Whole Foods Made Easy: 32 Recipes for Clean Eating

Many home chefs struggle with repetitive meals and nutritional monotony, leaving their meals unhealthy and unsatisfying. As I continue to make the art of nutritious, flavorful cooking, here are my top 32 recipes with whole foods to help you break free from culinary stagnation and embrace nutrient-dense, wholesome cooking strategies.

32 Recipes with Whole Foods for Easy Meal Prepping

The journey of creating delicious, nutritious meals using whole foods can be overwhelming, with challenges ranging from ingredient selection to complex preparation techniques. These recipes serve as a strategic roadmap, providing clear, actionable solutions that demystify whole food cooking to help you confidently craft meals that nourish the body and soul.

Eating clean and healthy doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you have a plethora of delicious whole food recipes at your fingertips. This collection of 32 recipes, thoughtfully categorized and featuring simple instructions, will empower you to embrace meal prepping and enjoy wholesome, home-cooked meals.

Breakfast

A nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the day. These healthy breakfast meal prep ideas can kickstart your day.

1. Overnight Oats With Berries and Nuts

This breakfast classic is a powerhouse of fiber and protein, keeping you full and energized on busy mornings.

• Combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and your favorite berries in a jar.
• Let it sit in the fridge overnight.
• Top with nuts and seeds before serving.

2. Quinoa Breakfast Bowl With Fruits and Seeds

Do you want a refreshing and wholesome bowl with a hint of sweetness? Quinoa is a complete protein, making this bowl a balanced and satisfying meal.

• Cook quinoa according to package directions.
• Top with fruits, seeds, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• Add a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.

3. Sweet Potato and Kale Hash With Eggs

Best for weekend brunch, this is a savory and satisfying dish with a hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes.

• Sauté sweet potatoes, kale, and onions in olive oil.
• Top with fried or poached eggs.
• Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

4. Breakfast Burrito With Scrambled Eggs and Veggies

Whenever I’m having busy mornings or need breakfast on the go, a breakfast burrito is a savory and satisfying breakfast with whole foods.

• Scramble eggs with your favorite vegetables like onions, peppers, and spinach.
• Wrap the egg mixture in a whole-wheat tortilla.
• Add salsa, avocado, or Greek yogurt for extra flavor and nutrients.

5. Chia Seed Pudding With Fruit and Nuts

Looking for a creamy breakfast with a hint of sweetness? This pudding is a refreshing breakfast with whole foods.

• Combine chia seeds with your choice of milk and sweetener.
• Let it sit in the fridge overnight until it forms a pudding-like consistency.
• Top with your favorite fruits and nuts.

Salads

Salads are a meal-prepping staple. Add these to your list of make-ahead salads that stay fresh at any time you eat them!

6. Quinoa Salad With Roasted Vegetables

This salad is a colorful medley of flavors and textures. This salad stores well in the fridge and can be prepped in advance.

• Roast your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli.
• Toss them with cooked quinoa, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Add feta cheese or nuts for extra protein and crunch.

7. Lentil Salad With Lemon and Herbs

Lentils provide protein and fiber, making this salad both filling and nutritious.

• Cook lentils according to package directions.
• Toss them with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.

8. Chicken Salad With Grapes and Walnuts

Whether it’s fox lunchboxes, picnics, or a light dinner, this classic salad gets a healthy twist with whole food ingredients.

• Combine shredded cooked chicken with grapes, walnuts, celery, and Greek yogurt.
• Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
• Serve on whole-wheat bread or lettuce cups.

9. Greek Salad With Quinoa

This salad is a refreshing combination of Mediterranean flavors, making it suitable for a light lunch.

• Combine cooked quinoa with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives.
• Toss with a lemon vinaigrette and top with crumbled feta cheese.
• Add fresh herbs like oregano and mint for extra flavor.

10. Broccoli Salad With Cranberries and Walnuts

Whenever I need to bring a salad to picnics, I prepare broccoli salad because of its crunchy combination of sweet and savory flavors.

• Combine chopped broccoli florets with dried cranberries, walnuts, and red onion.
• Toss with a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
• Add a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for extra crunch.

Soups

Soups are comforting, nourishing, and perfect for cooler days. These recipes are easy to make and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

11. Creamy Carrot and Ginger Soup

A comforting dinner on a chilly evening, this soup is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice.  

• Sauté onions, garlic, chopped carrots, ginger, and olive oil until softened.
• Pour in vegetable broth and simmer until the carrots are tender.
• Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.

12. Lentil Soup With Vegetables

Need a warm and comforting soup with a rich and earthy flavor? This hearty soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy meal, especially for beginners.

• Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
• Add lentils, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices.
• Simmer until the lentils are tender.

13. Chicken Noodle Soup

Are you feeling under the weather or craving a comforting meal? This classic soup gets a healthy makeover with whole wheat noodles and plenty of vegetables.

• Cook chicken in vegetable broth with onions, carrots, and celery.
• Add whole wheat noodles and cook until tender.
• Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

14. Tomato Basil Soup

This is a tangy and flavorful soup with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes. I like to make this soup in large batches and freeze it for later use.

• Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
• Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and fresh basil.
• Simmer until the flavors meld.

Crockpot Meals

Crockpot meals are a lifesaver for busy individuals. These clean-eating Crockpot meals are easy to prepare and require minimal effort.

15. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This is a smoky pulled pork with a tangy barbecue sauce. It’s a versatile dish for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

• Place a pork shoulder in the slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce and spices.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender.
• Shred the pork and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

16. Crockpot Turkey Chili

This healthy chili is packed with protein and fiber, best for weeknight meals after school or work.

• Brown ground turkey and place it in the slow cooker with beans, tomatoes, onions, and chili powder.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Serve with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

17. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

These tacos are easy to whip up for a weeknight meal. The zesty taco filling has a hint of spice.

• Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker with salsa, onions, and spices.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Shred the chicken and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

18. Crockpot Beef Stew

Suitable for cold winter days, the whole foods in this hearty stew are packed with protein, making it a complete meal.

• Brown beef cubes in a pan and place them in the slow cooker.
• Add potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef broth.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

19. Crockpot Lentil Curry

Looking for a flavorful vegetarian option? This fragrant curry balances flavor and nutrients.

• Combine lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, and vegetables in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Serve over brown rice or quinoa.

Stir-Fries

Stir-fries are a quick and easy way to enjoy a variety of vegetables and protein. These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners.

20. Chicken Stir-Fry With Brown Rice

This stir-fry is a balanced and flavorful meal, ideal for busy weeknights.

• Sauté chicken with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peppers.
• Add a stir-fry sauce and serve over brown rice.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

21. Tofu Stir-Fry With Peanut Sauce

Packed with proteins, tofu is a good alternative to lean protein meat. This dish is a creamy stir-fry with a hint of spice from the peanut sauce.

• Sauté tofu with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peppers.
• Add a peanut sauce and serve over brown rice or quinoa.
• Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

22. Shrimp Stir-Fry With Noodles

This stir-fry is a light and flavorful meal, best for busy weeknights when you want to avoid takeouts.

• Sauté shrimp with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peppers.
• Add a stir-fry sauce and serve over noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

23. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s a savory stir-fry with tender beef and crunchy broccoli.

• Stir-fry beef with broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger.
• Add a stir-fry sauce and serve over brown rice or noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

24. Vegetable Stir-Fry With Noodles

This colorful stir-fry is a healthy and flavorful vegetarian option, suitable for a light dinner.

• Sauté a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, peppers, and snap peas.
• Add a stir-fry sauce and serve over noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Baked Dishes

Baked dishes are a comforting and satisfying option for a week of healthy meals.

25. Chicken Fajitas

Craving for a zesty dish with a hint of spice? This dish is one of the simplest recipes for meal prepping.

• Marinate chicken in fajita seasoning and sauté with bell peppers and onions.
• Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
• Add a side of brown rice and black beans for a complete meal.

26. Baked Salmon With Roasted Vegetables

A weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner, this dish is a good idea for beginner meal prepping.

• Season salmon fillets with herbs and spices and bake in the oven.
• Roast your favorite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.
• Serve the salmon with the roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

27. Vegetarian Lasagna

This dish is a hearty option for weekly meal prepping. You can bake the lasagna ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

• Layer lasagna noodles with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

28. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Looking for a savory weeknight meal? This dish is a colorful way to enjoy a variety of vegetables and protein.

• Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices.
• Bake the stuffed peppers until the filling is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Sides and Snacks

Make meal planning snacks much easier to make using whole foods!

29. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze

This side dish is a flavorful way to enjoy Brussels sprouts. It’s a tangy and slightly sweet side dish with a satisfying crunch.

• Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and your favorite spices.
• Roast in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.

30. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

This simple side dish is a savory addition to any meal. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with any protein.

• Cut sweet potatoes into cubes and toss them with olive oil, herbs, and spices.
• Roast in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.

31. Hard-Boiled Eggs

This simple snack is a great source of protein and nutrients. You can enjoy it plain or with seasonings.

• Boil eggs until they are cooked through.
• Peel and store in the fridge for a quick and easy snack.

32. Fruit and Nut Mix

Need a portable snack that can be enjoyed on the go? This nutty snack combines sweet and savory flavors.

• Combine your favorite fruits and nuts in a container.
• Store in the pantry for a quick and easy snack.

Related Questions

What Is the Best Way to Start Meal Prepping Using Whole Foods?

Begin by selecting simple, versatile whole food ingredients that can be easily prepared in bulk, such as quinoa, roasted vegetables, and lean proteins. Invest in quality storage containers and dedicate a few hours each week to batch cooking.

How Can I Determine if the Recipe Uses Whole Food Ingredients?

Examine the ingredient list for recognizable, minimally processed items as close to their natural state as possible. Avoid products with long lists of artificial additives or preservatives.

Conclusion

This collection of 32 recipes with whole foods provides a starting point for your meal prepping journey. Remember to adjust the recipes to your liking and dietary needs. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals throughout the week.

Nathaniel Lee

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.