Home > Diet plans

Mediterranean diet plan for picky eaters

Creating a Mediterranean diet plan for picky eaters focuses on incorporating familiar foods with mild flavors like pasta, rice, and lean meats, dressed up with tasty olive oils and herbs. It’s a gentle introduction to more diverse fruits and vegetables, gradually expanding the palate without overwhelming it.

Get grocery list
Mediterranean diet plan for picky eaters photo cover

Diet plan grocery list

  • Whole wheat bread
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Oats
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Olive oil
  • Avocados
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils

  • Black beans
  • Greek yogurt
  • Feta cheese
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Arugula
  • Bell peppers
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
  • Lemons
  • Salmon
  • Chicken breast
  • Eggs

Save this list
Share this list
Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on April 29, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The Mediterranean diet plan for picky eaters can be a delightful challenge that introduces new tastes in a fun and approachable way. With a focus on widely-loved items like pasta, bread, and cheese, picky eaters can gradually explore more diverse options such as seafood and exotic vegetables. It’s a great way to broaden dietary horizons without overwhelming.

Moreover, the diet’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques allows for adjusting recipes to suit individual taste preferences. This flexibility makes it easier for picky eaters to stick with healthy eating habits.

Mediterranean diet plan for picky eaters exemplary product

Foods to eat

  • Mild Flavored Vegetables: Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers which are often more acceptable for picky eaters.
  • Simple Whole Grains: Pasta, rice, and bread can be base ingredients that are usually well accepted.
  • Mild Cheeses: Mozzarella and mild cheddar which are less intense and more likely to be enjoyed.
  • Lean Proteins: Chicken breasts, turkey, and fish fillets, easy to cook and often liked by picky eaters.
  • Fruits: Apples, bananas, and melons which are typically favored for their sweet and mild flavors.
quote icon

To date, we have more data supporting the Mediterranean diet than we have for any other diet when it comes to heart health (...)

Marc Gillinov, M.D., Steven Nissen, M.D.

Foods not to eat

  • Strong Flavored Foods: Avoid olives, anchovies, and strong cheeses which may be too intense for picky eaters.
  • Spicy Foods: Keep dishes mild as spicy foods can be off-putting to those with sensitive palates.
  • Complex Mixtures: Dishes with too many mixed ingredients can be overwhelming; keep meals simple.
  • Unfamiliar Textures: Avoid foods with challenging textures like oysters or overly fibrous vegetables.
  • Highly Processed Snacks: While tempting, they do not offer the nutritional benefits needed in a diet.

Main benefits

The Mediterranean diet plan for picky eaters offers a variety of flavors and textures that can satisfy even the most selective tastes. It incorporates a wide range of customizable and simple-to-prepare dishes that make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable. With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, it ensures balanced nutrition.

Mediterranean diet plan for picky eaters graph

📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

For picky eaters on a Mediterranean diet, customize meals by incorporating familiar foods slowly into dishes, such as adding Mediterranean spices to chicken or fish that the eater already likes. Create DIY pizza nights using whole wheat bases and let them choose their toppings from a range of healthy options. Smoothies are a great way to include fruits and vegetables in a form that might be more appealing to them.

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list

7-Day Meal Plan for Mediterranean Diet for Picky Eaters

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with sliced bananas and almonds
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, feta cheese, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted zucchini, garlic, and lemon
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with blueberries

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Whole wheat toast with mashed avocado and sliced tomatoes
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with spinach and onions
  • Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa pilaf and sautéed kale
  • Snack: Apple slices with almond butter

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with sautéed spinach and feta cheese
  • Lunch: Greek salad with chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Eggplant and chickpea curry served with brown rice
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, kale, banana, almond milk, and oats
  • Lunch: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice
  • Dinner: Baked falafel with Greek salad and whole wheat pita bread
  • Snack: Orange slices with mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and pecans)

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with sliced strawberries, almonds, and honey
  • Lunch: Spinach and feta omelette with whole wheat toast
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon with quinoa and roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and onions)
  • Snack: Sliced cucumber with hummus

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with sliced apples, walnuts, and cinnamon
  • Lunch: Greek yogurt chicken salad with grapes, almonds, and celery
  • Dinner: Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and feta cheese
  • Snack: Banana slices with almond butter

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Whole wheat toast topped with mashed avocado, sliced tomatoes, and poached eggs
  • Lunch: Lentil and vegetable stew with whole wheat bread
  • Dinner: Baked chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and arugula salad
  • Snack: Blueberry smoothie with Greek yogurt and almond milk

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list
⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.