December Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan (Week of Dec 8)

This week's December Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan celebrates simple, nourishing dinners made with seasonal produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Each recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for cozy weeknights in December.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

Here is a short list of how to incorporate easy foods into this simple and delicious “lifestyle” diet.

• Vegetable-Forward: Every dinner this week is rich in colorful vegetables-from kale and tomatoes to sweet potatoes and leafy greens.
• Lean Proteins: A balance of plant-based proteins, seafood, and poultry keeps meals light yet satisfying.
• Whole Grains: Fiber-rich orzo, whole grain bread, and nutrient-dense sides help support digestion and fullness.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish deliver heart-healthy fats the Mediterranean Diet is known for.
• Simple, Fresh Flavors: Meals rely on herbs, citrus, garlic, and seasonal produce-keeping weeknight cooking bright and uncomplicated.

Learn More About the Mediterranean Diet

If you're looking to deepen your Mediterranean cooking this winter, you may enjoy these helpful guides:

• Mediterranean Recipes Collection - All of my Mediterranean-inspired dishes in one place for easy browsing.
• Mediterranean Diet Basics - A beginner-friendly overview of the lifestyle, foods to focus on, and how to get started.
• Mediterranean Diet Pantry Staples - A practical list of everyday ingredients that make weekly meal planning simple.

December Mediterranean Diet Menu

This week's menu highlights five simple, 5-ingredient dinners that deliver big flavor with minimal prep. They're quick, comforting, and gentle on the grocery budget during one of the busiest (and most festive) months of the year.

• Monday: Roasted Cauliflower Bowls. A vibrant bowl layered with roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and cool, creamy tzatziki for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired start to the week. Serve with warm naan, extra greens, or a simple cucumber salad.
• Tuesday: Crockpot Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin. Set-and-forget tenderloin slow-cooked with pineapple for a sweet-savory dinner that practically makes itself. Serve with rice, roasted broccoli, or a quick cabbage slaw.
• Wednesday: Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms. Cozy, skillet-cooked chicken simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce-rich in flavor, wonderfully simple. Serve with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed green beans.
• Thursday - Pan Seared Salmon with Greens. Crisp-edged salmon served over warm greens for a wholesome, nutrient-packed dinner in under 20 minutes. Serve with Lemon quinoa, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread.
• Friday - Upside Down Chili Pie. A fun, comforting twist on chili with a golden, cornbread-topped bake that the whole family will love. Serve with green salad, sliced avocado, or tortilla chips on the side.
• Treat - 3-Ingredient Hot Chocolate Mix. A cozy, holiday-ready mix that comes together in minutes and keeps beautifully all season long. Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream, or peppermint stir sticks.

Have a delicious & easy week!

RELATED: More 31Daily Dinner Ideas >>

This Week’s Recipes

1

Monday: Minestrone Soup with Orzo and Kale

Minestrone Soup with Orzo and Kale is a hearty, healthy, and delicious Tuscan Bean Soup recipe often served during the colder months in Tuscany.

Orzo Minestrone Soup

2

Tuesday: Shrimp Stir Fry

This shrimp stir fry is a go-to, fast, and healthy dinner! Use any veggies you like with this flavor-packed stir-fry sauce.

Get the Recipe

3

Wednesday: High-Protein Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet

Sweet potato-chicken enchilada skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and can be finished with your favorite toppings.

Get the Recipe

4

Thursday: Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes, Fennel, and Capers

Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes, Fennel, and Capers - a Mediterranean-inspired dish that's light, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe

5

Friday: Mediterranean Ground Turkey Skillet

This quick, one-pot Ground Turkey Skillet with rice, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is great for weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe

6

Treat: 4 Ingredient Baked Pears

Easy 4-ingredient baked pears with honey, cinnamon, and granola. A quick, naturally sweet fall dessert that's cozy, wholesome, and ready in 30 minutes.

Baked Pears Recipe

Find More Quick Meal Plan Ideas

For more healthy ideas, see our past weekly dinner meal plans!