Looking for satisfying high protein breakfast recipes to start the day? As cookbook authors and recipe experts, we are passionate about creating dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful using healthy protein sources.
In this post, Alex and I are sharing our top high protein breakfast ideas to start the day, including smoothie bowls, scrambles, sandwiches, tacos, and more! We’ve also included some information from the Mayo Clinic that may change the way you think about protein. Keep reading!
The Mayo Clinic recommends to consume 15–30 grams of protein at each meal. Interestingly, more is not better. Studies show eating more than 40 grams in one sitting is no more beneficial than consuming 15-30 grams in a meal. So, there’s no benefit in eating more protein than you need!
The same article indicates the average adult needs 60 grams per day, or around 70 to 90 grams if you’re over 40 years old. If you eat high protein meals for lunch, dinner, and snacks, it’s likely you may only need about 10 to 15 grams protein at breakfast!
The Mayo Clinic, the best ways to get protein are eating whole foods (not protein powder or supplements), like the following:
Need a quick and healthy high protein breakfast or snack idea? This satisfying yogurt bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor—and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. It’s especially fun to make a DIY yogurt bowl bar as a low-stress way to serve guests!
31 g protein per serving
This genius breakfast burrito recipe is irresistibly satisfying and so easy to whip up! It’s got massive savory flavor and a good amount of protein to boot.
25 g protein per serving
These cottage cheese breakfast bowls are a healthy and easy breakfast! Top them with berries or apple, cinnamon, and dollop of nut butter for even more protein.
20 g protein per serving
Want a protein-packed, fluffy pancake recipe? This cottage cheese pancakes recipe is a deliciously healthy twist on the breakfast classic, perfect for satisfying your morning cravings.
14 g protein for 2 pancakes
This vanilla protein smoothie is creamy, lightly fruity, and packed with protein! It’s the perfect healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.
13 g protein per serving
This breakfast quinoa bowl is a hearty and healthy way to start the day! Load up this whole grain with tasty toppings.
15 g protein per serving (with 1 ½ tablespoons almond butter)
Smoked salmon toast is ideal for a high protein breakfast or brunch! This simple idea is a study in contrasts of flavor and texture.
20 g protein per serving
You won’t believe the flavor in these fast and easy egg tacos! The vegetarian “taco meat” filling works for any meal of the day, but we love it as a filling high protein breakfast idea.
15 g protein per serving (2 tacos)
Here’s how to make a smoothie bowl! These tips and tricks make it easy to whip up this tasty high protein breakfast.
16 g protein per serving
This ricotta pancakes recipe is light and fluffy: perfect for weekend breakfasts! Adding cheese makes the best texture for pancakes.
20 g protein for 2 pancakes
This smoked salmon omelette recipe makes a special breakfast or brunch! Bursting with flavor, it takes minutes to make.
20 g protein per serving
This 5 minute breakfast sandwich recipe makes mornings easy! Fluffy, cheesy eggs pair perfectly with a slather of smoky mayo.
23 g protein per serving
This vanilla protein smoothie is creamy, lightly fruity, and packed with protein! It’s the perfect healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.
16 g protein per serving
Need a 5 minute high protein breakfast or lunch? Cottage cheese on toast is an easy lunch idea or snack using this high protein cheese!
14.5 g protein per serving
Try scrambled eggs with cottage cheese as a healthy breakfast idea! The cheese adds protein and irresistibly savory flavor.
18 g protein (for the 1 large serving)
Here’s a deliciously easy breakfast and brunch idea: the Yogurt Parfait! This layered cup looks fancy but takes minutes to make.
10 g protein per serving; add 5 g protein with 1 ½ tablespoons nut butter
Need a quick breakfast or dinner? Try this tasty breakfast quesadilla recipe with scrambled eggs and cheddar! It’s done in under 15 minutes.
15 g protein per serving
This crustless quiche with spinach is an easy recipe that’s perfect for brunch! The savory flavor will impress everyone.
15 g protein for 1 ½ slices
Here’s how to make the best yogurt smoothie! This tasty protein-packed puree features frozen fruit and creamy Greek yogurt.
18 g protein per serving
Need a quick and healthy breakfast or snack idea? This satisfying yogurt bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor—and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. It’s especially fun to make a DIY yogurt bowl bar as a low-stress way to serve guests!
Try these seasonal variations:
Pumpkin yogurt bowl: To 1 cup Greek yogurt add ¼ cup canned pumpkin, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon each vanilla extract and cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice). Top with pepitas or pecans.
Apple crisp yogurt bowl: Top the yogurt with sliced apples or homemade applesauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and homemade granola.
Strawberry rhubarb bowl: Top the yogurt with rhubarb compote, fresh strawberries, chopped pistachios, and a drizzle of honey.
Peaches and cream yogurt bowl: Add ripe sliced peaches or peach compote, chopped pecans or homemade granola, and fresh mint sprigs.
What if you could enjoy delicious, satisfying high protein meals that also pack a nutritional punch? As cookbook authors and recipe experts, we are passionate about creating dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful.
In this post, Alex and I are sharing our top go-to recipes for high protein meals that will fuel your day—including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. We’ve also included some information from the Mayo Clinic that may change the way you think about protein!
The Mayo Clinic recommends to consume 15–30 grams of protein at each meal. Interestingly, more is not better. Studies show eating more than 40 grams in one sitting is no more beneficial than consuming 15-30 grams in a meal. So, there’s no benefit in eating more protein than you need!
The Mayo Clinic, the best ways to get protein are eating whole foods (not protein powder or supplements), like the following:
With these things in mind, here are some of our top high protein meals, including high protein breakfast ideas, lunch, dinner, and snacks. (See also our top vegetarian high protein meals.)
This juicy chicken meatballs recipe makes a deliciously healthy comfort food meal, served up in a tangy marinara sauce. It’s a hearty meal everyone will love!
Chicken: 28 g protein per serving
Vegan: 15 g protein per serving
This oven baked salmon recipe perfectly seasoned, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s ideal for busy weeknights or a quick meal to impress.
37 g protein per serving
This easy rice bowl comes together in a flash! This fast dinner stars black beans and veggies with zingy cilantro lime ranch sauce.
20 g protein per serving
Masoor dal is a spiced Indian lentil dish that’s equal parts flavorful and cozy! This high protein meal is fully plant based and vegan; serve with rice for a tasty meal.
29 g protein per serving
This sauteed shrimp recipe comes out juicy and seasoned to perfection in less than 10 minutes! Here are the secrets to how to saute shrimp.
34 g protein per serving
This tasty tofu stir fry recipe is our go-to for healthy plant based dinners! It’s got the best stir fry sauce, and you can use any veggies.
19 g protein per serving (with ½ cup white rice)
This pecan crusted salmon is fast and easy, with a deliciously crunchy topping! Make it to impress on weeknights or for dinner guests.
27 g protein per serving
This creamy shrimp and orzo recipe is a simple and tasty one pot meal! Juicy shrimp, tender orzo, salty feta and bright lemon come together into a satisfying dinner everyone will love.
37 g protein per serving
This simple red lentil soup recipe is bursting with flavor! It’s hearty and cozy, flavored with aromatic vegetables and lemon.
23 g protein per serving
This chicken and rice soup recipe is a cozy, easy soup everyone will love! It’s our family favorite, with tender shredded chicken and fluffy rice that swim in a savory broth infused with smoky paprika.
36 g protein per serving
This soba noodle bowl is a quick and easy dinner recipe, perfect for weeknights! It’s a filling vegetarian meal full of healthy veggies.
20 g protein per serving
This baked tilapia recipe is bursting with flavor! Pair the fish with lemon, tomatoes and feta for an impressive yet easy dinner. This recipe has become a fan-favorite with many 5 star reviews!
39 g protein per serving
This shrimp stir fry is a go-to fast and healthy dinner! Use any veggies you like with this flavor-packed stir fry sauce.
30 g protein per serving (with ½ cup white rice)
This one pot chicken and rice is the perfect easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor! Tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice simmer in a cozy broth, with a burst of freshness from the zesty parsley and lemon gremolata topping.
49 g protein per serving
This coconut lentil curry is a fast and easy dinner idea that’s both healthy and full of flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight meals! Over the years, it’s become a fan favorite recipe that’s highly-rated by readers.
24 g protein per serving (served with ½ cup rice)
Hold onto your hats—here’s quite possibly one of the fastest easy shrimp recipes around! This Old Bay shrimp takes less than 10 minutes and results in juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp. Add rice or pasta for a quick meal!
22 g protein per serving
It’s surprisingly simple to make chicken paillard that tastes like it’s straight out of a French bistro! It comes out tender and bathed in a tangy pan sauce—a perfect dish for easy weeknight dinners or impressing friends. Everyone always wants seconds!
31 g protein per serving
This shrimp Caesar salad is our answer to, “What’s for dinner?” The shrimp cook in just 5 minutes and come out seasoned and juicy, making this a fast and easy high protein dinner dinner idea for weeknights or a simple lunch. Try it with our homemade Caesar dressing, or use purchased in a pinch!
30 g protein per serving
This tofu fried rice recipe is bursting with flavor! Tender tofu takes center stage with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce in this hearty vegan dinner.
18 g protein per serving
This chimichurri salmon pairs moist flaky salmon with the tangy, garlicky punch of this herby sauce—these flavors were made for each other! It's so quick and easy to make broiled, or you can try it baked or grilled.
25 g protein per serving
These are our top 10 high protein breakfast recipes! For more ideas, go to High Protein Breakfast Ideas.
Need a quick and healthy high protein breakfast or snack idea? This satisfying yogurt bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor—and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. It’s especially fun to make a DIY yogurt bowl bar as a low-stress way to serve guests!
31 g protein per serving
This genius breakfast burrito recipe is irresistibly satisfying and so easy to whip up! It’s got massive savory flavor and a good amount of protein to boot.
25 g protein per serving
These cottage cheese breakfast bowls are a healthy and easy breakfast! Top them with berries or apple, cinnamon and a hint of honey.
20 g protein per serving
Want a protein-packed, fluffy pancake recipe? This cottage cheese pancakes recipe is a deliciously healthy twist on the breakfast classic, perfect for satisfying your morning cravings.
14 g protein for 2 pancakes
Smoked salmon toast is ideal for brunch, easy lunch, or as a party appetizer! This simple idea is a study in contrasts of flavor and texture.
20 g protein per serving
This ricotta pancakes recipe is light and fluffy: perfect for weekend breakfasts! Adding cheese makes the best texture for pancakes.
20 g protein for 2 pancakes
This smoked salmon omelette recipe makes a special breakfast or brunch! Bursting with flavor, it takes minutes to make.
20 g protein per serving
Here’s how to make a smoothie bowl! These tips and tricks make it easy to whip up this tasty breakfast or snack homemade.
16 g protein per serving
This 5 minute breakfast sandwich recipe makes mornings easy! Fluffy, cheesy eggs pair perfectly with a slather of smoky mayo.
23 g protein per serving
Need a 5 minute high protein breakfast or lunch? Cottage cheese on toast is an easy lunch idea or snack using this high protein cheese!
14.5 g protein per serving
This Mediterranean tuna salad takes just minutes to put together: it’s a fast and flavorful lunch or healthy dinner!
35 g protein per serving
Here’s a deliciously easy snack or side idea: the Yogurt Parfait! This layered cup looks fancy but takes minutes to make.
10 g protein per serving
This Texas caviar (aka Cowboy caviar) will have everyone crowded around the bowl! It’s full of big, zesty flavor and perfect for parties.
13 g protein per serving
A salmon salad sandwich is a quick and easy lunch idea! Creamy and savory, it’s a tasty spin on the classic tuna.
25 g protein per serving
Wow, do people love this! This peanut butter dip is just 4 ingredients and tastes like frosting! Perfect for apples, pretzels or fruit.
7 g protein per serving
This tuna patties recipe makes a crowd-pleasing easy dinner! The tuna cakes are tender on the inside with a golden crisp exterior.
30 g protein for 2 cakes
This lentil salad recipe is everyone’s favorite: bursting with flavor and texture contrasts! It’s the perfect side dish or lunch idea.
13 g protein per serving
This smoked salmon salad is the ideal quick dinner: no cooking involved! It’s fresh, healthy, and full of big flavor.
37 g protein per serving
This no bake peanut butter energy balls recipe tastes like healthy brownie bites! It’s an easy naturally sweet treat made with dates. Adding protein powder is optional, but adds a bit of protein and sweetness. Our family gobbles these up!
3 g protein per serving
These homemade protein bars are a family and fan favorite! They’re full of big peanut butter and chocolate flavor, using your favorite protein powder and a few extra ingredients. It’s a plant-based treat you can feel good about.
13 g protein per serving
See this article from the Mayo Clinic for specifics—it indicates you need 60 grams per day for an average adult, and around 70 to 90 grams if you’re over 40 years old.
The article also states that most Americans meet or exceed their protein needs, so while it’s an interesting metric to track, it’s likely you’re already consuming enough.
This juicy high protein meatballs recipe makes a deliciously healthy comfort food meal, served up in a tangy marinara sauce. It’s a hearty meal everyone will love! For vegan, go to Vegan Meatballs with the same sauce.
Chicken meatballs
Vegan meatballs
*To double this recipe, pour double the warmed marinara into a 9 x 13 dish and bake as instructed.
**If you can’t find gluten-free panko, you can substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or roughly chopped Old Fashioned rolled oats.
***Alternative cooking methods: Pan fried: In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook in 2 batches until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 2 minutes each side). Add a little more oil for the second batch, if needed. Baked without marinara: Place the meatballs on a parchment lined sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F [70°C].)
Looking for a cocktail to celebrate love? Try one of these fun Valentine’s Day cocktails to make the occasion festive! Each is a shade of pink, red, or chocolate and tastes like a dream.
This list features classic cocktails or spins on classic drinks, starring flavors like raspberry, pomegranate, strawberry, blood orange, and more! Throw in creamy chocolaty dessert cocktails and a few bubbly champagne drinks, and you’re certain to find something for any drinker.
Here’s a Valentine's Day cocktail that looks the party: the Raspberry Martini! This drink is stunning and full of bright berry flavor. The sweet tart, lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure, thanks to homemade raspberry syrup. This cocktail is perfect for a romantic dinner, Valentine’s Day, or really any occasion that needs a red drink.
Vying for our other top Valentine's Day cocktail is this Chocolate Martini! This drink is rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass. It’s got Irish cream and creme de cacao for maximum flavor, like the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar. Mix this up as an after dinner drink to impress guests…or just anytime you need a sweet treat in cocktail form.
Also try: Chocolatini
What's better for Valentine's Day than the fabulous Cosmo? It’s got a brilliant pink color and tangy, refreshing flavor. This great cocktail is ready to spice up your Valentine's Day dinner: this version has a few twists that make it infinitely better than what you'd order at a bar.
This fun red drink is simply a berry-flavored vodka martini that’s masquerading as a Love Potion. Give it a sip and it’s sweet tart with a fruity berry finish! Dress it up with a red sugar rim and if you’d like, add a cube of dry ice. It bubbles and boils with a constant stream of smoke: which makes it over-the-top fun! (It's another way to brand the linked recipe: don't be alarmed!)
Here’s a sophisticated cocktail that’s calling your name: the French martini! This martini is hardly related to the classic dry martini at all. It’s a fruity and balanced, featuring a fancy French black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. Each sip is so intriguing and nuanced, it’s hard to put the glass down!
The word “Mudslide” might make you think milkshake-style boozy cocktails at chain restaurants. But have you ever had a classic Mudslide? It couldn’t be more sophisticated…and delicious! You can make this Mudslide recipe both ways: first as drink was first intended: shaken with coffee liqueur and Irish cream and served up in a cocktail glass. It’s more than a glorified milkshake: it’s classy and full of intrigue!
Looking for a signature Valentine's Day cocktail? Try a Pomegranate Martini! Crisp, sweet tart, fruity, and light: it’s much closer to a Cosmo than the classic martini. But instead of cranberry juice like the Cosmopolitan, it’s made with pomegranate juice instead. Serve it up in a martini glass and you’ve got a sophisticated cocktail that’s refreshing and easy to drink.
Try this tasty and refreshing Valentine's Day cocktail: a Strawberry Margarita! This one is frosty and fruity, full of berry flavor but perfectly complimented with tangy lime and the bite of tequila. You'll fall in love with its vibrant red color and sweet tart flavor. Slice the berry into a heart shape for a fun garnish!
Want an easy Valentine's Day drink that’s bubbly and sophisticated? There’s nothing better than a Kir Royale! This famous French cocktail stars black currant liqueur and sparkling wine: and the berries and bubbles suit each other perfectly. The best cocktail recipes are simple perfection, and there’s nothing better than this 2 ingredient combination.
If you love berries and you love sangria…then you must drop everything and make this now. Presenting…the perfect Strawberry Sangria! This one is Spanish style, full of nuance and character. The berries sing and the dry rosé notes peak through just enough. Serve it with a splash of sparkling water and a skewer of fruit, and it’s pretty darn perfect.
Meet our favorite new variation: the Cranberry Margarita! This bright red drink is absolutely stunning to look at, and the sweet tart flavor is crisp and refreshing. It’s got all the character of the classic margarita, but a beautiful new look and nuance to the flavor! It's ideal as a bright, vibrant red cocktail for Valentine's Day.
Here’s a sophisticated classic cocktail that steals the show on Valentine's Day: the Clover Club! This bright pink drink stems back before Prohibition, but it’s just as en vogue today. Sweet raspberry or grenadine syrup combine with zingy lemon and gin to make a perfectly balanced sweet tart drink. The best part: a classic egg white foam gives a creamy body and frothy texture to each sip!
Oh hello, Espresso Martini. This cocktail has vaulted into major popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua. Add vodka and the trio makes a full-flavored sophisticated drink that’s cool, frothy, and bittersweet.
Here’s one of the best classic cocktails of all time: the Sidecar! This drink is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with a boozy edge from the Cognac and a citrus essence from orange liqueur. It’s a complex and layered drink: warm, crisp, dry, rich, and full at the same time.
Looking for a signature Valentine's Day cocktail with bourbon? Try this Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail! It’s balanced, sweet tart, and complex, fruity with intriguing notes from sweet vermouth. Because it stars cranberry and bourbon it’s ideal for winter: and the perfect red drink for the holiday!
Winter is blood orange season, so blood orange drinks are great for Valentine's Day! Its vibrant red orange color and sweet flavor make it this fruit so special. Introducing the Blood Orange Margarita! This tasty citrus makes a brilliant bright orange red drink that’s perfectly balanced and sweet tart.
What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than a drink that says "I think you're the Bees Knees!" It’s got a cute 1920’s name and a smooth flavor to match. The unique element? Honey syrup. Making simple syrup with honey instead of refined sugar adds a rich depth to cocktails. Combine it with lemon and gin, and you’ve got a refreshing cocktail that goes down easy.
When it comes to Valentine's Day cocktails, there’s no dessert drink more unique than the Pink Squirrel! This candy colored drink is a total indulgence. Creme de noyaux liqueur gives it the delicate pink color and an almond essence. It’s a bit of a specialty splurge, since it’s not used in lots of other drinks. But take one sip, and it tastes like nostalgia and melted ice cream!
Looking for a unique dessert cocktail for Valentine's Day? Try the Toasted Almond! This creamy drink balances vodka, amaretto and Kahlua that results in a flavor that’s surprisingly similar to toasted almonds. Something about the coffee liqueur adds in a roasty flavor that makes this drink both balanced and intriguing, all at once.
Last up in our Valentine's Day cocktails: the Pomegranate Gin Fizz! The Gin Fizz is one of our favorite classic cocktails: sweet tart and refreshing, with a festive egg white foam. Take it over the top with this pomegranate spin: it elevates the sweet tart flavor and gives the drink a brilliant jewel-toned color!
For those who don’t drink alcohol, there are plenty of festive and delicious mocktails to enjoy! With its red color, this Cranberry Mocktail or a Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri would a great choice as a Valentine’s Day drink. A few other popular mocktail recipes are our Virgin Margarita or a Cherry Lime Rickey.
Sparkling cider or grape juice with muddled berries and a splash of grenadine can be a great base. You can also get creative with flavored syrups, fresh herbs, and citrus juices to create unique and flavorful mocktails.
Planning a special night in with a special someone? Or spending a fun day with family? Outside of these Valentine’s Day drinks, here are more ideas for fun and festive recipes:
This raspberry martini is a vibrant red cocktail full of berry flavor! Treat yourself with this beautiful sweet drink.
*If all you can find is sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail, use ½ ounce raspberry syrup, then add more to taste.
Looking to pack protein into your meals but don’t eat meat? As two vegetarian cookbook authors, Alex and I have learned that meat isn’t necessary for a filling, protein-packed meal!
Over the decade of writing this food blog specializing in vegetarian and vegan meals, we’ve found so many tricks to making filling high protein vegan and vegetarian recipes. Here’s a list of our top high protein vegetarian meals that our family loves! Each one has been tested by a real family (us!), listed with protein amounts.
Per the Mayo Clinic, general recommendations are to consume 15–30 grams of protein at each meal. Each one of the recipes below has at least 15 grams of protein per serving for the main dish. You can add additional protein into the meal by serving with protein-packed side dishes.
At the top of our high protein vegetarian meals are these lasagna roll ups! They're are a unique way to serve this iconic dish! Roll the noodles around the filling for tasty and fun dinner recipe.
Protein: 30 grams per serving
Broccoli florets and tofu cubes are tossed in a tangy, savory sauce for a vegetarian and vegan dinner everyone will love. Even better, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Protein: 17 grams per serving for stir fry, 2 grams per ½ cup cooked white rice
This mac and cheese recipe is all about balance: it’s got big flavor, a bit less cheese per serving than the standard recipe, and it’s loaded with broccoli for a dose of nutrients and fiber! This one’s on our regular rotation.
Protein: 20 grams per serving
This easy rice bowl is a high protein vegetarian meal that comes together in a flash! This fast dinner stars black beans and veggies with zingy zingy cilantro lime ranch that you’ll want to bathe in.
