This is a primal recipe as it contains halloumi cheese. The halloumi adds nice saltiness to the fritters and slightly chewy texture. These are a great dish on their own served with your favorite dipping sauce or aioli.
They make a nice addition to protein at lunch or eggs at breakfast; they might actually make a good substitute for hash browns!
They are just lightly fried, so they have that crispy outside and chewy inside while still being healthy for you. This is just a fun way to pack in some veggies and use up the bounty of zucchini.
Like this recipe? Our recipe developer Irena Macri has lots of paleo breakfast recipes on her blog.
Cook’s notes: Grated cheddar cheese or a few tablespoons of feta or goat’s cheese can be used instead of halloumi.
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or a little grated fresh garlic)
1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2 eggs
¼ cup buckwheat flour, cassava flour or almond meal
Coconut oil for cooking
Smokey Chipotle Aioli
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons full-fat yoghurt or coconut yoghurt (or extra mayonnaise, if avoiding dairy)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chipotle chilli
1 small clove garlic, grated
3 [sun-dried tomatoes
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Working with a small batch a time, place grated zucchini in your hands and squeeze tight to remove excess liquid from the vegetable flesh. You can discard the juice or save it for a green smoothie. Add the squeezed, grated zucchini to a mixing bowl and add the rest of the ingredients, except for the flour. Mix well together, then add the flour and combine into a consistent batter.
Heat a thin layer (about 1 tablespoon) of coconut oil in a large frying pan. Scoop a good tablespoon or two of the mixture and place it carefully in the pan in a round shape. Press it down slightly to form a flat pancake. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat, until golden brown on each side.
If making the chipotle aioli, place all ingredients in a blender or a food processor and whiz together until smooth. Alternatively, chop the sun-dried tomatoes finally and mix together with the other ingredients.
Pashka, Paskha, Pascha or Pasha is a traditional festive dish made in Eastern Orthodox countries for Easter Sunday. Having grown up in Ukraine, I insisted on making a healthy version of this rich, velvety dessert for the blog in the lead up to the festive season.
Traditional Pashka is made from a type of farmer’s cheese or curd cheese called tvorog. Cottage cheese and ricotta cheese are similar and can be used instead.
It’s combined with rich ingredients like cream, butter and eggs and then sweetened with sugar, dried fruit and nuts. This dish is usually heavy on dairy, but I’ve lightened it up by using ricotta with only a small addition of yoghurt.
Then, I added our favorite coconut oil, coconut cream, and egg yolks of course. I also stayed away from processed sugar and used raw honey to get extra nutritional benefits.
Fresh raspberries and citrus zest add freshness and zing to this dish, which is often associated with the spring season.
It can be left in the fridge in moulds for up to 48 hours, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert. Serve it post-dinner or on Easter Sunday morning with fresh berries, extra nuts and some more yoghurt if you like.
Oh, and the reason it’s shaped like a dome is because it’s supposed to represent a church or the tomb of Christ.
Why it’s good for you: Ricotta and yoghurt are great choices of dairy with all the benefits of calcium, protein and probiotics. Ricotta is made from milk whey and, as a result, contains very little casein and lactose, making it a safer choice for those normally sensitive to dairy because of those components.
However, if you are avoiding all cow’s dairy, then you might want to try this vegan version from Scandi Foodie made with soaked cashew nuts. I much prefer the ricotta version.
In addition to that, raw honey and coconut oil are some of our favorite super foods, while fresh raspberries and almonds add a dose of antioxidants into this humble Easter dessert.
Cook’s notes
The traditional version is much sweeter than ours, but we prefer it this way because you can always add a little extra honey when serving!
You can use one larger mould or something like a terracotta pot with a hole on the bottom. If you can’t find anything with a hole on the bottom, you can use a regular cake mould and just leave a little space between the muslin cloth and the bottom for the liquid to sip through.
Farmer’s cheese or fresh cottage cheese can also be used; just squeeze out any extra liquid. If you’re using a drier, more crumbly farmer’s cheese, push it through the sieve first to ensure smooth texture.
Other dried fruit can be used instead of apricot. Traditionally, soaked sultanas are used.
Nuts can be omitted and replaced with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
It’s a good idea to place coconut cream in the fridge for an hour so that the watery liquid separates from the cream.
This recipe makes about 10 servings or two moulds, but you can easily halve the ingredients for a smaller batch.
½ cup coconut cream (just the thick part, no watery liquid)
4 tsp room temperature coconut oil
1 tbsp vanilla essence/extract
2 egg yolks
500g full-fat ricotta
4 tbsp raw honey
Zest of 1 medium lemon
Zest of 1 medium orange
2 tbsp natural, full fat yoghurt
10 dried apricots, finely diced
1 cup fresh raspberries
2 medium foil pudding moulds
Fresh raspberries and natural yoghurt to serve
Instructions
In a medium frying pan, cook almond flakes over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until light browned/toasted. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat coconut cream, coconut oil and vanilla until just starting to simmer, whisking along a few times. Don't let it come to boil. Take off the heat and whisk a little more to cool just slightly. Add the egg yolks and whisk until well dissolved. Place back on very low heat and keep whisking for 2 minutes. The eggs yolks will cook gently and the mixture will thicken slightly into a custard like consistency. Take off the heat and pour into a large mixing bowl.
Add ricotta and honey to the egg mixture and whisk together until well incorporated. Then add lemon and orange zest and yoghurt and whisk until well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
Fold in most of the almonds (reserve a tablespoon for garnish) and apricots until well integrated and then gently fold in most of the raspberries. Reserve a few whole raspberries for decoration at the end. If using foil pudding moulds like me, poke a few holes with a knife.
Fold a large muslin cloth in two layers and cut into two squares large enough to fill the moulds and have some left over to fold over the top. About 50x50cm. Wet and squeeze out the water. Place over the moulds and push down. Divide the mixture between two moulds or transfer to one cake mould and press down with a spoon. Flatten the top and fold the muslin cloth edges over, again pressing down gently.
Place the moulds on a plate and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, overnight if possible. The mixture will set and some of the liquid will sip out through the bottom. To serve, remove pashka from the moulds and peel away the muslin cloth. The easiest way to do this is to tip the mould upside down on to a plate and then pull it off and peel the muslin off. Garnish with extra almond flakes and raspberries on top. Serve with extra plain yoghurt and extra honey if you like.
Ah, spring is in the air! Easter means a new season has arrived along with the notorious bunny toting candy and colorful eggs. We can all look forward to time spent with family and of course, food.
Unfortunately, there’s also plenty of temptation; Cadbury creme eggs, anyone?! The ingredients on the packages of most Easter favorites are rather unfortunate, though.
Kids and adults alike deserve some healthy sweets during any holiday, though, so we’ve got a roundup of classic Easter dessert recipes from chocolate eggs to carrot cake!
Cuckoo for carrot cake!
Peter Cottontail can be spotted with a carrot in hand, nibbling away. Me? Well, I can be spotted wherever the carrot cake is being made.
These cakes are gluten-free while many are also grain- and sugar-free for healthier indulgence.
1. Paleo carrot cake from Fresh Planet Flavor
This cake is packing heat with carrots, apples and orange in the mix! It’s like a fruitcake with a twist. Raisins, dates and walnuts bring the texture to the next level while adding natural sweetness.
Seriously – the ingredients list on this one is beyond impressive, and it deserves a spot in your belly after the ham. Get the recipe from Fresh Planet Flavor.
