Here are some simple and healthy recipes you can try:
1. Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
2. Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the sliced vegetables around the salmon on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
3. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
- In a separate pan, warm the black beans over low heat.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- To assemble, place sweet potatoes and black beans in each tortilla, top with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the tofu cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add the tofu back to the pan along with the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice or quinoa and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Chia Pudding with Berries
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
Instructions:
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once the chia pudding has thickened, top with fresh berries.
- Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack.
These recipes are nutrient-dense, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein sources!