Super-tasty recipes that are surprisingly healthy
Feel-good food
Want to cook healthier recipes but unsure where to begin? We've got you covered. This recipe collection features a whole host of deceptively good-for-you meals, all of which are jam-packed with flavour, look fabulous and – most importantly – are simple to prepare and cook. From fast food favourites, comforting casseroles and vibrant salads to lower-sugar desserts and bakes, we've got all the inspiration you need to eat well, without depriving yourself of the foods you love.
Click or scroll through our collection of surprisingly healthy dishes that'll transform your mealtimes.
Vegetarian bunny chow
A recipe whose roots lie in Durban, bunny chow is one of South Africa's most iconic street foods. This curry in a hollowed-out bread bun is believed to have been invented in the 1940s by migrant Indian workers, looking for an easy way to transport their lunches. It's loaded with fresh vegetables, spices, protein-rich butter beans and herbs, giving the dish layer after layer of gorgeous flavour. If bread isn't your thing, the curry is just as delicious served with plain or pilau rice.
Chicken and prawn stir-fry
Taking inspiration from traditional Chinese cuisine, this simple dish is enhanced with tangy, savoury black bean sauce and plenty of warming chilli. It contains six different vegetables, as well as juicy prawns and tender chicken – making it a vitamin and mineral powerhouse that's also high in protein. Ensure you have everything chopped and ready to go before firing up your wok, and it'll be on the table in just half an hour.
Melt-in-the-middle bacon cheeseburger
Can a juicy burger filled with melted cheese really be good for you? The answer is a resounding yes! Here, the beef is lean, the cheese is lower in fat than classic burger cheese, and the fat is trimmed off the bacon – plus, it's served in a wholemeal roll for plenty of extra fibre. But even with so much fat removed from the recipe, it still tastes amazing. For a healthy, balanced meal, serve your burgers with sweet potato oven fries; they're high in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.
Get the recipe for melt-in-the-middle bacon cheeseburger here
Homemade instant pot noodle
It's so easy to make a better-for-you take on this classic snack, using chicken (or a protein of your choice) and whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just pour over some boiling water straight from the kettle. This speedy dish is a good source of healthy protein, carbs and vegetables, with a lovely punch of umami – and it's low in fat, too.
Easy vegetarian lasagne
A rich, creamy lasagne is always a crowd pleaser – but it's a labour of love that takes time to make well. Happily, this lighter, healthier version can be prepared in just 20 minutes, with no faffing around with meat and béchamel sauce. Lentils provide the protein, while the family-friendly cheesy layers are made with plenty of cottage cheese and mozzarella. If you have a food processor, it'll make quick work of grating the sweet potatoes and carrots, too. What could be easier?
Crispy, sticky chicken wings
Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings may look and taste like they've been deep fried – but in this deceptively healthy recipe, the oven that does all the work. There are a few clever tricks involved, too; adding bicarbonate of soda to the dry rub makes the wings super-crispy, while starting them off in a cold oven allows the skin to crisp up further as the heat rises. Even better, the sticky sweet and sour sauce makes use of common store-cupboard ingredients.
One-pan chicken Parmesan
Classic chicken Parmesan is an indulgent feast of spaghetti, cheese and fried, breaded chicken, but we think our healthier take on the recipe tastes just as good. This version uses courgette spaghetti and chicken breast fillets, and the whole thing is cooked in a rich, herby tomato sauce. It does come complete with a cheesy crumb topping, though you could skip the Parmesan and add extra herbs and a pinch of nutritional yeast for an extra-saintly dish.
Mushroom pie
Here's a pie that's actually good for you! In this recipe, umami-rich mushrooms – which contain protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – are smothered in a tasty gravy, then topped with crunchy filo pastry. As well as the mushrooms, the pie contains five other vegetables, plus chestnuts (the only nuts that are low in fat). To achieve the crispy topping, the pastry is brushed with olive oil rather than butter. It's quick and easy to prepare, and will serve four hungry people.