This gluten-free cake is a perfect way to keep the whole family nourished this holiday.
3. Grain-free carrot cake from A Calculated Whisk
If you want dessert and a center-piece all in one, you’ll take cues from this lovely grain-free carrot cake! It will be a huge hit amongst the kids, too, especially with some rainbow carrots to celebrate spring’s bloom.
The base is a nutty mixture of almond and hazelnut meal giving it a unique spin. Get the recipe from A Calculated Whisk.
If you want an excuse to eat cake for breakfast, I think turning it into bread is good enough.
5. Curry carrot cake from The Primal Desire
Who puts curry in their dessert?! Well, it’s not as absurd as you might think. Garam masala has warm and spicy tones that complement this maple-glazed slice perfectly well.
Double up on the veggies in this fun and innovative recipe!
7. Raw carrot cake batter bites from The Natural Nurturer
This “cake” doesn’t even need to be baked. Plus, we all know the batter and licking the spoon are the best parts of baking! Skip the less fun step and opt for these Easter-friendly truffles instead.
Double the veggies, double the fun. Also, double the health! These nutritious muffins are perfect to get in the Easter spirit for a nice addition to any meal during the day without feeling too rich!
Chocolate eggs, bunnies and more
Easter is notorious for egg-shaped chocolates. Filled with peanut butter, caramel, marshmallow and other surprises, the pastel wrappers are appealing in and of themselves.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the oversized milk chocolate bunnies! Let’s keep it lower in sugar this year with some healthy, Easter basket-worthy alternatives.
9. No-bake Easter nests from Whole New Mom
These guys are the perfect healthy treat, and they don’t require baking, candy moulds or any fuss at all! These cute little nests are AIP, low-carb and vegan so all the guests can dig into them.
You’ll also want to get your hands on the next recipe for the fudge eggs in the centre! Get the recipe from Whole New Mom.
10. Naturally colored dairy-free fudge fromWhole New Mom
These make the perfect healthy pastel eggs for those ooey, gooey, chewy chocolate nests!
11. Paleo creme eggs from Happy Body Formula
This recipe is a labour of love, but it’s totally worth it if you love those Cadbury cremes as much as I do! This will be a joy to pack up with the kids for a holiday party at school or treat them to on Easter morning.
Cookie dough should be a food group. This is a fact. Cover it in chocolate? Too much of a good thing just doesn’t apply on Easter.
13. Samoa fudge bombs from Beauty and the Foodie
Easter also signifies the onslaught of Girl Scout cookies. They are a guilty pleasure, and you know those boxes never last quite as long as you’d like them to!
Instead of setting yourself up for overindulgence, DIY your Samoas the healthy way. They’re even fudgier! Plus, they’re loaded with healthy fats. Get the recipe from Beauty and the Foodie.
These eggs are vegan and paleo-friendly, refined sugar-free and only require FOUR ingredients! Keep it simple.
15. Paleo carrot cake truffles from Living Healthy With Chocolate
I didn’t know if this belonged in the carrot cake category but considering they’re contained in a luscious chocolate shell, they ended up further on down the list.
For the best of both worlds, you should make these paleo-friendly bites! Get the recipe from Living Healthy With Chocolate.
Missing Reese’s eggs? I know I am! Don’t sell yourself short and go the season without one. Make these instead. With another 4-ingredient recipe, you can definitely manage to make these healthy bites.
You could even substitute peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter or coconut manna. Get the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Fruit frenzy!
Spring and summer bring a bounty of produce including ripe, juicy, antioxidant-rich berries and zesty citrus. Why not embrace the change by making cakes, panna cotta, tarts and more?
17. Healthy no-bake berry cheesecake tart from Recipes to Nourish
Look at this tart just brimming with berries! The base feels like cheesecake, so you can be certain it will please a crowd. This recipe does have dairy but comes with a dairy-free option.
Plus, the no-bake ease can help take away from the holiday cooking stress. Get the details from Recipes to Nourish.
Individual pies are a fun way to celebrate, and you’ll love the naturally vibrant Easter-themed colours in these!
19. Paleo lemon bars from What Great Grandma Ate
When life gives you lemons, make lemon bars. These treats are fresh and light, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea after a heavy holiday dinner. Get the recipe from What Great Grandma Ate.
Smooth and velvety, this is the kind of stuff dreams are MADE of. Pair it with grain-free scones, layer it in your carrot cake for a little extra zest or top off Easter breakfast yoghurt with a generous dollop.
23. Grain-free lemon cake with whipped cream frosting from A Calculated Whisk
Sometimes, you just want to do it up big for the people you love. This cake is a true expression of affection, especially with that thick layer of whipped cream! Its sweet and sour citrus notes make for a perfectly decadent slice of Easter day heaven.
24. Dairy-free coconut panna cotta from Whole New Mom
These citrus cups are a fun way to dig into dessert, quite literally. It’s elegant while using simple and inexpensive ingredients so you can wow your guests without putting in loads of effort.
It’s a win during the holidays – right?
25. Banana bunny breakfast muffins from The Castaway Kitchen
If leaving treats out for the Easter bunny was a tradition, these would be his first choice. Santa likes cookies, and the bunny likes carrot muffins. It just makes sense. Maybe you like muffins too.
If so, this is the perfect sweet breaky bite. It just makes sense Get this delectable recipe from The Castaway Kitchen.
Coconut confections
Here come Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail! Coconut is an Easter delight because it has the ability to turn your dessert treats into a little bunny tail. It’s cute and it’s tasty if you’re a fan.
It pairs well with fruit, honey, chocolate, caramel and everything else under the sun so… here are some coco-nutty ideas for you!
26. Coconut honey joys from Eat Drink Paleo
This mix of corn flakes, sugar and butter just got a healthy twist. These are SO simple to make with coconut chips instead, and they offer up tasty cups of crunchy, honey-infused goodness.
This is a really easy treat to whip up for a holiday event. Get the recipe from Eat Drink Paleo.
27. Coconut no-bake “bunny tail” cookies from Whole New Mom
These grain-free treats bring together the magical concoction of coconut cream, crunchy dessicated coconut on the outside and a sweet chocolate drizzle.
28. Raspberry coconut macaroons from Meaningful Eats
Who doesn’t love macaroons? With each bite, you get a dose of tasty coconut and fresh raspberry, plus the chocolate dip on the bottom is perfectly decadent for an awesome trio of healthy indulgence!
This recipe uses a blend of coconut flour and almond flour to make the dough. Hot cross buns are basically an Easter thing, so if you’re going to take a stab at a healthy recipe for them, this is the time to do it!
30. Homemade marshmallow peeps from The Things We’ll Make
You love ’em or you hate ’em, but these naturally coloured, naturally sweetened, coconut dipped peeps are a classic Easter basket surprise. If anything, they’ll get you in the spirit! Get the recipe from The Things We’ll Make.
What is your favourite Easter treat? Let us know in the comments below!
Sheet pan dinners are ALL THE RAGE right now, especially when it comes to cooking healthy meals in jiffy. Standing before a pre-heated oven with a plethora of ingredients and an empty oven tray, you ask,
“Will this work?” Hopefully, you’ve been granted with pleasantly surprising, filling and colorful meals over and over with this method.
It’s not always foolproof, but it certainly makes creating gorgeous dishes more accessible even to the amateur chef!
