Processed foods and unhealthy choices can lead to low energy, weight gain, and potential health issues. The good news is – I was able to overcome this dilemma with the help of a clean eating lifestyle. Here are simple clean eating recipes to bring wholesome, nutritious meals to your table while keeping everyone satisfied.
Contents
- Clean Eating Recipes
- 1. Lemon Herb Salmon With Roasted Vegetables
- 2. Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Noodles
- 3. Chicken Stir-Fry With Brown Rice
- 4. Turkey and Black Bean Chili
- 5. Lentil Soup With Lemon and Herbs
- 6. Chicken Fajita Bowls
- 7. Zucchini Noodles With Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
- 8. Turkey Meatballs With Marinara Sauce and Spaghetti Squash
- 9. Chickpea Curry With Coconut Milk and Spinach
- 10. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
- 11. Overnight Oats With Berries and Nuts
- 12. Egg Muffins With Spinach and Feta
- 13. Chia Seed Pudding With Mango and Coconut
- 14. Breakfast Burritos With Sweet Potato and Black Beans
- 15. Smoothie Packs
- 16. Berry Greek Yogurt Parfaits
- 17. Avocado Toast With Egg and Smoked Salmon
- 18. Banana Pancakes With Almond Flour
- 19. Chia Seed Pudding With Chocolate and Almond Milk
- 20. Breakfast Burrito With Tofu Scramble and Black Beans
- 21. Quinoa Salad With Roasted Chickpeas and Lemon Vinaigrette
- 22. Chicken and Brown Rice Bowls With Peanut Sauce
- 23. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls With Hummus and Veggies
- 24. Tuna Salad With Avocado and Whole Wheat Crackers
- 25. Arugula and Pear Salad With Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 26. Shrimp and Broccoli Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
- 27. Chicken Caesar Salad With Quinoa
- 28. Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Salad
- 29. Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad With Feta and Pistachios
- 30. Leftover Roast Chicken Salad
- 31. Thai Chicken Curry With Brown Rice
- 32. Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Quinoa
- 33. Greek Lemon Chicken With Roasted Vegetables
- 34. Vietnamese Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce
- 35. Indian Lentil Dal With Brown Rice
- 36. Korean Beef Bowls With Kimchi
- 37. Mexican Stuffed Peppers With Quinoa and Black Beans
- 38. Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
- 39. Japanese Salmon Teriyaki With Brown Rice and Edamame
- 40. Indian Butter Chicken With Cauliflower Rice
- 41. Hard-Boiled Eggs
- 42. Edamame With Sea Salt
- 43. Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
- 44. Fruit Salad With Honey-Lime Dressing
- 45. Hummus With Veggie Sticks
- 46. Apple Slices With Almond Butter
- 47. Kale Chips
- 48. Roasted Chickpeas With Spices
- 49. Guacamole With Veggie Sticks
- 50. Greek Yogurt Dip With Cucumber and Carrot Sticks
- Conclusion
Clean Eating Recipes
Creating wholesome meals can feel daunting when faced with busy schedules, limited cooking experience, and confusion about which ingredients truly qualify as “clean”. This comprehensive guide brings you expertly curated recipes and practical meal planning strategies that eliminate the guesswork and make healthy cooking both accessible and enjoyable.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever stared blankly into the fridge after a long day, wondering what to eat! Yeah, me too. Clean eating and meal prepping changed my life, and these 50 recipes will change yours too.
1. Lemon Herb Salmon With Roasted Vegetables
Toss chicken and veggies with lemon, herbs, and olive oil, then roast until cooked through. This recipe is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and loads of vitamins. It also has minimal prep, cooks quickly, and is great for portion control.
2. Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Noodles
Here’s a lighter take on scampi with zucchini noodles instead of pasta. It’s light, garlicky, with a hint of lemon. This dish is perfect for people who love Italian flavors yet want a healthier option.
3. Chicken Stir-Fry With Brown Rice
This recipe is a classic stir-fry with lean chicken, brown rice, and colorful vegetables. You can customize this with any veggies you have on hand, which is great for using up leftovers.
4. Turkey and Black Bean Chili
Turkey is high in protein and fiber yet low in fat, helping you control cholesterol levels in your main meals. I like to make a big batch of leftovers because this dish freezes well.
5. Lentil Soup With Lemon and Herbs
Simmer lentils with vegetables and broth until tender. This vegetarian soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and affordable meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
6. Chicken Fajita Bowls
Sauté chicken and peppers, then serve with brown rice, black beans, salsa, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for having guests over, this recipe is easy to customize with different toppings.
7. Zucchini Noodles With Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Looking for a gluten-free noodle recipe? Spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss them with pesto and cherry tomatoes. This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a light and healthy meal.