Protein: 20 grams per serving
This easy lentil soup is only 7 ingredients and simple to meal prep as a lunch or dinner recipe! It’s one of our top cheap and delicious healthy meal prep ideas that happens to be loaded with plant-based protein.
Protein: 15 grams per serving
This vegan meatballs recipe is easy to put together, full of protein, and packed with flavor! A perfect go-to plant based dinner.
Protein: 17 grams per serving
These vegan lentil sloppy joes are filling high protein vegetarian meal made with lentils, tomatoes, and seasonings! Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe experience.
Protein: 15 grams per serving (without bun)
This eggplant rollatini recipe is a hearty Italian style dinner everyone will love! Bake the veggie stuffed with a three-cheese filling.
Protein: 28 grams per serving
Craving enchiladas without the fuss? This flavorful cheese enchiladas recipe is packed with melty cheese, warm tortillas, and a zingy enchilada sauce: an easy dinner idea for pleasing everyone!
Protein: 20 grams for 2 enchiladas
This Mediterranean bowl is bursting with fresh ingredients! Roasted vegetables, couscous and lemon tahini sauce make a satisfying meal.
Protein: 14 grams per serving (with quinoa)
Masoor dal is a spiced Indian lentil dish that’s equal parts flavorful and cozy; serve with rice or naan bread for dipping.
Protein: 29 grams (lentils only)
Marinating tempeh gives it bold savory flavor when cooked up with soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger and garlic. Give it a quick sear in a pan and it tastes deliciously meaty, great for serving with rice or in a bowl meal.
Protein: 15 grams per serving (tempeh only)
This protein-packed vegetarian meal is filled with stir fried broccoli, red pepper and onion, mix with a savory sauce with creamy peanut butter. To add even more protein, eggs are scrambled right into the mix (like fried rice, but with noodles!).
Protein: 20 grams per serving
This tofu bowl with rice stars crispy tofu, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! A deliciously healthy vegan dinner to fill your day with plant-based goodness.
Protein: 17 grams per serving
Need a meal in 5 minutes? This simple way to make a tasty lunch or dinner is incredibly satisfying every time. Spread this high-protein cheese onto a piece of toast, top with savory toppings, and enjoy!
Protein: 14 grams per toast
You’ll need just 5 minutes to cook two layers of eggs here: one chorizo-spiced and one cheesy! Take a bite and it’s irresistibly savory and delicious, with all the right cozy textures. It works as a breakfast burrito, but it makes a high protein vegetarian lunch or dinner too!
Protein: 25 grams per serving
Here’s an easy lunch or dinner idea! This basic recipe makes perfectly seasoned brown lentils to eat as a fast meal, or use in tacos, salads, and more.
Protein: 18 grams per serving
These cottage cheese breakfast bowls are a healthy and easy protein packed vegetarian breakfast or lunch! Top them with berries or apple, cinnamon and a hint of honey.
Protein: 21 grams per bowl
This high protein vegetarian meatloaf is made entirely of nuts, rice, mushrooms, onions, herbs, and cheese. Somehow, it all melds into an appearance and texture just like a meatloaf!
Protein: 25 grams per slice
This easy tofu scramble has the same texture as scrambled eggs, but it’s 100% plant based! It’s a high protein breakfast or lunch idea you’ll want to make again and again.
Protein: 14 grams for tofu only (serve with multi-grain toast)
This cottage cheese mac and cheese is a protein-packed, delicious twist on the classic comfort food that’s surprisingly satisfying! It’s easy to whip up this creamy spin in a blender.
Protein: 22 grams per serving
You won’t believe the flavor in these fast and easy egg tacos! The vegetarian “taco meat” filling works for any meal of the day.
Protein: 15 grams per serving
This classic bean soup recipe is smoky and irresistibly satisfying! It’s quick and easy in just over 30 minutes. Serve with bread or a salad for a hearty meal.
Protein: 16 grams per serving
This tofu fried rice recipe is bursting with flavor! Tender tofu takes center stage with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce in this hearty vegan dinner.
Protein: 18 grams per serving
This tofu curry recipe is a family favorite! Coconut milk and red curry paste pack a punch in this fast and healthy dinner idea.
Protein: 14 grams per serving, additional 2 grams per ½ cup cooked white rice
Here are some powerhouse protein-packed ingredients you’ll see featured in the high protein vegetarian meals above:
Not at all! Plenty of plant-based foods are packed with protein. By incorporating a variety of protein-rich ingredients like cheese, milk, legumes, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and quinoa into your meals, you can easily meet your daily protein needs.
While it’s true that some plant-based proteins are not complete proteins (meaning they lack one or more essential amino acids), you don’t need to worry about combining specific foods at each meal. As long as you eat a varied diet throughout the day, you’ll get all the amino acids your body needs.
Many protein-rich vegetarian ingredients like lentils, beans, and tofu are quite affordable. Plus, by cooking at home and focusing on whole foods, you can save money compared to eating out or relying on processed vegetarian products.
These delicious and satisfying high protein vegetarian meals work for meatless Mondays or any day of the week! These recipes are packed with vegetarian protein sources to keep you feeling full and energized. These lasagna roll ups are a fun way to serve this iconic dish: roll the noodles around the filling for tasty and fun dinner recipe!
*If desired, you can use purchased marinara sauce instead of making your own. If using purchased marinara, still add the 1 clove grated garlic and 1 teaspoon dried oregano to enhance the flavor.
Yellow squash, aka summer squash, is often overshadowed by it’s more popular cousin, the mighty zucchini. But turns out, summer squash can hold it’s own in dishes! There are plenty of delicious ways to eat it, like in cozy casseroles, roasted until tender, or grilled to infuse it with smoky flavor.
As two cookbook authors, Alex and I have rounded up all our favorite yellow squash recipes that are perfect for getting this veggie onto your plate (including a few from other top recipe sites). Whichever summer squash recipe you choose—you’re in for a treat!
Here’s one of the best and easiest ways to cook this bright and sunny vegetable: roasted yellow squash! There’s no need to stand over a sauté pan at all. Just pop them in the oven with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese and roast them until tender! It’s a totally hands off method and cooks this veggie like a charm.
Next up in our yellow squash recipes: yellow squash casserole! It’s got the vibe of Sunday dinners and evenings where the sun stretches into the late evening. This one is packed with flavor and quickly disappeared in our house. A light Parmesan sauce covers the tender squash, and it’s topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s a cozy casserole that’s not too rich and heavy! Use all yellow squash, or add some zucchini for some color.
Need a quick and easy yellow squash recipe? Try this perfect grilled squash! It’s simple but full of big flavor, seasoned with Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Even better: it takes only 5 minutes to grill! It’s one of those sides that screams summer: you can almost smell the charcoal and hear the buzz of the lawnmower. This has become a favorite for because it’s so quick: and hard to mess up.
Here’s a yellow squash recipe that that makes the best of summer’s bounty: roasted yellow squash & zucchini! These vegetables go hand in hand with Italian-style herbs like oregano and basil. Topped with a bit of melty Parmesan cheese, they’re absolute perfection! This recipe is very easy to make, and you can whip up the rest of your meal while it bakes. You can make it with all yellow squash, or add zucchini for color.
There’s nothing more summery than a bounty of zucchini and squash! There’s so much to do with this classic combination of vegetables, from casserole to roasting them. But the easiest? Grilled yellow squash & zucchini! Throw this pair on the grill with Italian-style spices and grill until they’re charred and tender. It’s the perfect side dish for a grilled meal.
Why not throw yellow squash onto a pizza? It's the perfect topping and cooks up beautifully. Add in a few handfuls of other summer veggies like zucchini and corn. via Love and Lemons
One of the best yellow squash recipes? Throw it into pasta! This easy pasta combines brown butter and goat cheese to bring all those summer flavors together. Add pine nuts on top to give a bit of toasty flavor along with a little crunch. via How Sweet Eats
Sauteed yellow squash makes a delicious summer side dish! A crispy panko topping and fresh herbs add bold flavor to the sautéed squash. via Love and Lemons
Did you know you can eat yellow squash raw? Try slicing it into thin shavings to put on a salad. Here ribbons of yellow and green squash are tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette, thinly sliced red onion, and topped with crumbled goat cheese and fresh mint. via A Beautiful Plate
Here's a way to make yellow squash into a one pan meal! Combine it with chicken and orzo, tender herbs and Parmesan cheese, ad it's a deliciously easy dinner. via Bev Cooks
This Italian Ratatouille nestles a combination of summer squashes and tomatoes on a lake of creamy tomato sauce. A liberal amount of Pecorino cheese is added towards the end of baking, then it’s served with a loaf of crusty bread. via Sense and Edibility
You can make yellow squash into a creamy pureed soup: just like you would with butternut squash! It's got a load of spices and coconut milk to make it creamy (or substitute heavy cream). via Naturally Ella
Did you know you can use yellow squash in quick breads: just like you would zucchini? This moist and delicious squash bread is light and fluffy, flavored with lemon zest and poppy seeds.
Use a spiralizer to make these yellow squash noodles, dressed with fresh basil, mint, and lemon juice. It's the perfect healthy summer salad! via Detoxinista
When you're not sure what to do with yellow squash...pickle it! These quick refrigerator pickles are simple and come out zingy and fresh: no special canning equipment required. via A Farm Girl Dabbles
Is yellow squash healthy? What’s the nutrition info for summer squash? Turns out, this humble squash can be more than just a back-up dancer to zucchini! Yellow squash is:
None of these ideas strike your fancy? Here are a few other summer squash recipes to try:
Roasted yellow squash is the perfect way to serve it! This easy method bakes summer squash with Parmesan and Italian herbs.
Love eating veggies? Us too. Here at A Couple Cooks, we’ve made it our life’s work to figure out deliciously healthy ways to eat them. What we found? There are so many ways to make vegetables taste incredible.
Here are all our top vegetable recipes that make each one taste like a million bucks, from roasted broccoli that’s as irresistible as French fries, to Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes. For each vegetable, we’ve listed a few more of our favorite ideas. Ready to get to it?
Or, choose by vegetable: Broccoli Recipes, Carrot Recipes, Celery Recipes, Spinach Recipes, Mushroom Recipes, Tomato Recipes, Cauliflower Recipes, Cabbage Recipes, Brussels Sprouts Recipes, Corn Recipes, Kale Recipes, Asparagus Recipes, Beet Recipes, Potato Recipes, Potato Recipes, Avocado Recipes, Cucumber Recipes, Butternut Squash Recipes, Yellow Squash Recipes, or Zucchini Recipes.
First up: the best roasted vegetables recipe! This master recipe makes the most colorful sheet pans that will please even the most veggie-wary eaters. Make it for a crowd as a side, or roast up a few pans and eat off of them all week long.
Here’s a quick way to get colorful veggies onto your plate: our ultimate sautéed vegetables recipe. Why not do a total makeover on the old veggie saute? These sauteed vegetables are beautifully colored, bursting with flavor and crisp tender in texture.
Another great way to eat vegetables: in a stir fry! This stir fry vegetables recipe is colorful and tastes so delicious, you won’t want to stop eating. It’s great way to eat all the best healthy vegetables!
Ready for our favorite recipe for this green vegetable? Roasted broccoli. The florets are as irresistible as French fries. They come out tender and charred, with an almost sweet flavor. Combine that with garlic and a few spritzes of fresh lemon juice, and the flavor pops.
More broccoli recipes
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Slaw
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
Creamy Broccoli Potato Soup
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Perhaps sauteed carrots doesn’t sound like a mind blowing vegetable recipe. But these really are the perfect sauteed carrots! These are the most tender, buttery, savory, coins of carrots, with a hint of fresh thyme and chives. all you need are 3 ingredients and 10 minutes.
More great carrot recipes
Simple Carrot Salad
Roasted Carrots
Carrot Soup
Carrot Ginger Dressing
Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrot Fries
Here’s a surprisingly vegetable recipe that deserves a spot on your plate: celery salad! This unique salad is so refreshing, you’ll become a convert from the first bite. Crunchy celery pairs perfectly with sweet apple, Parmesan shavings and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s bright, it’s crunchy, and it’s hydrating.
More celery recipes
Creamy Celery Soup
Celery Juice
Celery Smoothie
This sauteed spinach recipe is something to write home about! It's scented with garlic, wilted until bright green and finished off with lemon juice to give it a brightness. The flavor is fresh and vibrant, not lifeless and mushy as you would expect. It's a healthy side dish that uses 3 large bunches of spinach,
More spinach recipes
Spinach Apple Salad or Strawberry Spinach Salad
Spinach Smoothie
Creamy Spinach Pasta
Spinach Soup
Spinach Quiche
Spinach Rice with Feta
Spinach Pizza
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Here’s our favorite new way to cook mushrooms: baked in the oven! These roasted mushrooms can convert even mushroom haters into die-hard fans. Tender and meaty, topped with fresh herbs, you might not be able to stop eating them.
More mushroom recipes
Best Ever Sauteed Mushrooms
Portobello Mushroom Burger
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
Easy Mushroom Tacos
Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Marinated Mushrooms
There’s no better way to showcase the best ripe tomatoes than this: Caprese salad! This salad represents Italian cuisine at its finest: fresh ingredients combined in a way that’s elegant and simple. Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and pepper basil make the best vegetable combination.
More tomato recipes
Grilled Tomatoes
Fresh Tomato Salad
Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Classic Tomato Soup
Quick Tomato Vinaigrette
Marinated Tomatoes
There’s not much better than a big pan of roasted cauliflower! Making this vegetable recipe transforms it into something transcendental. The flavor becomes sweet and buttery, and flavored with salt and garlic, it’s about as irresistible as French fries.
More cauliflower recipes
Lemon Herb Steamed Cauliflower
BBQ Grilled Cauliflower
Crispy Breaded Cauliflower
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
Cauliflower Stir Fry
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
This effortless salad calls for only 6 ingredients, and the only fresh ingredients are green cabbage and mint. It comes out fresh and tangy, with a lemon mint flavor that keeps eaters coming back for more. It's truly a standout.
More cabbage recipes
Red Cabbage Slaw
Best Coleslaw Recipe
Mexican Coleslaw
Cabbage Soup
Easy Steamed Cabbage
Perfect Boiled Cabbage
Perfect Sauteed Cabbage
These crispy Brussels sprouts are so crispy, you’ll think they were fried. But they’re baked! You know those crispy Brussels that you can get at a restaurant? These are just as good. They’re baked until impossibly crunchy, then tossed with a balsamic and honey sauce that brings in the tangy and sweet notes.
More great Brussels sprouts recipes
Spicy Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Easy Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprout Casserole
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
This vegetable recipe is all about fresh flavor: sweet bursts of corn, juicy tomatoes, and herbaceous basil pair with a tangy, light vinaigrette. If you’re like us…you won’t be able to stop eating it! Top with feta cheese crumbles if you like, or keep it as a plant based salad: it’s just as good either way.
More corn recipes
Boiled Corn on the Cob
Perfect Grilled Corn
Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn)
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Easy Corn Fritters
Corn Salsa
Creamed Corn
Black Bean and Corn Salad
This beautifully fresh vegetable recipe stars a nutrient dense leafy green: kale! This salad full of healthy ingredients: quinoa, kale, peppers, carrots: and then covered in a delicious, ultra tangy dressing! It’s so flavorful and keeps that flavor 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
More kale recipes
Best Ever Sauteed Kale
Easy Tuscan Kale
Roasted Kale
Baked Kale Chips
Easy Kale Salad
Kale Pesto
Kale Caesar Salad
Easy Kale Soup
Here's a favorite easy vegetable recipe: roasted asparagus! It’s so simple that you should be able to memorize it. Who needs to follow a recipe? It’s so simple: the asparagus is tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. The secret ingredient? Grated garlic, which infuses a delightful savory flavor.
More asparagus recipes
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus Salad with Feta
Steamed Asparagus
Sauteed Asparagus
Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
Asparagus Pasta with Lemon
Classic Asparagus Quiche
Lemony Broiled Asparagus
This beet salad works with roasted beets or even cooked packaged beets you can find at the store. And man is it good! This vegetable recipe has all the right elements: baby greens, creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic beet dressing. Basically, it’s salad perfection!
More beet recipes
Arugula Beet Salad
Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese
Creamy Beet Hummus
Beet Smoothie
Grilled Beets
Meet your perfect healthy vegetable recipe: edamame! Edamame are soy beans you eat right out of the pod, squeezing them into your mouth with a satisfying pop. Protein-packed edamame can be served anytime: it’s great as a snack, appetizer, or easy side dish. This edamame recipe is basic but oh-so-tasty, mixed with garlic and toasted sesame oil and seasoned generously with salt.
More edamame recipes
5-Minute Shelled Edamame
Spicy Edamame
Edamame Salad
Looking for the world’s best vegetable recipe? OK we jest, but these Parmesan potatoes are truly extraordinary. There’s the crunchy exterior, oven roasted to perfection. The interior is velvety and tender. And you know how Parmesan cheese gets all crunchy and savory when you heat it up? Yeah, those little crunchy bits are all over these potatoes, making them all the more irresistible.
More potato recipes
Pan Fried Potatoes
Chili Baked Potatoes
Quick Baked Potatoes
Baked Potato Wedges
Dill Potato Salad
Best Potato Salad
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Hasselback Potatoes
Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded Potato Soup
Raw fennel has a crunch and black licorice flavor, making it perfect for salads (like this one). But its roasted self is something different altogether. Its flavor becomes sweet and caramelized: almost like roasted onions but even more irresistible!
More fennel recipes
Fennel Orange Salad
Fennel Salad with Parmesan
This vegetable recipe is a home run every time! When we serve it, a chorus of “Wow’s” fill the room. (Really. Not hyperbole!) What makes it so great? It’s classic and has the perfect balanced flavor: perfectly savory, creamy, and tangy. Serve it up with tortilla chips and your guests — and you — won’t be able to stop eating it.
More great avocado recipes
Grilled Avocado Perfect
Avocado Smoothie
Avocado Tuna Salad
Amazing Avocado Dip
Simple Avocado Salad
Here’s one of our favorite vegetable recipes that’s packed with flavor and fits almost any diet: Cucumber Salad! It’s simple and punchy, with a vinegar-based dressing that packs in tangy, sweet and salty flavor.
More cucumber recipes
Cucumber Salsa
Easy Cucumber Smoothie
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Quick Cucumber Sauce
Cucumber Juice
You barely have to do anything to rainbow chard to make it taste good! Just throw it in a hot pan with olive oil and garlic, then salt it to taste. It turns into an easy side dish in just 10 minutes. Top with pine nuts and Parmesan for an elegant side dish.
Want to eat more veggies? Us too. We’ve got lots of resources for how to find the best recipes to eat them! Here are some of our favorites:
Looking for vegetarian and vegan dinners? Go to Best Vegetarian Dinners, Easy Vegetarian Recipes, Best Vegan Dinners, or Easy Vegan Recipes.
PrintHere’s how to roast vegetables with the best seasoning blend! These epic roasted vegetables fill two sheet pans and take 30 minutes to roast.
*Cut all quantities in half to make 1 sheet pan for 4 people.
**If you can’t find Old Bay, here’s how to make Old Bay it at home! Or, substitute in 1 teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon celery salt.
Looking for salmon dinner ideas? This fish is a popular choice when it comes to meals, but it’s notoriously tricky to cook it right. Here at A Couple Cooks, we’ve become salmon experts by testing out all the best salmon recipes to make dinnertime delicious!
Try it seared, baked, or grilled, with a butter sauce or smothered in a sticky glaze. Or think outside the fillet with burgers, tacos, salad and more!
A lot of recipes claim to be the best baked salmon, but this one lives up to the hype. The tender fillet is perfectly seasoned with brown sugar and spices and a crisp topping. After years of making salmon recipes, we’ve rolled all into this master recipe.
This Tuscan salmon recipe result in a few marriage proposals, which is why we also like to call it “Marry Me Salmon!” The tender fish is bathed in a luscious cream sauce with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and capers.
If there’s a perfect flavor combination, it's garlic butter lemon salmon! This recipe pairs these natural partners in harmony, making an easy dinner in less than 30 minutes. It’s zingy from the lemon, rich from the butter and savory from the garlic.
The salmon in this recipe is roasted right on top of actual lemon slices and butter, which bakes into a sauce that you can spoon over the tender fish. Seasoned with a little dill and garlic powder, you can broil the top to get it lightly crisp after baking.
Want a dinner recipe that’s easy and impressive? Try this spinach artichoke stuffed salmon recipe! A creamy, savory filling flavored like your favorite dip is the ideal contrast to flaky, tender salmon. This might be one of our favorite salmon recipes to date.
This tasty bowl of salmon and rice has a few flavor secrets. The chunks of tender fish are covered in an irresistible savory, garlicky and a little sweet salmon marinade. Combine that with fluffy rice and fresh veggies, then cover it with a spicy mayo to really make it pop.
Here the salmon is pan fried for brown, seared exterior, then baked in the oven until it’s perfectly tender. Drench it all in this sticky honey garlic sauce, a sweet savory glaze that adds layers of complexity in flavor. It’s one of our top salmon dinner ideas!
Salmon is tasty in a fillet and all, but have you ever tried slicing it into pieces before cooking? It makes perfectly seasoned bites that are simple to eat and perfect for serving over salads or in a bowl meal. They’re great for kids: making it a meal the entire family will love!
If there’s one salmon recipe that always goes over well in this house, it’s tacos. These salmon tacos are bursting with fresh, zingy flavor, pairing blackened salmon with pineapple pico and a creamy green avocado sauce.
This easy grilled salmon method comes out tender with a lightly crisp crust. Even better, it’s sprinkled with our tasty magical seasoning blend: or you can make Grilled Marinated Salmon with this tasty juicy marinade.
Here’s an impressive dinner idea that’s packed with umami and fantastically irresistible: Miso Salmon! Miso makes magic in the kitchen: it adds incredible savory flavor to everything it touches. Here it features in a miso glaze that’s so full of flavor, you’ll want to brush a glossy swipe onto just about everything.