Today, we’ve rounded up 20brilliant, healthy, and paleo and real food friendly one-dish sheet pan meals. Break out your oldest sheet pan, your Pyrex or the cast-iron and turn up the heat, because you’ve got easy recipes that are dressed to impress for days.
Oh, and no sinks full of dishes after dinner. Woo!
Here’s what you need to get started:
A good sheet pan! That’s literally IT. The bigger, the better (and the more meal prep potential). Check out Nordic Ware’s aluminum baking sheets which will last you forever and never rust..
Oh, and one of my favorite personal cooking hacks is to use a silicone mat. Even easier clean-up, and your food will NEVER stick. Promise!
1. Sheet pan roasted asparagus & chicken with chorizo from Eat Drink Paleo
You get some tender, springtime flavor from fresh asparagus in here, a gorgeous boost of protein from the seasoned and tender chicken, big spice from rich chorizo and a bit of sweetness from the red pepper.
This one is humbly inspiring (and you’re gonna want seconds). Get the recipe from Eat Drink Paleo.
2. Paleo fish ‘n chips from Raising Generation Nourished
Who doesn’t love a classic fish and chips lunch? The recipe isn’t notoriously healthy, but this paleo-friendly version is! The fried fare gets a nice baking instead with a grain-free crumb that tastes like the real deal.
Spiralizer meets sheet pan in this gorgeous Asian-inspired dish with half-baked and half-roasted meatballs. They’re loaded with parsley, ginger and scallions so they won’t fall short on taste!
You could pair them with anything, but the “noodles” will cook up well in the same pan – this time, we’re talking cast iron. Get the recipe from I Heart Umami.
4. Balsamic chicken with bacon & apples from Wholesomelicious
If you like a little sweet with your savory, the obvious course of action is to pair up fresh rosemary with balsamic vinegar and fresh apples.
This autumnal meal is bound to be a comfort food classic… and the house will probably smell pretty darn good while you’re cooking things up which is a nice bonus. Get the recipe from Wholesomelicious.
5. Egg & crispy potato breakfast sheet pan from Layers of Happiness
Layers of happiness are right in this sheet pan meal that hashes it out. If you’re not quite peppy first thing in the morning, you could prep everything the night before and just toss this in the oven upon rising.
It also makes a nice brunch spread for the weekend, and you could add fun stuff to the mix, too. We’re thinking BACON (of course). Get the recipe from Layers of Happiness.
6. One-pan roasted veggies & sausage from Paleo in PDX
Take your favorite sausage and take your favorite veggies. Get a sheet pan. Drizzle with oil. Shake some spices. Add fire. Watch it transform.
This recipe uses pre-cooked sausage, so simply pick up your favorite brand or flavor (chicken-apple anyone?) and pair with whatever you’ve got handy in the fridge. This is the ultimate lazy dinner template! Get the recipe from Paleo in PDX.
7. Roasted meatballs & brussels sprouts with butternut squash noodles from Raising Generation Nourished
Who doesn’t love a bowl of veggies sandwiched with some herb-roasted meat in the middle? This color and flavor combo is enough to make us drool.
Butternut squash noodles are a great base for this, and easy to make while taking on the perfect texture in the oven, tossed in some healthy fats, salt and pepper. The meatballs steal the show. Get the recipe from Raising Generation Nourished.
8. Paleo sweet potato sheet pan hash from Real Food Whole Life
Sweet potato hash is love. Sweet potato hash is life. This sheet pan brekky is infused with crunchy pecans and chewy, sweet dried cranberries for that Thanksgiving feel all year-round without even a smidge of the work.
Pair up with some bacon for smoke, sausage for heartiness, or put an egg on it. This mix is perfect for savory breakfast bowls. Get the recipe from Real Food Whole Life.
9. Hassleback sausages, bacon & turmeric brussels sprouts from The Castaway Kitchen
Hasselback potatoes are cool and all, but what about hasselback sausages? This is the perfect simple protein for the sheet pan, and you can rest assured because it’s paired with our favorite combo of all time – bacon and brussels! Yum.
Plus, turmeric adds a splash of color and loads of healthiness. Get the recipe from The Castaway Kitchen.
10. Pork chops with sweet potatoes and apples from The Lean Green Bean
Roasted apples are clearly a winner in the sheet pan dinner community. They are exceptionally tasty with sweet potato, too!
This 3-ingredient meal is the perfect way to cook up something tasty and budget-friendly without having to put much brain power into it. Keep it for those nights when you just can’t. Get the recipe from The Lean Green Bean.
11. Sheet pan beef fajitas from Fresh Planet Flavor
Fajitas are undeniably SO FREAKIN’ GOOD. They’re even better when it’s a one pan affair. Budget-friendly flank steak comes to life when it’s cooked like this with all the garnishes.
You could serve it over salad, grain-free tortillas or atop rice in your own fajita bowl. This recipe is one you’ll want to revisit over and over. Get the details from Fresh Planet Flavor.
12. One pan roasted chicken with citrus beets from Recipes to Nourish
Citrus and beets are an underrated combination, but not in this dish. They’re the spotlight, turning everything a bright pink hue!
Root veggies and chicken are always cosy, nourishing and filling so you know this dish will hit all the notes while still feeling zesty and light. Get the recipe from Recipes to Nourish.
13. Honey garlic chicken & veggie sheet pan dinner from Get Inspired Everyday
What if we told you that you could make takeaway-worthy “stir-fry” on a sheet pan? It’s a one dish recipe miracle with this honey and garlic-infused mash-up of chicken, broccoli, peppers, onion and carrots?
14. Easy sheet pan chicken with roasted vegetables from The Savory Lotus
There’s nothing quite like chicken on the bone, so tender from baking that it just falls off! Plus, you’ve got some colorful roots here and a burst of starch from buttery delicata squash and sweet potato.
The color and taste in this dish are bound to leave you crushing on it and pining after just a little more. Get the recipe from The Savory Lotus.
15. One pan salmon & veggie bake from The Real Food Dieticians
We couldn’t leave out a solid recipe for baked salmon on our list! This lemony fish over sweet potatoes and green beans is an easy way to have a special, fancy-feeling dinner on the table in a zap.
Plus, salmon cooks up notoriously fast, making this easy dish… even easier. How even? Get the recipe from The Real Food Dieticians.
16. Shrimp fajita sheet pan dinner from Fed & Fit
If beef fajitas aren’t your thing, or perhaps you’re just in the mood for seafood instead, check out THIS fajitas recipe. Pop out the sheet pan and fill it up with a rainbow of veggies.
Pre-cooked frozen shrimp will make this one even speedier. Garnish with fresh lime for the best results. Oh, and once again, these would make a fine burrito bowl! Get the recipe from Fed & Fit.
17. Baked parmesan pork chops, potatoes & asparagus from The Wholesome Dish
If you’re a meat and potatoes kinda guy or gal, this one-dish miracle is going to be your JAM. Promise. Swap out potatoes for sweets or asparagus for green beans.
Whichever way you like your chops, this stunner is a winner, winner pork dinner. Get the recipe from The Wholesome Dish.
18. Blackened tilapia with zucchini from Naive Cook Cooks
Wild-caught tilapia can be easier to find than most other fish, plus it tends to be on the cheaper side! Blackened fish is so tasty, and this recipe includes the perfect seasoning for getting that color and deep flavor!
Roasted zucchini is buttery and delicious on its own, making the perfect pairing for this summer BBQ staple. Get the recipe from Naive Cook Cooks.
