Home Healthy Eating
Caroline StankoUpdated: Jan. 13, 2023
Jump start a healthy lifestyle with help from these clean eating recipes. From festive omelets to garlic chicken and spiced applesauce, eating healthy has never been tastier.
1/55
Chicken Veggie Packets
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
Go to Recipe
2/55
Calico Scrambled Eggs
When you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is just what you need. There's a short ingredient list, cooking is kept to a minimum. and the green pepper and tomato makes it colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
3/55
Salmon with Tomato-Goat Cheese Couscous
Rich with goat cheese and tomato, this recipe works for a weeknight supper or an elegant company dinner—and is adjustable for number of people. —Toni Roberts, La Canada, California
Go to Recipe
4/55
Loaded Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
After I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, I embarked on a journey to improve my diet and live a healthier lifestyle. I began developing recipes that were not only deliciously satisfying but also anti-inflammatory and highly nutritious. —Chantale Michaud, Guelph, Ontario
Go to Recipe
5/55
Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice
The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
Go to Recipe
6/55
With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of no-bake treats you can take anywhere. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
7/55
Sweet Potato and Egg Skillet
I try to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in meals as often as possible, especially with breakfast. I came up with this recipe to feed my family a healthy, hearty breakfast—and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Go to Recipe
8/55
Cod and Asparagus Bake
The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas fa*glon, Somerset, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
9/55
Smoky Cauliflower Bites
These healthy little treats work well as a side or as fun bite-size appetizers. Roasting the cauliflower adds deep flavor and gives it an irresistible crunch. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Go to Recipe
10/55
Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Go to Recipe
11/55
Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro
My family and I are big picnickers, and I'm always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Go to Recipe
12/55
Shrimp Avocado Salad
This salad can be served as a cool and satisfying dinner or lunch. The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados mixed with the crisp shrimp salad is heavenly. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Go to Recipe
13/55
Spiced Blueberry Quinoa
I took up eating quinoa when I found out how much protein it has. This is really an easy dish to experiment with; my first version of the recipe was made with shredded apples instead of blueberries. It's just as delicious! —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
14/55
I enjoy this recipe because it’s meatless, inexpensive and simply delicious! You can substitute any vegetables you like—it’s all a matter of preference. Serve warm pita bread on the side. —Geraldine Hennessey, Glendale, New York
Go to Recipe
15/55
Shrimp Scampi Spinach Salad
My husband and I really enjoy both shrimp scampi and fresh spinach salad, so I put the two together. My oldest son loves it, too, and he's only 3! —Jamie Porter, Garnett, Kansas
Go to Recipe
16/55
Garlic Chicken with Herbs
Pan-roasting garlic cloves turns them into rich, creamy deliciousness. This chicken is also fantastic with a loaf of crusty bread or mashed potatoes on the side. —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
Go to Recipe
17/55
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
The first time my friends tasted my new side dish, they said it was phenomenal. The longer you let it chill in the fridge, the more tender the sprouts will be. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Go to Recipe
18/55
Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Go to Recipe
19/55
20/55
Veggie Steak Salad
This salad just explodes with flavors. It's easy and quick to prepare, tastes delicious, and is a healthy dinner all on one plate. —Tiffany Martinez, Aliso Viejo, California
Go to Recipe
21/55
Roasted Vegetables with Sage
When I can't decide what vegetable to serve at dinner, I turn to this oven-roasted medley that features brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots and butternut squash. It pleases everyone around the table.—Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Go to Recipe
22/55
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad
The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful main-dish salad are perfect for summer—or any time of year that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Go to Recipe
23/55
South-of-the-Border Citrus Salad
Orange, grapefruit and jicama add color and texture to this out-of-the-ordinary fruit salad. Sometimes I'll toss in slices of mango and cucumber for extra fun. —Mary Fuller, SeaTac, Washington
Go to Recipe
24/55
Herb Breakfast Frittata
I came up with this recipe on a snowy day by using what I had in the fridge. Yukon Gold potatoes give this frittata a comforting bottom crust. —Katherine Hansen, Brunswick, Maine
Go to Recipe
25/55
Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Go to Recipe
26/55
Kale Salad
I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Go to Recipe
27/55
Peppered Tuna Kabobs
When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
Go to Recipe
28/55
Full Garden Frittata
I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
Go to Recipe
29/55
Grilled Basil Chicken