This Cajun Salmon is so tender and full of savory flavor, everyone around the table will fall head over heels. This beautiful piece of fish has a crispy blackened top, seasoned with a special blend of homemade Cajun spices.
Here’s an impressive dinner idea that’s calling your name: these irresistible Salmon Burgers! Each bite is hearty and juicy, topped with a creamy remoulade sauce that takes it to rockstar status.
Here’s a dinner idea that gives you maximum return on investment: this Honey Glazed Salmon recipe! In under 30 minutes, you’ve got tender, flaky salmon fillets that are bursting with flavor from a sticky glaze of honey, soy sauce, miso and garlic.
Here’s a basic method every cook should know: Pan Seared Salmon! This is one of the best ways to cook salmon in a flash because it’s fast, it’s easy, and it results in incredible flavor.
This Greek salmon salad is a healthy and satisfying dinner full of bold Mediterranean flavors! The star of the show is salmon bites, bite-sized pieces that add a pop of protein to each bite. Layer them over juicy tomatoes, cool cucumber, and feta cheese.
Want to step up your fish? Here’s an easy way: this flavor-popping marinaded salmon! It’s salty, tangy, garlicky, and a little sweet from brown sugar, resulting in a bite that’s positively bursting with flavor!
Need an easy salmon dinner idea? Enter: Lemon Dill Salmon! It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s even fancy enough for entertaining. Throw it on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake for 10 minutes!
Looking for easy salmon recipes? Here’s one to add to your regular rotation: try this baked Salmon Pasta recipe! This recipe is bursting with flavor, from tender flakes of salmon, zingy lemon and capers, and mix of Mediterranean-style vegetables.
We’re always game for more fast and easy dinner ideas, and this is one to bookmark to make on repeat. Brown sugar salmon is simple and comes together quickly with just a few pantry ingredients!
Here's an easy salmon recipe that pleases everyone: Baked Salmon and Asparagus! It’s simple, it’s elegant, but it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Roasting it up on a sheet pan with lemon slices and fresh herbs adds effortless flavor that feels fresh yet refined.
Another easy salmon recipe? Try salmon with capers: the baked salmon is infused with lemon and herbs and cooked until it’s perfectly moist, then drizzle over a silky lemon caper sauce. Just a small drizzle packs a huge punch.
Got a fillet of fish and need some ideas? Try this lemon pepper salmon recipe to cook it up into an easy and flavorful meal! Season the fillet with lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper, then pop it in the broiler or oven.
So here’s a fun salmon dinner idea: the Simple Salmon Bowl! The tender, seasoned fish is offset with rice, crisp tender broccoli, and covered in an easy, creamy flavor popping sauce. Serve with Tahini Dressing or Miso Dressing.
Want the perfect zingy sauce to add life to baked salmon? Try this Pesto Salmon! Bright green pesto goes hand in hand with tender baked fish to make a stunning dinner. Because really: what isn’t better with a little pesto on top?
Imagine: tender, perfectly seasoned chunks of salmon nestled with bursts of crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy croutons. It’s all covered in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing that makes each bite irresistible.
Need a salmon recipe for weeknights? Try this Maple Glazed Salmon! The fish comes out perfectly tender and flaky, the best part? It’s liberally spread with a sweet and tangy maple balsamic glaze.
Try Pecan Crusted Salmon: it has an air of restaurant-style fancy, but it’s quick and easy to whip up on a weeknight. It takes basic salmon to the next level, coating it in a crunchy topping of nuts, seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Want a fun salmon dinner idea? There’s something so satisfying about a good fish sandwich, and this one is irresistibly tasty. Throw a fillet of Old-Bay seasoned pan seared salmon onto a bun, then top with feta crumbles, red onion and creamy, lemony dill sauce.
This unique piece of fish is rich and meaty, making an impressive and fun dinner idea. This recipe comes out perfectly seasoned, cooked with a mixture of lemon, butter and olive oil and a delicious mix of spices!
Looking for an easy salmon recipe to impress everyone? Try this Pistachio Crusted Salmon! The aroma wafting from the oven will have you salivating before the food even reaches your plate! Each bite of tender fish and the crunchy, Parmesan pistachio topping makes you immediately want to take another.
Love salmon and looking for a new way to prepare it? Try this Lemon Garlic Salmon! The tender, flaky fish is draped in a lemon butter sauce that tastes like pure gold. It’s rich and zingy, bringing a pop of flavor to each bite.
One of the best ways to cook salmon? Broiled! Do away with your baked salmon recipes: with broiled, you don’t even need to preheat your oven! Let it come to room temp, then broil it for 7 to 10 minutes until cooked through. While it broils, we highly recommend making up our lemon caper sauce.
This Blackened Salmon is so flavor filled, you’ll feel like you ordered it at a restaurant. Even better: it’s fast and easy. The homemade blackened seasoning has a savory intrigue and makes a crispy black crust on the outside of the fish.
Looking for a quick way to cook salmon? Try Poached Salmon! It's fast and easy, with just 15 minutes start to finish. The result? Perfectly tender, mild fish that melts in your mouth. Try it with a creamy sauce or flaked into a salmon Caesar salad.
Here's a fun spin on the classic French Nicoise salad! Swap out the traditional tuna for salmon and you’ve got an impressive dinner. Use smoked or canned salmon to keep it super simple, or use whatever cooking method you like.
Looking for salmon basics? Try it pan seared, marinated, grilled, baked or broiled. Learn how to know when salmon is done, and browse ideas for leftover salmon.
When buying salmon for these salmon recipes, there’s one rule to keep in mind: get the best quality fish you can find and afford! Low quality salmon can taste very fishy and have a mushy texture or ooze that white stuff once it’s cooked. The quality of the fish can make or break your salmon recipe! Here’s what to look for:
There are five main ways to cook salmon: pan fried, baked, broiled, grilled, and poached. The best way to assess doneness is with a food thermometer. Salmon is done when the internal temperature measures 125 to 130°F at the thickest point for medium cooked salmon (medium rare is 120°F). The fish will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat. To ensure full safety, the FDA recommended temperature for seafood is 145°F or well done.
Salmon Cooking Method | Cook Time (depends on thickness) |
Pan Seared Salmon | 4 to 8 minutes on medium high heat (2 to 3 minutes skin side up to sear, then flip) |
Baked Salmon | 10 to 16 minutes at 400°F |
Broiled Salmon | 5 minutes (thin) or 7 to 10 minutes (1-inch thick salmon) |
Grilled Salmon | 5 to 10 minutes on medium high heat (375 to 450°F) (3 to 5 minutes skin side up until grill marks appear, then flip) |
Poached Salmon | 7 to 10 minutes |
Ever noticed that gooey white stuff that sometimes appears on the surface of the fish after it’s cooked? It’s coagulated protein that seeps to the surface while cooking, called albumin. It’s safe to eat, but it does look less than appetizing on top of a beautiful fillet. The amount of albumin varies greatly depending on the piece of fish you buy, so it’s not something you can fully control.
To reduce the albumin, experiment with different types at different grocers to find those with less white stuff. It also helps to brine the salmon in a salt and water solution before baking:
There are so many ways to enjoy this tasty, tender fish! Here are a few more ideas:
This is the very best oven baked salmon recipe, seasoned perfectly with a crispy top! Here’s how to bake salmon: you’ll never need another way.
Meatless Monday is a movement to eat meatless meals one day per week—and luckily, it can be the most delicious day of the week, too! As cookbook authors who specialize in vegetarian and vegan recipes, Alex and I have hundreds of great ideas for meatless meals.
We originally started eating more vegetarian and vegan meals for health and sustainability reasons. We started by doing one day a week—then we loved it so much, we added other days of the week too! Here are all our top Meatless Monday ideas.
Meatless Monday is a global movement with a simple message: one day a week, cut the meat. It was launched in 2003 as a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, working with the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The goal is to reduce meat consumption by 15% for our personal health and the health of the planet. Today, Meatless Monday is embraced in over 40 countries and in over 20 languages!
This falafel bowl makes a satisfying meal, full of bright Mediterranean flavors! Featuring homemade baked falafel and crunchy veggies, it’s a delicious healthy lunch or dinner idea.
This baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe (aka eggplant parmigiana) is classic Italian comfort food at its finest, with crispy eggplant rounds, savory marinara, and gooey cheese. We’ve tested our recipe over and over to make it easier than most homemade versions, and it’s a total crowd pleaser!
Spice up your dinners with these flavorful fajita veggies! This easy recipe combines colorful bell peppers, onions, and a spice blend for serving with the protein of your choice or as fun side dish.
This chickpea curry is the ultimate healthy and easy weeknight dinner! It’s done in 20 minutes, totally plant based, and full of flavor.
These vegan lentil sloppy joes are deliciously filling plant-based dinner made with lentils, tomatoes, and seasonings! The tangy flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a huge hit at our house. Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe experience.
These cauliflower tacos with breaded cauliflower, refried beans, and creamy Yum Yum sauce are all about one thing—big flavor!
These sweet potato black bean enchiladas are delicious, crowd pleasing and one of our fan favorite best vegetarian dinner recipes! They feature tomatillo salsa verde that makes them “green” enchiladas, and they’re filled with sweet potato, black beans, and Colby Jack cheese.
This sweet potato lentil soup is cozy and creamy: a delicious mix of aromatic vegetables with a hint of savory spices. It’s a healthy meatless soup that’s also budget friendly—great as a dinner idea with crusty bread or a simple make ahead lunch.
What’s more classic than a margherita pizza in your Meatless Monday recipes? This homemade margherita pizza recipe features a time saving no-cook sauce. Although this pizza uses few ingredients, it packs in big flavor.
This insanely tasty falafel burger is easy and bursting with Mediterranean flavor! Smother in sauce for an epic vegetarian or vegan dinner.
This easy cauliflower stir fry is a healthy and easy meatless dinner idea! It’s full of nutrients and covered in a punchy sauce.
These veggie nuggets are so delicious and made with a simple combination of vegetables, oats, and flavorful spices. Everyone loves them (both kids and adults!), and they’re vegan and easily gluten-free. Dip into a fun sauce and enjoy as a meal or snack!
This vegetarian chili recipe is a family favorite everyone loves! It has the best flavor and is so easy to whip up.
Welcome to the sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.
Can’t decide between Italian and Mexican food? Have we got the perfect Meatless Monday recipe for you! This delicious Mexican pizza recipe features creamy refried beans, spicy jalapeño, and sweet corn. Make the dough in advance or use storebought dough for weeknight ease.
Poke is a Hawaiian specialty, typically made with ahi tuna. But here's a meatless version of this popular healthy bowl meal: vegan poke bowls!
This simple calzone recipe features a homemade pizza dough and a spinach, mushroom, and two-cheese filling. Make the dough in advance or use storebought pizza dough to make this easier for a weeknight in your Meatless Monday recipes repertoire!
This eggplant meatballs recipe is absolutely delicious! Made with garlic and Parmesan, the meatballs have a surprisingly juicy texture. Serve with pasta and marinara for a satisfying dinner!
This classic bean soup recipe tastes irresistibly satisfying! It’s quick and easy, made in just over 30 minutes with canned beans.
This tofu bowl with rice stars crispy tofu, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! A deliciously healthy vegan dinner to fill your day with plant-based goodness.
This pasta pomodoro recipe makes dinnertime magic with simple ingredients! Pair the Italian sauce with spaghetti for a tasty meal.
This coconut lentil curry has it all: it’s a fast and easy dinner idea that’s healthy and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknights and your arsenal of Meatless Monday recipes.
Pasta alla Norma is a signature Italian dish of pasta and eggplant! A tangy red sauce and salty cheese complete this Sicilian masterpiece.
This chickpea soup recipe with rice and lemon is bright and restorative! Cozy up to a bowl of this satisfyingly healthy, easy soup.
This breaded tofu is a game-changer for fast and easy weeknight meals! It comes out crispy on the outside and seasoned on the inside, and it comes together in a flash. This one is a huge hit in our house as a vegan dinner, or as a plant based protein to top salads and bowl meals.
This sun dried tomato pasta is creamy, cozy, and a crowd-pleasing dinner idea! This recipe is simple to make with maximum wow-factor.
This quesadilla recipe comes out crispy on the outside with perfectly melty cheese! Here are 3 few tricks for a next-level quesadilla, and loads of variations.
These chickpea couscous bowls are a super quick dinner recipe: in just 25 minutes you have a fresh, vegan Mediterranean bowl covered in tangy tahini sauce.
Stuffed sweet potatoes make the best easy meatless dinner idea! Bake them until tender, then stuff with fillings for a delicious main dish meal.
This vegetarian and vegan Italian vegetable gnocchi soup is bursting with flavor and can be made in around 30 minutes, making it an easy weeknight meal. If you eat dairy, top with Parmesan shavings as a garnish.
This tofu broccoli stir fry comes to the dinnertime rescue! Broccoli florets and tofu cubes are tossed in a tangy, savory sauce for a vegetarian and vegan dinner everyone will love. Even better, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
These crispy, crave-worthy vegan crab cakes are truly amazing! These patties will wow eaters of any diet. Serve them up with vegan tartar sauce as a fun plant-based dinner or appetizer!
This Moroccan stew is cozy, healthy and full of flavor. It's spiced with cumin, coriander and cinnamon, and the chickpeas are simmered with tomatoes and chickpeas. Sere with a side of quinoa or couscous.
This broccoli mac and cheese irresistibly creamy and the best way to make this classic! Mix in your side dish in for an easy one-pot dinner.
Outside of these Meatless Monday recipes, here are a few more collections of meatless meals:
This easy sheet pan dinner is filled with healthy vegetables and fresh flavor! Throw it all in the oven while you cook rice or quinoa. Dinnertime win!
*If you can’t find Old Bay, you could try 1 teaspoon paprika and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt or celery salt.
Looking for Super Bowl food and snacks? Every year we host a Super Bowl party, so we’re always on the lookout for ideas. The best recipes for game day be a combination of comfort food and party appetizers with a game day vibe. These ideas are harder to pinpoint than you think!
Here we’ve looked through all our party appetizer recipes, finger food and snacks to find all the best Super Bowl food ideas! Each of these ideas are tested and approved, so we can honestly say: these Super Bowl snacks will wow your friends. Ready to get started?
Here’s a creamy, irresistibly spiced party dip that's a perfect easy Super Bowl recipe idea: Taco Dip! It’s got a quick homemade seasoning blend, Greek yogurt, and a colorful mix of fresh toppings for the absolute best flavor. Absolutely no one will turn this down.
This healthy vegetarian buffalo chicken dip is a lighter spin using chickpeas to make an irresistibly creamy, spicy appetizer! Everyone who tries it raves about this one—it’s perfect for a table of game day snacks or party finger food. Get ready to have your mind blown!
These tender roasted sweet potato bites are such fun Super Bowl food! Topped with creamy guacamole, crunchy corn, onion, and cilantro, they’re like crostini but with a vegetable base.
Here’s a spin on spinach artichoke dip that takes this classic to a new level! This tangy, creamy dip is such a crowd pleaser that it might interfere with the conversation when you serve it. This version is made with Greek yogurt and less mayo and cheese than the typical dip. Serve with pita chips!
For a dairy free spin, try our Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip.
What’s better than a big pan of nachos? This Tex Mex favorite is one of life’s great pleasures, and we’re here for them. They’re ideal an appetizer to feed a crowd, especially as Super Bowl snacks! Here’s the best part about our Ultimate Nachos Recipe: it works for any diet.
This Mexican street corn dip recipe is inspired by the irresistible flavors of elote: sweet corn: zingy lime, spicy chili, and savory crumbled cheese. No one can resist it!
Meet our famous 5-Minute Bean Dip! It’s might be the very easiest recipe we’ve ever created. Beans, salsa, and cheese come together into the creamiest, gooiest piping hot mess. Dunk in crunchy chips and it tastes remarkably like the queso from your favorite Mexican joint. With just 3 ingredients, the flavor is more irresistibly complex than you’d imagine.
Also try: Easy Refried Bean Dip (vegan)
You won’t believe this caramel apple dip recipe until you taste it! Stir just 4 ingredients into a glossy peanut butter caramel that’s vegan and gluten-free. It’s so simple and the best healthy snack!
Who doesn’t love potato skins? Those crispy, savory vessels for creamy, cheesy deliciousness could melt even the most stone cold heart. So when you’re looking to impress, why not try them at home? This method offers some innovations so you can complete it in less time than most potato skin recipes.
Here's an irresistibly fun Super Bowl food idea: buffalo cauliflower wings! These tasty morsels are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed with spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. You'll see these in restaurants these days, and these taste just as good as restaurant-style.
What’s Super Bowl food without chili? It’s beyond simple to make, and the flavor is outstanding. It’s got a hint of smokiness to highlight the tangy tomatoes and savory black beans. Top it with your favorite toppings, and it’s so hearty and savory, you’ll forget it’s healthy, too. Or, serve it over baked potatoes for crowd-pleasing Chili Baked Potatoes.
Also try: Quick Chili Recipe
It’s a home run every time! When we serve it, a chorus of “Wow’s” fill the room. (Really. Not hyperbole!) What makes it so great? It’s classic and has the perfect balanced flavor: perfectly savory, creamy, and tangy. Serve it up with tortilla chips and your guests — and you — won’t be able to stop eating it.
How to make quesadillas into Super Bowl snacks? Enter: baked quesadillas in the oven! This recipe makes a big batch all at once on a sheet pan. All the quesadillas are done at the same time, and they come out with a beautifully crispy exterior. Add dips and serve!
This skillet Mexican cheese dip recipe is quintessential Super Bowl food, right? It’s spiced pinto beans, veggies, and Greek yogurt baked in a skillet covered in gooey cheese. Dip with tortilla chips and enjoy this decadent snack.
This delicious black bean dip is creamy, smoky, and full of flavor! Perfect as a snack or appetizer recipe, it’s so easy to whip up and pairs well with tortilla chips, veggies, or pita bread. It’s become a family favorite!
Want our best healthy snack trick? This peanut butter dip! It’s just 4 ingredients and somehow tastes like frosting. Really, Alex and I were surprised the first time we tasted it. How is this so good, yet so simple? It’s works for any occasion: a family party, or a big snacks table. Or of course, as Super Bowl food!
Taquitos are always a hit at a Super Bowl party! This baked version is an easy spin on that tasty Mexican rolled tortilla treat, and everyone loves them. Roll corn or flour tortillas around a filling of refried beans, cheese, and salsa, then bake until crispy. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
There’s no more epic Super Bowl food than a platter of Chili Cheese Fries! Imagine: that combination of deliciously hearty chili, crispy potatoes, and gooey cheese sauce is comfort food at its finest. Why settle for a plate of fries when you can add chili? This spin on the traditionally heavy dish is fresher than most, featuring a black bean chili and a lighter (but just as tasty) cheese sauce.
You won’t believe the flavor in these Mexican sweet potatoes, topped with black bean pico de gallo and creamy cilantro sauce! The sweet potatoes and halved and roasted until tender, and topped with our tangy sweet Cilantro Sauce that’s 100% plant based. A double recipe is great for feeding a crowd and is over the top delicious.
Ranking up top in our Super Bowl food and snacks: a good spinach dip! This one is so easy to make: it’s the kind that’s served cold, perfect for dipping pita chips or serving in a bread bowl. The recipe is a little healthier than most, relying on Greek yogurt for much of the creaminess. And because it’s not baked, it’s quick to put together: just 10 minutes!
If you’re into chicken wings, here’s a recipe that will have you smitten: try these garlic Parmesan wings! These homemade wings are easy to whip up, bursting with garlicky goodness, and coated in a Parmesan blanket of bliss. Whether it’s for a game day snack or a weeknight meal (or you just love all things chicken!), these wings are about to become your new obsession.
A great Super Bowl food idea? Try Stuffed Mushrooms! These little bites have everything going on: they’re savory, meaty, and herby, with a tender exterior and a crunch in each bite. Even better, this party snack recipe is incredibly easy: no need to sauté filling ingredients. Chop them up, fill, and bake!
This combo of black eyed peas, veggies and a vinaigrette dressing is equal parts zesty and comforting: and you can use it as a chip dip or side dish. Our favorite recipe has loads of colorful veggies, cilantro and jalapenos, and a simple zingy dressing with the perfect flavor.
Who can resist a plate of coconut shrimp? Each crunchy, coconut-scented, juicy bite is so supremely satisfying, we want to devour the entire plate, Here we’ve decoded the secrets behind the flavor: baked, not fried! Serve it with sweet chili sauce for a tasty appetizer.
Need simple Super Bowl food to impress? Try this Pineapple Salsa! The zing of the lime and heat of the jalapeno are the ideal pairing for this sweet fruit. Grab a juicy, ripe pineapple for this one: scoop it up with chips and each bite is an explosion of sweet, savory, salty and spicy.
This spiced crispy chickpeas recipe is the perfect salty, crunchy healthy Super Bowl snack! They’re baked simply with olive oil and spiced with chili powder and cumin. Every time we make them, people don't stray far from the bowl.
Everyone loves pinwheels! This spin is full of Italian-style flavors: mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of spices. But you can easily customize them to your tastes and to make it an even more zingy Super Bowl recipe! They look totally stunning on a platter.
One of our fan favorite party appetizer recipes, this Baked Goat Cheese Appetizer with fire roasted tomatoes is like eating pizza as a dip. People go crazy over this stuff, and it disappears very quickly.
Everyone we’ve served this cilantro dip to raves about it! With just 3 ingredients, it’s an easy Super Bowl party snack to add to your list of party dip recipes. Serve with Homemade Tortilla Chips.
This cool, creamy ranch dip is made with Greek yogurt, minced shallot, and real herbs: not a packet. It’s even better than the packet!
As dip for fruit and pretzels, this dark chocolate hummus is a surprising hit at parties. It’s perfect as Super Bowl food! Since it’s naturally sweet, it’s one of our favorite in the sweets category of healthy super bowl recipes.
These fudgy olive oil brownies! These quickly became a fan favorite recipe and are our family’s go-to brownie recipe. They’re rich and chewy: a dairy free brownie filled with peanut butter and olive oil (so it’s Mediterranean diet friendly).