Quick lentil ratatouille
Packed with vegetables and protein-rich lentils, this one-pot ratatouille will keep you fuller for longer – so you can wave goodbye to unhealthy snack cravings. The dish doesn't skimp on flavour, either; it's loaded with ripe tomatoes, herbs and garlic, so you can imagine how good it tastes. It just so happens to be vegan, though it's so hearty that meat-lovers won't feel like they're missing out. Serve it with plenty of crusty bread to soak up all the tomatoey goodness.
Venison stew
Venison is a delicious, healthy choice for a warming stew. High in zinc, iron and protein, the sustainable meat typically comes from animals that are grass-fed – and, unlike other red meats, it's low in saturated fat. To ensure wonderfully tender meat, neck or shoulder cuts of venison are slow cooked along with plenty of root vegetables, garlic and tomato purée, which adds a touch of sweetness to the rich, silky sauce. You could serve it with mashed potatoes or wholegrain rice if you fancy upping your fibre intake.
Beef keema curry
This aromatic curry is so quick to rustle up, it's sure to become a new midweek favourite. It's spiced with a mixture of ginger, garlic and chilli paste, which can be whizzed up in a food processor with ease. Made with lean minced beef, finely diced mushrooms (again, use a food processor for speed), frozen peas, tomatoes and spinach, this nutritious one-pot dish is happily high in protein. Serve it with rice or chapatis, along with a good dollop of plain yogurt.
Curried cauliflower soup
A comforting hug in a bowl, this silky soup is perfect for those days when you feel like cutting down on carbs. It's made with a mixture of coconut cream and cream cheese, and is lightly spiced with curry powder and chillies, with a squeeze of lime to lift the warm flavours. Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and is especially high in vitamin C – so it's a saintly dish all round.
Coriander and ginger baked haddock
In this lovely recipe from Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr, haddock is baked in a parcel of foil or baking paper – a surprisingly simple method that ensures tender, succulent fish in just eight minutes. Dressed in a soy, herb and ginger sauce, and served with fragrant basmati rice cooked with bay and cinnamon, it makes a light yet filling meal that's also high in protein. Try it with some stir-fried pak choi on the side for an extra dose of vitamins.
Veggie stuffed peppers
Inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, these smoky red peppers are stuffed with a tasty, low-fat combination of rice, tomatoes, onions, spices and herbs, and topped with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts. They're pretty filling (and meat-free, too), though you can serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish if you like. The recipe includes instructions for cooking the peppers in an air fryer, but if you don't have one, you can oven-roast them for 45 minutes instead.
Blood orange and smoked salmon salad
Not only is this easy Vietnamese-inspired salad a feast for the eyes, but it also provides plenty of protein, vitamin C and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Wonderfully fragrant, it's full of smoky salmon, crunchy vegetables, mint and coriander, and comes with a tasty dressing of chilli, garlic, lime and fish sauce. It's a salad to enjoy when blood oranges are in season (winter to early spring), but you could also use pink grapefruit if you prefer.
Get the recipe for blood orange and smoked salmon salad here
Charred whole mackerel with garlic
If you can track down spankingly fresh mackerel, this simple recipe is hard to beat. Mackerel is inexpensive, high in protein and loaded with healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Here, it's simply marinated in herbs, lemon, olive oil and garlic, then cooked over coals (you can use a hot oven instead). Serve it with a crisp green salad, a few lemon wedges and some steamed baby potatoes on the side.
Turkish-style stuffed aubergines
Aubergines are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre – and when roasted, they take on an almost meaty taste. Combine them with lean minced lamb (or beef), herbs, tomatoes and chilli, and you've got yourself a protein-packed meal that just oozes flavour. To save time, you can prepare the meat stuffing a day or two in advance and leave it in the fridge. When the time comes, serve your Turkish-style creation with a green salad and wholegrain rice for a perfectly balanced meal.
Crispy chicken burger
There's no frying involved in this recipe; instead, lean chicken breasts are marinated in buttermilk (to make them deliciously tender), coated in a spicy seasoning mix, then baked in the oven. They're served slotted into burger buns along with plenty of creamy avocado and tangy gherkins, as well as a good dollop of sriracha mayonnaise. However, you could use thick yogurt instead if you want to cut down on a little fat.