This cinch of a marinade gives the chicken lots of Italian flavor. Serve the chicken with a tossed green salad and garlic breadsticks, or put slices on a ciabatta roll along with lettuce, tomato and mozzarella cheese for a zesty handheld meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Go to Recipe
30/55
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Go to Recipe
31/55
My Italian mother-in-law taught me to make this omelet years ago—she would make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner and eat it on Italian bread. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover broccoli. —Mary Licata, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Go to Recipe
32/55
Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts
While traveling to Taiwan, I had the pleasure of trying a unique vegetable dish that included fresh pumpkin. It inspired me to roast pumpkin with Brussels sprouts. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
33/55
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables
This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
34/55
Chicken Veggie Skillet
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Go to Recipe
35/55
Cool Summertime Oatmeal
Start this breakfast the night before so you can get a few extra z's in the morning. My husband adds coconut to his, and I stir in dried fruit. —June Thomas, Chesterton, Indiana
Go to Recipe
36/55
Pizzaiola Chops
My favorite cousin shared this recipe, and I tweaked it for our family. Taste as you go, and try the Italian trick of sprinkling on some oregano to give it that extra something. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Go to Recipe
37/55
I recently started experimenting with new soup recipes, and finally created a rich squash version that omits heavy cream altogether, making it a healthier way to curb my creamy-tooth. —Nithya Kumar, Davis, California
Go to Recipe
38/55
Parsley Smashed Potatoes
I love potatoes but hate the work involved in making mashed potatoes from scratch. So I came up with a simple side dish that was made even easier thanks to my slow cooker. Save the leftover broth for soup the next day! —Katie Hagy, Blacksburg, South Carolina
Go to Recipe
39/55
This delicious quinoa avocado salad is high in protein and holds well in the fridge for a few days. If you make it ahead, add avocados and tomatoes right before serving. —Elizabeth Bennett, Seattle, Washington
Go to Recipe
40/55
Garlic Tilapia with Spicy Kale
We make this main dish and side together, and adjust the heat from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the table. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
Go to Recipe
41/55
Basil Vegetable Strata
I've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! Fresh basil gives the healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin.
Go to Recipe
42/55
Asparagus-Mushroom Frittata
My Sicilian Aunt Paulina inspired this fluffy frittata. I remember visiting her garden, picking fresh veggies and watching her cook. Her wild asparagus frittata was my favorite. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
43/55
Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs
For our must-have meal, we roast chicken using bone-in, skin-on thighs. This version without skin and bones has a zesty rub of turmeric, paprika and chili powder. —Bill Staley, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
44/55
Here's a hearty take on Mediterranean food, this time with sweet potatoes tucked inside. These unique pockets are delicious for lunch or dinner. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
45/55
Mashed Peppery Turnips
I created this recipe in an attempt to use up a great turnip harvest from our garden, and to lighten up one of our favorite dishes. By using turnips in place of potatoes, I made a low-carb side. Now we rarely serve plain mashed potatoes! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Go to Recipe
46/55
Pomegranate Persimmon Salad
To bring some sunshine to the table, I toss up a bright salad of persimmons and pomegranate seeds, dressed with a puckery vinaigrette. —Linda Tambunan, Dublin, California
Go to Recipe
47/55
Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
48/55
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Go to Recipe
49/55
Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Primavera
Roasting makes veggies an irresistible part of this light but filling dinner. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Go to Recipe
50/55
Fiesta Time Omelet
I created this dish when I needed to use up some black olives and jalapenos. With the abundant filling, two of these large omelets can feed four people if served with side dishes.—Jennine Victory, Bee Branch, Arkansas.
Go to Recipe
51/55
52/55
Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled Eggs
My husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Go to Recipe
53/55
Strawberry-Turkey Spinach Salad
This light, refreshing salad is a true showstopper, visually and nutritionally, with fresh strawberries and yellow pepper strips tossed with fresh baby spinach. Serve with warm whole wheat rolls or flax or bran muffins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
54/55
Garden Frittata
I created this frittata recipe one day to use up some fresh yellow squash, zucchini and tomato. It's so easy to make because you don't have to fuss with a crust. Give it different twist by trying it with whatever veggies you have on hand. —Catherine Michel, St. Peters, Missouri
Go to Recipe
55/55
Spicy Applesauce
We have an apple-picking party every year. It's a bushel of fun, and I always look forward to cooking a batch of this easy applesauce seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and allspice. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Go to Recipe
Originally Published: October 09, 2018
Caroline Stanko
Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.