19 Healthy Recipes That Don’t Taste Like Cardboard, Promise

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19 Healthy Recipes That Don’t Taste Like Cardboard, Promise

Healthy recipes that don’t taste like cardboard? Yes, they do exist, promise. Say goodbye to flavorless dishes that make you question your life choices, and hello to meals that are actually great. These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to eat well without sacrificing taste. Think of them as your ticket to enjoying food that’s both good for you and your taste buds.

A close-up of a colorful salad featuring corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado, and crumbled feta cheese, all served in a brown bowl.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach blends shrimp, fresh spinach, and grape tomatoes in a creamy sauce made from coconut milk, seasoned with various spices. It’s a quick, easy-to-make meal, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a nutritious dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a great way to enjoy a rich, filling meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Pair it with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles to make the most of the delicious sauce, which is a good meal that keeps you full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are flavored with a rich combination of curry spices and coconut flour and cooked in coconut milk and red curry paste sauce. They quickly prepare, taking just 25 minutes, making them a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. The combination of lean protein from the turkey and the rich, aromatic sauce makes this dish nutritious and filling. It’s a great choice for those seeking a flavorful meal that supports their health without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is nourishing and flavorful, combining sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, and paprika. It’s prepared in about an hour, giving it a sweet and slightly tangy taste, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. This soup is a great choice for anyone looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s hearty enough to fill you throughout the night, making it a steadfast dinner option during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a quick, light dinner with these Lemon Garlic Scallops, ready in 25 minutes. Seasoned with fresh garlic and a squeeze of lemon, these scallops are perfect for a nutritious meal without skimping on flavor. A sprinkle of paprika adds a gentle kick to each bite. This dish is perfect for those who want to whip up a speedy yet wholesome meal after a busy day. It’s simple to prepare and give a good experience without leaving you feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup serves a hearty, healthy dinner. This soup combines spinach, carrots, celery, and white beans, enhanced with shredded chicken for added protein. The beans are partially pureed to give the soup a creamy texture without using heavy cream or extra fats. It cooks in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for those evenings when time is short but you still want a filling meal. Serve with a piece of crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete a dinner that will fill you without feeling heavy. This soup simplifies healthy eating without sacrificing flavor or fullness.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This robust Sausage Curry combines hearty sausages with a spicy mix of garam masala and other seasonings, all simmered in a sauce enriched with coconut aminos. It’s a filling meal that comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a delicious dinner after a long day. The curry is great served over rice or alongside naan, creating a complete meal that’s not only filling but also comforting. This dish is a great way to end your day with a meal that is hearty and health-conscious.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is the epitome of simplicity and flavor, combining roasted sausages with colorful mini peppers, broccoli and zucchini. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a convenient and quick option for a healthy dinner that fills you up. This meal is perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time but want to ensure a nutritious dinner. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up, making it a great choice for a no-stress, filling meal during a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fresh Corn Salad

