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:
- Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread slices.
- Cook the eggs to your preference (fried, poached, or scrambled).
- Spread the mashed avocado on the toast and top with the cooked egg.
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:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drain the pasta and toss with the tomato mixture.
- 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:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and grill until cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the salad.
- Drizzle with your preferred dressing and toss to combine.
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:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa or rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- 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:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, place the salmon, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the salmon and veggies, tossing to coat.
- 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:
- Cook the quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 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:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 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.
- Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
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:
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and gently toss to combine.