10 Easy and Healthy Recipes for Beginner Home Cooks

10 Easy and Healthy Recipes for Beginner Home Cooks

Starting your journey as a home cook can be a delightful and rewarding experience. With these 10 easy and healthy recipes, you can quickly build your confidence and create mouth-watering meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.

1. Avocado Toast with Egg

A simple yet tasty option for breakfast, avocado toast with egg is packed with healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 avocado
  • 2 slices of whole-grain bread
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Toast the bread slices.
  3. Cook the eggs to your preference (fried, poached, or scrambled).
  4. Spread the mashed avocado on the toast and top with the cooked egg.

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2. Tomato Basil Pasta

This light and fresh pasta dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drain the pasta and toss with the tomato mixture.
  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

3. Grilled Chicken Salad

A satisfying and nutritious salad that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 head of lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olives
  • Your choice of salad dressing

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and grill until cooked through.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
  3. Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the salad.
  4. Drizzle with your preferred dressing and toss to combine.

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4. Veggie-Stuffed Bell Peppers

A flavorful and healthy dish that's perfect for a meatless meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese, optional

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa or rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  4. Bake for 30 minutes. If desired, top with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

5. One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon and Veggies

A delicious and nutritious dinner that's easy to prepare and clean up.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into portions
  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
  • 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a large baking sheet, place the salmon, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the mixture over the salmon and veggies, tossing to coat.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

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6. Stir-Fried Veggie Quinoa Bowl

A quick and easy meal loaded with colorful vegetables and protein-packed quinoa.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in the cooked quinoa and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and top with green onions.

7. Lentil Soup

A hearty and comforting soup that's packed with protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups kale or spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  4. Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

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8. Caprese Salad

A classic Italian salad that's both refreshing and simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and gently toss to combine.