When creating this recipe, Alex and I were curious about using olive oil in a brownie. Combined with peanut butter, it makes a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie recipe with a chewy texture and robust flavor.
Try these No Bake Energy Bites! They taste like dessert, but they’re a simple combination of peanut butter, oats and honey. Of course, don't forget the chocolate chips! They're a great finger food for snacking on at parties.
This chocolate chip cookie cake is 100% more delicious than a store bought cookie cake. The rich chocolate chunks and a hint of orange zest make it seriously irresistible: the flavor is oh so real. The texture is perfectly soft and chewy. Everyone will ooo and ahh about this one!
Didn’t find what you were looking for in these Super Bowl recipes? Here are a few more great entertaining ideas:
These Super Bowl food ideas and snacks are irresistibly tasty and sure to impress! Find recipes for everyone, from nachos to chili.
*To quickly soften cream cheese, place it on a plate in the microwave. Microwave 5 seconds, then flip over the block of cheese and cook another 5 seconds. If it’s not room temperature and soft at this point, try another 5 seconds but air on the conservative side.
**You can also add more layers to the taco dip to make it like a 7 layer dip: consider topping with a layer of refried beans (seasoned with salt), guacamole, and salsa before adding veggie toppings.
Medjool dates are about to take over the world! This tasty fruit is enjoying massive popularity lately as a natural way to sweeten foods. They’re in many energy bars you’ll find in stores, though they can be used in sweet and savory recipes alike. Here at A Couple Cooks, we’re big Medjool dates fans, and have lots of recipes to prove it.
Here are some of our favorite easy Medjool dates recipes! The most popular is our fudgy date brownies, where dates and nuts magically combine into a texture just like a fudgy brownie. Medjool dates are the key component of energy bars recipes, and they’re fantastic for sweetening smoothies and our “healthy” milkshake. Ready to get cooking?
Before we get to the recipes: here are a few things to note about these caramely sweet superfoods:
Our top Medjool dates recipe: goat cheese stuffed dates! These beauties are incredibly easy to make, and the flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. Pair the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates with tangy, fluffy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. It also works as a quick snack or “side” for a healthy lunch, and involves no cooking at all. For plant based, use nut butter instead (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or nut butter).
This no bake peanut butter energy balls recipe tastes like healthy brownie bites! It’s an easy naturally sweet treat made with dates. Adding protein powder is optional, but adds a bit of protein and sweetness. Our family gobbles these up!
This date snickers recipe is a delicious, homemade no bake treat made simply from Medjool dates, peanut butter, and chocolate! They’re great to keep on hand for snacking all week long, and fit many diets (gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan).
The other arguably most popular Medjool date recipe: energy bars! Did you know that many of the energy bars you see in stores are made with Medjool dates? This recipe is like a copycat Larabar with a pecan pie flavor! It's made with pecans, dates, oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon. This tasty bar is full of nutrients and lots of fiber (10% of your daily need).
The most "famous" of all Medjool date recipes? Raw brownies! You'll never believe the dark chocolatey flavor and chewy texture of this easy no bake treat. Simply blend together Medjool dates, cocoa powder and walnuts, and it forms a magical concoction that you'll have to taste to believe. We've been making these for years as a tasty naturally sweet treat: we hope you'll love them as much as we do!
Got dates on hand? Let’s make a Date Smoothie! Medjool dates are ideal in smoothies: they’re a natural sweetener with a caramelly sweet flavor. They add a great source of fiber and enhance the creamy texture of a smoothie. Here’s how to make a naturally sweet smoothie using this tasty fruit.
What's a better way to use Medjool dates than wrapping them in bacon? Yes please! This tasty party appetizer is a classic, starring caramely dates, crispy bacon, and savory cheese. via Gimme Some Oven
Here's another fantastic energy bars recipe made with Medjool dates! This one is like a Larabar too, but it's made with cashews and almonds. The concept couldn't be easier: simply blend dates, almonds, cashews and cinnamon together in a food processor, then press it into an even layer. We like to freeze our energy bars for a few minutes before cutting them, which helps the dough set. For a seasonal variation, try adding Pumpkin Pie Spice!
Date bark is like chocolate bark, but with Medjool dates as a base! This TikTok viral recipe combines dates with peanut butter, chocolate and peanuts. It tastes like a Snickers bar and is the perfect vegan and gluten-free treat to keep stocked in your freezer!
Why not add dates to your breakfast? This oatmeal topping makes for a natural caramel-like flavor that amps up your morning. It’s delicious and can be prepped the night before for a quick, low effort breakfast. via Eating Bird Food
Here's a fun way to dress up those brownies made with Medjool dates: make them into a parfait! This parfait is a healthy spin on the standard, made with sweetened Greek yogurt. There's a gooey triple berry compote made with strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. And to top it off? Crumbles of raw brownies! They made for the perfect contrasting fudgy texture. A more decadent way to eat raw brownies? This Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich.
Ever tried a date shake? This Palm Springs signature drink is an unexpected combination that works: creamy vanilla ice cream and Medjool dates. Take one sip and it’s a revelation: creamy, aromatic vanilla ice cream is the ideal pairing for the caramel flavor of this fruit.
Buckeyes are those gooey peanut butter balls covered in chocolate! While they're often eaten during the holiday season, you can eat these tasty morsels all year round. They're a sweet treat that is great for parties, gatherings, or book clubs. This recipe is a healthy spin on buckeyes using Medjool dates for the filling instead of butter! It makes for a decadent-tasting plant based dessert.
These healthy vegan energy bars are similar to homemade Larabars, but with a little more texture. Like the raw brownie, they’re gluten-free and all natural, made mainly of Medjool dates and nuts. This version uses hazelnuts for a more complex flavor, and dried tart cherries for a tangy note that compliments the sweet.
This 4-ingredient date caramel is made with all real foods and tastes salty sweet! It's perfect for dipping apples or other fruit, and it's simple to whip up with just dates, vanilla, salt and almond milk. via Eating Bird Food
Last up in our Medjool dates recipes: this healthy chocolate milkshake! Here's a way to get your milkshake without feeling sick afterwards. You'll place coconut milk in an ice cube tray and freeze it, then blend the cubes with cocoa powder and Medjool dates. It tastes rich and chocolatey, but fresh and light at the same time!
Here’s an easy finger food recipe: stuffed Mejool dates! They’re quick to make, and the sweet and savory combo keeps everyone coming back for more.
*For vegan, plant-based and dairy-free diets, try nut butter, peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
**The goat cheese is easier to work with at room temperature. If you don’t have time to set it out, just use your hands to mash it around in the package a little bit so it becomes softer.
Mejool dates are perfect for plant based treats! If you like these, here are a few more healthy plant based desserts you might enjoy:
Need appetizer ideas? You’re in luck: many of the best, crowd-pleasing appetizers are vegetarian! Meatless recipes are ideal for entertaining, from cheesy chip dips to a pan of spinach artichoke dip warm from the oven.
As two cookbook authors and recipe experts, we’ve reviewed our recipe library to find all our top vegetarian appetizers that everyone loves! We’ve tested out these recipes on friends and family for the past decade, so you know they’re tried and tested by real people. These are the “hits” that people always crowd around at the snack table!
First up in our top vegetarian appetizers: 5-minute bean dip! Incredibly this dip comes together in...actually 5 minutes. It's cheesy, creamy, and everything you want for dipping chips. Everyone raves about this one: and it's beyond easy to make. Add warm homemade tortilla chips to step it up.
Also try: Easy Refried Bean Dip or Vegan Nacho Cheese (Queso)
This healthy vegetarian buffalo chicken dip is a lighter spin using chickpeas to make an irresistibly creamy, spicy appetizer! Everyone who tries it raves about this one—it’s perfect for a table of game day snacks or party finger food. Get ready to have your mind blown!
These tender roasted sweet potato bites are such a fun healthy appetizer or snack idea! Topped with creamy guacamole, crunchy corn, onion, and cilantro, they’re like crostini but with a vegetable base.
What’s better for parties than a good spinach dip recipe? This one is served cold, perfect for dipping pita chips or serving in a bread bowl. The recipe is a little healthier than most, relying on Greek yogurt for much of the creaminess. And because it’s not baked, it’s quick to put together: just 10 minutes! Literally the perfect finger food for easy entertaining.
This baked goat cheese is an ideal vegetarian appetizer: it always disappears in seconds when we set it out at a party! The creamy goat cheese melts into a zingy, garlicky tomato sauce in a way you won't want to stop eating. Dip with crostini or crusty bread.
You won’t believe this caramel apple dip recipe until you taste it! Stir just 4 ingredients into a glossy peanut butter caramel that’s vegan and gluten-free. It’s so simple and the best healthy snack!
Pinwheels are a fantastic vegetarian appetizer: they're totally customizable! Held together by cream cheese, you can put almost anything into these easy rollups. This recipe has spinach, sundried tomatoes and Italian spices, but feel free to customize.
Also try: Mexican-Style Pinwheels
“WOW, this is so good! Can I have the recipe?” is usually the chorus when we serve this spinach artichoke dip. This vegetarian appetizer is a perfect party snack, and borders on addictive territory. The creamy, cheesy sauce is perfect for dipping pita chips or bread. Or, try this amazing Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip without the dairy: it's even better than the original!
This delicious black bean dip is creamy, smoky, and full of flavor! Perfect as a snack or appetizer recipe, it’s so easy to whip up and pairs well with tortilla chips, veggies, or pita bread. It’s become a family favorite!
Here’s a creamy, irresistibly spiced party dip you need in your life: Taco Dip! It comes together in minutes, and we can confidently say almost no one turns this one down. This one is even better than the standard: it’s got a quick homemade seasoning blend, Greek yogurt, and a colorful mix of fresh toppings for the absolute best flavor.
Here’s a recipe that’s ideal for parties and entertaining in any season: Hummus Dip! This one even doubles as a tasty snack or a light dinner with a few other filling appetizers. Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese.
This recipe dresses up whole almonds to make them the perfect salty-sweet snack. Roasting them with a mixture of honey, salt, sesame seeds and cayenne pepper makes for a crunchy, elevated take on this superfood nut.
Speaking of fruit dip, another go-to in our vegetarian appetizers list is this yogurt fruit dip! It's so simple, yet so delicious. The combination of Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon makes a magically sweet fruit dip that's loads healthier than the store-bought kind.
Calling all crunchy, salty snack lovers! This vegetarian appetizer is absolutely irresistible: roasted chickpeas! Each bite has a satisfying crunch with the perfect seasoning from chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Also try: Crispy Roasted Black Beans
Everyone is surprised by...and then loves this chocolate hummus! It's a sweet version of the typically savory dip that's sweet and dark chocolaty. Make it with either tahini or peanut butter and maple syrup as the sweetener. Then dip with strawberries or pretzels!
Want a favorite trick for entertaining? Goat cheese stuffed dates! The flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. There’s the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates. Pair that with tangy, fluffy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. To them with a dusting of pistachios and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and wowza!
Veggie platters graced our childhood family gatherings, and really: there’s no easier way to get people to eat their veggies. Here’s our go-to you’ll want to make again and again: this Veggie Dip recipe! It’s ultra creamy and savory, and simple to whip up with just the right combination of spices. No need for prepackaged ranch seasonings here!
This simple combination of sweetened yogurt, almonds and apple slices is so refreshing and delicious, it’s hard to stop sneaking bites. These apple slices can take any type of topping you like, from chocolate chips and caramel syrup to granola crumbles and cinnamon!
Looking for a fun vegetarian appetizer idea? Try Fruit Skewers! Everything tastes better on a stick, right? This is a simple concept that’s more like an idea than a recipe: but it makes everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit. Use whatever fruits you like and if desired, serve with our favorite 3 ingredient fruit dip!
For a spicy appetizer, try this Buffalo Ranch sauce! In just a few minutes, you can make a killer sauce that’s creamy, tangy, spicy, savory, and ideal for dunking just about anything. Try it with carrots, celery, bell pepper strips, or tortilla chips.
Need a fun vegetarian dip idea? This sun dried tomato pesto is bursting with so much zippy flavor, you’ll want to put it on everything! Dip it with with toasted or grilled bread or crackers, and it’s a burst of savory, sweet, tangy, and herby all at once. All you need are a handful of ingredients to whip up a batch.
There’s nothing more fun than food on a stick, right? Here’s an easy party appetizer that capitalizes on this idea: Antipasto Skewers! They’re everything that’s great about an antipasto platter, in skewer form. Thread olives, mozzarella, marinated artichokes and tortellini pasta onto a skewer, and it’s easily devoured by eaters of all ages.
Looking for a fun, creamy dip that’s simple to whip up for guests? Try this homemade French Onion Dip recipe! Sure, you can easily grab a tub at the store. But making this classic dip at home takes it to a new level. The flavor is fresh, savory, rich and tangy: ideal for drowning salty potato chips or crunchy veggies.
Looking for a fast and easy dip to impress at parties or a simple dinner? Try this Mexican inspired corn dip! This recipe celebrates the flavors of elote (Mexican street corn), riffing on them to make a tasty dip for eating with crunchy tortilla chips. The pops of sweet corn against the tangy lime, zingy green chiles and salty crumbled cheese is absolutely irresistible!
When it comes to simple and satisfying appetizers, this one’s at the top of our list. This Olive Tapenade recipe takes just 5 minutes and explodes with pure Mediterranean flavor! This traditional French spread is made with olives and capers, and the salty, briny flavor is otherworldly. Spread a smear on bread or a crunchy crostini, and the savory pop transports you right to the South of France.
Throwing a party? Here’s the best easy appetizer: the Ultimate Cheese Board! Cheese boards are our go-to for entertaining: they’re simple to put together, easy to customize for various diets, and look simply brilliant. Here’s an easy way to make a cheese board, with loads of cheese board ideas so you can build the spread of your dreams.
Appetizers should always be easy to whip up, we think! Because if you’re entertaining, there’s so much more to worry about. Here’s a trick that works for anytime and season: this Blueberry Goat Cheese appetizer! Imagine: a glossy, sweet tart blueberry sauce draped over a warm log of goat cheese, punctuated with pops of fresh herbs. Serve it on crackers or crostini, and no one will be able to stop dipping!
Also try: Cranberry Goat Cheese or Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer
Here’s a fun and easy appetizer recipe that takes just minutes of hands on time: Marinated Mozzarella Balls! You’ll be surprised by how quickly this comes together and how satisfying the flavors are for such little effort. Like many Italian-style appetizers, the genius is in its simplicity. Marinade fresh mozzarella balls in a mix of olive oil, chopped herbs and red pepper flakes, and the flavor is a burst of bold and herbaceous.
These homemade baked taquitos are an easy spin on that tasty Mexican rolled tortilla treat! This version is not so much authentic as an easy way for a tasty appetizer. The filling is vegetarian, a mix of refried beans, cheese, salsa, and spices. It makes for a snack that’s seriously tasty (and kids love them). They’re also great for parties. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping
There's nothing better than a great homemade guacamole as a vegetarian appetizer. It’s a home run every time! When we serve it, a chorus of “Wow’s” fill the room. (Really. Not hyperbole!) What makes it so great? It’s classic and has the perfect balanced flavor: perfectly savory, creamy, and tangy. Serve it up with tortilla chips and your guests — and you — won’t be able to stop eating it.
Another favorite vegetarian appetizer: whipped feta dip! Whip this crumbly cheese into a creamy spread with olive oil, then top it with honey and dip with warm flatbread. It's next level good! We were instantly hooked.
Also try: Whipped Goat Cheese
Here’s a tasty dip that will surprise you with its irresistibly creamy flavor: Black Bean Hummus! This spin on the traditional Mediterranean chickpea dip might sound fun, but here’s the thing. It tastes even better than it sounds! Black beans, lime, tahini and a bit of smoked paprika make creamy dip magic.
Entertaining and not sure where to start? Try an Antipasto Platter! This board of Italian appetizers is an explosion of colors and flavors, and it’s almost guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any party. Add traditional antipasti like cheese, meats, marinated vegetables, olives, crackers, breads, and more to a platter and serve with small plates to let your guests get to snacking.
Last up in our vegetarian appetizers: skillet cheese dip! Check out that gooey, melty cheese, right? It’s perfect for parties: tailgating, a game day gathering, or a party table full of easy finger foods. It’s a play on white chili, using white beans, mild green chiles, corn, and a gooey mess of Mexican cheeses (sans the typical chicken so it’s vegetarian!).
Still looking for ideas? We’ve got lots more ways to browse appetizers outside of this list. Here are a few top resources:
This intensely delicious bean dip recipe takes literally 5 minutes. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this party favorite!
*We used 2 13-ounce jars of borlotti beans we found at our local grocery, but pinto beans work just as well!
*For a healthy spin, use half the cheese or go to Refried Bean Dip (no cheese).
Updated January 31, 2024 to add additional recipes.
]]>Looking for gluten free snack ideas? You probably already know this: you don’t have to give anything up by avoiding gluten. Nope, these gluten free ideas are some of the most delicious of all of our appetizer recipes! Everything from creamy dips to guacamole to crunchy salty snacks are part of this incredible list of crowd-pleasing favorites.
Here are all the best gluten free appetizers that please everyone…no matter how they eat! In fact, no one will notice that anything is missing. These are all tried and true favorites that receive rave reviews from our friends and family. Ready to get started?
These tender roasted sweet potato bites are such a fun gluten free appetizer or snack idea! Topped with creamy guacamole, crunchy corn, onion, and cilantro, they’re like crostini but with a vegetable base.
Another crowd-pleasing gluten free appetizer recipe? This spinach artichoke dip is pure perfection. This spin takes this classic to a new level! This tangy, creamy dip is such a crowd pleaser that it might interfere with the conversation when you serve it (sorry!). Whenever we make it, everyone parks around the bowl exclaiming how good it is.
Dip it with: Corn chips (try homemade!), gluten-free crackers (try homemade!)
People go crazy over this gluten free appetizer recipe: roasted chickpeas! It's a healthy-ish snack that's that ultimate satisfier of a salty snack craving. They’re crispy, crunchy, perfectly spiced, and they stay crunchy in the pantry for days. And they’re a naturally plant based and gluten free snack! Score.
Also try: Crispy Roasted Black Beans
This gluten free appetizer that always goes over well: Texas caviar! Cowboy caviar, as it’s also known, was invented in Texas and has now spread all over the US. This combo of black eyed peas, veggies and a vinaigrette dressing is equal parts zesty and comforting: and you can use it as a chip dip or healthy side dish. This recipe has loads of colorful veggies, cilantro and jalapenos, and a simple zingy dressing with the perfect flavor. Dip with tortilla chips.
Here's another big crowd pleaser gluten free appetizer on the sweeter side: peanut butter dip! It's got just 4 ingredients and tastes like frosting. It works for any occasion: a quick snack for kids, a family party, or a big snacks table. Or use it for a sweets craving after a meal!
Dip with: Green apple slices, strawberries, or pineapple
Here's a delicious gluten free appetizer: tuna tartare! Pairing the bold flavors of soy sauce, lime and toasted sesame oil makes magic with sushi-grade ahi tuna. It’s the ideal spread as a finger food for gluten-free crackers, chips, plantains, and more.
Here's another great gluten free appetizer: goat cheese stuffed dates! This appetizer recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. Pair the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates with tangy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. Top them with a dusting of pistachios and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Here’s an easy appetizer that looks stunning and relies on simple, spot-on flavors: Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites! The classic combination of smoked salmon, dill, cucumber and cream cheese is a hit every time. Mix the cream cheese with fresh dill, green onion and Dijon for a rich, zingy pop. Make up this platter for a party, and people won’t be able to tear themselves away!
Here’s a go-to recipe will immediately go in your back pocket for entertaining and healthy snacks: this easy Fruit Dip! Get this: it’s 3 ingredients, takes 2 minutes, and tastes like a dream. That’s right: no need to buy store-bought dip, which is often overly sweet or artificial tasting. This one tastes beautifully natural, simply sweet, and a base of Greek yogurt keeps it healthy and natural.
Looking for a fun party snack everyone will love? Try Spiced Nuts! This simple idea gives a crunchy, candy-like coating to the exterior of nuts. They’re spiced with cinnamon, chili powder and bit of cayenne for an intriguing mix of sweet, savory and spicy.
Who doesn’t love potato skins? Those crispy, savory vessels for creamy, cheesy deliciousness could melt even the most stone cold heart. So when you’re looking to impress, why not try them at home? This method offers some innovations so you can complete it in less time than most potato skin recipes.
These marinated olives are always a big hit! This dish will make an olive lover out of anyone. Using the right olives here results in smooth, rich flavor: not briny or overly salty. The garlic, lemon and herbs make a symphony of flavor! Every time we make these and set them out on the table, people go crazy for them! Add to a cheese platter or charcuterie board.
Make this caramelized onion dip the centerpiece of an epic happy hour platter surrounded by veggies, chips, olives, and cheese! You’ll find people congregate around this dip because it’s just that good: loaded with caramelized onions that were simmered in red wine and cool sour cream. It’s perfect for dipping: potato chips are our personal fave.
Here’s a tasty dip that will surprise you with its irresistibly creamy flavor: Black Bean Hummus! This spin on the traditional Mediterranean chickpea dip might sound fun, but here’s the thing. It tastes even better than it sounds! Black beans, lime, tahini and a bit of smoked paprika make creamy dip magic.
Need a gluten free appetizer to impress? Try this Pineapple Salsa! It’s one of the best ways to use a fresh pineapple. The zing of the lime and heat of the jalapeno are the ideal pairing for this sweet fruit. Grab a juicy, ripe pineapple for this one: scoop it up with chips and each bite is an explosion of sweet, savory, salty and spicy!
Here’s a fun and easy gluten-free appetizer recipe that takes just minutes of hands on time: Marinated Mozzarella Balls! You’ll be surprised by how quickly this comes together and how satisfying the flavors are for such little effort. Like many Italian-style appetizers, the genius is in its simplicity. Marinade fresh mozzarella balls in a mix of olive oil, chopped herbs and red pepper flakes, and the flavor is a burst of bold and herbaceous.
