20 Healthy Recipes That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Dance and Your Waistline Shrink

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Eating healthy doesn’t mean boring or tasteless meals. You can enjoy delicious food that’s good for you too. By trying new healthy recipes, you can discover exciting flavors while nourishing your body.

Making nutritious meals at home lets you control the ingredients and portions. You’ll find options for any meal of the day – from tasty breakfasts to satisfying dinners. Many recipes use simple ingredients and come together quickly, perfect for busy days.

Grilled Chicken Breast

You’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Here’s how to make it:

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Brush the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from the grill.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor.

Enjoy your juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breast! It’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Quinoa Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Add eggs and scramble. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir-fry vegetables for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Add ginger and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in cooked quinoa and chicken. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Pour in soy sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Add scrambled eggs back to the skillet. Stir gently to incorporate.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Your quinoa stir-fry is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy this tasty, protein-packed meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Vegetable Soup

Here’s a tasty vegetable soup recipe you can make at home:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup corn kernels
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies start to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the green beans, cauliflower, corn, and oregano. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade vegetable soup!

This soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Baked Salmon

Here’s an easy and healthy baked salmon recipe you’ll love:

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried herbs (like dill or parsley)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
Place the salmon fillets on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper over the salmon.
Squeeze half a lemon over the fillets.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
For a golden top, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

This simple recipe lets the salmon’s flavor shine. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy meal with friends.

Lentil Curry

You’ll love this tasty and nutritious lentil curry! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

1 cup red lentils
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ginger, grated
2 tbsp curry powder
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

Rinse the lentils and set aside.
In a large pot, sauté the onion until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
Stir in the curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Season with salt and garnish with cilantro before serving.

This curry is perfect over rice or with naan bread. You can also add veggies like spinach or cauliflower for extra nutrition.

Enjoy your homemade lentil curry! It’s a cozy meal that’s both satisfying and good for you.

Avocado Toast

Here’s a simple recipe for delicious avocado toast:

Ingredients:

2 slices whole grain bread
1 ripe avocado
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: lemon juice, cilantro, egg, red pepper flakes

Directions:

Toast your bread slices until golden and crispy.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
Mash the avocado with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Spread the mashed avocado evenly on your toasted bread.
Add any optional toppings you like. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cilantro can add extra flavor.
For a protein boost, top with a fried or poached egg.
Finish with a dash of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

Enjoy your homemade avocado toast! It’s a quick, easy, and nutritious meal perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a yummy and easy breakfast option. You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them in the morning. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Your favorite toppings (fruit, nuts, etc.)

Directions:

Mix the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a jar or container.
Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover and place in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours.
In the morning, give it a good stir and add your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your tasty and nutritious breakfast!

You can try different flavors by adding cocoa powder, cinnamon, or vanilla extract. Get creative and make it your own!

Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl

You’ll love this tasty and nutritious Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 sweet potato, cubed
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup kale, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Toss sweet potato, broccoli, and chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
While veggies roast, cook quinoa in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
Stir kale and remaining olive oil into cooked quinoa. Cover and keep warm.
Assemble your bowl: quinoa mixture on the bottom, topped with roasted veggies and chickpeas.

Enjoy your colorful and filling Buddha bowl! It’s packed with nutrients and tastes great too.

Turkey Chili

You’ll love this tasty and healthy turkey chili recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 bell peppers, chopped
2 cans kidney beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Brown the turkey in a large pot over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Add onions and peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Your chili is ready to enjoy! Serve it up hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado. This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Spinach and Feta Frittata

Here’s a tasty and healthy spinach and feta frittata you can whip up in no time!

Ingredients:

6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Zucchini Noodles With Pesto

You’ll need:

2-3 medium zucchini
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
Salt
Olive oil

How to make it:

Spiralize your zucchini into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons.

Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.

Rinse the noodles and gently squeeze out extra moisture.

Put the noodles in a bowl and toss with a little olive oil.