A white bowl contains a colorful mixed salad with corn, tomatoes, avocado, bell peppers, red onions, herbs, and crumbled feta cheese, with a wooden spoon inside.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fresh Corn Salad is a vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light, healthy option anytime. Packed with fresh vegetables and a lime dressing, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Best of all, it comes together in only 40 minutes. You’ll start by dicing or chopping up cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, English cucumber, red onion, and basil before boiling the corn and then cutting the kernels off the cob. Then, you’ll mix everything together with a simple lime dressing. For extra flavor and texture, you can optionally add chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese. Once everything is combined, you’ll just chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, and then you’re all set to serve.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 25 minutes, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and convenient option that doesn’t compromise on heartiness. This dish combines pre-cooked chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing for a speedy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s perfect for those who want a substantial meal without spending a lot of time cooking. This pasta salad is a great way to enjoy a lighter dinner that still feels substantial and delicious, showing that quick meals can also be healthy and complete.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado gives a flavorful escape with its marinated chicken infused with citrus and spices like paprika, cayenne, and cumin. This dish is not only full of flavor but also rich in protein, cooked either grilled or baked to achieve a perfect finish. It requires about an hour and 40 minutes to prepare, which is well spent for a meal that fills you up and keeps you healthy. Accompany it with grilled vegetables or a garden salad to create a balanced meal that tastes great and fills. Pollo Asado makes it easy to enjoy a nutritious dinner after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted sweet potatoes and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon features a robust mix of butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon roasted with spinach and onions, all tossed in a light dressing of Dijon mustard and spices. It takes just over an hour to prepare, and this dish is straightforward yet rich in flavors and nutrients. It’s drizzled with healthy avocado oil to enhance the taste without adding unhealthy fats. Perfect for a filling dinner, it is a great solution for those looking to eat well without much prep or cleanup. It’s a simple way to keep your dinner routine healthy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is the perfect pick for adding a bit of excitement to your dinner routine. This salad blends crispy bacon, shredded chicken, and diced jalapeños for a meal as bold in flavor as it is in health benefits. It takes two hours to prepare and is great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a great dinner throughout the week. High in protein and simple to make, this salad addresses the need for meals that are both easy to prepare and robust enough to keep you full and focused.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy is a flavorful dinner option that is ready in just 30 minutes. The salmon is simmered in a spicy coconut milk curry with chopped bok choy, giving a burst of flavor with every bite. This meal is quick to prepare and packed with essential nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome and filling dinner. Serving this dish over brown rice or quinoa allows you to enjoy all the flavors while getting a complete, nutritious meal that doesn’t take all night to make. It’s a straightforward, delicious way to end your day.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Keto Zuppa Toscana is a hearty, creamy soup perfect for those following a low-carb diet. Made with radishes instead of potatoes to keep it keto-friendly, it includes bacon, Italian sausage, and kale simmered in a rich, creamy broth. This dish is ready in about an hour and is a great way to end the day with a filling meal. It’s especially good for those looking to maintain their dietary goals without feeling deprived. Pairing this soup with a fresh side salad enhances its nutritional value, making for a well-rounded, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and quick option for a filling dinner. It features shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a hearty mix of vegetables in a flavorful broth. Ready in about 40 minutes, this soup is perfect for those evenings when you need something both nourishing and quick. It’s packed with protein and essential nutrients, giving a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied without the long wait. This soup is particularly enticing during the colder months, giving warmth and comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs combines the robust flavors of cumin, cayenne pepper, and paprika with marinated and baked chicken to create a protein-rich meal bursting with flavor. These kebabs are perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner, ready in less than an hour. They’re perfect for fitness enthusiasts looking for a meal that supports their health without spending hours in the kitchen. Serving these with grilled vegetables and a side of tzatziki or hummus adds freshness and balance, making it a full meal that’s delicious and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is an effortless meal that combines split peas, ham, and a variety of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. It’s a perfect choice for those needing a hands-off dinner approach. Let it cook slowly throughout the day to develop deep flavors and a rich texture. This soup is particularly good for cold days or busy evenings when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal that fills you up. It’s also packed with fiber and protein, aiding digestion and lasting fullness.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a fast and flavorful one-pan dish featuring chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spices like Italian seasoning and garlic powder. It’s a go-to for a quick, hearty meal on busy weeknights, ready in about 30 minutes. This dish is quick to make and fills you up with high-quality protein and a rich, delicious flavor without the need for complex ingredients or preparations. It’s a straightforward dish, showing quick meals can also be great.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup blends wild rice with a hearty selection of mushrooms in a creamy broth seasoned with thyme and rosemary. It’s easy to prepare and has many flavors, making it a perfect dinner option during the colder months. This soup is a great choice for those seeking a comforting meal that’s also nutritious. It fills you with fiber and essential nutrients, supporting a healthy diet. Pair it with whole-grain bread for an even more delicious and complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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