19. Bacon-wrapped pork loin from 2 Cookin Mamas
Did someone say bacon? We’re already curious! Pork loin is good on its own, but you know what they say… double the pork, double the fun. So, why not wrap it in bacon?
Serve up with some greenery and tender wedged potatoes. This is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and it will serve plenty of people! Get the recipe from 2 Cookin’ Mamas.
20. Sheet pan sweet potato nachos from Tessemae’s
You get the ranch and the buffalo sauce, and you mix it all UP. Yeah, these nachos are some real deal stuff. You can top them with whatever you like.
Consider adding shredded chicken or ground beef to the mix. Top with cheese if you’re really feeling crazy. Get the recipe from Tessemae’s.
Sheet pan dinners – are they worth the hype? Let us know which recipe you’re most excited to try! Love this round up? Share it with friends and family. Pin it from here!
The worst excuse we know for not eating healthy? Not having time. The thing is, you do.
We’ve shared our favorite 30-minute recipes, but today, we’re cutting the clock even further with our favorite healthy 15-minute meals.
Everyone has time to whip up one of these dishes when life is feeling a bit too busy to even think of opening the fridge. Simple, quick and nutritious is the name of the game here.
And let’s face it… 15 minutes is quicker than takeout or starting up the car to hit the drive-thru!
1. Chinese tomato & silky egg stir-fry from I Heart Umami
Silky eggs come together with pre-cooked prawns and tomatoes in this insanely fast dish. Seriously – you’re going to wonder why you haven’t been making this one for years!
It is loaded with protein, Chinese-inspired flavor and beautiful texture which you might be able to deduce from the name of the recipe. Get the details from I Heart Umami.
2. Veggie loaded avocado & tuna salad from The Natural Nurturer
Salads are a no-brainer when it comes to putting something together that’s quick. The challenge comes in making sure you get proper nutrition! When it comes to no-prep protein, tinned seafood from a sustainable source is the best you can get.
When it comes to healthy fats, slicing open an avocado might take a minute. The veggies are up to you! Get the recipe from The Natural Nurturer.
3. Peach & pan-fried scallops from Paleo Magazine
Pan-frying scallops is one of the simplest ways to fancy up dinner a bit in a flash. This salad is super fresh with juicy peaches and a bed of slightly spicy arugula.
If you have other pre-prepped veggies or fruits on hand, you could toss some on here. A simple dressing of olive oil will do this dish justice! Get the recipe from Paleo Magazine.
4. Start Loving Sardines Salad from What Great Grandma Ate
Growing a deep love for these marvels from under the sea can be a tough feat, but it’s all about pairing them with the right foods. When you do love them, they are an amazing pantry staple for quick lunches at home or for packing ahead of time.
This salad brings in zesty lemon, crunchy, salty tostones – fried plantains – and creamy avocado for the win! Get the recipe from What Great Grandma Ate.
5. Zoodles with chorizo, chicken & a fried egg from Comfort Bites
This is a “toss all the good things you can find” together meal. It’s as simple as a salad with a similar format for those of you who just want a quick hot meal!
A clean chorizo (sugar-free and uncured) with some quick chopped chicken over zucchini noodles is good enough. Put an egg on it, and you’ve got a seriously hearty meal! Get the 5-minute recipe from Comfort Bites.
6. Wild mushroom and tarragon paleo risotto from Greens of the Stone Age
Step things up a notch if you’re trying to get an impressive and comforting dinner on the table in a pinch. This risotto is grain-free with a quick base of cauliflower that doesn’t need quite the tending that rice does, with all the earthy, umami flavor from fresh mushrooms plus plenty of garlic, tarragon and olive oil. Yum!
7. Honey & sesame seared salmon from Delicious Obsessions
Toss this on a simple stir-fry, heat up some frozen veggies for a bed, or place it atop a fresh green salad. The options are endless, but the point is that making a filet of fish delectable and delicious doesn’t take more than 15 minutes.
And that? Well, it’s something we love. Get the recipe from Delicious Obsessions.
8. 15-minute paleo shrimp stir-fry from Eat Drink Paleo
Stir-fry is perhaps the fastest way to add flavour to a dish. The sauce is a mix of pantry staples like coconut milk, lime, fish sauce, garlic and ginger leaving you with a taste bud explosion!
Once again, seafood steps in for some speedy protein and you’ve got yourself a complete meal. Plus, this one is easy to double up and batch cook for tasty leftovers. Get the recipe from Eat Drink Paleo.
9. Avocado ahi tuna poke bowls from What Great Grandma Ate
You could head out to the nearest Japanese restaurant to pick up an awesome bowl of poke, but you’ll pay the price. Keep it quick and budget-friendly by doing it at home!
These bowls are a lunchtime marvel – perfect for dinner too – with some already-prepared white rice of cauliflower rice, raw veggies and a delicious quick marinade for the ahi. Get the recipe from What Great Grandma Ate.
10. Simple egg drop soup from Nom Nom Paleo
It’s as simple as you make it with this one. A pot of simmering bone broth and a few eggs are all you need. Stir a few times, add some flavor with fish sauce, salt, sesame oil or whatever tickles your fancy, and garnish with some bonus items if you’re feeling up to it.
This might take you five minutes, and it’s the ultimate nutrient-dense combo! Get the recipe from Nom Nom Paleo.
11 . Roasted chicken & veggies from Gimme Delicious
Check out all the color in this quick dinner! Pre-heat the oven, chop and toss on a sheet pan for both swift cooking and clean-up, which is a huge bonus if you ask us!
Evenly chopping all your favorite veggies and some chicken is the key to making sure everything is perfectly cooked in 15 and on your plate (then in your belly!). Get the recipe from Gimme Delicious.
12. Spiralised apple salad from Jessica Gavin
Beautifully sweet, this base of apple is an interesting way to do a salad! It’s the perfect quick vegetarian dish to whip up with a tangy citrus dressing, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans and creamy cheddar cheese.
If you want to add some protein, chicken would pair beautifully with this toss-up of ingredients! Get the recipe from Jessica Gavin.
13. One-pan broccoli cashew chicken from Recipes to Nourish
Here’s a testament to our idea that ordering out takes longer than cooking takeaway food at home does. This one-pot Chinese-inspired dish is budget-friendly and easy to make.
It won’t disappoint! Get the scoop on how to make it from Recipes to Nourish.
14. Cauliflower & chicken fried “rice” from Joyful Healthy Eats
Cauliflower rice is easy to make in the first place, but it’s an especially useful frozen food to have handy for those nights that call for a 15-minute meal.
Try this healthy “fried” rice with none of the refined oils, soy or hidden sugar! It’s a fantastic way to get in your veggies. Get the recipe from Joyful Healthy Eats.
15. Korean beef & quinoa bowl from Smile Sandwich
You can use any mince that you have handy for this one, because it’s all about the Korean flavor! Plant protein-heavy quinoa comes together really quickly for this one, too, or you can make some ahead of time and pop it in the freezer for easy defrosting.
Now quick – you have 15 minutes! What will YOU make tonight? Let us know what meals you are most excited to try, or what your go-to healthy yet speedy recipe is.
Oh, gelatine. Our love affair isn’t dying down anytime soon. It’s a superfood and a miracle beauty product with quite a few simple DIY uses for both skin and hair. It’s not just associated with Jell-O anymore.