Another classic gluten free appetizer? Guacamole and organic corn chips! When we serve it, a chorus of “Wow’s” fill the room. (Really.) What makes it so great? It’s classic and has the perfect balanced flavor: perfectly savory, creamy, and tangy. Serve it up with homemade tortilla chips warm from the oven.
Here’s a classic party appetizer everyone will crowd around: this easy Cheese Ball recipe! Yes, this one gives us all the retro vibes. But some recipes never go out of style, and this one still pops for parties. This recipe freshens up the classic with cheddar, green onion, Worcestershire, garlic powder and smoked paprika for a creamy, savory punch. Serve with gluten-free crackers!
Love dill pickles? Love dip? Good. Because we’ve got the perfect gluten free appetizer recipe for you: dill pickle dip! Creamy and tangy, the flavor is like biting into a dill pickle spear. It’s absolutely perfect with potato chips or cucumber slices.
What’s better than a big pan of nachos? (Answer: not much.) This Tex Mex favorite is one of life’s great pleasures, and we’re here for them. They’re ideal an appetizer to feed a crowd, but even better: they work as a simple dinner too! Here’s the best part about our Ultimate Nachos Recipe: it works for any diet. Also try: Shrimp Nachos.
Here’s an easy Italian-style appetizer that will wow everyone with minimal effort: Marinated Mushrooms! You know those seasoned mushrooms you find at an Italian deli counter or antipasti bar at the grocery? They’re easy to make at home and full of bold, zesty flavor. Add them to a cheese board or antipasti platter, and everyone will be singing their praises.
When it comes to simple and satisfying gluten-free appetizers, this one’s at the top of our list. This Olive Tapenade recipe takes just 5 minutes and explodes with pure Mediterranean flavor! This traditional French spread is made with olives and capers, and the salty, briny flavor is otherworldly.
Here's another great gluten free appetizer: Baked Brie! There could not be an easier appetizer to make. Here’s what you need to know about making a melty, delicious pile of brie. The great part? The toppings are versatile depending on your preferences, and you can make a beautiful platter with little effort. Dip with gluten-free crackers (or these homemade cashew crackers).
Got 5 minutes? Then you can whip up this stunningly simple appetizer: Whipped Ricotta! This recipe is inspired by one we had at a Mediterranean restaurant, and the pairing of fluffy, savory cheese and gooey golden honey had us all licking our plates. It’s creamy, salty sweet perfection scooped up with gluten-free crackers or flatbread.
This gluten free appetizer is so creamy and irresistible, you'll be amazed there's no cheese to speak of! Somehow it’s just as satisfying as a cheesy Mexican dip, without the extra calories. You can use either Instant Pot refried beans, stovetop refried beans, or canned refried beans, then mix them with green chilis and cumin. Top it with salsa fresca and it's a healthy spin on a bean dip that's seriously satisfying.
Need a fun party dip? Let us introduce you to this Smoked Salmon Dip recipe! This creamy dip has a bit of a retro vibe, which makes it all the more endearing. Our spin on this recipe uses a bit of Greek yogurt for a healthier spin. But it’s still chock full of rich flavor: hearty cream cheese, punchy Dijon, and that intensely smoky flavor that only fresh smoked salmon brings. Mix it up in 5 minutes, and it’s good for days in the fridge.
Here’s a fun summer appetizer that pleases nearly everyone: Caprese Skewers! This easy recipe is visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, spearing all the components of a Caprese salad onto a skewer. There’s nothing better than basil and tomatoes in summer, and combined with seasoned mozzarella and a balsamic glaze: you won’t be able to eat just one!
Here's another great spinach dip recipe...the kind that's served cold! This one is a little healthier than most, relying on Greek yogurt for much of the creaminess. Because it’s not baked, it’s quick to put together: just 10 minutes! Literally the perfect finger food for easy entertaining. Dip with gluten-free crackers like these almond crackers.
Entertaining and not sure where to start? Try an Antipasto Platter! This board of Italian appetizers is an explosion of colors and flavors, and it’s almost guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any party. Add traditional antipasti like cheese, meats, marinated vegetables, olives, and more to a platter and serve with small plates to let your guests get to snacking. For gluten-free, use GF crackers or flatbreads!
This zesty green pea dip is out of this world, and loved by everyone including avowed pea haters. It takes just a few minutes to make: simply blend up green peas (frozen and defrosted) with a load of cilantro and salsa verde. It turns into a flavorful dip that's perfect with pita chips!
This ranch dip is the ideal gluten free appetizer! It's made with all natural, whole food ingredients: no seasoning packets here! Just a few simple spices and you've got a perfectly creamy dip for veggies and chips.
Here’s a recipe that’s ideal for parties and entertaining in any season: Hummus Dip! This one even doubles as a tasty snack or a light dinner with a few other filling appetizers. Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese. Dip with gluten-free crackers or GF pita chips.
Looking for a fun gluten free appetizer idea or healthy snack? Try Fruit Skewers! Everything tastes better on a stick, right? This is a simple concept that’s more like an idea than a recipe: but it makes everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit.
This buffalo cauliflower doesn’t taste like a sacrifice in the least! This gluten free appetizer recipe is a great alternative to buffalo chicken dip, which is tasty but can be high calorie. Simply roast up your cauliflower and slather it in blue cheese dip: it’s a healthy snack that tastes seriously indulgent.
Last up in our gluten free appetizers: this famous tomato dip! This tasty dip really has become famous in our circles. It takes just 5 minutes to whiz together in a blender or food processor: just tomatoes, almonds, garlic, and olive oil. The flavor is so irresistible, it's always gobbled up in a flash. Dip with gluten-free crackers like these cashew almond crackers.
Need more ideas outside of these gluten free appetizers? Here are some collections to browse:
A few more gluten free staples? Gluten Free Banana Muffins, Gluten Free Pancakes, Fluffy Gluten Free Waffles, and more.
Post updated on January 31, 2025 to update sweet potato bites recipe and photographs.
PrintThese tender roasted sweet potato bites are such a fun healthy appetizer or snack idea! Topped with creamy guacamole, crunchy corn, onion, and cilantro, they’re like crostini but with a vegetable base.
Make ahead notes: If making for a party, you can roast the sweet potato rounds in advance, then top them before bringing to the party. You can also make the entire platter and refrigerate for a few hours: allow to come to room temperature before serving. For a bright green look, you can make avocado sauce which stays green for 5 days.
Want to cook up a romantic dinner? Some foods just have that elegant, sophisticated romantic vibe, as Alex and I have found from many a date night in cooking for each other. So as married cookbook authors who’ve literally wrote the book about cooking together, we’ve put together a list of all our top romantic dinner ideas for impressing your special someone at home!
You’ll find dinner recipes, sides, and dessert ideas, which you can cook together as a fun activity, or whip up as a special surprise. There’s nothing more fun than a cooking date (in our minds), so let the fun begin!
At the top of all romantic dinner ideas: seared scallops! This seafood is easy to cook but feels like a restaurant. Serve it with a lemon herb butter sauce, which makes it taste absolutely divine.
This chicken piccata recipe is a classic romantic dinner recipe that’s simple and bursting with flavor! Tender chicken cutlets are pan-fried to golden perfection, then bathed in a vibrant lemon butter sauce.
Here’s a decadent dish for a romantic dinner: Truffle Mac and Cheese! This cozy pan mixes a rich, creamy white cheddar sauce with just the right hint of earthy truffle oil. If you're cooking for two, make a half recipe.
Here’s a deliciously creamy, cozy romantic dinner idea for any season: Mushroom Risotto! Throw mushrooms together with Parmesan cheese, white wine and if you like, a homemade mushroom broth. You won’t believe the silky, irresistible flavors.
This Tuscan Salmon might result in a few marriage proposals, which is why we also like to call it “Marry Me Salmon!” The tender fish is bathed in a luscious cream sauce with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and capers, making each bite bright, salty, and luxurious.
If we had to name a romantic recipe, Cacio e Pepe would be at the top of the list! This Italian "cheese and pepper" pasta is creamy and savory, with spicy bursts of pepper.
Shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine: what could be better? Our recipe for Shrimp Scampi is pretty stellar: juicy, garlicky shrimp swimming in a rich, tangy butter sauce. Sop it up with crusty bread, or pour it over pasta: either way, it’s divine.
Here’s a romantic dinner idea that consistently makes everyone who takes a bite say Wow. This Pecan Crusted Salmon is restaurant-style fancy, but quick and easy to whip up. It takes basic salmon to the next level, coating it in a crunchy topping of nuts, seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
When it comes to romantic recipes, we love a good cozy lasagna! The spinach ricotta cheese filling is classic and creamy, scented with fresh thyme and a little lemon zest. Leftovers save well if you're cooking for two!
This epic homemade pan pizza tastes just like the thick crust pizza from your favorite pizzeria. Cooking in a cast iron skillet makes the crust crispy on the outside and soft on the inside: and the cheese goes all the way to the edges.
It’s surprisingly simple to make chicken paillard that tastes like it’s straight out of a French bistro! It comes out tender and bathed in a tangy pan sauce—a perfect dish for a romantic dinner together.
Shrimp and grits is a luxurious comfort food that's perfect for sharing bowls on a romantic dinner! These creamy grits, tender shrimp, and luscious veggie gravy are bursting with flavor: the ideal meal for a splurge.
Here's an easy romantic dinner idea you can eat right out of the skillet: cheese tortellini in creamy marinara sauce! In just 15 minutes, you’ve got a pasta skillet that’s a symphony of flavor. The fresh basil-infused marinara sauce is perfectly complimented with pillows of tangy goat cheese.
Black truffles are the ideal romantic food. Their aroma is earthy and intoxicating. For a romantic dinner, try this Truffle Pizza! It's all about channeling that truffle love: savory mushrooms, gooey cheese, and finished off with a truffle oil that infuses the entire pie.
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that has loads of variations. Often it’s made with seafood, but we’ve also tasted many delicious vegetable-based versions while traveling in Spain. The saffron-scented rice is loaded with a colorful assortment of vegetables, and it’s a true delight.
A romantic dinner is an ideal time to break out Eggplant Meatballs! Garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese make one insanely juicy and savory meatball. Roasted eggplant makes them moist and textured, bathed in a tangy marinara sauce.
Seared ahi tuna is bursting with savory flavor and only takes 5 minutes to cook! It's ideal for a romantic dinner, perched atop a bed of cilantro rice or even sweet potato puree. The way the light, sweet puree enhances each bite of savory protein is unreal!
Burrata cheese is one of life’s greatest pleasures. One of the best ways to make it into a romantic dinner is this Burrata Pasta. The majestic balls of fresh mozzarella sit atop a pasta twirls entwined with a rustic tomato basil sauce.
On to side dish ideas for romantic dinners: this brilliant Pear Salad is a study in contrasts: fresh, juicy pear against funky gorgonzola cheese; bright pomegranate against savory shallot. Throw in some toasted pecans and cover it in tangy poppy seed dressing,
Try this pomegranate salad to accessorize your romantic dinner recipes! Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a beautiful confetti over the top of leafy greens. Add tart green apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles,
When it comes to vegetables, there’s nothing quite like the crispy perfection of Roasted Brussels Sprouts! This basic oven roasted Brussels sprouts recipe brings those crispy, French-fry like addictiveness of these veggies to your plate.
Bright green string beans make a perfect side dish: tasty and easy to make. Sauteed green beans are simple to whip up and go wtih just about any main dish.
This Parmesan broccoli is crispy, crunchy and irresistible. Roasting broccoli brings a sweetness and lightly charred edges to this green vegetable, paired with savory, crispy Parmesan cheese,
Here’s a great side dish that's elegantly simple: roasted broccolini! Broccolini is broccoli’s cooler and more sophisticated cousin, with a long elegant shape and sweeter, milder flavor. It's perfect for a fancy romantic dinner!
Classic is classic for a reason, and the classic wedge salad does not disappoint. Every time we serve it, people ooo and ahh: the crunch of iceberg lettuce against the creamy, savory blue cheese dressing just makes sense.
Let's move on to desserts for a romantic dinner! What’s more romantic than bananas foster? Sautéed bananas float in a dreamy sauce of caramelized sugar and rum, topped with melty vanilla ice cream. O
Not sure what romantic dessert to make? These chocolate covered strawberries might be the easiest! The sweet tart fresh berries are covered with crunchy semi-sweet chocolate.
Rich and fudgy, dense and dark chocolaty, this is a chocolate lover’s dream cake. Top it with this easy raspberry compote for a sweet tart pairing that cuts the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Here’s an iconic dessert that’s the pure definition of decadence: Molten Chocolate Lava Cake! It gets its name from its liquid “lava” center, which flows like a volcano when you dig into it with a fork.
Last up in our romantic dinner ideas is the classic Italian affogato! Two ingredients come together in the most exciting flavor pairing: sweet, creamy vanilla gelato and bitter, rich espresso.
If you’re planning to cook up some romantic dinner ideas with your partner, you’ve got to be in the right mindset for a cooking date! Here are a few tips we’ve have learned over the years for cooking romantic recipes at home:
Here are the tricks to how to cook pan seared scallops and get that perfect brown crust! Follow these simple tips for a simple romantic dinner.
Here are a few more places for romantic dinner idea inspiration! Check out:
It’s hard to find great appetizer recipes: ones that have flavors guests will love and are easy to make while juggling cooking the main meal. So if you’re also looking for healthy appetizer recipes, and it’s triply difficult!
What does healthy mean when it comes to appetizers? We’re cookbook authors and experts in the Mediterranean diet style of eating and living, a diet that’s been called one of the healthiest in the world. To us, healthy appetizers fit into this style of eating. Here, we’ve put together the best healthy appetizer recipes that get the most rave reviews when they make them for parties.
The Mediterranean diet has been called one of the best diets in the world according to US News and World Report. This way of eating and living derives from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece. It’s not a strict diet, but more a set of guidelines.
We’ve been eating this way for over a decade and can confirm: we’ve never felt better! Here’s how the Mayo Clinic defines the Mediterranean diet:
To us, healthy is not so much about calorie-counting. It’s eating whole foods with lots of nutrients, heavy on the vegetables. Many of the recipes below are made with nutrient-rich ingredients and are gluten-free appetizers, vegan appetizers, or vegetarian appetizers. All of them are delicious and total crowd pleasers!
Here’s a recipe that’s ideal for parties and entertaining in any season: Hummus Dip! Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese. Each bite is a burst of tangy, bright and creamy flavor! Serve with pita bread, pita chips, or crackers.
This healthy vegetarian buffalo chicken dip is a lighter spin using chickpeas to make an irresistibly creamy, spicy appetizer! Everyone who tries it raves about this one—it’s perfect for a table of game day snacks or party finger food.
No joke, we think this spin on everyone’s favorite dip is better than the real thing. Meet vegan spinach artichoke dip, the snack that no one will believe is plant-based! It’s easy to whip up and requires no special dairy substitutes, just a few regular ingredients. Creamy and bursting with flavor, it will make a splash at your next party!
Next up in our healthy appetizer recipes: bean dip! This refried bean dip is seriously tasty and has no cheese, a healthy version of cheesy Mexican dip without the extra calories. You can use our homemade Instant Pot refried beans, homemade refried beans, or canned as the base. Top it with salsa fresca and it's a healthy spin on a bean dip that's seriously satisfying.
This simple combination of sweetened yogurt, almonds and apple slices is so refreshing and delicious, it’s hard to stop sneaking bites. It’s really just loaded apple slices, but it’s all in the branding, right? Load it up with the healthy toppings of your choice.
This baked goat cheese appetizer recipe is a total crowd pleaser! Every time we serve it, people literally cannot stop eating it. It features a tangy homemade marinara sauce, simmered until perfectly flavored, then baked with creamy, tangy goat cheese. Dip in crostini or crusty bread, and it's to die for. It's one of the most popular healthy appetizers on our website.
Here's a fun healthy appetizer idea: a good salsa! Salsa made with corn is zingy and bright, with sweet pops from the kernels and a zingy flavoring of lime, cilantro and cumin. Use it for dipping tortilla chips, or spoon it onto tacos, into burritos and more! You can make it when sweet corn is in season, or use canned out of season.
This easy healthy appetizer recipe comes together in just 5 minutes! This one is a seriously quick go-to that works for last minute party appetizers. Simply mix together plain yogurt, cinnamon, vanilla and maple syrup, and it comes together into the tastiest fruit dip imaginable! You'll never need to buy that overly sugary store-bought dip again.
A fan favorite healthy appetizer recipe: sweet potato rounds! This one's almost like a bruschetta that swaps in roasted sweet potatoes for bread. You'll top those roasted potato rounds with everything a loaded baked potato would love: sour cream, cheese, green onion, and a dollop of hot sauce. The flavor loaded into one bite is unreal! We make these often and guests gobble them down quickly.
Here's a fun healthy appetizer that's a spin on the standard guacamole: this creamy Avocado Dip! Dip a chip into this luxuriously creamy, intensely savory magic sauce and pow! The meld of avocado, lime, cilantro and cumin is like a heightened version of your favorite guac. Even better: unlike guacamole, it magically stays green in the refrigerator for days!
Chocolate hummus? That's what our guests wonder, and then they try it and become instant believers. This sweet version of hummus is made with cocoa powder, chickpeas, and maple syrup. It turns into the best dark chocolate-y dip for strawberries, green apple slices and pretzels. (oh, the sweet and salty combo!). It's like a healthy spin on a fruit dip recipe, but tastes even better.
Here's an old school appetizer recipe that never goes out of style: shrimp cocktail! It might not be first on your list of healthy appetizers, but did you know shrimp is a relatively low calorie food? 1 medium shrimp is only 7 calories, and 1 jumbo shrimp is 14 calories. Not to mention that shrimp are packed with nutrients and lean protein! Combine that with tomato-based cocktail sauce, also relatively low calorie, and you've got a pretty darn good-for-you appetizer.
Want a great healthy appetizer trick? This peanut butter dip! It’s just 4 ingredients and surprisingly tastes like frosting. How is this so good, yet so simple? It works for any occasion: a quick snack for kids, a family party, or a big snacks table.
Healthy appetizers should always be easy to whip up, we think! Here’s a trick that works for anytime and season: this Blueberry Goat Cheese appetizer! Imagine: a glossy, sweet tart blueberry sauce draped over a warm log of goat cheese, punctuated with pops of fresh herbs. Serve it on crackers or crostini, and no one will be able to stop dipping
This healthy appetizer recipe is 100% green veggies, and people can't get enough of it! Every time we serve this one, someone asks for the recipe. When we tell them it's just green peas, cilantro, and salsa verde, they don't believe it! Here's a great way to eat your green veggies: on top of tortilla chips.
Here’s a tasty dip with a party vibe: Texas caviar (aka cowboy caviar)! It was invented in Texas and then spread all over the US. This combo of black eyed peas, veggies, and vinaigrette dressing works both as a chip dip or healthy side dish. This recipe has loads of colorful veggies, cilantro, and jalapeños, and a zingy dressing with the perfect flavor.
Looking for a fun healthy appetizer idea? Try Fruit Skewers! Everything tastes better on a stick, right? This is a simple concept that’s more like an idea than a recipe: but it makes everyone go crazy for pure, fresh fruit. Use whatever fruits you like and if desired, serve with our favorite 3 ingredient fruit dip!
There’s nothing we love more than a recipe that’s ultra simple and delivers on flavor. Meet this 5-ingredient Cottage Cheese Dip! It tastes like that good old ranch dip but it’s made with this healthy low-calorie, high protein cheese! All you need are a few seasonings from your pantry to make this into a stellar party dip.
Here’s a healthy appetizer that we’re head over heels with: caponata! What’s caponata, you ask? This Sicilian specialty is an appetizer and a side dish, essentially a sweet and sour ratatouille with cooked eggplant, tomatoes and onion. It’s often spread on crusty bread as an appetizer or antipasti. It’s so full of tangy, garlicky flavor that once you’ve taken one bite, you’ll likely want to devour the entire serving dish!
And last up in our best appetizer recipes: baked falafel! This baked falafel with canned chickpeas is a spin on classic falafel that distills the traditional flavors into a shortcut that's simple to whip up as a vegan appetizer! Bake up these tasty balls of savory, herby goodness and dunk them into dips like hummus or cilantro sauce.
Yes! This post includes recipes that are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Be sure to check the recipe notes for ingredient substitutions to cater to specific dietary needs.
Yes! Many healthy appetizers are perfect for prepping in advance. Try making loaded hummus dip, avocado dip, corn salsa, fruit dip, or marinated olives the day before your gathering.
Grilled shrimp skewers with a zesty marinade are light and flavorful. Edamame pods are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Or, try this cucumber and smoked salmon appetizer!
Love party appetizers? Here are a few more fun collections of party hits:
Here are the best easy healthy appetizer recipes for parties! They’re delicious crowd pleasers full of fresh ingredients.
It’s salad time! Salads can be some of the best ways to eat colorful, nutrient-dense foods. But it can be hard to find the right salad recipes that are easy and delicious enough to justify the effort.
As two cookbook authors and recipe experts, Alex and I have reviewed our library to find our very best salad recipes, guaranteed to be favorites in your family—because they are in ours! You’ll see a variety of types of salads: green salads, vegetable salads, lentil and bean salads, grain salads, fruit salads, and pasta salads. There are salad ideas for a variety of seasons, and many work in any season. We turn to these recipes time and time again—we hope you’ll love them as much as we do!
When we think salad recipes, these green salad recipes come to mind first! Here are our top salads made with a base of lettuce, kale, or other greens.
This chopped salad will amaze everyone around the table! There’s our homemade Italian dressing, tangy, savory, herby and balanced. Add to that shallots, tomatoes, cucumber, and a zing from pepperoncini.
Next up in our best easy salad recipes: are you ready for the best way to eat kale? With this flavor popping Italian-style dressing of lemon, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, the bitter flavor of kale is mellowed and melds beautifully with the other flavors.
Meet the perfect Caesar salad! The savory, creamy dressing will instantly become a household favorite, paired with garlicky croutons and shredded Parmesan cheese.
