Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

25 Healthy Middle Eastern Recipes You'll Make on Repeat

Posted by Kate Palbom. Last Updated on July 31, 2019

With hot temperatures and mild winters, it's no wonder the Middle East is home to some of the world's most beloved flavours and healthiest fresh foods. This beautiful and diverse cuisine has gained momentum around the world, offering unique, bold tastes that everyone at the table will enjoy, from vegetarians to meat eaters.

  • 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>
  • Golden Nugget Cups
     
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    Golden Nugget Cups

    <p>Used in myriad dishes around the region, sumac, a tart, sour and earthy spice brings a uniquely Middle Eastern flavour to this healthy and simple squash recipe.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/chuck-and-dannys-road-trip/recipe/golden-nugget-cups/19784/" target="_blank"><strong>Chuck Hughes’ and Danny Smiles’ Golden Nugget Cups</strong></a></p>
  • Loaded Hummus
     
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    Loaded Hummus

    <p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-hummus-dip-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hummus</a> is the Middle Eastern dip known and loved all over the world, here, presented as a filling main course. This version is loaded with traditional toppings like grilled cauliflower, olives, pine nuts and tabbouleh, and achieves meal status with its hard boiled eggs and feta.<p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/loaded-hummus-recipe/" target="_blank"><strong>Loaded Hummus</strong></a></p>
  • Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini
     
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    Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini

    <p>Give a famous Middle Eastern dish a Canadian twist by creating flavour-packed falafel sliders topped with maple-infused tahini.<p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/baked-falafel-sliders-with-tabbouleh-and-maple-tahini-sauce-35387/" target="_blank"><strong>Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini Sauce</strong></a></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>
  • Grilled Lamb Kofta Kebabs, 2 Ways
     
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    Grilled Lamb Kofta Kebabs, 2 Ways

    <p>Serve these succulent skewers made from a popular Middle Eastern protein: lamb. Plate over a fragrant tabbouleh salad for a mouth-watering, outdoor meal that's perfect for summer.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/grilled-lamb-kofta-kebabs-2-ways-35672/" target="_blank"><strong>Grilled Lamb Kofta Kebabs, 2 Ways</strong></a></p>
  • Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables
     
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    Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables

    <p>Morocco has a way of making vegetables feel like comfort food, thanks to all the warming spices. This veggie dish of eggplant, sweet potato and tomato is sweetened with thinly sliced dried apricots, and 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" target="_blank">Roasted Moroccan-Style Vegetables</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 entertaining 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" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Chicken Flatbreads</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" target="_blank">party-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" target="_blank">Middle-Eastern Eggplant Rounds</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>
  • Smoky Chickpea Pizza with Labneh
     
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    Smoky Chickpea Pizza with Labneh

    <p>Labneh, a salted and strained yogurt cheese popular in the Middle East, is a creamy contrast for spiced chickpeas, eggs and crispy pita. Serve this up for a high-fibre, protein-packed brunch, lunch or dinner.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoky-chickpea-pizza-with-labneh/15268/" target="_blank"><strong>Smoky Chickpea Pizza with Labneh</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>
  • 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.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chicken-thighs-with-israeli-couscous-salad/21094/" target="_blank"><strong>Grilled Chicken Thighs with Israeli Couscous Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Moroccan Scramble with Turkey Merguez, Roasted Chickpeas and Avocado
     
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    Moroccan Scramble with Turkey Merguez, Roasted Chickpeas and Avocado

    <p>We bet you've never had <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/tasty-egg-recipes-dinner/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">scrambled eggs</a> like these before. Roasted chickpeas, ground turkey, avocados, harissa paste and other all-star ingredients make this a breakfast dish to remember (and make again and again).</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/moroccan-scramble-with-turkey-merguez-roasted-chickpeas-and-avocado/19802/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Moroccan Scramble with Turkey Merguez, Roasted Chickpeas and Avocado</a></strong></p>
  • Moroccan-Spiced Cauliflower Bites
     
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    Moroccan-Spiced Cauliflower Bites

    <p>Arguably the most versatile vegetable around, cauliflower is a blank canvas for punchy, Middle Eastern and North African flavours, as showcased in this spiced cauliflower appetizer.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/bright-bold-moroccan-spiced-cauliflower-bites/" target="_blank"><strong>Moroccan-Spiced Cauliflower Bites</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps
     
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    Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps

    <p>Slice on a bias and stack on the plate to reveal a traditional mixture of yogurt, chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, spices and vegetables that can be prepped in advance to transport your taste buds while you eat this nutritious <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/no-heat-lunches-bring-to-work/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">no-heat lunch</a> at work.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-eggplant-chickpea-wraps/20148/" target="_blank">Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps</a></strong></p>
  • Shortcut Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Couscous
     
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    Shortcut Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Couscous

    <p>If you don't have a traditional Moroccan 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" target="_blank">Shortcut Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with Couscous</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>
  • Farro Tabbouleh with Feta
     
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    Farro Tabbouleh with Feta

    <p>Count on the Barefoot Contessa to give traditional tabbouleh her own fresh spin, adding feta into the mix, and using pearled farro in place of bulgur or couscous.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/farro-tabbouleh-with-feta/22372/">Ina Garten's Farro Tabbouleh with Feta</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"><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>
  • Moroccan Red Harissa Chicken
     
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    Moroccan Red Harissa Chicken

    <p>Moroccan-inspired <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/15-best-chicken-thigh-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">chicken thighs</a> are marinaded in a flavour-rich, spicy sauce before being served over rice.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/moroccan-red-harissa-chicken/22777/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Moroccan Red Harissa Chicken</a></strong></p>
  • Grilled Flat Bread
     
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    Grilled Flat Bread

    <p>Though this za'atar-coated, grilled flatbread is served alongside many Middle Eastern recipes, it often becomes the main attraction. Make your own soft, spiced, irresistible flatbread and watch it disappear like a meaty main.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-flat-bread/5956/" target="_blank"><strong>Grilled Flat Bread</strong></a></p>
  • Toasted Israeli Couscous Salad with Grilled Summer Vegetables
     
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    Toasted Israeli Couscous Salad with Grilled Summer Vegetables

    <p>Chopped grilled vegetables and a tangy dressing make this chewy Israeli couscous salad an irresistible, healthy picnic or packed lunch option.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/toasted-israeli-couscous-salad-with-grilled-summer-vegetables/15979/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Toasted Israeli Couscous Salad with Grilled Summer Vegetables</a></strong></p>
  • The Pioneer Woman's Baklava
     
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    The Pioneer Woman's Baklava

    <p>Interpreted differently by cooks and cultures throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, baklava delights every time. Trade that big slice of cake for a small piece of this sticky treat for a balanced approach to dessert.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baklava/15609/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Baklava</strong></a></p>
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