In the real food community, it’s a popular ingredient with excellent versatility as a binder and thickener, or its ability to transform the texture of a food just right. It adds a bit of healthy animal protein to the mix, too.
It helps keep skin, nail and hair strong because of collagen.
Collagen helps produce stomach acid thus aiding in healthy digestion.
It’s fantastic for keeping bones strong.
Overall, gelatine is a GO in our books. You can read more about the health benefits here. Now, let’s talk about some awesome recipes you can use it in. Spoiler alert: there will be dessert.
1. Gut-healing key lime gummies from Happy Body Formula
Did we mention the awesome link between gelatine consumption and gut health? It’s a good excuse to make charming gummies full of nourishing ingredients and fresh citrus to pop when you need a boost.
Think of it like an all natural gummy multivitamin… for your health! Oh, and without the sugar. Get the recipe on the blog.
2. Strawberry panna cotta with balsamic vinegar from A Calculated Whisk
Perhaps the most underrated combo of foods ever is berries and balsamic. It’s brilliantly sweet with some bitter notes to balance it all out, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is in a decadent springtime panna cotta.
3. Mashed cauliflower breakfast bowls from Grass Fed Salsa
The secret to a good mash is clearly the texture, and gelatine brings that perfect bite to the mix with this creamy cauliflower mash.
It’s a lower carb alternative to mashed potatoes with a protein boost, so it’s a fabulous way to kick off the day. Check out more of our favorite savory breaky bowls, and snag this recipe from Grass Fed Salsa.
4. Blueberry cream pie from Get Inspired Everyday
A beautiful, warming cinnamon-infused crust makes the base for the cream filling and blueberries on top with a bit of lemon zest. The gelatine helps it set for a cheesecake-like texture.
5. Antioxidant-rich berry gummies from Raising Generation Nourished
Antioxidants and gelatine together bring some nutrition to the table you’ll want to call home about. The deep colour in these is indicative of all the vibrant health in every bite, and they’re a wonderful way to get the kids excited about real food!
This pie is grain-free and dairy-free with all that wonderful whimsy of the beautiful marriage between raspberries and chocolate… oh, and cream.
The centre is creamy and gelatine does a beautiful job at holding it together. Plus, altogether, this pie boasts minimal ingredients that you might already have handy. Get the recipe from Fresh Planet Flavor.
7. Key lime pie parfaits from Grass Fed Salsa
How gorgeous do these treats look?! You know you want to dig in. This healthy parfait is layered with a coconut and tigernut crumble making this recipe nut-free, and a stunning green layer with avocado in the mix. There are so many awesome ingredients here!
8. Lemon custard berry parfait from Delicious Obsessions
When gelatine makes healthy custard a possibility, you know you need to stock up the pantry! These lemony parfaits with fresh summer berries are a fresh and light dessert.
9. Treasure chest cookie bars from Beauty and the Foodie
Can you believe these snack bars are paleo and low-carb?! It truly is a treasure chest of a recipe, and gelatine helps give them that classic chewy texture. Cranberries and chocolate chips pair up for deliciousness in every bite.
10. Low-carb chocolate & raspberry cheesecake from All Day I Dream About Food
Here we have a chewy almond and cocoa crust, a nice layer of strawberry filling and to top it all off, dark chocolate whipped cream. This recipe is perfectly built for two. Built in portion control!
11. Plantain waffles with berry compote from Pure and Simple Nourishment
If you don’t like waffles, we’re not friends. Just kidding, but they’re the quintessential ‘dessert for breakfast’ recipe, and topping them off with a berry compote is simply the way to go. Bust out the waffle iron for these grain-free stacks, made possible by magical gelatine.
12. Lemon cream strawberry tart from Get Inspired Everyday
Berries and lemon are a clear winner for a sweet treat that feels ultra refreshing and even healthy. This beautiful pie is a great dessert to tote to a party or potluck to impress your guests without giving them a sugar buzz.
13. Blueberry buttermilk ice cream from A Calculated Whisk
Buttermilk, grass-fed cream, raw honey and gelatine come together in this summertime recipe for one luscious scoop of wholesome, real food ice cream you won’t be able to get enough of.
15. Paleo chocolate strawberry parfaits from Beauty and the Foodie
Layer up with this decadent cup of goodies! It’s like rich, homemade chocolate pudding layered with whipped cream, as coconut stands in for dairy in this paleo dessert.
It’s packed with real protein from both eggs and gelatine. Get the recipe from Beauty and the Foodie.
16. Mango strawberry yoghurt from Plaid & Paleo
Yoghurt shooters are already a healthy choice, but these layered cups with gelatine, strawberry and mango for a sunrise hue that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
17. Paleo cranberry grapefruit cookies from Grass Fed Salsa
These cookies are autoimmune protocol-friendly, making them pretty much entirely free of allergens or unhealthy sweeteners. Win! With gelatine in the mix, you can feel good about biting into one of these treats.
That also means they are nut-free, so you can send these off to school with the little ones. Get the recipe from Grass Fed Salsa.
18. Healthy Harry Potter butter beer from Today in Dietzville
You might be wondering how in the world this stuff is relatively healthy for you, but it’s true! Harry Potter health foodies – rejoice! You won’t find this in the wonderful world of wizardry, but this non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for a movie marathon at home featuring gelatine and simple real food ingredients.
It’s dairy and refined sugar-free, too! Get the recipe from from Today in Dietzville.
19. Apple chaider & gingerbread marshmallows from Real Food with Dana
These paleo bites would be perfect to top off a piping hot cuppa apple cider, herbal tea or hot chocolate with during the cooler months. They’re also great just snack on when you want something both sweet and warmingly spicy.
I think the picture does this recipe justice on its own, but if you need more details, we’ve got a magnificent mixture of creamy coffee in the centre with a grain-free crust. Gelatine comes in to make the ricotta filling a bit creamier.
This dessert is pretty low-carb and low-sugar, too! Get the recipe from A Calculated Whisk.
21. Homemade s’mores bars from Recipes to Nourish
How LEGIT do these s’mores look?! The graham cracker base and the marshmallows feature magnificent and magical gelatine for some authentic ’round-the-campfire tasty eats, and these simple bites are actually good for you!
No grains or refined sugar to be found with plenty of healthy fats. Get the recipe from Recipes to Nourish.
22. Raw avocado lime tart from Wilderness Family Naturals
Put the lime in the avocado and mix it all up! This raw tart is packed with healthy fats, protein and gorgeous citrus notes you just can’t beat.
Would you rather eat than juice? Us, too! These gummies give you all those antioxidant-rich properties, colourful vitamins and minerals from your standard green juice toss-up in edible form with even more health benefits from the gelatine.
24. Raspberry chocolate freezer fudge from Recipes to Nourish
Freezer fudge is a wonder of the world, and it’s highly addictive with a decadent base and a crunchy topping. This is one of the easiest desserts to make – just try not to eat it all at once!
25. Coconut blueberry paleo oatmeal from Pure & Simple Nourishment
Turns out that gelatine makes grain-free oatmeal a real possibility. If you’re missing your bowl of porridge in the morning, this blueberry variation is paleo and AIP-friendly.
I don’t know about you, but I sort of like eating dessert for breakfast. There’s just something about it.
Maybe it’s that shift back into pre-paleo habits; biting into something sweet reminds me of jam on toast, luscious coffee shop muffins or something far less wholesome or rewarding – big bowls of sugary cereal.