8. Turkey Meatballs With Marinara Sauce and Spaghetti Squash
Combine ground turkey with seasonings, form into meatballs, simmer them in marinara sauce, and serve over roasted spaghetti squash. It’s a savory and comforting meal, making it the perfect alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs.
9. Chickpea Curry With Coconut Milk and Spinach
Sauté onions and garlic, add chickpeas, coconut milk, spinach, and spices, then simmer until thickened. The ingredients are packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and nutrients.
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add your favorite salsa, a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and taco seasoning. Guests coming over love the incredibly tender and flavorful chicken.
11. Overnight Oats With Berries and Nuts
My overnight oatmeal preps with delicious flavors are creamy, fruity, and customizable with toppings. Simply combine oats, milk, yogurt, berries, and nuts in a jar and let them sit overnight.
12. Egg Muffins With Spinach and Feta
Bake eggs with spinach and feta in muffin tins for individual servings. Egg muffins are perfect for beginner meal preppers because they are portable and reheat well.
13. Chia Seed Pudding With Mango and Coconut
Soak chia seeds in coconut milk with mango and your favorite sweetener. These whole food ingredients are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
14. Breakfast Burritos With Sweet Potato and Black Beans
Fill tortillas with tofu scramble, black beans, and veggies. This recipe is savory, satisfying, and customizable with your favorite salsa. It’s also freezable, portable, and perfect for on-the-go.
15. Smoothie Packs
Prepare freezer bags with pre-portioned fruits, vegetables, and protein powder for quick and easy smoothies. Blend spinach, mango, ginger, and your choice of liquid (water, coconut water, or milk) for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
16. Berry Greek Yogurt Parfaits
One of my favorite clean eating breakfast ideas, this recipe is high in antioxidants that help regulate hormones. Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries in a glass or jar for a quick and easy breakfast. It’s creamy, fruity, and satisfying.
17. Avocado Toast With Egg and Smoked Salmon
Toast whole wheat bread, and top it with mashed avocado, a fried egg, and smoked salmon. It’s a creamy and savory recipe that will help picky eaters try avocado or salmon.
18. Banana Pancakes With Almond Flour
Combine almond flour, bananas, and eggs, then cook pancakes on a griddle. These fluffy pancakes are easy to make, even your kids can help you meal prep!
19. Chia Seed Pudding With Chocolate and Almond Milk
Soak chia seeds in almond milk with cocoa powder and your favorite sweetener for a healthy and decadent breakfast. What I love about this recipe is that it requires no cooking, so you can easily make a big batch for the week.
20. Breakfast Burrito With Tofu Scramble and Black Beans
Looking for a hearty and healthy vegetarian breakfast option? Fill tortillas with tofu scramble, black beans, and veggies. These are freezable, portable, and perfect for on-the-go.
21. Quinoa Salad With Roasted Chickpeas and Lemon Vinaigrette
Combine cooked quinoa with roasted chickpeas, your favorite veggies, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This recipe provides plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
22. Chicken and Brown Rice Bowls With Peanut Sauce
Marinate grilled chicken, then serve over brown rice with a variety of colorful vegetables and a delicious peanut sauce. It’s a balanced meal with lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. This recipe is a satisfying and flavorful lunch that will keep you full for the rest of the afternoon.
23. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls With Hummus and Veggies
While building vegetarian Mediterranean diet recipes, I found that this cuisine makes easy-to-assemble dishes, great for using leftover veggies. For this recipe, you only need to combine cooked quinoa with hummus, falafel, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
24. Tuna Salad With Avocado and Whole Wheat Crackers
This is a healthier take on tuna salad made with avocado instead of mayo, served with whole wheat crackers. Combine tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, and seasonings for a healthier tuna salad.
25. Arugula and Pear Salad With Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Toss baby arugula with thinly sliced pears, toasted walnuts, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette This salad offers a lovely balance of peppery arugula and a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
26. Shrimp and Broccoli Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
Combine cooked shrimp, broccoli florets, quinoa, and a lemon vinaigrette for a light and refreshing salad. It’s a light and flavorful option for those who love seafood.
27. Chicken Caesar Salad With Quinoa
Here’s a healthier take on the classic Caesar salad with grilled chicken, quinoa, romaine lettuce, and a homemade Caesar dressing. Aside from being creamy and tangy, you’ll get protein and fiber from the unprocessed ingredients.
28. Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Salad
Roast vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, then serve over a bed of greens with goat cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette. The vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, giving you energy throughout the day.
29. Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad With Feta and Pistachios
Roast beets until tender, then combine the beets with segments of oranges and grapefruits, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pistachios. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and honey.