Add the pesto to your noodles and mix well to coat evenly.

If you like, you can eat your zucchini noodles raw. They’re crisp and refreshing this way!

For a warm dish, heat some olive oil in a pan. Add your pesto-coated noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.

Top with halved cherry tomatoes if you want some extra color and flavor.

Your healthy, tasty zucchini noodles with pesto are ready to enjoy!

Black Bean Burrito Bowl

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty and nutritious meal:

2 cans black beans
1 cup brown rice
1 cup corn
1 diced tomato
1 sliced avocado
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste

Let’s get cooking!

Cook the rice according to package directions.
While the rice cooks, drain and rinse the black beans. Heat them in a pan with cumin and garlic powder.
Prepare your toppings: dice the tomato, slice the avocado, and chop the cilantro.
Once the rice is done, squeeze in some lime juice and mix well.
Time to build your bowl! Start with a base of rice, then add the seasoned black beans and corn.
Top with tomatoes, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Finish with a squeeze of lime and enjoy your delicious creation!

This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to add other veggies you like or some cheese if you’re in the mood. It’s a great meal for busy days and keeps well for leftovers too!

Baked Sweet Potato

You’ll need:
• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Poke holes all over the potatoes with a fork.
Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with the spices.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for about 45-50 minutes. They’re done when a fork easily pierces the skin.
Take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork.

Now you’ve got perfect baked sweet potatoes! They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy your healthy, tasty meal.

Vegetable Hummus Wrap

Get ready to make a tasty and healthy lunch! This veggie wrap is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

1 large tortilla or wrap
2-3 tablespoons hummus
1/4 cup spinach leaves
1/4 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup sliced cucumber
2-3 thin tomato slices
Optional: sprouts, bell peppers, or olives

Directions:

Lay your tortilla flat on a clean surface.
Spread the hummus evenly over the center of the wrap, leaving about an inch around the edges.
Layer your veggies on top of the hummus. Start with spinach, then add avocado, carrots, cucumber, and tomato.
Add any extra veggies you like for more crunch and flavor.
Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from bottom to top.
Cut the wrap in half diagonally if you’d like.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

You’ll love these tasty grilled shrimp skewers! They’re quick, easy, and perfect for summer barbecues. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden skewers

Directions:

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Add shrimp to the mixture and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Thread shrimp onto skewers.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates.
Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Remove from grill and serve right away.

These shrimp skewers are great as an appetizer or main dish. You can pair them with a salad or grilled veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and healthy grilled shrimp!

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ingredients:

1 medium head cauliflower, riced
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 eggs, beaten
3 green onions, sliced

Directions:

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and peas. Cook for 5 minutes until veggies start to soften.
Add garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toss in the riced cauliflower. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until cauliflower is tender.
Push the veggie mixture to one side of the pan. Pour beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble until cooked through.
Mix the scrambled eggs with the veggies. Add soy sauce and stir to combine.
Sprinkle green onions on top. Give it a final stir and serve hot.

Enjoy your healthy, low-carb version of fried rice! It’s just as tasty as the traditional recipe but packed with veggies.

Chickpea Salad

Ready to make a yummy chickpea salad? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
Add feta cheese and parsley to the bowl.
In a small container, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Your chickpea salad is now ready to enjoy! It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled meats.

Baked Cod With Lemon

You’ll need:

4 cod fillets
2 lemons
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the cod dry with paper towels.
Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
Place the cod in a baking dish and brush with the lemon mixture.
Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper over the fish.
Top with lemon slices.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This simple recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor to the mild cod. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

You’ll love these tasty and nutritious stuffed bell peppers! They’re perfect for a healthy dinner that’s full of flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need:

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 can diced tomatoes
1 diced onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Now let’s make them:

Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
Mix the beef, rice, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl.
Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Pour a little water in the dish bottom to prevent sticking.
Cover and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and bake 5 more minutes until melted.

Your stuffed peppers are ready! Enjoy this yummy, balanced meal that’s packed with protein and veggies.