Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

Healthy Middle Eastern Recipes You'll Make on Repeat

Posted by Kate Palbom. Last updated on January 12, 2021 by Amina Al-Saigh

Middle Eastern cuisine is one of the most diverse, spanning a vast array of countries and cultures. This ancient and popular cuisine is known for its use of whole grains, legumes and fresh vegetables. It boasts a variety of bold flavours using warm and aromatic spices with lots of herbs. Middle Eastern recipes offer plenty of unique and healthy dishes that are sure to satisfy vegetarians, as well as meat eaters.

  • Crispy Falafel
     
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    Crispy Falafel

    <p>Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern street food that is made up primarily of mashed chickpeas with a few other herbs and spices. It is shaped into balls and fried, then served in pita bread with a drizzle of tahini and fresh vegetables. It’s a great source of protein and the perfect <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/high-protein-vegetarian-meals/#!high-protein-bean-bulgur-cakes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vegetarian weeknight dinner</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crispy-falafel/23518/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Crispy Falafel</strong></a></p>
  • Middle Eastern Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini
     
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    Middle Eastern Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini

    <p>This cauliflower recipe is the perfect vegetarian side if you’re feeling a bit fancy. After roasting to perfection with Middle Eastern spices, it is then drizzled with a delicious tahini sauce and topped with parsley and flaked almonds. With all this texture and flavour – you can’t go wrong.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/middle-eastern-roasted-cauliflower-tahini/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini</a></strong></p>
  • Middle Eastern Chicken Flatbreads
     
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    Middle Eastern Chicken Flatbreads

    <p>Say hello to your new favourite flatbread (also an ideal recipe when on a budget). You can make the dough in advance or opt for store-bought. Then top with all the delicious fixings, including ground chicken, onions, peppers and tomatoes.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-chicken-flatbreads/22767/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Chicken Flatbreads</a></strong></p>
  • Hummus Trio
     
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    Hummus Trio

    <p>Whip up rich, creamy hummus three ways with this trio of dips to pair with grilled flatbread, pita or veggies.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hummus-trio/20287/" target="_blank">Hummus Trio</a></strong></p>
  • Israeli Sabich Sandwich
     
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    Israeli Sabich Sandwich

    <p>A super-stuffed sandwich popular in the streets of Tel Aviv, Sabich is loaded with healthy veggies, protein and grains, making for an enviable Middle Eastern breakfast or lunch that keeps you full all day long.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/sabich-sandwich-israeli-pita/" target="_blank"><strong>Israeli Sabich Sandwich</strong></a></p>
  • Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables
     
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    Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables

    <p>This dish has a way of making vegetables feel like comfort food, thanks to all the warming spices. This veggie meal of eggplant, sweet potato and tomato is sweetened with thinly sliced dried apricots abd seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, ginger and fresh cilantro (or parsley).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-moroccan-style-vegetables/22749/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables</a></strong></p>
  • Middle Eastern Bulgur, Pomegranate and Almond Salad
     
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    Middle Eastern Bulgur, Pomegranate and Almond Salad

    <p>If you’re looking for the ultimate <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/best-hearty-winter-salad-recipes/#!winter-salad-roasted-cauliflower" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">winter salad</a> that’s full of fibre and nutrients, look no further. This bulgur, pomegranate and almond salad is full of texture with notes of sweetness and tartness. The perfect balance of flavours.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/middle-eastern-bulgur-pomegranate-almond-salad/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Bulgur, Pomegranate and Almond Salad</a></strong></p>
  • Middle Eastern Eggplant Rounds
     
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    Middle Eastern Eggplant Rounds

    <p>How sweet are these little Middle Eastern eggplant bites? Made with only 5 main ingredients (eggplants, hummus, tomatoes, parsley and lemon zest) they're a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/vegan-appetizer-recipes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">perfect vegan appetizer</a> that anyone can make.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-eggplant-rounds/22769/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Eggplant Rounds</a></strong></p>
  • Grilled Chicken Thighs With Israeli Couscous Salad
     
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    Grilled Chicken Thighs With Israeli Couscous Salad

    <p>Be transported to the Middle East with this fresh and light one-plate dish. Lemon, garlic and herb-grilled chicken soaks into olive, feta and raisin-speckled Israeli couscous. A friendly reminder that <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-foods-according-to-science/#!600x400-broccoli-sprouts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy food</a> doesn't have to be boring.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chicken-thighs-with-israeli-couscous-salad/21094/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Grilled Chicken Thighs With Israeli Couscous Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Middle Eastern Millet Salad-in-a-Jar
     
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    Middle Eastern Millet Salad-in-a-Jar

    <p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/top-20-make-ahead-meals-in-a-jar" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Make-ahead jar recipes</a> are a saving grace during busy weekdays. This flavourful vegetarian salad is also gluten-free, starring millet, yogurt, hummus, veggies and more.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-millet-salad-in-a-jar/21732/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Millet Salad-in-a-Jar</a></strong></p>
  • Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers
     
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    Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers

    <p>Take your next BBQ to the Middle East and serve up these falafel-spiced ground chicken burgers. Top them with colourful, fresh vegetables for a healthy feast for both the eyes and taste buds!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-chicken-burgers/18430/" target="_blank"><strong>Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers</strong></a></p>
  • Shortcut Moroccan Vegetable Tagine With Couscous
     
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    Shortcut Moroccan Vegetable Tagine With Couscous

    <p>If you don't have a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/global-eats/photos/underrated-moroccan-dishes/#!DSC_8434" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">traditional Moroccan</a> tagine (a cone-shaped ceramic cooking pot), you can still whip together a lip-smacking couscous dish with rich flavour. This recipe requires a skillet and 30 minutes of time in the kitchen.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shortcut-moroccan-vegetable-tagine-with-couscous/22773/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shortcut Moroccan Vegetable Tagine With Couscous</a></strong></p>
  • Middle Eastern-Style Chicken, Veggies and Rice
     
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    Middle Eastern-Style Chicken, Veggies and Rice

    <p>This healthy, one-pan meal can be prepared in <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-dinners-30-minutes-or-less/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">less than 30 minutes</a>. Featuring fresh, seasonal vegetables, shredded rotisserie chicken and rice, it's also incredibly affordable for the entire family.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-style-chicken-veggies-and-rice/22768/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Middle Eastern-Style Chicken, Veggies and Rice</a></strong></p>
  • Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps
     
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    Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps

    <p>Slice open this wrap to reveal a traditional mixture of yogurt, chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, spices and vegetables that can be prepped in advance. It is the perfect nutritious <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/no-heat-lunches-bring-to-work/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no-heat lunch</a> for your work (or home office!).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-eggplant-chickpea-wraps/20148/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps</a></strong></p>
  • Shakshouka
     
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    Shakshouka

    <p>In Israel, breakfast is a savoury event — and shakshouka is often the star. Although this classic dish can be made many ways, it almost always features eggs poached in a thick, spicy tomato sauce. This version adds on feta and avocado as creamy, cooling contrasts.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shakshouka/15298/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Shakshouka</strong></a></p>
  • Moroccan Carrot Salad
     
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    Moroccan Carrot Salad

    <p>A simple side dish with Moroccan flair that makes a colourful statement on a serving plate. The shaved carrots are spiced with coriander, cumin, cayenne and cinnamon, then tossed with golden raisins and a light lemon dressing.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/moroccan-carrot-salad/22770/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Moroccan Carrot Salad</a></strong></p>
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