7 Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Psoriasis

7 Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Psoriasis

7 Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Psoriasis
iStock; Adobe Stock

Researchers have increasingly been studying the effects that diet has on psoriasis. What you eat — and don’t eat — can play a role in the systemic inflammation underlying this chronic condition. Among anti-inflammatory diets, the Mediterranean diet, in particular, shows real promise in improving psoriasis symptoms. It emphasizes whole, plant-based foods like antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats like extra-virgin olive oil, as well as whole grains, and proteins such as fish and poultry.

Large studies have suggested that sticking to the Mediterranean diet may slow the progression of psoriasis, and smaller clinical trials have backed this up. One randomized clinical trial found that a 16-week Mediterranean diet intervention “significantly improved psoriasis severity in patients with mild to moderate disease,” who were also using topical therapy.

 Additionally, a meta-analysis of studies found that the Mediterranean diet benefits gut health — dysbiosis or imbalance in the gut microbiome is thought to contribute to inflammation in people with psoriasis.

Not only is the Mediterranean diet beneficial for psoriasis, it’s also an approach to eating that incorporates delicious, satisfying meals — like these recipes below.

All Everyday Health recipes meet expert-developed nutrient goals, considering several dietary guidelines. Learn more about the methodology used to develop and tag each of the recipes on this list as “Psoriasis-Friendly.”

1
fish with salmon
Nelea Reazanteva/Adobe Stock

Double Lemon Salmon Skewers

Grilling lemons makes them sweeter, less bitter, and easier to bite into than a raw lemon. In this recipe, lemons in the marinade help balance the salty flavors of seafood, and add moisture to salmon while it cooks on the grill. Tip: If you have any veggies lying around, add them to the skewers for added nutrients and color.

contains  Fin fish
5.0 out of 1 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

172

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp avocado oil
2 lemons, 1 juiced and 1 cut into ¼-inch slices
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 lb skinless fresh salmon filet, cut into 1-inch cubes

Directions

1

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, juice of 1 lemon, garlic, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Add salmon and toss until well coated. Cover and place in fridge for 30 minutes to marinate.

2

Preheat grill to medium-high. Evenly divide salmon and lemon slices among six skewers. Lightly brush each skewer with remaining marinade just before grilling.

3

Grill until lemon is lightly charred and salmon reaches internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake skewers in the oven at 450 degrees for 10 to 11 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 skewer

calories

172

total fat

11g

saturated fat

2.2g

protein

13g

carbohydrates

4g

fiber

0.3g

sugar

2.6g

added sugar

2.2g

sodium

463mg

TAGS:

Fin fish, Mediterranean, Anti-Inflammatory, Dinner, Appetizer, Psoriasis-Friendly, Eczema-Friendly, Cancer Prevention, ADHD-Friendly, Depression-Friendly, Anxiety-Friendly, Low-Carbohydrate
2
oat coated chicken
iStock

Oat-Coated Air-Fried Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are popular among young and old, and this recipe adds a healthier twist by incorporating oats as the breading. Doing so adds fiber and delicious crunch to each tender. Air-frying (or baking, which you can do if you don’t have an air fryer) keeps calories and fat in check.

contains  Dairy
5.0 out of 1 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

283

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

11 min

TOTAL TIME

51 min

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken tenders
1 cup low-fat plain kefir or low-fat buttermilk
1¾ cup old-fashioned oats, divided
1 tbsp dry Italian seasoning
¼ tsp kosher salt

Directions

1

Place chicken tenders and kefir in a resealable gallon-sized plastic storage bag. Close bag and mix with your hands until chicken is evenly coated by kefir. Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

2

Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F.

3

In a food processor, place 1¼ cups oats and process until they achieve a flour-like consistency, about 2 minutes. Stir in remaining ½ cup oats, Italian seasoning, and salt. Transfer mixture to a deep bowl or large plate.

4

Remove chicken tenders from bag, drain, and discard remaining marinade. Toss chicken tenders in breadcrumbs until well coated.

5

Working in batches if needed, cook chicken on one side for 8 to10 minutes, flip, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and are golden brown and crispy.

Alternatively: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Bake chicken tenders for about 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and reaches internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Flip halfway through.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size4 oz chicken

calories

283

total fat

4g

saturated fat

0.8g

protein

33g

carbohydrates

28g

fiber

4.1g

sugar

3.1g

added sugar

0g

sodium

177mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Cholesterol-Conscious, Family-Friendly, Dinner, Psoriasis-Friendly, Eczema-Friendly, GERD-Friendly, ADHD-Friendly, Anxiety-Friendly, Depression-Friendly
3
mason jar salad
Adobe Stock

Fiber-Rich Mason Jar Salad

If you’re looking for the perfect grab-and-go lunch that can be made ahead of time with minimal chopping, you have found it! This simple salad doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. With over 14 g of fiber per serving, it will leave you feeling full until your next meal!

5.0 out of 4 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

264

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

1 15 oz can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 English cucumber, quartered and sliced
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed
2 cups microgreens

Directions

1

Evenly divide ingredients between 2 quart-sized Mason jars with chickpeas at the bottom (in the dressing of your choice, if desired) and microgreens at the top. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Shake just before serving and pour into a bowl or enjoy right out of the jar!

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 jar

calories

264

total fat

13g

saturated fat

1.7g

protein

12g

carbohydrates

28g

fiber

14.1g

sugar

5g

added sugar

0g

sodium

308mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Vegetarian, Vegan, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, High-Fiber, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Lunch, Psoriasis-Friendly, Eczema-Friendly, GERD-Friendly, Cancer Prevention, ADHD-Friendly, Depression-Friendly
4
salad with cherries
Adobe Stock

Cherry, Almond, and Goat Cheese Salad

Cherries are one of the most delicious treats that summer has to offer, and make a great salad topper, because their sweetness is balanced by tangy goat cheese and salty almonds. Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant and has been linked to improved immunity, collagen synthesis, and wound healing.

contains  Tree Nuts, Dairy

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

275

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

8 cups dark green lettuce of your choice
3 cups fresh bing and/or Rainier cherries, halved and pitted
¼ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1

Evenly divide lettuce, cherries, almonds, and goat cheese among 4 serving bowls.