This arugula salad is quite possibly the easiest salad recipe you’ll make! You don’t even have to make a salad dressing. Dress baby arugula simply with olive oil and lemon juice, then add Parmesan shavings and thinly sliced shallots. It pairs especially well with soups, pasta and pizza!
Also try: Arugula Beet Salad
Crisp tart apple slices pair with pops of pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, cinnamon-spiced pecans. Toss them all over fresh greens with a zingy maple and apple cider vinegar dressing.
Also try: Apple Walnut Salad
This salad stars crunchy veggies like cucumber and onion, salty pops of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, and handfuls of fresh herbs. Top it off with our Greek Salad Dressing. (You can also add chicken, salmon, shrimp, or tofu to make it dinner.)
Classic is classic for a reason, and the classic wedge salad does not disappoint. The crunch of iceberg lettuce against the creamy, savory blue cheese dressing just makes sense.
This romaine salad with pale green dressing and delicate pink radishes tastes as good as it looks. The Green Goddess dressing takes it over the top, slathering it all in herby, savory creaminess. Sprinkle with crunchy breadcrumbs, a fun alternative to croutons.
We love a good butter lettuce salad, and this one is a favorite. The delicate lettuce leaves are irresistible coated in creamy, savory Parmesan Peppercorn dressing and topped with a few simple veggies and Parmesan shavings.
This Italian salad is full of all the right flavors and textures: crisp lettuce, crunchy garlic croutons, and zingy pepperoncini. It’s covered in punchy, herby Italian vinaigrette that makes the flavors sing! It can play sidekick to just about anything.
This Mexican salad is full of delicious Latin-style flavors: colorful veggies, cilantro lime salad dressing, and crispy tortilla strips. It all combines into a super-flavorful dish that's quick and easy to make.
Try this endive salad: equal parts refreshing, tangy, bitter, crunchy, and tangy! Bitter endive pairs perfectly with juicy orange and a sweet tart red wine vinaigrette. Top it off with savory Parmesan shavings and crunchy almonds, and the contrasts are divine. Each bite is crunchy, sweet, savory and citrusy.
Frisée is a leafy green with a frilly texture and subtly bitter flavor, ideal for adding flair and elegance to salads. This one pairs it with the burst of juicy orange, aged Manchego cheese, and crunchy almonds, covering it all in a zingy white wine vinaigrette.
This radicchio salad is a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures! Bitter bright purple radicchio leaves are balanced by the sweetness of ripe pears, the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, the creamy tang of goat cheese, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette that ties it all together.
Here’s a salad idea that's simple yet elegant: goat cheese salad with apples and arugula! It’s simple and comes together quickly, but my does it deliver on flavor! The crunch of the apples, creamy goat cheese, and fluffy arugula are the ideal pair for the tangy sweet balsamic dressing
Ready for our favorite strawberry salad recipe? Strawberries are a natural flavor pairing with the acidity of balsamic vinegar. So for this salad, we used our favorite balsamic vinaigrette dressing to perfectly accentuate the bright red sweet berries. Paired with red onions and toasted almonds, it’s a simple and delicious side everyone loves!
Also try: Strawberry Summer Salad, Blueberry Salad, or Blackberry Salad
Here’s a dreamy salad if there ever was one: this brilliant Pear Salad! It’s a study in contrasts: fresh, juicy pear against funky gorgonzola cheese; bright pomegranate against savory shallot. Throw in some toasted pecans and cover it in tangy poppy seed dressing, and well: it’s absolutely irresistible.
Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a beautiful confetti over the top of leafy greens. Add tart green apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles, and it’s a true symphony of flavor! Pick from a few different dressing choices: our favorites are apple cider vinegar dressing or pomegranate vinaigrette.
This easy salad recipe is everything a classy spinach salad should be, full of texture and flavor contrasts. There’s crunchy smoky pecans, almost bacon-like glazed with maple syrup and soy sauce. Add hard boiled eggs or a crisp-tart apple for a stunning salad.
Need a fast and easy salad recipe? Try this Spring Mix Salad! Grab a box or bag of spring mix at the store, and you barely need to think to make this salad recipe. Add a quick homemade salad dressing, like a light and tangy vinaigrette which compliments the delicate leaves perfectly.
This fennel orange salad features vibrant juicy oranges and a famous pairing: sliced raw fennel, which adds a subtle licorice essence. Throw it over greens with pistachios and shallots, and top with a zingy homemade citrus vinaigrette. Wow! There’s so much going on flavor and texture-wise, it's a salad everyone will be talking about.
Here’s a bright, beautiful easy salad recipe that works in almost any season! It pairs the juicy citrus fruit with nutty toasted almonds, salty feta cheese and a zingy poppy seed dressing. The delicate, zingy, nut and creamy textures and flavors complement each other perfectly.
Did you know watercress is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the world? Pair this bitter leafy green with lemon, apple and savory Parmesan shavings and you won’t be able to resist another bite of this salad recipe!
A good salad has got to have contrasts in texture, flavor, and colors, and one great salad dressing to top it off. All in all, a best salad recipe is hard to come by! Here’s our best tossed salad recipe, complete with crunchy croutons and creamy avocado dressing.
These vegetable salad recipes are built with key vegetables at the center! Think sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and celery for vegetables, or mangoes or watermelon for fruit.
Serve this carrot salad recipe to your friends and family, and they’ll be singing your praises! It’s simple and refreshing, featuring strings of carrots doused in a a tangy Mediterranean-style vinaigrette.
This Brussels sprout salad recipe is a study in texture contrasts: the feathery shaved Brussels, the pop of the cherries, and the bright crunch of the apple. It’s vibrant and colorful, covered in a lightly sweet vinaigrette.
Here’s a salad idea that deserves a spot on your plate: celery salad! Crunchy celery pairs perfectly with sweet apple, Parmesan shavings and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s bright, it’s crunchy, and it’s hydrating.
Try this sweet potato salad! The contrast of garlicky roasted sweet potato cubes, feathery baby arugula, cranberries and creamy goat cheese hit it out of the park. Top it with tangy honey mustard dressing.
This beet salad has all the right elements: roasted beets, baby greens, creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic beet dressing. Basically, salad perfection! The sweet, earthy flavor of beets pairs perfectly with the tang of our balsamic dressing: which takes just 5 minutes and 5 ingredients.
There’s something about that classic American broccoli salad recipe: you know, the one with raisins and a mayo-based dressing? It’s a retro salad, where the florets are marinaded until they’re soft and savory sweet. Our version is fresh and healthy, but it keeps all the character and deliciousness of the original.
Here’s a trick for infusing veggies into our day to day: this Chopped Vegetable Salad! It’s a mix of sturdy veggies makes the best colorful mix, tossed with a red wine vinegar dressing and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This burst of flavor tastes great right away: and even better after a few hours or days of marinating.
Classic Greek salad is a big pile of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives (no lettuce) with a big block of feta on top. Sometimes you’ll find green pepper in the mix. It’s typically then drizzled with olive oil and just a little red wine vinegar, then sprinkled with some dried oregano.
There’s no better way to showcase ripe tomatoes than a Caprese salad! This easy salad recipe represents Italian cuisine at its finest: beautiful ingredients combined in a way that’s both elegant and simple.
Also try: Peach & Burrata Caprese Salad
Want to change up your coleslaw routine? This effortless salad recipe calls for only 6 ingredients, and the only fresh ingredients are green cabbage and mint. It comes out fresh and tangy, with a lemon mint flavor that keeps eaters coming back for more.
This corn salad recipe is all about fresh flavor: sweet bursts of corn, juicy tomatoes, and herbaceous basil pair with a tangy, light vinaigrette. Top with feta cheese crumbles if you like.
Also try: Grilled Corn Salad or Elote Salad
This cucumber salad is everything summer! It’s perfect for potlucks to patio barbecues to picnics. The thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are salty, tangy, and lightly sweet all at once, and totally addicting. This cucumber salad is vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free, so it works for lots of diets too.
Also try: Creamy Cucumber Salad
Here’s a standout fall or winter salad starring everyone’s favorite ingredient: Butternut Squash Salad! This one is a symphony in a bowl: hearty sweet squash pairs with crisp apple, chewy cranberries and a citrusy orange vinaigrette.
This asparagus salad recipe has savory sauteed asparagus, cooked up in a hot pan for a few minutes then spritzed with lemon. Serve on a bed of greens and sprinkle with peppery radishes and feta crumbles. A zingy Dijon mustard dressing tops it off.
Here’s a salad recipe that will blow you away with its fresh, zingy flavor: this Simple Avocado Salad! Simple, high quality ingredients paired together make magic, and this one is all about those contrasts. Rich avocado pairs with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes, savory onion, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. Also try: Avocado Corn Salad or Avocado Tomato Salad
This balsamic tomato salad might sound simple, but it's utterly divine. It’s all about simplicity: just tomatoes and herbs, marinaded in balsamic and olive oil for 30 minutes.
This French potato salad recipe stars red potatoes that are salty, tangy, and moist, mixed with just the right amount of salty capers and savory minced shallot. This one is an adaptation of Julia Child’s classic French potato salad recipe.
Want to add herbs? Try our Dill Potato Salad.
This delightful fennel salad is one anyone can enjoy despite any preconceptions, pairing the shaved raw vegetable with sweet apple, zingy lemon and savory Parmesan cheese. Delicate fennel fronds make a feathery garnish, and each bite is irresistibly crunchy with a pop of acidity.
Here’s a fun salad recipe we love to eat on repeat: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad! Crunchy broccoli and cauliflower are covered in a creamy zingy dressing, then paired with sundried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and feta cheese.
This watermelon salad recipe is truly easy: it’s just matter of chopping a few ingredients and throwing them together on a platter! Juicy watermelon and salty feta come together into something that’s out-of-this-world good! It’s a fantastic accessory for summer cookouts and potlucks.
Here’s a refreshingly simple salad recipe that’s just begging to jump on your table: citrus salad! It stars all the beautiful, vibrant citrus: tangy grapefruit, navel oranges, and sweet blood oranges. They’re drizzled with a zingy dressing, then topped crushed pistachios and fresh mint.
These lentil and bean salad recipes star legumes, which make them protein-packed and filling. They’re great as side dishes or for lunches.
This lentil salad recipe has flavor that pops with tangy and savory notes: tender lentils coated in zippy white wine vinegar Dijon dressing, with crunchy cucumber and salty feta. It stays flavorful in the fridge for days, making leftovers even better.
Here’s a fresh spin on that classic three bean salad! This American classic has been gracing tables for generations, and everyone has their own take on it. Here’s our spin with a little less sugar and more freshness.
This black bean and corn salad comes together in no time, no chopping required! It’s a quick way to get fresh food on the table.
Here's an easy, healthy salad you can make in 5 minutes! Throw canned chickpeas together with cucumber and red pepper, stir with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and you've got a delicious Mediterranean-style salad.
These grain salad recipes star whole grains at the center, like quinoa, barley, farro, and rice. They make for hearty main dishes and great lunch salads.
Here’s a fresh, delicious and ultra versatile salad recipe: this deli-style quinoa salad! This recipe is delightfully refreshing, a jumble of crunchy, colorful veggies, fluffy quinoa grains, and a zingy Dijon mustard vinaigrette.
Need a hearty side salad or a fun lunch salad? Here’s a recipe that works as both: this farro salad! This one is our ultimate, pairing the whole grain with juicy tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, feathery arugula, savory pops of cheese, and a zingy vinaigrette.
This barley salad is irresistibly fresh and tasty! Barley might sound like an unexpected ingredient for a salad, but this whole grain is ideal. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor are the perfect contrast to crunchy veggies, garlic, herbs, and lemon olive oil dressing.
Couscous is not a grain: it's actually pasta! But due to its size, it's more like a grain salad in vibe than a pasta salad. This colorful couscous salad recipe tastes irresistibly fresh with herbs, garlic, and lemon! It’s ideal as a side dish, lunches, picnics or potlucks.
This wild rice salad recipe is simple and bursting with flavor, with crunchy veggies, pecans, cranberries, a zingy dressing, and feta cheese!
These pasta salad recipes star chewy pasta as the main event, like spirals, bowties, tortellini or orzo. Or, see all our best cold pasta salad recipes for more.
This pasta salad recipe is bursting with flavor! It’s easy to mix up with veggies, herbs, and a tangy Italian dressing. This makes a big batch and is a family favorite!
Here’s a pasta salad recipe that’s ultra versatile for picnics, barbecues, and an easy lunch idea! The tang of the artichoke, chewy pillowy pasta, zippy tomatoes, and peppery basil come together beautifully. It stores up to 4 days in the fridge, making it a perfect easy lunch.
This creamy pesto pasta salad recipe is easy and bursting with herby flavor from fresh pesto! It’s the perfect easy summer side dish.
This orzo pasta salad recipe is flavor packed and a great side dish or lunch! It’s loaded with fresh veggies, herbs, and salty feta cheese.
Get ready for a tangy twist on a classic summer dish! This dill pickle pasta salad recipe combines the crunch of pickles with creamy dressing and fresh herbs for a potluck-perfect side dish. Ideal for pickle lovers!
Here’s our go-to when it comes to pasta salad recipes: this Greek Pasta Salad! It pairs chewy bowtie pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, salty olives and feta with generous handfuls of parsley, dill, and a Greek-style vinaigrette dressing.
Want salads by type? Try our top Summer Salads, Winter Salad Recipes, Fall Salad Recipes, Spring Salad Recipes, and Vegan Salads.
Salad dressing is always better homemade. In addition to these salad recipes, here are some of our favorite homemade salad dressings:
There are many ways to add protein to your salad! Here are a few ideas:
Meat: Grilled chicken, steak, or sauteed shrimp.
Fish: Canned or baked salmon, canned or seared tuna, or flaky white fish.
Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or even a soft-boiled egg on top.
Beans and lentils: A great source of protein and fiber. Try chickpeas, black beans, or lentils.
Tofu or tempeh: Baked tofu, pan fried tofu or marinated tempeh adds a satisfying meaty texture to vegetarian salads.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, and hemp seeds all offer protein and healthy fats.
Here are some tips to prevent soggy salads:
Dressing on the side: Dress your salad right before eating to avoid wilting greens.
Dry your greens thoroughly: Wash and spin your greens dry before adding them to the salad bowl. If they are very wet, consider blotting them with a towel.
Use sturdy greens: Kale, romaine, and Brussels sprouts hold up better to dressings than delicate greens like spinach or baby arugula.
There’s a whole world beyond lettuce! Here are some unique salad base ideas:
Arugula: Peppery and slightly bitter, perfect for strong-flavored dressings.
Kale: Nutrient-dense and can be massaged to soften.
Quinoa: A complete protein source that adds a nutty flavor.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add warmth and texture.
Shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw: Offers a crunchy base.
Homemade dressings are easy and healthy! The recipes above feature recipes for classic vinaigrettes and creamy dressings.
Absolutely! By incorporating protein and whole grains, salads can be a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
It’s best to store salad components separately. Keep greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store cooked proteins, dressings, and croutons in separate containers.
This chopped salad recipe will amaze everyone around the table! Italian dressing, crunchy veggies and Parmesan combine into something greater than the sum of its parts.
As cookbook authors and recipe experts, Alex and I have been eating a pescatarian diet for over a decade. And we can report—it’s a fun, healthy, and delicious way to eat!
A pescatarian diet is a primarily plant-based diet that includes fish and seafood, essentially eating vegetarian with the addition of seafood. If you eat pescatarian, you’ll still eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
This list of pescatarian recipes contains our very best seafood recipes, including salmon recipes, shrimp recipes, tuna recipes, cod recipes, scallop recipes, and more! These are all family favorites—many of them reader favorites over the years, and we know you’ll find something you love.
If you eat a pescatarian diet, you should also include vegetarian and vegan recipes into your meals. Head to our top vegetarian recipes, plant based recipes, and vegan recipes for more.
Tender salmon is bathed in a luscious cream sauce with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and capers, making each bite bright, salty, and luxurious. This pescatarian recipe tastes restaurant-style, but it’s easy to whip up in just 30 minutes.
Here’s a go-to fast pescatarian recipe for an easy dinner: shrimp stir fry! This one is packed with flavor with a glossy, savory stir fry sauce that coats the juicy shrimp and colorful veggies.
This baked tilapia recipe is bursting with flavor! Pair the fish with lemon, tomatoes and feta for an impressive yet easy dinner. This recipe has become a fan-favorite with many 5 star reviews!
This tuna patties recipe makes a crowd-pleasing easy dinner! The tuna cakes are tender on the inside with a golden crisp exterior.
This honey garlic shrimp is so irresistible, you’ll want to eat it every night! A sweet savory glaze covers succulent shrimp, and it’s a pescatarian recipe that's done in 10 minutes.
This oven baked salmon recipe perfectly seasoned, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes! It’s ideal for busy weeknights or a quick meal to impress.
These are the tastiest fish tacos around! Bake the fish with a dry rub of fish taco seasoning, then top it with tangy slaw and creamy sauce.
This shrimp scampi recipe is pure bliss and made in minutes! Sauté shrimp and toss with a luxurious lemony garlic butter sauce.
Roast up any white fish with lemon, garlic and a simple mix of tomatoes, onions and olives. It comes out perfectly fork tender with a punchy zip from the lemon and tender vegetables to flavor each bite.
We’re always looking for fun pescatarian recipes and this one makes a splash: Shrimp Lettuce Wraps! They’re bursting with zingy flavor and crunchy veggies, and the creamy peanut sauce seals the deal.
This ahi tuna steak recipe makes one perfectly cooked piece of fish—in just 5 minutes! It melts in your mouth with a seasoned exterior and a buttery interior.
Scallops have a beautiful, mild sweet flavor that’s easy to love: and there’s nothing better than that perfect seared crispy outside. Once you know a few secrets, they're simple and take only 5 minutes to cook.
Impress everyone with this stuffed salmon recipe! The creamy spinach artichoke filling perfectly compliments the flaky fish.
These shrimp nachos are bursting with flavor, starring juicy seafood and a confetti of toppings! They’re a fun appetizer or simple dinner.
This crab cakes recipe is uses a foolproof pan-frying method for golden, seasoned cakes that are crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve with creamy tartar sauce for a taste of magic!
This salmon rice bowl recipe stars marinated salmon, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! It’s irresistible.
This shrimp fajitas recipe is a deliciously easy dinner idea—a 30 minute meal full of big flavor! Everyone loves the custom seasoning blend. Eat it with tortillas or as a fajita salad!
This Parmesan crusted tilapia is perfectly seasoned, with a crunchy exterior and tender on the inside. It’s a dish everyone will love!
THIS is the salmon burgers recipe you need! It’s easy to make and comes out tender with savory flavor. We love serving it with creamy remoulade sauce for an over-the-top delicious meal!
This shrimp pizza recipe is full of big flavor, starring buttery shrimp and 3 cheeses! It’s garlicky, creamy, and a total crowd pleaser.
This sauteed shrimp recipe comes out juicy and seasoned to perfection in less than 10 minutes! Here are the secrets to how to saute shrimp.
This pecan crusted salmon is fast and easy, with a deliciously crunchy topping! Make it to impress on weeknights or for dinner guests.
This pesto shrimp is a dinnertime win! Savory basil pesto is a natural pairing with juicy shrimp; serve with pasta or rice for an easy dinner idea.
This really is the best baked cod! The fish comes out perfectly tender, seasoned with lemon, garlic and herbs. Everyone loves this quick and healthy weeknight dinner wonder.
This flavorful Tuscan shrimp recipe is THE perfect easy dinner! A meld of juicy shellfish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce, we also call it “Marry Me Shrimp.” Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies for a delicious meal.
This Chilean sea bass recipe is succulent and flavorful! The buttery white fish is pan seared and paired with garlic, lemon, and herbs.
These cod fish tacos are a deliciously easy dinner recipe! Everyone loves this seasoned baked fish and creamy taco sauce: it’s a family favorite.
This rainbow trout recipe is a 10 minute meal that’s bursting with flavor! Pan fry it with herbs and lemon for a tasty, easy dinner.
Hold onto your hats—here’s quite possibly one of the fastest easy shrimp recipes around! This Old Bay shrimp takes less than 10 minutes and results in juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp. Add rice or pasta for a quick meal!
This simple mahi mahi recipe stars lemon, garlic and herbs: the perfect way to accessorize this tasty fish!
One of our popular pescatarian recipes is the poke bowl! This classic recipe stars ahi tuna marinated in a flavorful poke sauce, rice, and lots of veggie topping ideas.
In this classic recipe, the shrimp cook in just 5 minutes and come out seasoned and juicy, making this a fast and easy dinner idea for weeknights or a simple lunch. Try it with our homemade Caesar dressing, or use purchased in a pinch!
This pan fried tilapia recipe is an easy favorite! Lightly dredge the fish in seasonings, then fry it up to perfection in minutes.
This salmon croquettes recipe is easy and bursting with flavor! Dip in tartar sauce or remoulade for a tasty appetizer or main.
These ahi tuna tacos are bursting with flavor! They pair seared ahi tuna with cilantro lime slaw and creamy chipotle crema.
This lemon dill salmon takes just 10 minutes to bake! Mix up the zesty dill sauce while the salmon cooks. It’s the ultimate healthy, easy weeknight meal.
This shrimp and grits recipe will wow everyone at the table! Here’s how to recreate this classic at home, with creamy grits, succulent shrimp, and a flavorful Cajun-inspired sauce. Impress your guests and yourself with this dish that that won over Gordon Ramsay’s discerning palate!
This pan fried cod is the best white fish you’ll have! Flavored simply with spices and olive oil, it’s healthy, stunning and irresistible all at once.
Everyone will love Cajun shrimp pasta! It’s an impressive dinner idea that’s irresistibly seasoned and easy to make.
Here’s how to make the absolute best grilled salmon! It’s perfectly tender and flavored with a magic seasoning blend that takes it to new heights.
This swordfish recipe pairs the tender fish with garlic, lemon and capers for a flavor-packed and easy meal!
