- August 25, 2020
- by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN
- 0 Comments
40+ Very Healthy Everyday Recipes
Looking for very healthy meals to eat as everyday recipes? These recipes of the day are ones you can make for delicious everyday meals!
Think dietitians eat nothing but salad? I love the satisfying crunch of fresh greens, but noshing on raw veggies isn’t the only way to stay healthy. I also like to put whole grains and protein-packed eggs on my plate, as well as a variety of other nutritious foods.
Want to hear more about the recipes I rely on most when I need something quick and easy? Even though the recipes that follow are quick and easy, you’ll find plenty of healthy comfort food ideas in this recipes list. And most are ready in 30 minutes and under!
If you can make a healthy meal in minutes, why spend hours in the kitchen? So if you’re like me and want to whip up a nutritious dinner in no time at all, you’ll love these healthy meal hacks.
Everyday Recipes to Make for Breakfast
1. Orange Juice Muffins
Sure, you’ve probably sipped OJ many a morning. But have you ever thought about eating it? Now you can, in muffin form! These homemade treats are a great pick for a healthy snack or dessert—and they’re fab for packing for healthy travel, too. The reason: You get to control the ingredients and the portion size. Not a fan of citrus? Whip up these cinnamon spice muffins instead.
2. Wild Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie
Whether or not you believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day (I surely do!), you can still make a healthy morning meal part of your get-and-stay-healthy efforts. I love smoothies because they’re a fast and easy way to maximize morning nutrition in minutes. With so many different flavor combos and ingredients, there’s a healthy smoothie recipe for everyone!
3. Matcha Green Tea Energy Muffins
Want to wake up without feeling like you need a big mug of coffee? Matcha green tea is the perfect wake-up addition to these breakfast muffins. Plus, they’re low in added sugar. If you don’t feel like drinking your caffeine (I do love a homemade frozen mochaccino!), this energizing snack will give you a little wake-up.
4. Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats
If you’re not a morning person, try prepping this delicious easy recipe for breakfast in advance!
5. Homemade Salmon Bacon
Most decadent breakfasts aren’t complete without a side of bacon. But if you aren’t eating meat or simply want a better-for-you option, turn to this salmon bacon. Packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, the homemade bacon takes just two ingredients and 20 minutes to make, although you might end up eating it all in less time than that! It’s become a staple at my house.
6. Healthy Coffee Smoothie with Banana
Tired of sipping on boring, black coffee in the carpool lane? Take my frozen mochaccino along for the ride. There’s no added sugar and plenty of fiber in this tasty, summertime drink—and you’ll get an entire fueling breakfast in just one glass. Make a grape juice smoothie if you prefer to start your day sans caffeine.
7. Coffee Cake Muffins
Whip up a batch of these coffee cake muffins for when you need a filling, energizing snack away from home. They’re portable and boast protein for long-lasting energy. This caffeinated recipe is perfect for getting over jet lag the morning after a long flight.
8. Berry Almond Cocoa Smoothie
On steamy summer days, I love a good smoothie. This one packs in nutrition and almond butter, cocoa, and berries. What more can you ask for? Hydrating berries and bananas make this simple breakfast smoothie the perfect way to feel refreshed and satisfy your sweet tooth this summer.
9. Vegan Mandarin Orange Creamy Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Unfortunately for folks with dairy sensitivities, so many ultra-creamy smoothies are off the table. But Greek yogurt isn’t the only way you can achieve that velvety, smooth texture. Enter: coconut milk and coconut milk yogurt. Aside from their smooth texture, these ingredients are packed with vitamin B12, making them perfect additions to this nutrient-loaded breakfast.
Whip up the bowl for a citrusy, energizing breakfast that you’ll definitely want to get out of bed for. Plus, it’s made with a whole bunch of pantry ingredients I bet you have on hand right now.
10. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Have you ever had pumpkin in a smoothie? It’s so tasty. Blend up a half portion of this fall smoothie for a bedtime snack, or wait till morning and whip up the full recipe for breakfast. Breakfast is my favorite meal, so anything that can be a snack or a breakfast item is great in my book.
11. Italian Flatbread Breakfast Panini
Here’s a recipe with ingredients you can feel good about. My Italian breakfast Panini is packed with protein-rich eggs and fiber-filled tomatoes to help fuel your morning.
12. Mango Overnight Oats
Are oats good for weight loss? Yup! This overnight oats recipe provides exactly that balance. You get protein from the Greek yogurt; fiber from the oats, mango, and bananas; and healthy fat from the almonds. All three of these nutrients help you feel fuller for longer, which helps you cut down on unnecessary snacking throughout the day.
