Eating healthy is easier said than done – it seems like every tasty healthy meal is almost impossible to make.
With some of the best recipes in the world, though, eating healthy has never been easier – or more delicious!
Black Bean, Cilantro, And Avocado Quesadillas
Who doesn’t love quesadillas?! Not only are these black bean, cilantro, and avocado quesadillas mouth-wateringly good, they’re also really healthy.
What you’ll need:
One 15-ounce can black beans, no salt added, rinsed and drained, liquid reserved (or 1¾ cups cooked)
1 medium tomato, diced
½ small chile pepper (e.g., jalapeño, Anaheim), finely diced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, minced
¼ cup finely diced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Eight 6-inch corn tortillas
¼ cup plant-based shredded cheese, optional
How you’ll do it:
1. In a small mixing bowl, crush the beans with a potato masher or fork, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved bean liquid to make a thick, lumpy mixture.
2. Add the tomato, chile pepper, lemon juice, garlic, and cilantro to the beans and mix well.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a large skillet.
4. Spread ½ cup of the bean mixture onto two tortillas smoothly. Place them in the skillet, bean side up. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of cheese, if desired. Top with another tortilla. Cook the quesadillas over medium heat for about 4 minutes, until the bottom side is browned. Turn over carefully and cook the other side for about 4 minutes, until browned.
5. Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and garnish with avocado slices and plant-based sour cream, if desired. Repeat the process again to make 4 quesadillas.
This recipe is geared towards beginners, serves up to 4 people, and only takes about a half hour to make. Perfect for a quick, nutritiously delicious meal!
Tuna Quinoa Cakes
Tuna gets a bad rap sometimes, healthy omega-3 fats that are proven to increase heart health and decrease overall inflammation.
What you’ll need:
½ cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
2 cans tuna, drained
¾ cup cooked quinoa
¼ cup green onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg
¼ cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon mustard
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ cup breadcrumbs
How you’ll do it:
1. In a small bowl, combine the tuna and sweet potato and mix well.
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
3. Using your hands, form into 6 cakes.
4. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 20 min, flipping once.
These tuna quinoa cakes are a great snack or meal if you make enough. This recipe will give you enough to serve up to 6 people and shouldn’t take you more than 25 minutes to make.
Thai Salad Bowl
Fresh, filling, and full of healthy ingredients that will fully satisfy your appetite for a tasty meal. The vegetables give the salad a nice crunch and it pairs beautifully with the spice from the green curry and peanut dressing.
What you’ll need for the salad dressing:
1 tablespoon green curry paste
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon chopped, fresh ginger
2 teaspoons honey
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, lightly packed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoon water
Kosher salt, to taste
What you’ll need for the salad:
4 cups lettuce, washed and chopped (romaine or hearty baby lettuces work well)
2 cups shredded cabbage, washed
1 red bell pepper, washed, cored and thinly sliced
4 green onions, white and light green parts only, washed, thinly sliced
1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
2 cups shredded carrots, washed
2 cups cooked quinoa
1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped
How you’ll do it:
1. For the salad dressing: Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Note – alternatively, ingredients can be whisked together in a small bowl.
2. To make the salad: Place the lettuce in the bottom of a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and the salad dressing and toss to coat. Alternatively, salad can be served in a large bowl or on a platter and dressing can be served on the side.
Even a complete kitchen newbie can whip this salad up in 30 minutes or less and it’s a great meal to pack away for lunch at work or on-the-go.
There you have it! Eating healthy is completely doable and you won’t be missing out on anything with these incredibly satiating dishes.
