With summer just around the corner, you may find yourself craving fresh, flavorful meals—and working towards your bikini body. Luckily, a delicious, protein-packed meal doesn’t have to mean an excess of calories and cholesterol. There are so many ways to keep your heart healthy and lose weight while still enjoying fantastic meals that hit the spot!
Mediterranean food in particual is perfect for enjoying the warmer months, keeping your heart in great shape, and slimming down. Below, we’re sharing 4 delicious Mediterranean recipes that are packed with heart-healthy veggies and low in calories. You’ll want to make them again and again!
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Crispy Chickpea Grain Bowl With Lemon Vinaigrette
Versatile grain bowls are a delicious staple of the Mediterranean diet. This quinoa bowl features crispy chickpeas to pack a punch with protein, a zesty lemon vinaigrette, and heart-healthy veggies like red peppers. The best part? It's only 370 calories, so you don't have to put your bikini body on the line!
Ingredients: Quinoa, water, salt, chickpeas, red onion, olive oil, ground pepper, kale, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red bell pepper, feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds.
Mediterranean Greek Salmon With Orzo
Fish like the salmon featured in this recipe is a great source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. When you throw in delicious vegetables like tomatoes and spinach, along with fiber-packed orzo, you've got yourself an incredible Mediterranean meal that's great for weight loss. Yum!
Ingredients: Lemon zest, oregano, olive oil, salmon fillets, salt, black pepper, vegetable broth, whole-wheat orzo, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, feta cheese crumbles.
Mediterranean Chickpea Wraps
When it comes to filling meals that don't contain too many calories, you can't go wrong with a good plant-based wrap. Not only are these chickpea wraps delicious and low-calorie, but they're also a fantastic source of protein and veggies that your heart—and waistline—will thank you for.
Ingredients: Chickpeas, garlic, dried mint, tahini, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, olive oil, spinach, hummus, tomato cucumber avocado salad, tortillas
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
Nothing says "low-calorie protein" like a chicken salad. This Mediterranean salad is packed with heart-healthy vegetables and delicious, juicy grilled chicken that will deliver all the nutrients you need and none of the calories you don't. It's the perfect summer meal you'll want to eat again and again.
Ingredients for dressing: Olive or avocado oil, lemon juice and zest, fresh parsley, Italian herbs, garlic, salt and pepper
Ingredients for salad: Chicken breast, Romaine lettuce, English cucumber, tomato, red onion, avocado, black olives, lemon
