When it comes to cooking, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and fall into unhealthy habits. Between work, family, and social commitments, finding time to prepare a healthy meal can seem like an impossible task. But what if you could have delicious, nutritious meals on the table with minimal effort? Enter: these 18 healthy clean and delicious recipes for busy days.
From quinoa salads to grilled chicken with avocado salsa, we’ve got you covered with tasty and easy-to-make options that will keep your taste buds and body happy. Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-free enthusiast or just looking for some inspiration to spice up your meal routine, these recipes are sure to please. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering meals that can be prepared in no more than 30 minutes, using ingredients readily available at most supermarkets.
Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful quinoa salad that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the brightness of lemon, the earthiness of herbs, and the crunch of toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and chopped herbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle toasted almonds on top (if using).
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this refreshing twist on classic grilled chicken. The creamy avocado salsa adds a silky, nutritious touch to the smoky flavor of the chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine diced avocado, lime juice, red onion, jalapeño, and garlic in a bowl.
5. Salsa is ready when flavors are well combined and avocado is slightly mashed.
6. Serve grilled chicken with Avocado Salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl
Savor the flavors of roasted vegetables with this wholesome and nutritious Buddha bowl recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (optional)
– Chopped fresh cilantro, scallions, or avocado for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together sweet potato, carrot, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and cumin.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and lightly caramelized.
6. Serve over cooked brown rice or quinoa (if using) and garnish with your choice of herbs, scallions, or avocado.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Transform zucchinis into delicious noodles and pair them with a rich and creamy pesto sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made or store-bought pesto
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your spiralizer or julienne peeler.
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and spiralize them into noodle-like strands.
3. Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Rinse the noodles under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels.
5. In a large skillet, combine the zucchini noodles and pesto sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated.
6. Season with salt to taste. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dill
This recipe brings together the flavors of garlic, dill, and salmon to create a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a flavorful meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and chopped dill.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon, then sprinkle the garlic-dill mixture evenly over each fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos Recipe
Get ready to spice up your taco game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of black beans. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, these tacos are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and roast for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add black beans to the skillet; season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by slicing roasted sweet potatoes and adding to tortillas along with black bean mixture. Top with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Transform cauliflower into a delicious fried rice dish, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cauliflower and cook until it starts to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and nutritious dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it a comforting and nutritious meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
Start your day off right with this simple yet satisfying breakfast recipe that combines the richness of avocado with the creaminess of a poached egg.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 large egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added spice
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and poach the egg for 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
4. Place the poached egg on top of the avocado toast.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Berry and Kale Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a nutrient-packed breakfast bowl that combines the sweetness of berries with the earthy goodness of kale.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
– 2 cups curly kale leaves
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Add the frozen berries, kale, banana, chia seeds, and vanilla extract to a blender.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour in the almond milk and blend until well combined.
4. Season with a pinch of salt.
5. Spoon the smoothie mixture into a bowl.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Use fresh kale leaves if they’re available, but frozen works just as well.
– Customize with your favorite toppings, such as granola, nuts, or seeds.
– Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing and flavorful combination of succulent grilled shrimp and sweet mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– For the mango salsa:
+ 2 ripe mangos, diced
+ 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
+ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
+ 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
+ 1 tablespoon honey
+ Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and oregano. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat.
3. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Stir to combine.
5. Serve the grilled shrimp with mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegan Lentil and Mushroom Stew
A hearty, plant-based stew that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of lentils and mushrooms with aromatic spices and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little water until tender.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Baked Cod with Tomato and Olives
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and easy-to-make baked cod recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, sliced olives, garlic, and olive oil.
5. Spoon the tomato-olive mixture evenly over each cod fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the nutty taste of quinoa and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for roasting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped onion, minced garlic, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Green Goddess Salad with Tahini Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing and healthy recipe that combines the creaminess of tahini dressing with the crunch of fresh greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (kale, spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chia Seed Pudding with Fresh Berries
A healthy and refreshing dessert, this chia seed pudding is packed with omega-3s and fiber, topped with sweet and tangy fresh berries.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Fresh berries of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and almond milk. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. If using honey or maple syrup, drizzle it over the pudding and stir gently.
4. Wash and hull your chosen berries.
5. Spoon the chia seed pudding into a serving dish or individual cups. Top with fresh berries.
6. Drizzle with vanilla extract, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Summary
Get ready for a culinary boost with these 18 healthy and delicious recipes perfect for busy days! From quinoa salads to baked salmon, and from sweet potato tacos to vegan lentil stews, this collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy meals or nutritious bowls to fuel your day, these recipes are sure to satisfy. With a focus on whole foods and creative combinations, you’ll be inspired to get cooking and make healthy eating a breeze.