2

In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over salads just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size3 cups

calories

275

total fat

16g

saturated fat

3.5g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

26g

fiber

3.2g

sugar

20.5g

added sugar

3g

sodium

181mg

TAGS:

Tree Nuts, Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Lunch, Dinner, Psoriasis-Friendly, Eczema-Friendly, GERD-Friendly, Cancer Prevention, ADHD-Friendly, Depression-Friendly, Anxiety-Friendly
5
lemon chicken soup
Adobe Stock

Greek-Style Lemon Soup

Many cultures have their own variations of chicken noodle soup, and Greece’s version — called avgolemono, notes Serious Eats — features citrus front and center. The deliciously tangy flavor and high vitamin C content comes from substantial amounts of lemon juice. Brown rice replaces white rice typically found in this recipe, to add a helping of filling fiber, per the USDA.

contains  Eggs
5.0 out of 3 reviews

SERVES

5

CALORIES PER SERVING

384

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

50 min

TOTAL TIME

1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
1½ lbs raw skinless, boneless chicken breast
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup uncooked brown rice, rinsed and drained
½ cup fresh lemon juice (2 whole lemons)
3 large eggs
1 tsp lemon zest
Lemon slices and fresh dill, for garnish

Directions

1

In a large pot, over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, celery, and carrot. Saute until veggies are slightly tender, about 10 minutes.

2

Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper, cook for 30 seconds.

3

Add chicken breast, chicken broth, and rice. Cover pot with lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until chicken falls apart, about 18 to 20 minutes.

4

Carefully remove chicken breast and place on a clean cutting board. Shred chicken with 2 forks or a knife and return to pot.

5

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, eggs, and lemon zest. Slowly whisk 1 ladle of hot soup into the lemon-egg mixture. Once well mixed, pour lemon-egg mixture back in the pot. Simmer for another 15 to 17 minutes, until soup is slightly thickened and rice is fully cooked.

6

Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh dill, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 cups

calories

384

total fat

11g

saturated fat

2.2g

protein

39g

carbohydrates

33g

fiber

2.8g

sugar

4g

added sugar

1.1g

sodium

343mg

TAGS:

Eggs, Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Family-Friendly, Lunch, Dinner, Psoriasis-Friendly, Eczema-Friendly, Crohn’s Disease-Friendly, Ulcerative Colitis-Friendly
6
oat smoothie
Dmitrii Ivanov/iStock

Double Oat Vanilla Smoothie

Adding oats to a smoothie bumps up the thickness and filling factor and adds a dose of whole grain goodness to each sip, per the USDA. This creamy smoothie is naturally sweetened by bananas (USDA nutrition info). Bananas and oats are both prebiotics, which serve as food for the gut bacteria, which overall keeps your gut and body healthy. Enjoy this smoothie for breakfast or pre-workout as it is rich in complex carbs providing plenty of energy.

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

223

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened, plain oat milk
2 small bananas, peeled and frozen
⅓ cup quick-cooking oats
½

Directions

1

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cup

calories

223

total fat

4g

saturated fat

0.3g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

42g

fiber

5g

sugar

13.8g

added sugar

1.1g

sodium

101mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Anti-Inflammatory, Cholesterol-Conscious, Quick & Easy, Breakfast, Psoriasis-Friendly, Eczema-Friendly, Crohn’s Disease-Friendly, Ulcerative Colitis-Friendly, GERD-Friendly, Cancer Prevention, ADHD-Friendly, Anxiety-Friendly, Depression-Friendly
7
chamomile
Adobe Stock

Tropical Sleepy Juice

Juice doesn’t only have to be a way to start your day. This tropical blend may also help you drift off to sleep. Among tropical fruits, mangos contain one of the highest levels of melatonin, which is the sleep hormone (as detailed by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) that can lull you to sleep, per past research. Pineapple also contains melatonin and magnesium, per the USDA, which have relaxing properties.

5.0 out of 4 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

163

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

1 large mango, diced
1 cup 100 percent pineapple juice
8 leaves of fresh lemon balm or peppermint
1 cup of ice cubes

Directions

1

In a blender, add mango, pineapple juice, lemon balm, and ice. Blend until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size10 oz

calories

163

total fat

1g

saturated fat

0.2g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

40g

fiber

2.9g

sugar

35g

added sugar

0g

sodium

5mg

TAGS:

Heart-Healthy, Mediterranean, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Beverage, Psoriasis-Friendly, Depression-Friendly, Anxiety-Friendly, ADHD-Friendly, Cancer Prevention, Ulcerative Colitis-Friendly, Crohn’s Disease-Friendly
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Perez-Bootello J et al. Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis: The MEDIPSO Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatology. December 1, 2025.
  2. Phan C et al. Association Between Mediterranean Anti-inflammatory Dietary Profile and Severity of Psoriasis: Results From the NutriNet-Santé Cohort. JAMA Dermatology. July 25, 2018.
  3. Kranyak A et al. The Mediterranean Diet as a Potential Solution to the Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Psoriasis Patients. Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. January 9, 2024.
Lynn Griger photo

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She comp...

deb-shapiro-bio

Deborah Shapiro

Author

Deborah Shapiro is a writer and editor, with over 20 years of experience in print and digital media. She has worked at New York magazine, Elle, and SELF, where she focused on healt...