Try this miso salmon that’s so flaky and flavorful, it’ll redefine your easy dinners! The miso glaze is the secret weapon you never knew you needed, and it’s ready in 5 minutes.
This shrimp roll recipe takes everything that’s great about a lobster roll…and makes it with shrimp! Serve it on a warm, toasted bun.
This sockeye salmon recipe pairs the tender fish with garlic and lemon pepper for a flavorful and easy dinner!
This seafood pizza is bursting with flavor, starring succulent shrimp and scallops, seasoned ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a winner!
This salmon with capers is oven baked in foil until it’s perfectly tender, then topped with a delicious garlic butter sauce. An easy healthy dinner recipe!
This baked trout recipe is a quick and simple to prepare this tender fish, seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs!
This brown sugar salmon recipe features a flavor-popping glaze that takes this fish to the next level! An ideal fast and easy dinner idea.
This shrimp primavera is packed with fresh veggies and juicy shrimp, all tossed in a light and delicious sauce! Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a fun and flavorful weeknight dinner idea.
This scallop pasta makes a stunning dinner! Impress everyone around the table with this elegant recipe seasoned with lemon, garlic and herbs.
Shrimp fra diavolo is an impressive Italian-style meal with a kick! Tender shrimp swim in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce
Dive into flaky perfection with this easy baked halibut recipe! Tender fish is infused with vibrant lemon, garlic, and herbs, and topped with crispy onions. It’s weeknight-friendly and sure to become a family favorite.
This shrimp risotto recipe makes a crowd-pleasing dinner, pairing the bold flavors of Parmesan and lemon with creamy rice and juicy shrimp.
This lemon pepper tilapia recipe is the perfect easy weeknight dinner! The tender, flaky fish is bursting with zesty citrus and ready in under 30 minutes. We love it with a simple salad or quick sauteed veggies (even the kids are fans!).
Dive into this 30 minute shrimp linguine! Juicy shrimp bathe in a vibrant garlic cream sauce, all tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying easy dinner.
*To help reduce the white stuff (albumin) that can ooze from salmon when it’s cooked, we recommend brining the salmon to bring it to room temperature. In a large shallow dish, whisk together 4 cups room temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt until dissolved. Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes.
Here are a few more of our favorite resources for pescatarian recipes:
For over a decade, Alex and I have been creating healthy recipes that are both delicious and simple, here on A Couple Cooks and in our cookbooks. So if you need inspiration for healthy meals, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together a list of our most popular nourishing recipes for any mealtime.
Whether you’re looking for quick dinners, plant-based recipes loaded with veggies, lunch ideas or breakfast recipes, we have options for every type of eater. Our recipes, from easy baked salmon to eggplant pizzas, have been consistently popular at our dinner table and readers around the globe!
What do we mean by “healthy”? This term can be controversial, but here’s our approach: Our recipes mainly follow the Mediterranean diet, focusing on seafood, colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and cooking fats like olive oil. Each recipe is chosen for its high nutrient, protein, and fiber content. Enjoy these tried-and-true healthy recipes, perfected over a decade, for a balanced and tasty diet!
This easy cauliflower stir fry is an ideal healthy and easy dinner idea! It’s full of nutrients and covered in a punchy sauce. This recipe has so many healthy vegetables, it provides 221% of your daily Vitamin C!
Also try: Tofu Stir Fry, Broccoli Stir Fry or Stir Fry Vegetables
What makes this the best lentil soup recipe? Let’s just say that everyone we’ve served it to immediately asks for the recipe…and seconds. Lentils are the definition of healthy: low in calories, high in plant-based protein and fiber.
Also try: Instant Pot Lentil Soup or Curry Lentil Soup
This chickpea curry is the ultimate healthy and easy weeknight dinner! It’s done in 20 minutes, plant based, and full of flavor.
Also try: Shrimp Curry, Vegetable Curry or Butternut Squash Curry
Here’s a recipe that’s a total winner every night of the week: Greek chicken! Bake the chicken with tomatoes, olives, garlic, lemon, and feta cheese, and it comes out with beautiful bold flavors.
This ultra flavorful shrimp and broccoli comes together in minutes for a fast and easy healthy dinner recipe! It's loaded with protein and 132% of your daily vitamin C. Serve with rice or over noodles.
Also try: Shrimp Fried Rice
Here’s a Tex Mex favorite recipe that's a great way to infuse loads of veggies: Vegetarian Faijtas! These are so satisfying, they please everyone around the table: even the meat lovers! It stars our favorite fajita veggies, blackened in the oven and finished on the stove, and pinto beans cooked in a flavorful fajita sauce.
Here’s one of our favorite healthy recipe ideas: salad meal prep dinners! Prepare the greens mix, then mix and match toppings, proteins, and dressings to make different bowl meals. It also works as prep for lunch or side salads. Ditch those bag salads and make this for healthy dinners and lunches through the week!
Next up in our healthy recipes: baked salmon! This delicious salmon is an easy weeknight meal that also works to impress guests. Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of protein (source).
Also try: Miso Salmon or Broiled Salmon
Here’s how to make a grain bowl! Pair a whole grain, protein and veggies with this amazing tahini sauce to make a healthy, fast and easy dinner. The Easy Canned Chickpeas trick is a life-saver for healthy meals and takes just 5 minutes.
Also try: Easy Rice Bowl or Mediterranean Couscous Bowls
This sauteed shrimp is a dinnertime win! The seasoning is the perfect pairing with juicy shrimp; serve with pasta or rice for an easy dinner idea. One medium shrimp has only 7 calories, so it’s a great lean protein for a healthy dinner!
Also try: Blackened Shrimp, Cilantro Lime Shrimp or Garlic Butter Shrimp
Try this Sweet Potato Curry! Tender sweet potatoes and bell peppers swim in a luscious broth of coconut milk and Thai curry paste, topped with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts. There’s so much flavor going on, you’ll want to take another bite before you’re finished savoring the first.
Hello and welcome to the best easy healthy recipe idea: the Hummus Bowl! Layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and greens. It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.
Need a quick and crowd-pleasing healthy recipe? Try this Kale Soup with White Beans! Hearty Tuscan kale, white beans and kale float in a tangy broth flavored with oregano and fennel. It's full of bold Mediterranean-style flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes (bonus: it's great for leftovers!).
Healthy mac and cheese? This one is all about balance: it’s got big flavor, a bit less cheese per serving than the standard recipe, and it’s loaded with broccoli for a dose of nutrients and fiber. What’s not to love?
Here’s a healthy lunch or dinner idea to spice up your routine: Mediterranean tuna salad! This spin adds crunchy veggies and swaps out the classic mayonnaise for olive oil and vinegar. Eat with toast, crackers, spoon into avocados or make it into lettuce wraps.
It’s simple, it’s elegant, but it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant: Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus! Roasting it up on a sheet pan with lemon slices and fresh herbs adds effortless flavor that feels fresh yet refined. This sheet pan meal works is the perfect weeknight meal.
Use eggplant for the crust to make eggplant pizza! These mini pizzas are tasty and easy to make, covered in garlicky sauce and gooey cheese.
Also try: Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Here’s a healthy recipe that makes the most delicious dinner you’ll put on your regular rotation immediately. Try this Tofu Curry! The brilliant red broth is flavored with coconut milk and red curry paste, with the zing of lime and a hint of spicy sweetness.
Here’s an irresistible Mediterranean recipe: Baked Falafel Salad! Make a batch of this easy baked falafel, then layer them with crunchy veggies and top with a creamy, zingy tahini dressing. Or, use purchased frozen falafel or even repurpose take-out leftovers!
Blackened salmon is the ultimate healthy recipe: fast, easy and seasoned to perfection! It’s guaranteed to become a favorite. The homemade blackened seasoning has a savory intrigue and makes a crispy black crust on the outside of the fish.
Also try: Cajun Salmon or Easy Pan Seared Salmon
Here’s how to make the tastiest fish tacos around! Bake the fish with a dry rub of spices, then top it with tangy slaw and creamy sauce.
Also try: Crispy Avocado Tacos or Best Jackfruit Tacos
This soba noodle bowl is a quick and easy dinner recipe, perfect for weeknights! It’s a filling vegetarian meal full of healthy veggies. Broccoli and red pepper load on the nutrients.
The ultimate vegan burrito is a healthy plant based lunch or dinner idea that's packed with flavor! It’s stuffed with Mexican rice, seasoned black beans and peppers, and avocado.
Also try: Vegan Enchiladas
Did you know stuffed peppers is a traditional Italian way to use up leftover odds and ends in your kitchen? We can’t take credit for this genius move, but here’s our spin on it. Try our favorite healthy stuffed peppers recipe! The filling is seasoned irresistibly with Italian spices, pizza sauce and melty cheese.
This pan fried cod is the best white fish you’ll have! Flavored simply with spices and olive oil, it’s healthy, stunning and irresistible all at once. Cod is a great low calorie source of protein and Vitamin B12.
Also try: Perfect Baked Cod or Perfect Grilled Cod
Here’s a fast and easy healthy recipe starring white beans! It takes just 5 minutes in a skillet and they’re full of flavor! Use this trick for cooked or canned beans. Beans may help you live longer: they’re rich in cancer fighting antioxidants and hearty-healthy fiber.
Also try: Easy Black Beans or Easy Cannellini Beans
You won’t believe the flavor in these Mexican sweet potatoes, topped with black bean salsa and creamy cilantro sauce! They're loaded with fiber and protein.
This really is the best vegetarian chili. It's beyond simple to make, and the flavor is outstanding. It’s got a hint of smokiness to highlight the tangy tomatoes and savory black beans. Top it with your favorite toppings, and it’s so hearty and savory, you’ll forget it’s healthy, too.
You won’t believe the flavor in these fast and easy egg tacos! The vegetarian “taco meat” filling works for any meal of the day. Bonus: they come together in just 5 minutes!
Also try: Loaded Quinoa Tacos or Cauliflower Tacos
Here’s how to make a poke bowl! This healthy recipe stars ahi tuna marinated in a flavorful poke sauce, rice, and lots of veggie topping ideas.
Also try: Vegan Poke Bowl or Ahi Poke Recipe
This broccoli potato soup is intensely creamy and 100% plant based! It’s an easy healthy soup that everyone loves (plus it’s vegan and gluten free).
Also try: Best Wild Rice Soup or Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This healthy sheet pan dinner is filled with healthy vegetables and fresh flavor! Throw it all in the oven while you cook rice or quinoa. Dinnertime win!
Looking for a flavor-packed healthy soup? Try this easy Cabbage Soup! This veggie makes a hearty, satisfying soup, packed with veggies that swim in a savory-spiced broth of fire roasted tomatoes. Ready to cozy up to a bowl?
Need a healthy snack recipe or two? This crispy roasted chickpeas recipe is the perfect salty, crunchy healthy recipe for when you need salty snack! They’re spiced with chili powder and cumin.
One of the healthiest snacks you can eat? Hummus and veggies! This easy homemade hummus has the BEST zesty flavor and creamy texture: and it’s much cheaper and tastier than store bought!
Also try: Glowing Green Hummus or Creamy Beet Hummus
Here’s the most irresistible avocado sandwich: the Avocado Club! It’s filling and full of hearty flavor, the ideal easy lunch idea.
Here’s the very best tuna salad sandwich you’ll have! This classic recipe is creamy, zingy, and full of flavor. (Plus, a few variations to mix it up.)
Also try: Tuna Salad with Egg or Avocado Tuna Salad
A 5-minute fast lunch idea! This simple chickpea salad is easy to throw together: the perfect healthy plant based desk lunch or quick fix dinner. Chickpeas are a great way to load up on fiber and plant-based protein.
Also try: Easy Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This colorful kale quinoa salad is full of healthy ingredients and tastes incredible! Meal prep this easy plant-based lunch idea for meals all week.
Here’s an easy healthy lunch or dinner idea: lentils! This basic recipe makes perfectly seasoned brown lentils to eat as a fast meal, or use in tacos, salads, and more.
Also try: French Lentil Salad, Lentil Salad with Feta or Instant Pot Lentils and Rice
This easy tofu scramble has the same texture as scrambled eggs, but it’s 100% plant based! It’s a vegan breakfast idea you’ll want to make again and again. Tofu is a great source of protein to start the day.
Want to eat more veggies? Make this breakfast vegetables scramble! It’s got lots of colorful veggies to start the day right…with a plant based / vegan option.
This banana baked oatmeal is the ideal healthy breakfast! It’s full of good-for-you ingredients and so delicious, everyone will want seconds.
Also try: Everyday Baked Oatmeal or Baked Apple Oatmeal
Here’s how to make oatmeal! This master recipe makes rolled oats with the best chewy texture. It’s the ideal healthy breakfast!
Also try: Best Vegan Oatmeal, Perfect Steel Cut Oats or Easy Instant Pot Oatmeal
Looking for a 15 minute meal? This avocado toast with egg has a few unique tweaks that make for a tasty and easy breakfast, lunch or dinner.
These easy mini frittatas are just what you need for a quick nutritious breakfast or lunch! Filled with healthy veggies and packed with flavor, make them ahead to grab and go.
These healthy banana muffins are lightly sweet and made mostly of oats and bananas! They’re blender muffins so they’re easy to make at home. The oats makes them higher in protein and fiber than the standard muffin.
Also try: Apple Zucchini Muffins or Banana Blueberry Muffins
Here’s a make ahead breakfast: these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies! Yes, it’s magic: oats, nut butter, applesauce, and maple syrup transform into cookies that you can eat for breakfast. There’s none of those traditional cookie ingredients: no flour, no butter, no oil, and no refined sugar. How is it possible? You’ve got to taste.
Want a healthy granola recipe that’s actually good for you? Here’s the only recipe you need! The maple pecan flavor is nutrient rich and 100% delicious. This one is only 200 calories per serving with less sugar than usual.
Need a chocolate fix? This chocolate snack tastes rich and chocolaty, but it’s just Greek yogurt, cocoa powder and maple syrup. And it’s made in 2 minutes!
Truly bliss in a bite, these healthy no bake cookies are made with chocolate and peanut butter. Easy and delicious, they are an all-time fan favorite!
Looking for other types of nutrient-dense recipes? We’ve got lots of other ideas for how to keep your meal ideas fresh. Try these options:
Got specific dietary needs? Head over to our Plant Based Recipes, Vegan Recipes, or Gluten Free Recipes.
PrintThis easy cauliflower stir fry is an ideal healthy and easy dinner idea! It’s full of nutrients and covered in a punchy sauce.
*Or substitute the Go To Stir Fry Sauce for the sauce ingredients (oil free).
**Adding cashews would serve about 2 to 3 as a vegetarian main; adding tofu can stretch it to 4.
Ready to ring in the New Year? New Years Eve is the perfect time to celebrate with a signature drink. There are so many fun celebratory cocktails, whether you love sparkling wine or want something a little more outside the box. For New Years Day, there are lots of great brunch cocktails for enjoying the morning after.
As two cocktail experts and certified mixologists, we’ve reviewed our recipe library to find all the best New Years Eve drinks and cocktails to try! Whether it’s a classic champagne cocktail as a New Years Eve drink or a round of Bloody Mary’s or mimosas for cozy New Years cocktail for brunch, we’ve got something for everyone.
Here’s the easiest New Years drink with the most stunning result: the classic Champagne cocktail! Are you celebrating the new year? Because this is the drink for you. Adding a sugar cube to champagne makes a fountain of bubbles that positively sparkles! It takes any party to celebration status with just a few simple ingredients.
Oh hello, Espresso Martini. The 1980’s cocktail vaulted back into popularity in 2021, and it’s easy to see why. Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua. Add vodka and the trio makes a full-flavored sophisticated drink that’s cool, frothy, and bittersweet.
Want an easy drink that’s festive and sophisticated? There’s nothing better as a New Years cocktail than a Kir Royale! This famous French cocktail stars black currant liqueur and sparkling wine: and the berries and bubbles suit each other perfectly. The best cocktail recipes are simple perfection, and there’s nothing better than this 2 ingredient combination. Here are a few tricks to making the very best Kir Royale.
Here’s one of the most sophisticated and refreshing New Years cocktails out there: a French 75! It’s got a mysterious name, but it’s made with a few simple ingredients. It’s tangy, bubbly, and a bit botanical, and it makes every occasion more festive! Really, any occasion is better with this drink in hand.
Looking for a cocktail to please a chocoholic? Try this chocolate martini recipe! This drink is rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass. It stars Irish cream and creme de cacao for maximum flavor, like the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar. Mix this up as an after dinner drink to impress guests, or anytime you need a sweet treat in cocktail form.
Here’s an effortlessly easy New Years Eve cocktail: Chambord and Champagne! These two go together like one of those famous pairings: tomatoes and basil, peaches and cream or peanut butter and jelly. Simply mix the raspberry liqueur with bubbles and you’ve got a sophisticated Chambord cocktail perfect for celebrations of all kinds. The bubbly sweet tart flavor is refreshing and unexpectedly nuanced for two ingredients.
A fun New Years cocktail is the cranberry Aperol spritz! It's sweet tart, fruity, and even tastier than a standard Aperol spritz (we think)! It’s simple to make and looks stunning—the idea signature drink for parties or a cozy evening. As a mocktail version, make our Cranberry Orange Mocktail.
Looking for a festive drink? Try the French 77! This champagne cocktail is a spin on the classic French 75 that adds St Germain elderflower liqueur. And dare we say it: it makes this classic cocktail even better. It’s bubbly and effervescent, with the floral undertones and the zing of fresh lemon juice.
Meet the Negroni Sbagliato, a mixed up version of the classic cocktail using sparkling wine instead of gin. The lightly sweet Prosecco against the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth makes for a better balanced flavor than with gin. This Negroni spin-off has gone from relatively unknown to trending recently, and for good reason. Who can resist a little bubbly?
Try this sparkling Champagne Punch! Bubbly wine is ideal for a punch because of its effervescent bubbles. This beautiful bowl is full of flavor, pairing sparkling wine with ginger ale, orange liqueur and fruity pineapple juice. Each sip is enormously refreshing! Even better, you can make this with any type of sparkling wine: in fact, our preference is Prosecco.
Here’s an impressive New Years drink: the Pomegranate Gin Fizz! The Gin Fizz is one of our favorite classic cocktails: sweet tart and refreshing, with a festive egg white foam. Take it over the top with this pomegranate spin: it elevates the sweet tart flavor and gives the drink a brilliant jewel-toned color!
Looking for a signature New Years Eve drink featuring cranberry and orange? Try this Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail! It’s balanced, sweet tart, and complex, fruity with intriguing notes from sweet vermouth.
The French 75 is one of our favorite cocktails, so it’s high time we’ve discovered its vodka-based cousin. Meet the French 76! This classy cocktail is just as sophisticated as its cousin drink, using vodka instead of the traditional gin. It’s got a light, bright flavor and effervescent bubbles: ideal for any time you need a festive signature drink.
You don't only need bubbly for New Years drinks! Try this Pomegranate Margarita! Sweet tart pomegranate juice pairs perfectly with tequila and lime, balanced with the orange perfume of Cointreau. You can use either pomegranate juice or fresh-squeezed juice from the fruit, making it perfect for whatever you have on hand. It’s a great winter cocktail for when pomegranate is in season: but honestly: we drink it anytime.
Here's a sophisticated, boozy New Year's drink: the Oaxaca Old Fashioned! This modern classic cocktail is the pristine union of smoky mezcal, tequila, sweet agave and chocolate bitters. Take one sip, and you’ll take your hat off to the bartender who cooked this one up in 2007. This one’s already solidified itself in the cocktail lexicon and for good reason: it’s just that perfect.
Here’s a drink that takes just 2 minutes and hits the spot in any season: the White Russian! This cocktail mixes vodka with coffee liqueur and cream in a decadently creamy, searingly sweet beverage. You may know it from the 1990’s movie The Big Lebowski, but this drink has been around since the 1950’s. It’s a total treat, and couldn’t be easier to make!
Also try: Peppermint White Russian or Baileys White Russian
The Naked and Famous cocktail is as impressive as its name…from first sip! It’s got only four ingredients but beautifully balanced, the perfect harmony of smoky, citrus, bitter and sweet. This modern cocktail was created in 2011, but it’s got nods to the past alluding to a historic cocktail that we know and love. It’s crisp, fresh, modern with a retro flair…in fact, it might be kind of perfect.
Here’s one of the most stunning and unique cocktails out there: the New York Sour! This spin on the Whiskey Sour takes the classic up two notches. First you have the whiskey sour layer: sweet tart and perfectly balanced. Float a layer of red wine over the top and it adds intrigue, complexity, and a fruity acidity: not to mention a stunning vibrant two-toned layer.
Another New Years drink without bubbles: the French Martini! This martini is hardly related to the classic dry martini at all. It’s a fruity and balanced, featuring a fancy French black raspberry liqueur (Chambord) and pineapple juice. Each sip is so intriguing and nuanced, it’s hard to put the glass down! This one’s become a favorite over here.
Here’s one of the best classic cocktails of all time that's perfect as a New Years drink: the Sidecar! This drink is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with a boozy edge from the Cognac and a citrus essence from orange liqueur. It’s a complex and layered drink: warm, crisp, dry, rich, and full at the same time.
Here’s a drink that’s made for New Years celebrations: a St Germain champagne cocktail! It’s sophisticated and refreshing: floral, botanical, tangy, and bubbly all at once. If you’ve never purchased a bottle of St Germain, now’s the time! This bottle of fancy liqueur should be part of your alcohol arsenal. Try this cocktail for holiday parties, New Year’s Eve, or celebrating getting that big promotion or anniversary.
Want to whip up a Brandy Alexander? Making this creamy, boozy delight is easier than you think. This sophisticated cocktail wasn’t on our radar until we started mixing up dessert drinks along with our regular fare. The Alexander is equal parts creamy, intriguing, and delicious: a mix of Cognac with cocoa liqueur.
Another New Years Eve drink without champagne: a Cranberry Martini! Here’s a tasty, sweet tart spin on the vodka martini that you’ve got to try: the Cranberry Martini! It’s refreshing, zingy and perfectly balanced, starring Cointreau orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. PS if you think this drink bears a striking resemblance to the classic cocktail the Cosmopolitan, you’re right.