13. Wild Blueberry Lavender Smoothie
A smoothie might seem like a no-brainer pick when it comes to healthy fast food. But some smoothies have heaping amounts of added sugar. If you have a few minutes at home, swap one of those sugary smoothies for this wild blueberry one with no added sugar at all!.Bonus: You can whip this up and pour it into an on-the-go container on a busy morning.
14. Vegetarian Lentils with Egg Toast
When it comes to “spending” your calories, you should for the most part aim to make make wise purchases. What does this mean? Go for foods that are going to stick with you for hours, not minutes. This recipe does just that. Plus, it’s delicious and pretty easy to make. And the star ingredients, eggs and lentils, are true veggie superfoods.
15. High-Protein Smoothie with Vanilla Bean
This power smoothie recipe is one of my most popular recipes. Smoothies aren’t just sugar and carbs. If you blend them up right, they can be packed with fueling nutrients like protein and fiber. This one is made with a hearty plant-based protein and real vanilla bean for natural sweetness.
P.S. Just trade out the milk for a non-dairy substitute like soy milk or almond milk if you do want to make this smoothie vegan.
16. French Toast with Apples and Pecans
I’m a French toast fan and make a batch most weekends. So that I don’t eat the same meal every weekend, I try different toppings each week. This apple and pecan variety is one of my faves.
17. Gluten-Free Egg Casserole with Salmon and Tomato
There’s nothing I love more than a warm and hearty breakfast on a low-key morning. My go-to dish recently? This gluten-free egg casserole. Unlike other veggie-forward frittatas and quiches, this casserole gets an extra punch of protein and nutrients from smoked salmon. Grab the ingredients tonight so you can treat your family to this good-for-you breakfast tomorrow.
18. Egg-and-Veggie-Topped Hummus Toast with Everything Bagel Spice Mix
Few things are better than sprinkling EBTB seasoning on an otherwise plain and boring bagel, but this hummus toast may just come out on top. Boasting 14 grams of protein, whole-grain toast is topped with hummus, a soft-boiled egg, and—you guessed it—everything bagel seasoning. Toss together the quick meal for a savory breakfast or afternoon lunch.
Everyday Recipes to Make for Lunch and Dinner
19. Healthy Veg Fried Rice
Say hello my brand new healthy vegetable fried rice recipe. The stir-fry meal tastes just like the restaurant version, yet it’s pretty low in calories and a good source of fiber and protein. It also freezes really well so you can enjoy it for weeknight dinners to come.
20. Vegan Hummus Pita Pizza
I never have a shortage of fast and delicious pizza recipes on hand! The meal is one of my all-time favorites because the combinations are endless. This pita pizza has a unique sauce (hummus!). For easy lunch packing, I like to pair a couple of the pizzas with sliced veggies and a hardboiled egg or cheese stick for extra protein.
21. Vegetarian Rice Bowl
No time to run to the grocery store? No problem. This fiber-packed recipe can be made with the grains and veggies you have on hand, both in your freezer and pantry. If you’re out of chickpeas, swap for another canned protein like lentils or beans. Same with the veggies: Just use whatever’s on hand in your freezer. No okra? Go with broccoli. There’s no harm in substitution with this dish, folks! It’s time to let your creative side shine.
22. Citrus Quinoa Salad with Prunes
The best thing to eat? Fresh fruits and veggies. That’s why I love this simple salad, which offers plenty of fiber to help keep you fuller for longer.
23. Vegetarian Grain Bowl
My ready-in-minutes, Asian-inspired almond sauce makes this dish delicious. It’s one of the tastiest healthy dinner recipes you’ll ever eat.
24. Sweet Potato Cauliflower Pizza
There’s no tomato sauce in this flatbread pizza, which is made instead with antioxidant-rich pureed sweet potatoes and topped with colorful purple cauliflower. Whip up this easy dinner idea for a healthy meal in minutes!
25. Italian Lupini Bean Salad with Crushed Pistachio
Spoiler: Plant-based eating is back and better than ever this year. Welcome the trend with open arms by making a batch of this super simple lupini bean salad. Spiced with a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish packs a protein punch with 23 grams in just one serving! Need more help planning your meals? Download my mix-and-match meal plans!
26. Grape Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Simplicity is key during summer, so I love tossing greens and other fresh vegetables with a batch of this easy dressing. Want more simple summer recipes in your life? I’ve got plenty for you!
27. Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
I love fall so much and the seasonal squash that comes with it. Spaghetti squash is an awesome stand-in for pasta, and the dinner recipe is even more delicious with pesto and Parmesan.
28. Broccoli Slaw Salad with Flaxseeds and Hemp Seeds
The best part about fresh broccoli is definitely the florets, but I always feel a little guilty about throwing out the thick stalks. The tasty solution: this homemade, oh-so-healthy slaw. Thanks to creamy avocado, it’s just as satisfying as coleslaw but has an extra dose of nutrients. Whip up a batch tonight to cut back on your food waste and give your BBQ dinner the side dish it needs.