No, they weren’t healthy, but they were sweet. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like I do, then there’s no better way to wake up – right?
The issue is obviously the hunger pangs that set in just an hour or two after breakfast, and it took me long enough to figure out why I was always hungry, but that’s another issue.
The missing component? Protein, of course! See, bacon and eggs hit all the notes with some serious fuel to keep you going, while simple sugars run right through you after the initial energy boost.
We think you can probably have your dessert for breakfast and eat it too, though, so we’re rounding up some protein-heavy morning meals that feel quite decadent, but won’t have you longing for lunch at 10 a.m.
1. 5-minute spiced quinoa coconut porridge from Happy Body Formula
Five minutes for a protein-packed breakfast? You bet. This quinoa porridge is perfect for busy mornings when you need a hot meal on the run as you can prep the seed ahead of time for easy use.
Add protein powder, hemp seeds or some yoghurt to bring in even more protein to this fabulous gluten-free oatmeal alternative. Get the recipe on our blog.
2. Peanut butter breakfast sundae from E.A. Stewart
If someone told me I could eat a sundae for breakfast and it would be totally acceptable – like, acceptable enough to Instagram it and hashtag it #cleaneating – I would have to say, “NO WAY.” It’s true though.
This jar meal looks decadent, but it’s literally made with frozen lentils for an awesome plant-based protein boost without any powder. Say what?!
If you don’t do peanuts, swap ’em and the butter for almond butter or cashew butter instead. Get the recipe from E.A. Stewart.
3. Chocolate hazelnut breakfast cookies from Cotter Crunch
Dunk ’em, pack ’em on your way out the door or savor them over a slow morning sip sesh with a hot cuppa. Protein cookies are the jam because we all need a reason to feel good about eating cookies.
Side note: why aren’t cookies a food group in and of themselves yet? Anyways, these guys fit the bill with a healthy boost of satiating protein from plant-based Vega One protein powder and that classic hazelnut and chocolate combo.
Nutella, anybody? Plus, they are vegan! Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch.
4. Sweet cinnamon and banana omelette from Liezl Jane
Omelettes are a blank canvas, but seldom do we think of them taking on sweet flavors. Eggs offer up a mild flavor and good texture for a grain-free “crepe,” so why not dress it up in bananas, cinnamon, chopped nuts, some creamy nut butter and desiccated coconut?
It try it out or top it off with this simple way to keep breaky sweet. Get the recipe Liezl Jane.
5. Chocolate coffee chia breakfast bowl from Paleomg
Chocolate was made for coffee, or maybe it was the other way around. In any case, we get to wake up with a little jolt in our mug more than we get to wake up with chocolate, so this bowl is kinda, sorta perfect.
Plus, it’s got a gorgeous texture from chia seeds in the bottom which help boost the protein content. OH, and the best part? Toppings. Galore. Go crazy with it.
6. Salted caramel mocha protein donuts from Purely Twins
Ah, the donut. It’s a breakfast staple for some reason, despite traditionally being entirely void of nutrition. Yep. Cake-y, doughy, and covered in a layer of sugar, it’s basically a triple dose of the sweet stuff.
It tastes good, but it doesn’t feel good. These treats are a little different though. A plantain base means they’re packed with healthy starch, and you can add a scoop of protein to make them substantial!
7. Caramel & chocolate chip protein banana bread from Sprinkle of Green
Banana bread is nice and all, but it’s pretty extraordinary with the exquisitely mouth-watering additions of both caramel and melty chocolate chips. Food crush, much?
Skip the bakery and the poundcake for a protein-rich slice of THIS. It’s just as dense and moist like your classic dessert-for-breakfast loaf, but it features egg whites, yoghurt, coconut flour, almond flour and flaxseeds which all provide some substantial protein powder while keeping it grain-free and paleo-friendly, depending on what type of yoghurt you use.
8. Banana paleo protein pancakes from Peachy Palate
Stacks on stacks on stacks. If it’s not your money, it should be your flapjacks. This pile of pancakes is grain, dairy, soy and sugar-free and it still tastes really good. Plus, you can just tell the texture is on point.
The base is made up of your protein powder of choice, eggs, coconut flour and psyllium husk which makes them super filling considering all that fibre and protein!
It’s the ultimate combination for staying full all morning – perfect for busy weekend mornings with enough energy for the gym and errands (and maybe mimosas). Get your brunch on with this recipe from Peachy Palate.
9. Maple cinnamon sweet potato waffles from Ambitious Kitchen
If you’re not a pancake person, you’re probably a waffle person. Okay – maybe you’re neither. I don’t want to make assumptions. Whichever way you swing, this recipe is worth waking up early to iron out.
It packs in some healthy veggie vitamins and minerals from sweet potato, and protein comes in from cottage cheese which lends itself beautifully to that chewy-on-the-inside, crunchy-on-the-outside texture we’re all after in a stellar waffle.
10. Chocolate & quinoa breakfast bowl from Minimalist Baker
There will be no shortage of chocolate in this roundup. After all, we’re talking decadent breakfast options! Quinoa is a seed we quite like for its high protein content, and it makes for a porridge much like oatmeal.
It does contain a bit more protein at around 8 grams per cooked cup! This “brownie bowl” can be boosted with a scoop of protein powder or a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
Don’t forget some real dark chocolate! Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Get ready to indulge. Whether you’re big into chocolate or you can’t get enough waffle house Belgians, we hope you found some tasty ideas for expanding your healthy breakfast options on our decadent roundup.
A quick and easy raw chocolate tart that’s perfect for any occasion. Avocado is a fantastic anti-ageing superfood because of its high antioxidant concentration, which helps nourish healthy, glowing skin.
Our guest recipe today comes from bestselling author, celebrity chef, and wellness expert Teresa Cutter. She is releasing her healthy, whole food baking book, Healthy Baking – Cakes, Cookies + Raw, and this the recipe we picked from the book to share with you.
Continuing her refreshingly simple and innovative approach to food, Teresa shares her most delicious baking treats using pure and honest ingredients that nourish the body and soul.
With chapters on healthy cookies, wholesome cakes, raw desserts and the most amazing collection of gluten-free bread, this comprehensive baking book is the ultimate “must have” whole food baking book of our time.
Her delicious recipes are free from refined sugars and flours and offer gluten-free and paleo alternatives to suit everyone’s taste. We absolutely love it!
Teresa Cutter is a wellness expert, a qualified chef, nutritionist and fitness trainer. She has combined her knowledge of food, diet and exercise to specialize in developing recipes for optimum health and wellbeing.
Healthy Baking – Cakes, Cookies + Raw is be available on TheHealthyChef.com eStore and selected bookstores. Hard copies will retail for $69.95 AUD and the eBook version will be available to purchase on iTunes and Amazon.
4 ripe medium sized avocados, skin and stone removed
3 tbsp. raw honey or organic maple syrup
60 mL (1/4 cup) coconut milk
125 mL (1/2 cup) cold-pressed coconut oil, solid
1 tsp. vanilla bean extract
Pinch of sea salt
60 g (1/2 cup) cacao powder
Instructions
Combine dates, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt in a food processor.
Mix until it forms a paste, then add nuts and cacao and fold through.
Transfer mixture to a lined springform tart tin and press out over the base and sides of the tin.
Refrigerate or freeze for 1 hour.
Blend avocado, honey, coconut milk, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt and cacao powder into a high-speed blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
Pour the chocolate filling mixture over your nut base.