Let's move on to New Years Day cocktails! There's nothing better than the classic Mimosa: it wins the award for the best brunch drink! How to make a perfect mimosa? Use Prosecco instead of champagne for a sweeter, nuanced flavor! Use it with a heavy hand, and add a dash of orange liqueur. It’s tart, just sweet enough, and bubbly as all get out.
Here’s a sparkling cocktail that’s full of beautiful fresh flavor: the Bellini! The bellini is a classic cocktail that comes from Italy. The combination of bubbly Prosecco and sweet peaches couldn’t be more refreshing! And of course, it’s natural for brunch like its cousin the mimosa. In winter, use a storebought version of peach puree instead of homemade.
Need an easy New Years Day brunch cocktail that looks impressive? Try the Vodka Sunrise! This layered cocktail looks like a gradient of a summer sunrise, and it’s ideal for brunch or a laid back afternoon drink. The way that orange juice fades into bright pink grenadine is truly magical. All you need are three ingredients for this spin on the classic Tequila Sunrise.
What's better as a New Years drink for brunch than a great Bloody Mary? We’ve spent a considerable amount of time tweaking this Bloody Mary mix recipe to perfection. Turns out, making the absolute perfect version of this classic cocktail requires a few secrets. Here’s how to make the best Bloody Mary: savory, spicy, tangy, and salty all at once.
Also try: 5 Bloody Mary Variations!
When it comes to festive cocktails…well, this one might take the cake. Try this Pomegranate Mimosa! The combination of sweet tart pomegranate, orange perfume and airy bubbles is one of the most satisfying in our list of 200+ cocktail recipes. In fact, you can even serve it as a New Years Eve cocktail and call it Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail or Pomegranate Prosecco Sparkler!
Here's a fun New Years day cocktail: the Red Snapper! The name doesn’t betray this drink: though it’s both red and snappy. But it’s holding a secret: it’s essentially a classic Bloody Mary with gin. Switching out the vodka leads to a whole new drink: savory, spicy, tangy, spicy, with a hint of botanical on the finish from the gin. It’s a fun variation on the standard: and even more so to surprise everyone with this unique spin.
Last up in our New Years drinks: a brilliant brunch drink that works for any season. Try the Cranberry Mimosa! Tart cranberry is an ideal pairing for subtly sweet orange juice. Pair the two and the glass is full of fiery red color and crisp flavor. It’s bubbly, it’s refreshing, and it’s downright fun. It’s easy as pie to mix up and perfect for entertaining.
Need a few more ideas? Here are a few more unique champagne cocktails that are a little outside the box—but still perfect for the New Year:
Want recipes for food? Try our 20 New Years Eve Recipes, from shrimp cocktail to black eyed pea dip.
The Champagne Cocktail is a classic drink that’s festive and elegant: the perfect for New Years drink! The sugar cube makes it sparkle.
Looking for more drinks outside of these New Years cocktails? We’ve got hundreds of cocktail recipes for every occasion:
Scallops are a perfect main dish for special dinners, a little more sophisticated than the standard shrimp or salmon. But what to serve with them? It can be hard to figure out just the right side dish that pairs well with their mild, delicate flavor. It’s also got to be easy enough to whip up while you’re searing the seafood.
As two cookbook authors and recipe experts, here are our top ideas for what to serve with scallops! From pasta to asparagus to green beans to salads, we’ve got all the best options that pair seamlessly to make a perfect meal. Ready to get started?
First up on what to serve with scallops: pasta! Noodles are the perfect pairing with sweet, buttery and delicate seared scallops. Set them atop tender pasta and accented with flavors of lemon, garlic and herbs.
Another fantastic side to serve with scallops: the simplest arugula salad. It’s quite possibly the easiest salad you’ll make. You don’t even have to make a salad dressing! In 5 minutes, you’ve got an elegant salad that goes with literally everything.
Here’s a perfect pair with scallops that's a great color and shape contrast: easy baked asparagus! It’s baked in a hot oven until tender, but still beautifully green. Then it’s spritzed with lemon: the way to make this healthy veggie taste over-the-moon good. The finishing touch: melted Parmesan cheese shavings.
Serve scallops over a bed of lemon rice for a showy main dish! This bright, zesty side dish is packed with aromatic garlic and a citrus twist.
Here's an elegant side that goes with just about anything: fennel orange salad! It features beautiful juicy oranges, with their vibrant color and citrusy flavor. Add to that sliced raw fennel, which adds a subtle licorice essence. Throw it over greens with a zingy homemade citrus vinaigrette, and it's stunning. Orange and scallops are the perfect flavor combination!
What to serve with scallops? Place them over a bed of couscous! This couscous recipe comes out fluffy and perfectly seasoned in minutes.
This endive salad recipe is a mix of refreshing, tangy and sweet! Combine this bitter green with orange, Parmesan and red wine vinaigrette: a perfect flavor pairing for delicate scallops.
Another great pairing with scallops? Fluffy quinoa. Add a few simple spices to transform it from bland to bursting with flavor! You can serve the scallops on the side, or atop the pile of grains.
Grab another pan alongside your scallops, and let's make sautéed green beans! They make a perfect side dish: delicious, healthy, and easy! It might sound too simple, but you do need a few tricks to sauté green beans perfection. This recipe is our tried and true method that works every time.
A sweet tart Brussels sprout salad is a great way to accessorize scallops! The raw greens aren’t bitter at all: they’re sweet and feathery, with irresistibly tasty flavor. Combine them with a sweet and tangy Djion mustard dressing, apples, and dried cherries, and they’re pretty darn perfect.
Serve scallops on top of a bed of sweet potato puree for a delicious meal! This lusciously creamy puree is light and sweet: it tastes restaurant style: especially when you serve the protein perched on top!
Another idea for pasta to serve with scallops: Parmesan pasta! The basic cream sauce is so creamy and full of flavor, and get this: it doesn’t even use cream! All you need is a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand. It takes just 10 minutes: enough time to make the pasta.
Fire up your oven before you cook your scallops, and pop in some Parmesan broccoli! It’s crispy, crunchy, and impossible not to take another bite. (We dare you.) Roasting broccoli brings a sweetness and lightly charred edges to this healthy green vegetable. Combine that with savory Parmesan cheese, and it’s got rock star status.
Fruity flavors pair well with scallops, like this pomegranate salad! Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a beautiful confetti over the top of leafy greens. Add tart green apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles, and it’s a true symphony of flavor!
Roasted broccolini matches the sophistication of scallops well, if you can find it! This unique variety of broccoli has long, elegant stems, a sweet flavor and tender crunch. It roasts up even more quickly than broccoli, making it a fast and easy side dish.
Fruit pairs well with scallops, so here's our favorite spinach apple salad! It’s got a tangy balsamic dressing and crunchy maple-glazed walnuts (or pecans). No one will believe it took only minutes to put together! It’s that good.
This skillet fried corn recipe is a quick and easy side dish for scallops! The kernels come out tasting sweet, buttery, and smoky—each bite is irresistible.
Here's a fantastic side to serve with scallops: sautéed mushrooms! The amount of savory umami flavor you get from cooking mushrooms and onions with a little butter and Worcestershire sauce…it’s out of this world. Pair it with almost anything for an outstanding meal.
These Brussels sprouts really are next level, and here’s why. They’re impossibly crispy, baked until they’re caramelized and the outside layers flake off into darkened crunchy chips. Then they’re draped in a tangy maple balsamic glaze that heightens the flavors to their peak.
Last up in our favorite sides to serve with scallops: a colorful pile of veggies! These sauteed vegetables are beautifully colored, bursting with flavor and crisp tender in texture. They’re the perfect side dish you’ve never had.
Of course, we couldn’t leave you with only what to serve with them! Here are some of our top scallop recipes:
This scallop pasta makes a delicious dinner! Impress everyone around the table with this elegant recipe seasoned with lemon, garlic and herbs. Accessorize with some of the side dishes in the list above!
For the scallops
For the sauce
Need more side dish ideas? We’ve got you covered:
Eating a plant based diet can be life changing! Health professionals are even finding it can treat and prevent disease. Take it from us—we’re two cookbook authors and recipe experts who have been eating mostly plant based for over a decade.
What’s a plant based diet? Put simply, it’s choosing more of your foods from plant sources than from meat or dairy. Here we’ve put together a list of our most delicious plant based recipes that everyone always loves! Each one is also a vegan recipe, meaning it contains no animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, and honey).
A misconception we hear is that plant based meals are just a pile of carrot and celery sticks and not filling. Au contraire—vegan main dishes need to be packed with plant-based protein! For more, see our Guide to Plant Based Protein. These recipes focus on protein and fiber packed ingredients like:
Without further ado, here are our favorite plant based recipes that are both filling and delicious!
This falafel bowl is one of our favorite plant based recipes for a satisfying meal, full of bright Mediterranean flavors! Featuring homemade baked falafel, pickled cucumbers and onions, and crunchy veggies, it’s a delicious healthy lunch or dinner idea.
Here’s a fun way to infuse loads of veggies into your life: this tasty Vegan Stir Fry! This mess of vibrant vegetables is just as tasty as it looks. It’s all smothered in a tangy, zingy vegan stir fry sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on just about everything. We love serving with soba noodles, but it’s just as tasty with rice.
This Moroccan stew is cozy, healthy and full of flavor. It's spiced with cumin, coriander and cinnamon, and the chickpeas are simmered with tomatoes and chickpeas. Sere with a side of quinoa or couscous.
Need dinnertime inspiration? Cozy up to a bowl of these creamy, zingy peanut noodles! This plant based recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. The peanut butter sauce is lusciously creamy, bursting with flavor from soy sauce, fresh lime juice and honey or maple syrup. Mix it with luscious noodle strands and top with loads of fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts.
It’s easy to resolve to eat more plant based recipes, but actually doing it is another matter entirely. Here’s one way to make it mega-delicious: Vegan Tacos! They're filled with hearty, spiced walnut taco meat that tastes remarkably similar to the real thing. Add refried beans, your favorite classic toppings, and dollop with a creamy, spicy sauce.
Need a healthy plant based recipe that pleases everyone? Try this Kale Soup with White Beans! Hearty Tuscan kale, white beans and kale float in a tangy broth flavored with oregano and fennel. It’s like a combination of all our favorite soup recipes in one bowl: comforting and full of bold Mediterranean-style flavors. It comes together in just 30 minutes and makes a huge pot that’s great for leftover lunches.
Here’s one of our favorite meal prep ideas: salad meal prep dinners! Prepare the greens mix, then mix and match toppings, proteins, and dressings to make different bowl meals. It also works as prep for lunch or side salads. Ditch those bag salads and make this for healthy dinners and lunches through the week!
Need a fresh plant based recipes? Try this lettuce wraps recipe! The punchy, savory filling is infused with hoisin, soy sauce and rice vinegar, mixing savory tofu with cashews and green onions. Throw it into tender leaf of crunchy green lettuce with a few more colorful veggies, and it’s to die for!
Hello and welcome to the best quick lunch or easy plant based dinner around: the Hummus Bowl! Layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and serve with pita wedges. It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.
Here’s a way to prepare tofu that we cannot get enough of: this crispy tofu recipe! It’s easy to make and comes out perfectly seasoned, with extra crunchy edges and a tender interior. There’s no need to even press the tofu! It’s actually pretty amazing that it can turn into meaty, savory cubes in just 20 minutes. Make it into a plant based meal by adding rice and broccoli.
Need a hearty plant-based recipe idea? Look no further than this trusty trick: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! Bake the spuds whole until they’re moist and tender, then top with savory fillings to make a hearty dinner recipe. The way the savory black beans contrast with the sweet orange flesh makes magic, in our opinion.
Here's a fan favorite plant based recipe: this Easy Sheet Pan Dinner! This recipe has 4 of our best vegetables to eat all at one time: and it’s seriously tasty, too. It’s perfect to meal prep for healthy dinners or lunches throughout the week.
If there’s one plant based recipe that always satisfies, it’s a great lentil soup. Lentils are one of nature’s wonders: they’re full of protein, shelf stable for years, inexpensive, and make for some of the most satisfying filling meals. Try this simple Red Lentil Soup! It’s deliciously hearty, featuring aromatic vegetables, lemon and a hint of smoked paprika.
Let us present another favorite plant based recipe: these incredible sheet pan vegan fajitas! Everyone loves this meal, even meat eaters. It’s a great way to make a fun healthy dinner where no one notices there’s no meat! Roast up lots of veggies on a sheet pan with spices, and serve with refried beans and “guac-ish”.
These veggie nuggets are so delicious and made with a simple combination of vegetables, oats, and flavorful spices. Everyone loves them (both kids and adults!), and they’re vegan and easily gluten-free. Dip into a fun sauce and enjoy as a meal or snack!
Welcome to the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.
This marinated tempeh recipe is an explosion of flavor! The zingy marinade makes a plant based meal everyone will love. It it with broccoli or as part of a rice bowl.
These vegan lentil sloppy joes are deliciously filling plant-based dinner made with lentils, tomatoes, and seasonings! The tangy flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a huge hit at our house. Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe experience.
This vegan eggplant Parmesan is dairy free but delivers on flavor, starring crispy breaded eggplant slices smothered in a tangy marinara sauce! A plant-based dinner win.
This tofu bowl with rice stars crispy tofu, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! A deliciously healthy vegan dinner to fill your day with plant-based goodness.
This creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup is packed with nutrients and flavor! Made with simple ingredients, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
These crispy, crave-worthy vegan crab cakes are truly amazing! These patties will wow eaters of any diet. Serve them up with vegan tartar sauce as a fun plant-based dinner or appetizer!
Try this creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe, made with all whole foods! A luscious cashew sauce blankets tender noodles, creating cozy pasta comfort food that everyone will love.
This tofu broccoli stir fry comes to the dinnertime rescue! Broccoli florets and tofu cubes are tossed in a tangy, savory sauce for a vegetarian and vegan dinner everyone will love. Even better, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Vegan Taco Salad to the dinnertime rescue! This genius recipe comes to you by the magic of Walnut Taco Meat: a tasty way to make a plant-based version of ground beef. Walnuts, mushrooms and spices do a spot on job of simulating the savory goodness of meat crumbles. Add to that fresh veggies and a zingy sauce, and you’ve got a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy: including meat lovers!
Want to make black bean soup and don’t have time to cook dried beans? Try this Quick Black Bean Soup! Using canned beans makes it possible to whip up this tasty soup in 30 minutes. It’s creamy, garlicky and hearty, and a big bowl feels positively restorative. Top it with pico de gallo for a bright and zingy contrast in flavors.
Loading up on plant-based protein is key to making plant based recipes filling! And this insanely-tasty healthy chili recipe is full of it: it's got a trio of protein-packed beans, quinoa and is topped with pepitas. It’s full savory, hearty flavor even though it’s meatless!
This tofu fried rice recipe is bursting with flavor! Tender tofu takes center stage with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce in this hearty vegan dinner.
Here's a plant based recipe in our regular rotation: this quick Vegan Coconut Curry! Here, coconut milk and curry powder make healthy vegetables taste like a decadent treat. And, it takes under 25 minutes to whip up! It’s an ode to the simplicity of plant based ingredients and great seasoning.
Also try: Coconut Cauliflower Curry
Craving sushi but want it as a plant based recipe? Try this fresh, delectable Vegan Sushi! These rolls have got it all, proving that this Japanese dish (or rather, art form!) is perfectly adaptable no matter what the filling. Savory, flavor-popping marinated tofu joins crunchy veggies and tender sushi rice to make a craveable roll filling. Top it off with Japanese BBQ Sauce and it tastes like a dream!
Try this irresistible BBQ Tofu recipe! Each bite has just the right chewy texture, bathed in a silky, sweet, savory sauce. You’ll want to keep eating it for days. This plate disappeared very quickly at our house! This recipe is easy to put together and a great starter recipe for people who are wary of the stuff.
Here’s a quick and easy plant based recipe perfect for weeknights: try these Mushroom Tacos! Portobello mushrooms have enormous savory flavor: throw them in a skillet with some punchy seasonings and they make plant based magic. Combine those portobellos with creamy refried beans and the quickest slaw, and you’ve got dinner!
Turns out, you don't need cheese to make a great lasagna. Vegan lasagna is majorly good. In fact, this one is our favorite lasagna, period. You can make this huge pan on a budget, so it’s a healthy whole food plant based recipe that’s affordable to all!
Meet our favorite plant based dinner recipe: the Falafel Burger! These are easy to make with canned chickpeas. The combination of a cumin and coriander-scented chickpea patty with cool cucumber sauce and all the fixin’s is pretty darn epic.
These vegan enchiladas are one of our most crowd-pleasing plant based recipes…ever. Tortillas are wrapped around a veggie filling oozing with flavor, and it’s all doused in a zesty homemade enchilada sauce. With the crunchy veggie topping, this dish looks simply incredible. And it tastes even better than it looks
Here’s a plant based dinner that takes just 30 minutes and results in so much flavor…you’ll put it on your regular rotation immediately. Try this Tofu Curry recipe! The brilliant red broth is flavored with coconut milk and red curry paste, with the zing of lime and a hint of spicy sweetness. The Thai-style flavors are the perfect way to introduce tofu to those wary of it.
Here’s a healthy soup you’ll immediately add to your regular rotation…because it’s just that good. Try this White Bean Soup recipe, full of humble ingredients and huge flavor! Tender white beans float in the cozy broth with soft potatoes and leafy kale. Lemon zest lends brightness and tarragon brings an herby nuance. It’s made of 100% plant based and tastes like a dream.
These tacos are a fan favorite plant based recipe! They star Crispy Roasted Cauliflower, roasted in the oven and covered in a savory, salty, sweet and lightly spicy breading. Cover it all in Yum Yum Sauce, used in Japanese steakhouses and served with seafood. It adds a richness to these tacos that’s out of this world good!
This shepherd's pie is cozy comfort food to the max! Imagine: a creamy gravy filled with tender vegetables, lentils and scented with fennel and sage. Then a fluffy layer of Yukon gold potatoes, topped with fresh rosemary. It’s layered together in a baking dish and then baked until golden. This one’s a plant based stunner.
This simple tofu soup recipe is a tasty, nourishing plant-based meal! Cubes of tofu float in a savory broth flavored with miso, ginger, dried mushrooms, and fresh mushrooms. Add crunchy carrots and green onions just before serving, and it’s a satisfying combination of hearty earthiness with crisp, fresh vegetables.
Here's the very best plant based burrito! This burrito is packed with flavor from Spanish rice, seasoned black beans, peppers and onions, and mashed avocado. Even better, step it up with a zingy vegan sauce. Ready to cook?
Here’s a go-to when you need a plant based dinner that’s protein-packed: this Vegan Meatballs! This recipe takes under 30 minutes to make, and it’s packed with protein! Even better: the flavor is outstanding. Pair it with your favorite pasta, or a few vegan sides.
Try this Sweet Potato Curry! Tender sweet potatoes and bell peppers swim in a luscious broth of coconut milk and Thai curry paste, topped with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts. There’s so much flavor going on, you’ll want to take another bite before you’re finished savoring the first.
Here’s plant based recipe to file under dinnertime basics: this easy rice bowl! This 30 minute dinner features these easy black beans, a trick to make a bland can of beans taste amazing in 5 minutes. Pair it with rice and colorful veggies. The kicker? A zingy cilantro lime ranch that you’ll want to bathe in.
Your noodles are destined for greatness with this vegan pasta alfredo! The impossibly creamy sauce is a healthy spin on the traditionally rich pasta. It’s made with nutrient-dense cauliflower and protein-packed cashews instead of dairy. Said one reader: “YUM! I love it! It’s super easy to make. I made it again 2 days later!”
Poke is a Hawaiian specialty, typically made with ahi tuna. But here's a plant based version of this popular healthy bowl meal: vegan poke bowls! They're bursting with flavor, and they’ve got an unusual ingredient that amazingly gives the same texture and flavor as poke. Beets. Yep, you’re going to have to taste this to believe it…but it really works! Drizzle with spicy mayo and enjoy.
Here's a simple plant based recipe to power your morning: try this microwave oatmeal! It’s the quickest way to cook oatmeal around, and it comes out just as good as the stovetop version. Here’s the thing: you don’t need those microwave packets from the store. All you need are Old Fashioned rolled oats, a microwave, and 2 minutes!
Want to liven up your plant based recipe game in the mornings? Try Breakfast Quinoa! This alternative to oatmeal is just as satisfying. Cook it with milk, maple syrup and cinnamon, then load it up with toppings like fresh berries, coconut and nut butter. It’s a healthy breakfast idea that’s a fun way to start the day.
The path to healthy plant based breakfast ideas is difficult, especially for meals on the go. So here’s a make ahead breakfast that fits in the palm of your hand: these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies! Yes, it’s magic: oats, nut butter, applesauce, and maple syrup transform into cookies that you can eat for breakfast.
Looking for a plant-based way to start the day? Try this vegan breakfast sandwich! It takes just 5 minutes to whip up a savory chickpea pancake that surprisingly has a similar flavor and texture to scrambled eggs. Pile it high on a toasted sourdough muffin with tomato and avocado and it’s so satisfying: and totally plant based!
Last up in these plant based recipes, try these zucchini brownies! Stop what you’re doing and gather the ingredients for this recipe that will have your friends and family running for another piece. The brownies come out ultra moist and gooey, with a deep, rich chocolaty flavor. They’re simple to make and you won’t believe the amazing flavor and texture!
Or try more of our top Vegan Dessert Recipes!
Looking for other types of plant based recipes, like breakfast, snacks, or desserts? Head to these posts:
Want a meal plan? Try our 28-Day Vegan Meal Plan or Plant Based Diet Meal Plan.
This falafel bowl makes a satisfying meal, full of bright Mediterranean flavors! Featuring homemade baked falafel and crunchy veggies, it’s a delicious healthy lunch or dinner idea.
For the Falafel Bowl
Baked Falafel (or go to Baked Falafel)