Mediterranean

Mediterranean cooking is less a diet than a way of eating: lots of vegetables, beans, whole grains, fish and seafood, olive oil as the main fat, herbs, lemon and garlic for flavor, and smaller amounts of meat and cheese. There’s nothing to count and nothing to give up completely. It’s simply the way people around the Mediterranean Sea have cooked for generations.

It also happens to suit Southwest Florida perfectly. Our OurCheff private chefs cook for clients from Naples to Fort Myers, where Gulf grouper, snapper and shrimp are local, citrus is everywhere, and hot summers call for lighter plates. A lot of what we serve in clients’ kitchens already leans Mediterranean: fish baked with tomatoes and olives, soups brightened with lemon and dill, and vegetables roasted in good olive oil.

A Mediterranean recipe earns the CheffApproved name when olive oil, vegetables, seafood, beans or whole grains do the heavy lifting, with no cream sauces or deep frying. It has to taste like something you’d order on a waterfront patio. And it uses ingredients you can find at Publix or any regular grocery store. Start with our Mediterranean Baked Cod with White Beans and Tomatoes or Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mediterranean food hard to cook at home?
Not at all. Most of these dinners are one pan or one pot, built from pantry staples like canned beans, olives, lemons and olive oil.

Can I swap the fish?
Yes. Any firm white fish works in place of cod, including Gulf grouper, snapper or halibut. Adjust the cooking time for thickness.

Is Mediterranean food good for families?
Yes. Kids tend to like the simple flavors, and everything can be served family style.

Do you list nutrition?
Every recipe includes estimated nutrition per serving based on USDA data.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about the right way of eating for you.