iron. ...
  • You may have calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products.
Jul 30, 2022

What is not allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast? ›

Common Mediterranean Breakfast Foods

Yogurt: We love Greek yogurt which is higher in protein, and lower in sugar. Eggs: A great source of protein and healthy fats. Oats: A healthy whole grain used in oatmeal and baked goods. Fruit: All types of fruit are encouraged on the Mediterranean diet.

How many eggs a day on 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 is a typical Mediterranean lunch? ›

Lunch on the Mediterranean diet typically includes colorful ingredients — like vegetables and whole grains — that are flavorful and packed with nutrients. You can enjoy meals like falafel sandwiches, quinoa bowls, and tuna salads for lunch while following this diet.

Is popcorn ok on a 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.

Can you eat chicken every day on a Mediterranean diet? ›

About 1–3 times a week it is recommended to choose white meat, fish, and eggs. Instead of salt, use herbs and spices to flavour your meals. The importance of “eating in moderation” is clear when it comes to this diet.

What is the healthiest diet in the world? ›

Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and MIND Diets Are the Best Diets of 2024. All three diets are highly recommended by doctors because of their known health benefits. “The Mediterranean eating plan doesn't have a set calorie range or portion guidelines, which is why it can fit almost anyone's needs.

What is an example of a Mediterranean diet meal? ›

7-day meal plan
BreakfastVegetable and egg frittata served with sliced avocado on top of whole grain toast For extra calories, add another egg.
LunchLentil and tuna salad
DinnerMediterranean pasta
BreakfastChia pudding topped with fresh berries and almond butter
LunchMediterranean white bean soup and a Greek salad
16 more rows

Is whole wheat pasta part of the Mediterranean diet? ›

Furthermore, pasta is a perfect starting point for teaching the tenets of the Mediterranean diet. Consider these interesting Mediterranean pasta meals: Tomato, Fennel and Sardine Linguini, Whole Wheat Orzo with Tabouleh and Greek Pasta Salad.

Do celiacs lose weight on gluten-free diet? ›

This allows those with celiac disease to absorb nutrients from food, which improves their overall health. It also often results in weight gain. However, people who do not have celiac disease have been shown to lose weight and reduce abdominal fat when they follow a gluten-free diet.

How to heal your gut from gluten intolerance? ›

There's no cure for gluten intolerance. But most people find relief from symptoms by following a gluten-free diet. You should work with your healthcare provider and a dietitian to plan your diet. You can also ask your healthcare provider about adding probiotics to your diet.

What are gluten-free anti-inflammatory foods? ›

Start slowly and add more anti-inflammatory foods every week. Include a variety of beans, legumes, and soy products such as organic edamame and tofu. Snack on macadamia nuts, walnuts, pistachio nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Increase seafood and fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, and sardines.

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