10 Mediterranean Vegan Foods That Are Naturally Plant Based

This is a small collection of 10 Mediterranean-style vegan foods that are naturally plant-based and have been made at home for years. Many of them are simple, focusing on vegetables, grains, and olive oil rather than substitutes. You'll find everything from fresh salads to slow-cooked dishes served at room temperature. These delicious recipes demonstrate how healthy, diverse, and easy vegan food can be.

Imam Bayildi

Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Aubergines) is a classic Ottoman dish made with aubergines cooked in a generous amount of olive oil and then stuffed with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic.

Packed with Mediterranean flavors, this plant-based dish is a very easy yet extremely delicious recipe to make. 

To learn more: Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant)

Stuffed Artichokes

Zeytinyagli Enginar Dolmasi - Stuffed Artichokes is a tasty and nutritious dish that's packed with Mediterranean flavors. This traditional Turkish recipe features artichokes stuffed with vegetables and aromatics, and cooked in olive oil and lemon juice.

To learn more: Zeytinyagli Enginar Dolmasi - Stuffed Artichokes

Braised Leeks

Zeytinyağlı Pırasa Yemeği (Turkish Braised Leeks) is a simple, unique, and delicious dish made with fresh and wholesome ingredients such as leeks, carrots, bulgur, and olive oil. The slight sweetness of the carrots and leeks pairs perfectly with the nice tangy punch coming from lemon juice.

To learn more: Zeytinyağlı Pırasa Yemeği (Turkish Braised Leeks)

Mediterranean Green Beans

Mediterranean Green Beans (Zeytinyagli Taze Fasulye in Turkish) is a popular vegan dish that is cooked quite often in most Turkish homes during the summer. 

This simple yet delicious dish can be made beforehand and usually served warm or at room temperature. All you need is green beans, ripened summer tomatoes, onions, and good-quality olive oil to cook this scrumptious summer dish.

To learn more: Mediterranean Green Beans - Taze Fasulye

Vegan Lentil Meatballs

Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs) is a healthy vegan dish made with fine bulgur, red lentils, onions, tomato & red pepper paste, and spices. They are usually served as an appetizer, a healthy snack, or a part of a mezze platter.

To learn more: Mercimek Kofte (Vegan Lentil Balls)

Turlu - Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

Türlü is a healthy and delicious Mediterranean dish made with a mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and tomato. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that’s full of soft, tender vegetables and warm spices. Türlü is often served as a main or a side and is perfect for using up whatever vegetables you have in the kitchen.

To learn more: Türlü - Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

Greek Fava - Split Pea Dip

Greek Fava is a smooth, creamy, and delicious yellow split pea dip that has been a favorite in Greece for many years. Despite its name, it’s not made from fava beans but from split yellow peas, which give the dish its signature velvety texture and flavor.

To learn more: Greek Fava Recipe - Split Pea Dip

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Yaprak Sarma (a.k.a Dolmades) is an authentic vegan dish made from Grape Leaves Stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and spices. It's a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.

They are versatile and can be served as part of a mezze platter or as a main dish.

To learn more: Yaprak Sarma - Stuffed Grape Leaves

Mixed Vegetable Meze - Saksuka

Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze) is a very much-loved vegan dish made of shallow-fried vegetables and a simple tomato sauce. The star ingredient in this plant-based dish is the aubergine, and the other vegetables vary from region to region.

To learn more: Saksuka (Turkish Vegetable Meze)

Borlotti Beans

Barbunya Pilaki (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans) is a classic Turkish dish braised in olive oil with onions, garlic, and tomato (paste). 

This delicious vegan dish is perfect to serve as a light lunch, a part of a mezze spread, or a side dish to grilled and roasted meat, fish, and vegetables.

To learn more: Barbunya (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans)