20 Mediterranean Diet Breakfasts to Brighten Up Your Morning Routine
Boost your a.m. with eats inspired by one of the world's healthiest diets.
Mediterranean diet recipes are popular for a reason: The healthy eating plan inspired by the culinary traditions of communities along the Mediterranean Sea (Greece, Spain, France, Italy, etc.) focuses on vibrant meals that celebrate delicious, whole foods. Unlike many other diet plans, no major food groups are off-limits. But where should you begin when it comes to this healthy eating lifestyle? Any meal of the day will do, but we might as well start at the beginning with nutritious, Mediterranean diet breakfasts.
What is a typical breakfast on the Mediterranean diet? It should include some combination of fresh produce, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein. Oatmeal topped with berries or sliced banana, Greek yogurt and whole-grain granola, poached eggs with wheat bread, veggie-filled frittatas and avocado toast are all great options. Studies have shown this way of eating is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, and research continues to uncover new benefits of the Mediterranean diet, including improved cognitive function.
It's worth noting that the Mediterranean diet goes beyond food. The lifestyle includes plenty of physical activity, getting outside and enjoying time with family and friends for a complete picture of health. After browsing these easy recipes to find your new favorite healthy breakfast, consider incorporating other aspects of the diet to truly embrace the Mediterranean way of life.
Almond-Buckwheat Granola with Yogurt and Berries
Make this nutty granola ahead of time to top off yogurt bowls all week. This one lasts up to 10 days.
Get the Almond-Buckwheat Granola with Yogurt and Berries recipe.
RELATED: 14 Best Greek Yogurt Brands
Jammy Egg Toasts
Switch up your typical egg toast with a drizzle of tangy mustard vinaigrette.
Get the Jammy Egg Toasts recipe.
RELATED: Our Best Egg Recipes
Oatmeal with Yogurt and Toasted Almonds
Swap in 1/2 cup water for OJ when simmering these oats to infuse them with fruity flavor — and extra vitamin C!
Best-Ever Scrambled Eggs
Can't go wrong with a classic! Learn our foolproof method to fluffy scrambled eggs, here.
Get the Best-Ever Scrambled Eggs recipe.
RELATED: 49 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas That Will Keep You Fuller for Longer
Raspberry Chia Jam
This four-ingredient, homemade jam contains a touch of maple syrup for a not-too-sweet topper to oatmeal, yogurt or toast.
Get the Raspberry Chia Jam recipe.
Easy Zucchini Bread
Have a hard time getting in your greens at breakfast? Bake 'em into a spiced quick bread for a much more enticing eat.
Get the Easy Zucchini Bread recipe.
RELATED: 30 Different Ways to Enjoy Zucchini
Super Simple Smoothies
Follow this formula for a fast, nutritious smoothie: 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 cups fresh fruit. Easy!
Get the Super Simple Smoothies recipe.
Tomato and Feta Baked Eggs
Cook breakfast for the whole family at once with this bountiful sheet pan bake starring a staple of any Greek’s diet: feta cheese.
Get the Tomato and Feta Baked Eggs recipe.
Oatmeal with Apricots and Pistachios
Drizzle your oats with a tahini-honey spread to add richness and a touch of sweetness. Instant upgrade!
Curry-Avocado Crispy Egg Toast
Drizzle avo toast with curry oil (it's just curry powder and oil simmered in a skillet!) to take the classic to a new level.
Nectarine Bruschetta
Take a cue from the Italian tomato-topped toast and pile fresh fruit on crusty country bread. A dollop of protein-rich ricotta completes the meal.
Get the Nectarine Bruschetta recipe.
Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt, Almond Butter and Pepita Granola
Pack a ton of extra fiber, vitamins and minerals into your a.m. with a roasted sweet potato. You can prep ‘em ahead!
Get the Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt, Almond Butter and Pepita Granola recipe.
Yogurt Toast
It may be more of an Internet trend than a diet staple, but we think this egg- and yogurt-topped toast would be welcome on any Mediterranean table.
Get the Yogurt Toast recipe.
Double Apple Baked Oatmeal
Loaded with Mediterranean staples like oats, nuts and fresh fruit, this make-ahead bake offers a nutritious start to your morning.
Get the Double Apple Baked Oatmeal recipe.
RELATED: Make Dinner Ahead of Time, Too
Customizable Egg Muffins
Bake whisked eggs in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned breakfast bites you can take on the go.
Get the Customizable Egg Muffins recipe.
RELATED: 48 Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes for Busy Mornings
Make-Ahead Smoothies
Power up for a sunny day on the Amalfi Coast (or, the office) with a refreshing, fruit-filled sipper.
Get the Make-Ahead Smoothies recipe.
RELATED: 35 Healthy Smoothie Ideas
Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata
Bake your protein and veggies simultaneously with this one-pan feast that works just as well for lunch the next day (preferably tucked into a focaccia bread sandwich).
Get the Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata recipe.
Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Boost your pancake batter with protein-rich Greek yogurt — then pile on extra 'gurt and fresh berries for a nutritious topping.
Get the Greek Yogurt Pancakes recipe.
Oatmeal with Greens, Tomato and Egg
Think beyond brown sugar oats. Savory toppings like jammy eggs add interest — and extra staying power.
Get the Oatmeal with Greens, Tomato and Egg recipe.
Very Berry Quinoa Muffins
Sweet tooth strikes in the morning? Turn to these protein- and fiber-rich muffins made with almond flour, quinoa and yogurt.
Get the Very Berry Quinoa Muffins recipe.
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