Garnish with your choice of superfoods such as bee pollen and cacao nibs.
Simple living is appealing to many, and minimalism is on-trend for a good reason right now. It’s not just about clean, white spaces and homesteading, though – whatever your taste may be.
We like this mentality in the kitchen, too. While eating healthily opens up doors to experiment with new and exciting ingredients, and to dedicate entire evenings to time-consuming recipes for grain-free bread or baked goods, the true beauty of cooking comes when we pare down and cut back.
Enter the 5-ingredient meals!
It’s a luxurious freedom to open up the fridge, choose five ingredients and have a gorgeous dinner before us in a short to moderate amount of time.
It opens up new doors, and we become much more skilled in turning less into more over time. It also lessens our tendency to make excuses like, “There’s nothing to eat here!”
How many times have you said that to a genuinely empty fridge or cabinet? Chances are, it has something to offer, so here are our favorite nourishing and delicious 5-ingredient meal recipes.
P.S. for simplicity’s sake, salt, pepper and oil are not included in the ingredient count!
Butternut squash & sage breakfast casserole from PaleOMG
Breakfast shouldn’t be a complicated affair to be both delicious and nutritious. A simple egg bake packs in loads of goodness when you’ve got hearty squash and flavourful sage in the mix.
Five ingredients, one pan, and super tasty when made ahead of time? We’re on it. Get the recipe from PaleOMG.
Baked plantain pumpkin pancakes from The Curious Coconut
These pancakes are gluten, dairy and sugar-free, plus they’re paleo, AIP and vegan-friendly. Baking them helps them fluff up, so you get a tall stack every single time without fail.
Plus, the plantain and pumpkin pair up for a healthy starch duo with serious flavor. Get the recipe from The Curious Coconut.
Smoked salmon & egg stuffed avocado from Fresh Planet Flavor
Yet another complete meal for breakfast (or anytime, really) with these baked avocado nests. They’re packed with protein and healthy fats, and they look really good to boot.
These require just three main ingredients, and you can easily top ’em off with your favorite herbs or condiments. Get the recipe from Fresh Planet Flavor.
Dreamy almond butter chia pudding from The Almond Eater
Pop this jar in the fridge overnight for a sweet and heavenly morning breakfast full of omega-3s from healthy chia seeds and a boost of fats from creamy almond butter.
This stuff truly is dreamy. Top off with banana or other fruits if you want. Get the recipe from The Almond Eater.
Sweet potato, prosciutto & rocket salad from Eat Drink Paleo
We all need a simple salad to come back to. This one brings in some starch, some greens, some fats and some protein all in one. You can easily prep the sweets ahead of time, and otherwise, this is a 100% no-cook meal.
Taco stuffed sweet potatoes from With Salt and Wit
We love stuffed sweets so much that we dedicated an entire roundup to them. This one? Just five ingredients and you’ve got a complete meal.
All you have to do is bake your spud and saute some meat making hands-on prep time around five minutes. Get the recipe from With Salt and Wit.
Balsamic butternut & bacon salad from Food Faith Fitness
This meal is truly decadent with just five ingredients, considering you’ve got smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup in the mix. It’s a flavor explosion with every bite, and it’s a crowd-pleaser to boot, so you can cook simply even if you’re hosting.
If you’re up for six ingredients, you could add some protein to the mix! Get the recipe from Food Faith Fitness.
Paleo Asian side dishes 3 ways from I Heart Umami
Side dishes can be even harder to choose from than main dishes. Make it simple with these three veggie sides with Asian flavor that can’t be matched! Simple can incorporate crunchy texture and strong umami taste without much fuss at all.
Vegetarians and omnivores alike will love this hearty, plant protein-packed burger with black beans and quinoa. It’s also vegan-friendly and perfect for stacking high with veggie toppings in a bed of crunchy lettuce.
Nutrients galore! Get the recipe from Yuri Elkaim.
Zesty lime shrimp with simple cauliflower rice from The Natural Nurturer
Cauliflower rice is a fabulous base to have handy for use in endless 5-ingredient meals, including this zesty lime and shrimp dinner, featuring plenty of bite and a healthy portion of protein from the prawns.
This gorgeous stack is just four ingredients (although avocado on top might be the fifth), and they’re low-carb plus high in protein from the eggs and almond flour for a filling veggie lunch!
You could add protein or some tinned fish to the mix if you want. Get the recipe from Sweet as Honey.
Oven poached salmon with veggies from Avocado Pesto
This is the kind of single pan, feel good dinner we’re talking about! With just five fresh ingredients, you can simply toss this in the oven for a half an hour for a perfectly cooked, delicious and balanced meal in the end.
Delicata squash super gyro sliders from The Castaway Kitchen
This meal is the perfect party pleaser that brings in summertime, sunshine-y BBQ goodness plus a little warmth from that fall and winter produce bounty with winter squash in the mix.
This meal is a one-stop shop, and the ingredients couldn’t be simpler. You can toss your chicken into a pot of broth, salsa and frozen veggies and it somehow turns into something beautiful.
Better yet, you can double up and store some in the freezer. Killing two birds with one stone here! Get the recipe from Just Jessie B.
Almost 5-ingredient pizza pie from PaleOMG
Okay, so it’s not QUITE five ingredients, but the additional effort is so worth it. This “pizza” pie is made with spaghetti squash so it’s veggie-loaded and ready to go with Italian sausage and pizza sauce to bring it all together.
This > a slice any day when it’s so easy to make! Get the recipe from PaleOMG.
10-minute blueberry pork chops from Pure and Simple Nourishment
This fun dish is just three ingredients, and it yields blue pork chops. Not only is it delicious and slightly sweet, but it’s fun! It will pair will with veggie mash or roasted vegetables if you want to add a fourth and fifth ingredient to the mix.
You won’t be complicating things much, considering this funky dinner takes just ten minutes! Get the recipe from Pure and Simple Nourishment.
One-sheet roasted sausage and brussels sprouts from The Natural Nurturer
The best part about 5-ingredient meal recipes is that they also generally include just dirtying one dish. Not only is the effort to cook it small, but so is the clean-up.
Enter this sheet pan dish with sausage, sprouts and sweets for a scrumptious and filling trio. Get the recipe from The Natural Nurtuter.
Pan-seared cod with artichokes and capers from Delicious Obsessions
The especially fun thing about THIS recipe is that two of the ingredients come from the jar, simplifying things even more. The cod is the perfect pairing, and it still has a little something fancy about it making it perfect for guests!
This classic green enchilada dish is gluten-free using corn tortillas, and it boasts just a few other humble ingredients – namely chicken and salsa verde.
It’s a lovely one-dish dinner that is kid-friendly and highly delicious with some queso fresco on top. Get the recipe from Skinnytaste.
Spaghetti squash & beef bowl
Spaghetti squash is yet another fabulous base to cook ahead of time and make simple meals from. Adding beef to the mix with some tomato sauce and spices makes this 5-ingredient dish low-carb, hearty, filling and ultra tasty.
Maple-roasted chicken & sweet potatoes from Honey, Ghee and Me
If you’re a meat and potatoes kinda guy or gal, let this be your go-to. Of course, you can add extra veggies to the mix, but here you get a full meal that could easily be considered comfort food – done up healthily, of course!
Do you have a go-to 5-ingredient recipe that you love revisiting when you need healthy food in a jiffy? What ingredients do you find the most easy to use?
