Getting started with clean eating can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out what to cook. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share 20 delicious and easy-to-make clean eating recipes perfect for beginners. From quinoa bowls to smoothies, salads to stir-fries, these recipes are all about incorporating whole foods into your diet in a way that’s both tasty and convenient.
Whether you’re looking to boost your energy levels, improve your digestion, or simply feel more confident in the kitchen, these recipes are designed to help you do just that. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no advanced cooking skills whatsoever. So what are you waiting for? Dive into our top 20 clean eating recipes below and start cooking your way to a healthier, happier you!
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
This hearty salad combines nutty quinoa with tender black beans, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s also a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil. Pour over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
This refreshing recipe combines the brightness of lemon with the earthiness of herbs to create a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the lemon herb mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Avocado and Chickpea Wrap
This refreshing wrap is a perfect blend of creamy avocado, protein-rich chickpeas, and crunchy vegetables. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be prepared in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1 large lettuce leaf
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon hummus
– 1 whole wheat tortilla
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread the mashed avocado over the center of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Top with chickpeas, lettuce, bell pepper, and cucumber.
4. Drizzle hummus over the filling.
5. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap into a neat cylinder.
6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Sweet Potato and Kale Bowl
A nutritious and flavorful bowl filled with roasted sweet potatoes, wilted kale, and a tangy tahini sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup water over medium-high heat. Add kale and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted (about 5 minutes).
4. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
5. To assemble the bowls, place roasted sweet potatoes at the bottom, followed by wilted kale. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Baked Salmon with Asparagus
This recipe combines the rich flavor of salmon with the tender crunch of asparagus, all in one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place the salmon fillets on one half of the baking sheet, leaving a small border around each piece.
4. Toss asparagus with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly over the other half of the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Asparagus should be tender but still crisp.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Berry and Spinach Smoothie
Start your day with a refreshing and nutrient-packed smoothie that combines the sweetness of berries with the earthy flavor of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if needed.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Berry and Spinach Smoothie!
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
This refreshing recipe combines the natural sweetness of zucchinis with the rich flavor of basil pesto, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
3. Place the zucchini noodles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle with pesto, sprinkling evenly.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly tender.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowl
Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowl: A nourishing and flavorful plant-based meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite toppings (e.g. avocado, chickpeas, quinoa, cilantro)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Assemble Buddha bowls by placing roasted vegetables into a bowl and adding your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
A comforting and nutritious soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or as a healthy meal option. This lentil and vegetable soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the savory taste of turkey with the nutty goodness of quinoa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook the turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the cooked quinoa, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Stuff each pepper with the turkey-quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Overnight Oats with Almond Butter
Start your day off right with these deliciously creamy overnight oats infused with the rich flavor of almond butter. This easy recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, and Greek yogurt. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the almond butter and mix until smooth.
3. If desired, add honey or maple syrup and stir to combine.
4. Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
5. In the morning, give the oats a good stir and add any toppings you like (e.g., sliced banana, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut).
Cooking Time: None! Let the oats sit in the fridge until ready to eat.
Enjoy your creamy and delicious overnight oats with almond butter!
Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
This simple and healthy recipe transforms cauliflower into a rice-like texture, perfect for a quick and flavorful stir-fry. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this nutritious dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite protein (e.g., chicken, tofu) or nuts/seeds for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp.
5. Add the cauliflower “rice” and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly tender.
6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of protein or nuts/seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Parfait with Fresh Fruit
Start your day off right with this refreshing and healthy Greek yogurt parfait topped with fresh fruit. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the Greek yogurt.
2. Top the yogurt with the mixed berries.
3. Sprinkle the granola over the berries.
4. Drizzle the honey over the granola.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assemble and serve!)
Tips:
– Use any combination of your favorite fruits, such as sliced peaches or diced pineapple.
– Substitute a different type of yogurt, like coconut or almond milk yogurt, for a non-dairy option.
– Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of salt to the granola for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Greek yogurt parfait with fresh fruit!
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Elevate your taco game with this vibrant and zesty recipe that combines succulent grilled shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a hint of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Cabbage Slaw (see below)
– Optional: diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or sliced radishes for toppings
Cabbage Slaw:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly shredded
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp; marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare Cabbage Slaw by mixing shredded cabbage with lime juice and olive oil.
5. Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp onto tortillas, topping with Cabbage Slaw, and adding your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of chia seeds with the richness of coconut milk, creating a nutritious and filling breakfast or snack option. With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, this pudding is perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds and coconut milk until well combined.
2. Add honey or maple syrup (if using) and salt; stir to combine.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Give the pudding a good stir before serving. You can enjoy it as is, or top with your favorite fruits, nuts, or granola.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and wait for the chia seeds to absorb the coconut milk.
Baked Cod with Steamed Broccoli
This recipe combines the flaky goodness of baked cod with the healthy benefits of steamed broccoli, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each fillet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the cod, then sprinkle lemon juice and garlic powder.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. While the cod is baking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cover the pot.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low and steam for 4-6 minutes or until tender.
9. Serve baked cod with steamed broccoli.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa and Veggie Stuffed Avocado
This recipe combines the creaminess of avocado with the nutty flavor of quinoa, packed with nutritious vegetables for a satisfying snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Add mixed veggies to the quinoa mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Stuff each avocado half with the quinoa-veggie mixture, mounding it slightly.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the avocados are tender but still creamy.
7. Serve warm, garnished with lemon juice and chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Chickpea and Spinach Salad
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of roasted chickpeas with the earthy taste of spinach, all tied together with a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse chickpeas and remove any excess liquid.
3. Toss chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until crispy.
4. In a large bowl, combine roasted chickpeas, baby spinach leaves, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Crumble feta cheese over the salad, if using.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Homemade Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Enjoy a tasty and healthy snack with this simple recipe for homemade hummus, perfect for dipping crunchy veggie sticks. This classic Middle Eastern dip is made with just a few ingredients and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, and tahini. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender running, slowly add the olive oil through the top.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve with veggie sticks (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers) for a healthy snack.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Apple and Walnut Spinach Salad
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this refreshing and nutritious salad that combines crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and peppery spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves.
2. Top with diced apples and toasted walnuts.
3. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in minutes.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Apple and Walnut Spinach Salad!
Summary
Discover the world of clean eating with these 20 easy and delicious recipes perfect for beginners. From quinoa bowls to grilled chicken, these simple dishes are packed with nutritious ingredients and minimal processing. Try your hand at making quinoa and black bean salad, baked salmon with asparagus, or a sweet potato and kale bowl. These tasty meals will fuel your body and satisfy your cravings while keeping things healthy and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
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