40 Healthy Recipes Everyone Can Agree On

Cook up a healthy meal that everyone will enjoy with these easy and delicious dishes — desserts included!

August 04, 2022

By: Food Network Kitchen

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Chicken in Red Pepper Sauce

Need a break from tomato sauce? Try blending red peppers, garlic and warm chicken broth to make a quick and delicious accompaniment to shredded chicken.

Get the Recipe: Chicken in Red Pepper Sauce

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Made in the slow cooker, Melissa's healthy, hearty soup practically cooks itself. To save time, she subs tortilla chips for fresh tortillas: "My favorite kind are the better-for-you baked white tortilla chips with a hint of lime."

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Tomatoes and Ricotta

This quick, flavorful and healthy side is done from fridge to table in under 30 minutes. We trim off the top and bottom of the squash, poke it all over and cook it in the microwave in a fraction of the time it would take to roast it. If you wanted to make this a complete meal, juicy turkey meatballs would be a delightful accompaniment to this pasta alternative.

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Tomatoes and Ricotta

Sausage and Broccolini Pizza

Here's a healthy dinner the whole family can get excited about: pizza! We use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough to speed things up, making this veggie-topped pizza perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Sausage and Broccolini Pizza

Oven-Fried Chicken

Corn cereal crumbs and crushed crackers create a delicious coating for Ellie Krieger's faux-fried chicken. A light spray of olive oil before baking guarantees lightly crispy results.

Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Peas and Carrot Succotash Salad

Dress these veggies in heart-healthy avocado oil and justa squeeze of lemon juice. This simple dressing will turn frozen peas, corn and edamame into the perfect colorful side dish.

Get the Recipe: Peas and Carrot Succotash Salad

Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Ellie's turkey burgers are healthy but far from bland. She stuffs each patty with mozzarella cheese and roasted red peppers for creamy texture and sweet, smoky flavor.

Get the Recipe: Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Light Tropical Banana Pudding

You’ll never have to skip dessert again with this lightened-up banana pudding. Cornstarch-thickened pudding (also known as cheater's pudding!) creates the same thick, luscious texture as homemade custard — with almost none of the fat.

Get the Recipe: Light Tropical Banana Pudding

BBQ Kale Chips

These kale chips offer all the crunch and flavor of regular potato chips — and then some. Paprika, ancho chile powder, garlic powder and dry mustard come together to form a robust seasoning that beats the salty store-bought stuff.

Get the Recipe: BBQ Kale Chips

Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Crumb Topping

This gluten-free meal is great any night of the week but you can also make it as part o fyour meal prep, too. To cook and eat later, simply divide your spaghetti and meatballs evenly into glass baking dishes and freeze.

Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs with Garlic Crumb Topping

Light Chicken Caesar Salad

To lighten up this favorite salad, Food Network Magazine uses Greek yogurt in the dressing. Topped with slices of boneless, skinless chicken breast, it makes a filling main dish.

Get the Recipe: Light Chicken Caesar Salad

Chickpea Crust Pizza

Chickpea flour stands above wheat flour in protein and folate content, making it the perfect pizza crust swap. Top with a homemade tomato sauce (so you can skip any unnecessary sugar), provalone cheese and chicken sausge.

Get the Recipe: Chickpea Crust Pizza

Chopped Cheeseburgers

This deconstructed burger is ready in a matter of minutes — and still has all the flavor of a classic patty.

Get the Recipe: Chopped Cheeseburgers

Raspberry Salmon

Steamed asparagus makes a perfect bed for tender salmon fillets, with no oil needed. For a flavor boost, top each piece of fish with a spoonful of homemade raspberry and balsamic dressing that will impart just enough sweetness without any added sugar.

Get the Recipe: Raspberry Salmon

Make-Your-Own Tacos

Swap ground bison for beef as a lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative (when you've had your fill of turkey). The hearty meat pairs perfectly with cubed sweet potato and squash. Let your family pick their favorite toppings from peppers and radishes to avocado and Greek yogurt.

Get the Recipe: Make-Your-Own Tacos

Ravioli Alfredo with Artichokes

This family-friendly dish is loaded with all sorts of good-for-you ingredients like mushrooms, artichoke hearts and peas. Top it off with a creamy, homemade alfredo sauce to tie eveything together.

Get the Recipe: Ravioli Alfredo with Artichokes

Pear Almond Crisp Shot

A cashew or almond butter base provides a creamy bottom to these individual snacks. Pile on spiced pears and top with a nutty oat topping.

Get the Recipe: Pear Almond Crisp Shot

Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup

If you're looking for a hearty and healthful meal, consider this dried mushroom and barley soup. The barley adds nuttiness, a sprinkle of flour lends viscosity to the broth and the dried mushrooms provide meatiness and umami. If you have fresh mushrooms on hand, you can add them, too. The result is a deliciously nourishing, vegetarian dish that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Healthy Dried Mushroom and Barley Soup

Better Burger with Green Olives

Kids love burgers, so let them enjoy the American classic a healthier way. Ellie combines the ground meat with chopped green olives, fresh parsley and a bit of cumin for a flavor boost. Try this versatile recipe with turkey or beef.

