10+ Cooking Recipes Healthy and Delicious for Every Day Meals

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard or boring. You can still enjoy tasty meals while making smart choices that help you feel good and stay strong.

Healthy cooking recipes focus on using fresh, nutritious ingredients that are easy to prepare and balanced for your body’s needs.

When you cook healthy, you get to pick meals that fit your lifestyle and taste. It’s honestly a relief not to overthink dinner and still eat well.

Cooking can mean you enjoy eating and taking care of yourself at the same time. That’s a win, right?

1) Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs

Grilled salmon is a healthy, tasty meal you can whip up fast. The fresh lemon and herbs bring brightness and flavor without piling on calories.

Marinate salmon with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 15 minutes. This lets the fish soak up the good stuff.

Grill the salmon over medium-high heat. You’ll lock in moisture and get a nice char without drying it out.

Serve with veggies or a fresh salad for a light, balanced meal. For more tips, check out this grilled salmon with lemon and herbs guide.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place salmon in the marinade for 15-30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
4. Grill salmon 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

2) Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This quinoa and black bean salad is a simple, healthy dish you can enjoy anytime. It’s packed with protein from the quinoa and beans, so it’s filling and nutritious.

Add fresh veggies for crunch and flavor. The tangy dressing brightens it up.

You can make this ahead and stash it in the fridge for later. It’s a great lunch or side for dinner.

Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Try bell peppers, cucumber, or a splash of lime juice for extra freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa in 2 cups water: boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Let quinoa cool.
4. Mix quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, cucumber, and cilantro in a bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour dressing over salad and toss well.
7. Chill before serving.

3) Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers

This chicken stir-fry with broccoli and bell peppers comes together fast and tastes great. Fresh veggies and lean chicken, tossed in a simple sauce, make it a solid choice.

You only need one pan, so cleanup’s a breeze. Broccoli stays crisp, and bell peppers add sweet crunch.

Serve it over rice, or just eat it as is for a low-carb meal. Want it spicier? Go for it.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
3. Stir in garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper; cook 4-5 minutes.
4. Mix soy sauce, honey, and ginger, then pour over the stir-fry.
5. Cook another 2 minutes, stirring often. Serve warm.

Find more details in this Broccoli and Bell Pepper Chicken Stir Fry recipe.

4) Spiced Lentil Soup

Spiced lentil soup is simple and healthy. It’s full of flavor without being heavy.

You can make it quickly with basic ingredients like lentils, carrots, onions, and garlic. Toss in spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala for warmth and depth.

Add fresh greens like spinach if you want a nutrition boost. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens things up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 cups spinach (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin and garam masala, cook 1 more minute.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. Stir in spinach and cook 5 minutes more.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve warm.

Try this spiced lentil soup recipe for a tasty, healthy meal.

5) Baked Sweet Potato with Greek Yogurt

Baked sweet potatoes are easy and honestly, kind of comforting. You just bake until soft, then split them open.

Adding Greek yogurt on top gives it a creamy, tangy kick plus some protein. Chopped red onion or a dash of chili powder? Go for it.

This is a flexible recipe. Swap in black beans or pumpkin seeds if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion (optional)
• Chili powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, until tender.
4. Let them cool a little, then cut a small slit on top.
5. Add Greek yogurt and any toppings you like before serving.

6) Tofu Larb with Fresh Herbs

Tofu larb is a healthy, tasty dish you can pull together fast. Crumbled extra-firm tofu soaks up a spicy, citrusy sauce.

Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and green onions keep it bright. You can eat tofu larb as a salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

The mix of sour, salty, and spicy flavors just works. Toasted rice powder gives it a little crunch.

This is a great option when you want a light meal that’s still full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 block extra-firm tofu, crumbled
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1-2 fresh chilies, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp toasted rice powder
• 1/2 cup chopped mint
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add crumbled tofu and cook until lightly browned.
3. Mix lime juice, soy sauce, chilies, and toasted rice powder in a bowl.
4. Toss tofu with sauce and fresh herbs.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

7) Slow-Roasted Salmon with Salsa Verde

Slow-roasting salmon keeps it tender and juicy. You roast it at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), so the fish cooks evenly.

While the salmon’s in the oven, whip up a fresh salsa verde. This green sauce adds a punchy, herbal flavor that goes perfectly with rich salmon.

Drizzle olive oil over the fish before roasting, then season with salt and pepper. Once done, spoon salsa verde on top before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillet
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1 small garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for salsa verde)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place salmon on a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast salmon for 20-25 minutes until just cooked through.
4. In a blender, combine parsley, capers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to make salsa verde.
5. Serve salmon topped with salsa verde.

8) Vegetable and Chickpea Curry

You can throw together a tasty and healthy vegetable and chickpea curry with just a few ingredients. It’s packed with veggies like sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and green beans, plus chickpeas for extra protein.

Coconut milk makes the curry creamy, and warm spices bring out the best flavors. This dish is vegan, gluten-free, and surprisingly filling.

You only need one pot, so cleanup’s easy. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes—perfect for a busy night.

Enjoy with rice or flatbread for a comforting, nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained)
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.

3. Stir in curry powder and cumin. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Add sweet potato, cauliflower, and green beans. Stir well.

5. Pour in coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Cover the pot and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables turn tender.

7. Add chickpeas. Cook for 5 more minutes.

8. Serve hot with rice or bread.

Try this easy and healthy vegetable chickpea coconut curry for your next meal.

9) Crispy Brown Rice with Dill Yogurt Sauce

Cook brown rice until it’s tender, then toss it into a hot pan with a splash of oil. Let it fry until a crispy, golden layer forms.

Pair the crunchy rice with a bright, creamy dill yogurt sauce. Dill and yogurt bring a tangy kick that keeps things light.

You can throw in your favorite veggies or maybe some grilled chicken if you want to bulk it up. The sauce also works as a dip or even a salad dressing—honestly, it’s pretty versatile.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

3. Press the cooked rice into the pan. Cook until the bottom turns golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip if you’re feeling ambitious.

4. In a bowl, mix yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

5. Serve the crispy rice with dill yogurt sauce on top or on the side.

For more ideas on creamy dill sauces, check out this chicken and brown rice bowl with creamy dill yogurt sauce.

10) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Veggies

Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and veggies make a meal that’s both healthy and genuinely satisfying. You get protein and fiber from the quinoa, plus a bunch of vitamins from those colorful peppers.

Use whatever veggies you’ve got—tomatoes, onions, spinach, or even something random from the fridge. Cooking the quinoa in vegetable stock gives it an extra layer of flavor.

Just stuff the peppers, pop them in the oven, and you’re set. This dish works for dinner or meal prep, and you can sprinkle cheese on top if you’re in the mood.

Ingredients

• 6 small bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (tomatoes, onions, spinach, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C).

2. Give the quinoa a good rinse, then toss it in some vegetable stock. Let it cook until it’s nice and fluffy.

3. Slice the tops off your bell peppers. Scoop out the seeds and any bits you don’t want.

4. In a big bowl, combine that cooked quinoa with your chopped veggies. Drizzle in some olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and mix it all up.

5. Grab each pepper and stuff it full of the quinoa mixture.

6. Set the peppers in a baking dish. Pour a little more olive oil over the top—why not?

7. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the peppers feel tender.

8. If you’re into cheese, toss some on during the last five minutes in the oven.

If you want to dig deeper, here’s a quinoa and vegetable stuffed peppers recipe that covers all the details.