Fresh Fridays: Mediterranean Month Favorites

May 4, 2012

Issue: IV No.9

Mediterranean Month Favorites
Oldways and its Mediterranean Foods Alliance (MFA) program designates May as National Mediterranean Diet Month. It's a great time to think about the remarkable benefits of the Mediterranean Diet eating pattern and the scientifically backed studies that continue to emerge and establish Mediterranean meals as the go-to nutrition solution for all ages.

You can find affordable, delicious foods to support this easy and enjoyable lifestyle at any supermarket. And, you can keep many of them on hand, in your pantry, for impromptu meals and snacks. What could be easier?

Here's a sampling of recipes to help you bring Mediterranean foods and flavors into your kitchen this month. Click on titles or photos to link to Oldways recipes.

In celebration of

National Mediterranean Diet Month,

the

Oldways Table Blog

features recipes
and tips from a
Dietitian a Day
through May 31.

See the complete list of featured dietitians below:

Mediterranean Orzo with Tuna

Tuna is somehow nostalgic and fresh at the same time - it never fails as a fast, filling meal. Try it in this effortless and delicious dish which will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. For portable energy, pack into a small serving container and enjoy for a post-workout meal or an afternoon snack.

Photo: National Fisheries Institute

Roasted Fingerling Potato Salad

with Lemon and Thyme
Potatoes are an important staple in Mediterranean cooking. This recipe calls for fingerlings, which are small, slender potatoes ranging from two to four inches in length. Their firm, waxy texture is ideal for salads.

Photo: United States Potato Board

Vegetarian Penne Piccolini

Pasta, a basic Mediterranean Diet food, comes in many shapes and sizes. One of the new innovations is mini pasta, available in a variety of shapes that are high in fiber and deliver whole grains, too. It's not just for kids! Here small penne is paired with a spicy sauce that's perfect for adult palates.

Photo: Barilla

Medjool Date Couscous

Medjool dates are creamy and delicious. While they make a perfect snack or welcome addition to a dessert fruit tray, they also add fabulous flavors to Mediterranean stews, tagines, grain, and pasta dishes. Here's an easy way to experience how they can make a simple meal taste very special indeed. For variation, substitute quinoa for the couscous.

Photo: Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers Association

Fresh Fridays is a bi-weekly celebration of Mediterranean eating and living. We hope our Friday recipes will remind you just how easy and delicious eating the Mediterranean way can be.

To learn more about the Mediterranean Diet, please visit:

Mediterranean Foods Alliance (MFA)

Let the old ways be your guide to good health and well-being.