Get the Recipe: Better Burger with Green Olives

Spiced Oven-Fried Potatoes

These potato wedges are tossed with spices and a little vegetable oil and baked until crispy for a better-for-you alternative to French fries.

Get the Recipe: Spiced Oven-Fried Potatoes

Poached Chicken with Vegetables and Herbs

Poaching chicken means that you get all the juicy meat without any added fat. A colorful mixture of broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers and mushrooms will bring the dish together.

Get the Recipe: Poached Chicken with Vegetables and Herbs

Oven-Fried Chicken-on-a-Stick with Vidalia-Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Classic chicken fingers just got a healthy makeover: simply bake your chicken strips instead frying. The skewers make them easy to eat and help your little ones keep their hands clean!

Get the Recipe: Oven-Fried Chicken-on-a-Stick with Vidalia-Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Penne with Vodka Sauce and Mini Meatballs

No one will be able to say no to these delicious mini meatballs. They're full of fresh garlic and basil, a breeze to make — and downright fun to eat!

Get the Recipe: Penne with Vodka Sauce and Mini Meatballs

Granola Bars

Alton Brown's wholesome granola bars are chock-full of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. When making this kid-friendly snack at home, old-fashioned rolled oats are key.

Get the Recipe: Granola Bars

"Macro" Platter

Whole grains, vegetables, and beans are the mainstays of macro eating. This platter is perfectly portioned to include the right amount of grain, veggies, starch and protein to keep energy up throughout the day.

Get the Recipe: "Macro" Platter

One-Pot Caprese Pasta

This dish tastes just like your favorite summer salad, only heartier. If you haven't tried a one-pot pasta yet, do: It's a great timesaving trick. Place all the ingredients in the pot together, add enough water and simmer. The noodles and sauce cook together, which means this dinner is ready in just 15 minutes.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot Caprese Pasta

Rice Pudding

Ellie cuts calories in this rice pudding by using vanilla soy milk and just a touch of sweetened condensed milk.

Get the Recipe: Rice Pudding

Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Need a new go-to chicken breast recipe? Roasting them in the oven with potatoes and a mixture of garlic, brown sugar and lemon amps up the flavor of a simple, comforting dish.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Ratatouille Pasta

The best way to incorporate more veggies into your meals? Throw them into a pasta dish! This fun spin on ratatouille brings together an assortment of grilled vegetables for a dish everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Ratatouille Pasta

Homemade No-Cook Cookie Balls

These no-bake, bite-sized treats meet three essential dessert requirements: they're flavorful, easy to make and good for you. The almond butter provides plenty of protein, while the rolled oats and ground flaxseed lend a hearty dose of fiber. For a touch of natural sweetness, use honey instead of sugar.

Get the Recipe: Homemade No-Cook Cookie Balls

Oven-Fried Fish with Potato Salad

We cook these crispy fish fillets in the oven (instead of deep-frying them in hot oil) to keep them healthy. Served with a quick-and-simple potato salad they make for delicious and filling meal.

Get the Recipe: Oven-Fried Fish with Potato Salad

Quick and Creamy Fruit Salad

Sunny's yogurt-dressed fruit salad makes a smart and satisfying snack, dessert or light breakfast.

Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Fruit Salad

Rigatoni with Chicken and Bell Peppers

Just because dinner is healthy doesn't have to mean it's bland! The clever use of aromatic veggies, fresh herbs and spicy cherry peppers gives this past dinner plenty of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Rigatoni with Chicken and Bell Peppers

Oven-Baked Almond Fish Sticks

Crushed almonds and bran flakes replace a traditional breadcrumb coating in this lower-carb, protein-packed fish stick recipe. Serve these baked-not-fried bites with a side of your family's favorite marinara sauce for dipping.

Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Almond Fish Sticks

Mini Toasted Strawberry Shortcakes

Surprise the kids with these adorable, hand-held treats from Food Network Kitchen before the season of summer strawberries is over. Using store-bought angel food cake will help save time.

Get the Recipe: Mini Toasted Strawberry Shortcakes

Fruit Salsa

Aarón jazzes up fruit salad with a colorful mix of kiwi, mango, papaya and mint tossed with a splash of orange juice.

Get the Recipe: Fruit Salsa

Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese

This easy mac-and-cheese recipe is perfect for family night and features a lineup of light dairy products — without sacrificing flavor. Low-fat sour cream, part-skim mozzarella and nutty Parmesan lend a taste and texture that's plenty rich.

Get the Recipe: Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese

Two-Potato Home Fries

Lighten up a classic morning side dish with this combo of sweet potatoes and Yukon golds sauteed in just a little oil and spiced up to your family's liking.

Get the Recipe: Two-Potato Home Fries

Baby Banana Splits

These classic splits use baby bananas, which keeps the portion size in check. They're roasted and topped with a scoop of ice cream and chopped nuts.

Get the Recipe: Baby Banana Splits

Crunchy Chicken "Toes"

Rachael cuts chicken tenders into bite-sized "toes" that are perfect for little eaters. Baked until crunchy, they're a great substitute for deep-fried fingers.

Get the Recipe: Crunchy, Oven Baked Chicken Toes