29. Grilled Corn Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
If you browsed through all these recipes and still couldn’t find one that excites your tastebuds, I know this grilled corn salad will do the trick. Packed with corn, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and more, the cool salad offers a greater variety of nutrients than any plain iceberg salad can. Plus, the vibrant colors are sure to grab you family’s–and their stomachs’–attention.
30. Sangria Mocktail
Whether you’re on a life-long break from alcohol or simply want a booze-free evening, this mocktail will help you feel like you’re still a part of the party. Bursting with oranges, limes, and pineapple, the virgin sangria is just as fruity as the real deal, and its green tea base contains flavonoids that work to keep your heart healthy. What’s not to love?
Everyday Recipes to Make for Snack Time
31. Smoked Paprika Avocado Deviled Eggs
The next time you’re on appetizer duty, put together a batch of these healthy deviled eggs, filled with avocado (not mayo) for an extra boost of nutrients. Beware: These bites are super filling, so don’t eat so many that you spoil the good-for-you dinner you’re about to eat.
32. Homemade Pistachio Milk
Wondering how to make pistachio milk? I love how creative you can get in the kitchen with a vegetarian diet! While you can certainly buy ready-to-drink plant-based milk, you can also make your own. So give my pistachio milk a taste. It’s one of the few nut milks that’s super easy to blend up yourself.
33. Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
Despite the good, the bad, and the really bad trends in healthy eating this year, there’s one diet that rose to popularity and will never go out of style: the Mediterranean lifestyle.
And with this super-quick snack recipe, you’ll be able to easily add a little Med flare to your days throughout the upcoming year (or decade). Toss together some chickpeas with flavorful herbs, roast ’em in the oven, and you’ve got a crunchy snack that will soon become as classic as potato chips. Five different flavors means you’ll never get bored!
34. Southwestern Greek Yogurt Dip
Want everyone to devour your veggie platter? Include a simple Greek yogurt dip with zippy Southwest flavors.
35. No-Bake Brie with Prune Jam
Go ahead and party like a dietitian! This appetizer is my go-to when entertaining. I recently brought it over to a friend’s house, and we devoured it. The best part is that it tastes great and is jam packed with good-for-you ingredients.
Everyday Recipes to Make for Dessert
36. Chickpea Chocolate Chip Vegan Cookie Dough
Ever wish you could nosh on cookie dough till your heart’s content? Well, now you can! My vegan cookie dough recipe is made with chickpeas, oats, and nut butter, making it 100% edible when raw and a plant-based dessert! Whip up a batch to snack on or bake into cookies tonight.
37. Chocolate Banana Nice Cream
Here’s a sweet treat without any added sugar. Chocolate banana nice cream is the perfect frozen dessert for summer! All the sweetness comes from fruit and unsweetened cocoa powder.
38. Orange Dairy-Free Cake
For a cake to have that tender, melt-in-your-mouth feeling, many recipes will have you add milk, butter, or other dairy products. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and my orange dairy-free cake proves just that. The zesty snacking cake contains plant-based margarine to create a super moist texture, plus the juice from one whole orange to brighten up your day. Cake for breakfast, anyone?
39. Peanut Butter No-Egg Cookies
No eggs or milk? No problem. These peanut butter cookies are the perfect sweet treat to make when you’re out of staple ingredients *and* want to clear out the pantry. Plus, the bites are made with oat milk and plant-based margarine, meaning they’re a fit for any vegan eaters in the household. But that’s not all: Use gluten-free flour and oats, and the cookies are also ideal for people with gluten intolerances! Talk about a crowd pleaser.
40. Wild Blueberry Nice Cream
Let beauty and food collide. Part of self love is letting yourself eat healthy, nourishing treats like this nice cream that tastes even better than it looks. Start enjoying yourself, your day, and your food a whole lot more. With antioxidants and a pretty edible flower topping, it’s impossible not to love this frozen treat!
41. Superfood Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
Treat yourself to a couple of plant-based gingerbread cookies! These spicy bites get a hint of sweetness from beet sugar and packed with protein, thanks to a heap of almond butter. Oh, and did I mention they’re gluten free?
More Healthy Recipes to Make Every Day
Want more tasty, quick meals? I’m a fan of Hello Fresh vegetarian recipes.
By the way, sandwiches are one of the cheapest meals you can make. And they can be whipped up in a healthy way! Take a look at these healthy sandwich ideas for work and beyond, including a list of the best sandwich fillings.
This blog post was updated in August 2020.
I’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to every day meals?
What do you think about animals to eat and not eat, eating the plants that offer health benefits, and the food chain?
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