Share your ideas with us below, and share this article with someone who needs some simplicity in their life!
Stuffed peppers are a pretty well-loved recipe in many families. It’s cosy and comfy, yet it’s humble.
Peppers show themselves in abundance – especially during summer months – and if you have a garden, you’re probably used to finding creative ways to use them up.
Fortunately, opting for stuffing provides a blank canvas for creative meal ideas, unique and tasty fillings and really delicious leftovers! The stuffed pepper is easily customized to your taste, and that’s why we dig ’em so much.
Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free seed (not a grain!) packed with fibre and protein. It’s low-glycemic and well-tolerated by many – even those who avoid grains.
It comes in three different colors, and it’s pretty packed with vitamins and minerals making it a pretty healthy choice. It’s quick to cook, especially compared to rice, and it’s relatively inexpensive to buy, so it’s nice to have some handy.
It can be used as a filler, a rice replacement or to make tasty brekky porridge. Today’s focus is on interesting ways to make quinoa stuffed peppers. Trust us – there are plenty!
Veg out
Stuffed peppers are generally thought to be a little meat-heavy, with the standard filling being a mixture of rice and beef. While we love the classics, we also love a good meatless recipe!
Quinoa provides complete plant protein, so it’s a satiating component in a vegan or vegetarian stuffed pepper recipe, which is something that rice is lacking in. We love quinoa mixed with other veggies, sauces and tasty additions.
These guys are loaded up with extra plant-based protein with black beans, and they feature some corn to add a bit more bulk. These will nix any Mexican food cravings you’re harboring, and they’re vegetarian-friendly.
The sweetness from the bell peppers brings it all together… or it might be the fresh slices of avocado on top to serve.
Spinach & artichoke quinoa stuffed peppers from Well Plated
Spinach and artichoke dip is often indulgent and served with crisps, so this healthy spin is something we can get down on. It’s a bit less heavy, and you can feel good about digging into this ooey-gooey, cheesy, veggie-laden recipe.
These are filled to the brim with plant protein and healthy fats, so if you’re looking for the quintessential vegan stuffed peppers, this just might be it!
Tomatoes and kale boost the nutrient profile while adding a gorgeous splash of color in the filling.
These red peppers feature a bit of sweetness and warmth from goji berries and raisins, with a dramatic twist from using black quinoa. The contrast alone makes this veggie option a feast for the eyes and the belly, and it’s vegan-friendly.
Beef it up
Let’s keep it authentic by adding some mince into the mix. Grass-fed beef, turkey or sausage lend their lovely flavors and healthy fats to the mix while upping the protein for a perfectly filling main course when you mix it up with some quinoa to create a lovely texture that can’t be beat.
There are so many interesting ways to use beef that keep the classic stuffed pepper in mind while breathing in new life to your grandma’s recipe.
Here are some of our favorite spins on beef and quinoa stuffed peppers.
Quinoa & chorizo stuffed peppers with avocado crema from Whole Food Habit
Who doesn’t adore chorizo? We kinda, sorta love it, and it’s made even better tossed into a zesty pepper and topped off with crema. Avocado crema, of course.
The quinoa really balances out the heaviness from healthy-but-fatty chorizo, and it makes a good breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The stuffed pepper is a fabulous recipe for the slow cooker, and an undeniably awesome meal to come home to. Set it and forget it with this luscious mixture of rice, beef and quinoa.
Add some veggies to it while you’re at it. Why not?
Sloppy Joe’s are the quintessential weeknight meal, but don’t let yours come from a can. No need to stack it up between two buns, either.
This low-carb option is cheesy, saucy and lip-smackin’ good, plus perfectly healthy if you ask us. You could top these off with nutritional yeast, too, if you’re avoiding dairy.
Turkey and quinoa team up with dried currants, fresh parsley and feta cheese for a lovely, zesty stuffed pepper recipe you’ll want seconds of for sure… so just double that recipe, and you’ll be good!
Cuckoo for quinoa
The bird is the word, so why not add some chicken? This brings home the lean protein game for yet another complete meal on the table in no time.
Poultry adds juicy, tender flavor to the quinoa blend, and you can really encompass those time-honored chicken recipes – teriyaki, BBQ, buffalo and beyond, we love these chicken and quinoa combos to the moon and back.
Greek-style quinoa chicken stuffed peppers from Sugar Free Mom
Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and a healthy dose of feta cheese give these their Greek flair with plenty of spinach, chicken and quinoa to fill out the peppers.
Instead of bell peppers, we’re opting for poblanos in this spicy recipe. The best part is undoubtedly the glug of avocado cream on top to help cool things down and add some healthy fats to your plate.
BBQ chicken & quinoa stuffed peppers from Iowa Girl Eats
Need we say more than barbeque chicken? This recipe should be a summer staple, and it’s great for using up leftovers from the grill.
Put an egg on it
Who said you couldn’t have stuffed peppers for breakfast? It certainly wasn’t us. We’re all about savory ways to start the day, and we are firm believers in the real food philosophy of putting an egg on it.
Quinoa and eggs are a lovely brew to kick off a morning strong with, loading up on sustainable energy from healthy, filling protein, and having some veggies on your plate can’t hurt either.
Southwestern chicken & quinoa stuffed peppers from The Kittchen
The southwestern spin beneath is a lovely way to spice up your morning routine, and an over-medium yolk to slice into on top and let drizzle down will make these dreamy peppers even dreamier.
We’re swooning over this savory idea, and the recipe is only around six ingredients! Score. Make these ahead of time for nutritious, ready-to-go breakfast options.
This pepper recipe doesn’t include quinoa, but it would be a fantastic addition. You can swap out some of the sweet potatoes and potatoes for a bit of quinoa, or you can simply mix some in to the hearty sausage blend.
To make it even more breakfast-appropriate, bake an egg on top when they’re almost done.
Put the egg in the coconut… er, quinoa, and mix it all up! This scrambled stuffed pepper is bound to put some pep in your step for brekky, and it’s totally portable so you can take it with you and easily take bites.
Ditch the bacon and egg wrap for this just-as-hearty, just-as-tasty recipe.
Fishier fare
We know that seafood is amazing for us. It’s a great source of protein. Oily fish are known for their outstanding omega-3 fatty acid content. Some fish are high in vitamin D – a rarity in most food!
Wild-caught fish is just as nutritious canned as it is fresh, so it’s also a fabulously economical choice if you’re feeding a big family or trying to save a few bucks.
Here are some of our favorite quinoa stuffed peppers from under the sea.
Canned tuna isn’t generally thought of as fancy fare, but you can change its association with this scrumptious stuffed pepper recipe. It’s cheap and it’s easy to make, yet somehow, it’s good for ya too.
Mexican flavors, fresh cilantro and avocado slices take the cake here.
These stunning peppers are total showstoppers featuring quinoa, salmon and a delicious cilantro pesto mixed in, taking freshness to the next level. They’re weaved with a happy drizzle of creme fraiche, so we totally get it if you’re drooling now.
This creamy filling boasts healthy, delicious and interesting ingredients amongst the shrimp and kale including Pecorino, Greek yoghurt and pepitas so you know it’s just bursting with flavour.
This is a light meal that will feel incredibly satisfying.
We hope you enjoyed these recipes and found some new, exciting ways to use quinoa in your kitchen! Share this article with someone who could use some spice in their meal prep.