30. Leftover Roast Chicken Salad
Shred leftover roast chicken and combine it with your favorite veggies and a light dressing for a quick and easy salad. I usually prepare this recipe for a healthy and convenient lunch when I only have a few minutes to spare.
31. Thai Chicken Curry With Brown Rice
Craving for something spicy, creamy, and aromatic? It’s a fragrant and flavorful curry made with coconut milk, chicken, and your favorite vegetables.
32. Moroccan Chickpea Tagine with Quinoa
Chickpea provides plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates. Aside from the health benefits, this recipe provides earthy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. To prepare this, cook chickpeas with vegetables, spices, and broth, then serve over couscous.
33. Greek Lemon Chicken With Roasted Vegetables
Craving for a healthy and delicious meal inspired by Greek cuisine? Marinate chicken roasted with lemon, herbs, and vegetables like potatoes and zucchini. This recipe is zesty, herbaceous, and satisfying.
34. Vietnamese Spring Rolls With Peanut Sauce
Do you want to try some Asian-inspired dishes for clean eating? Fill rice paper wrappers with fresh vegetables, herbs, and your choice of protein, then serve with a peanut dipping sauce. These spring rolls are fun to assemble and great for a healthy snack or appetizer.
35. Indian Lentil Dal With Brown Rice
Simmer lentils with spices and vegetables, then serve with brown rice. It tastes spicy, creamy, and comforting. The recipe is budget-friendly, easy to make, and stores well.
36. Korean Beef Bowls With Kimchi
This recipe has lean protein, complex carbs, and probiotics from the kimchi. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and spicy. Marinate beef in Korean BBQ sauce, then serve over rice with kimchi and veggies.
37. Mexican Stuffed Peppers With Quinoa and Black Beans
Looking for a flavorful, satisfying, and fun way for kids to eat their veggies? Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, then bake them until tender.
38. Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Running out of ideas for a summer BBQ? Thread marinated chicken and vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions onto skewers, then grill or bake them.
39. Japanese Salmon Teriyaki With Brown Rice and Edamame
Marinate salmon in teriyaki sauce, then grill or bake and serve with rice and edamame. This dish is good for clean eating because of the lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health.
40. Indian Butter Chicken With Cauliflower Rice
This Indian meal prep recipe is a healthier take on the classic butter chicken recipe made with cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Simmer chicken in a creamy tomato sauce with spices, then serve with cauliflower rice. It combines lean protein, low carbohydrates, and creamy flavors.
41. Hard-Boiled Eggs
A classic snack that’s high in protein and easy to make. You only need to boil eggs, then peel and sprinkle with seasoning.
42. Edamame With Sea Salt
Do you need slightly sweet and nutty yet satisfyingly salty snacks for afternoon lounging? Steam edamame pods and sprinkle with sea salt. This snack idea provides plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins.
43. Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
It’s a healthier alternative to French fries, made with sweet potatoes and baked until crispy. Aside from being naturally sweet, the sweet potato fries are packed with vitamins and fiber that improve gut health.
44. Fruit Salad With Honey-Lime Dressing
The key to clean eating is following fresh food recipes. One of my reliable dishes is this refreshing and colorful salad with fruits and simple honey-lime dressing.
45. Hummus With Veggie Sticks
It’s a classic snack or side dish that’s high in protein and fiber. To make hummus with veggie sticks, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth, then serve with your favorite raw vegetables for dipping.
46. Apple Slices With Almond Butter
You simply need to slice apples and serve them with almond butter. It’s a classic snack that’s high in fiber and protein. This meal prep idea is sweet, nutty, and satisfying.
47. Kale Chips
Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a salty yet healthy alternative to potato chips. Bake kale leaves with olive oil and seasonings until crispy.
48. Roasted Chickpeas With Spices
Roast chickpeas with olive oil and spices until crispy. This snack recipe is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy alternative to store-bought chips.
49. Guacamole With Veggie Sticks
Here’s another classic snack or side dish high in healthy fats and fiber. Mash avocados with onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and spices, then serve with vegetable sticks for dipping. It’s a creamy and flavorful snack made with whole, unprocessed ingredients.
50. Greek Yogurt Dip With Cucumber and Carrot Sticks
This is a healthy alternative to dips made with mayonnaise. Perfect for sports snacks you can meal prep ahead of time, this recipe is high in protein and calcium, yet low in fat. Mix Greek yogurt with herbs and spices, then serve with cucumber and carrot sticks.
Conclusion
These recipes are proof that healthy food can be seriously delicious! I hope they inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and fuel your body with goodness. Start your journey today using clean eating recipes that make healthy living simple and enjoyable.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.