Cacio e pepe beans and greens
This flavour-packed dish is a clever twist on classic Italian cacio e pepe (pasta coated in a black pepper and Parmesan sauce). In this easy recipe, high-protein butter beans are used instead of pasta, and the liquid from the can is used as the base for the sauce. With Tenderstem broccoli and kale on the side, this tasty bowlful is full of vitamins and fibre – and it's great for gut health, too. Plus, as an added bonus, it's ready in just 15 minutes.
Vietnamese lemongrass tofu
Tofu is high in protein and minerals, and contains mostly polyunsaturated fats, so it's a great choice for both vegetarian and vegan meals. To make this Vietnamese-inspired dish, it needs to be marinated in a fragrant lemongrass, soy and chilli sauce – overnight is great if you can – then fried until golden, with some added coconut water helping to make the whole thing deliciously aromatic and sticky. You could serve it with rice or use it as a filling for rice paper spring rolls (just don't forget the chilli dipping sauce).
Spanish-inspired cod with peppers
Here, a slew of favourite Spanish ingredients – saffron, dry sherry, garlic, peppers and smoked paprika – team up to make a wonderful sauce to accompany pieces of tender, juicy oven-baked cod. This colourful dish is ready in just 30 minutes, so it's the perfect midweek meal for two; simply serve it with a couple of rounds of sourdough toast to mop up the delicious juices. Thick cod loins are the best choice here, as they're simultaneously low in fat and high in protein.
Charred mango salad
This stunning dish stands as proof that rice salads need never be dull. Jazzed up with a mixture of charred mango (simply cook it under the grill to add a touch of smoky sweetness), some lightly pickled red onions, a hint of warming spice and a handful of roasted cashew nuts and fresh herbs, it tastes as good as it looks. It's a main course dish all on its own, but you could serve it with grilled chicken or prawns if you feel like bulking it up.
Seared tuna with pineapple salsa and sticky rice
A vibrant plate of food that delivers on taste and looks, this dish sees fresh tuna paired with a sweet, sharp salsa and a side of sticky sushi rice. It couldn't be easier to prepare; simply sear the tuna before serving (remember that it should be pink in the centre, otherwise it'll dry out). Fresh tuna's a winner in the healthy eating stakes, as it's high in protein and loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids – and not only is the salsa the perfect accompaniment to the smoky fish, but it adds an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants, too.
Get the recipe for seared tuna with pineapple salsa and sticky rice here
Sweet and sour pork
Why not ditch your usual takeaway for a healthier, homemade version, which you can rustle up in no time at all? In this Asian-inspired dish, the sweetness comes from the juice of tinned pineapple, while the sourness comes from a combination of soy sauce and white wine vinegar. The recipe calls for lean, high-protein pork tenderloin, but feel free to use your favourite protein (chicken, prawns, tofu... the choice is yours). Add in peppers, onions, chilli and garlic for that authentic taste.
Chicken gyros
There's no need to nip down to your local Greek restaurant for a gyros fix when you can create this pitta-wrapped classic at home so easily. To guarantee tender meat and maximum flavour, be sure to leave the chicken to sit overnight in its spicy lemon and garlic marinade. While it's a fast food favourite, this dish is healthier than you might think; the chicken and tzatziki provide protein, while the salad packs in plenty of vitamins.
Stovetop plum crumble
With very little added sugar, plus vitamins from the fruit, protein from the hazelnuts and filling fibre from the oats, this is one deceptively good-for-you dessert – and it's ready in just 15 minutes. Sweet, crunchy and flavoured with a hint of cinnamon, the topping is put together on the hob, so there's no baking required to make it. Feel free to use whichever fruits are in season, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Dark chocolate and espresso mousse cake
With this dense, fudgy creation in your baking repertoire, you really can have your cake and eat it. There's no cream or butter involved here – in fact, the cake contains just five ingredients: eggs, olive oil, 70% cocoa solids chocolate, coffee and a little sugar. Even better, the dark chocolate is a source of antioxidants that are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Rich and truffle-like, it's an ideal weekend dessert; serve it adorned with fresh raspberries to delight your friends and family (and yourself).
Get the recipe for dark chocolate and espresso mousse cake here
Baked banana bars
Want to whip up a healthy, great-tasting snack the whole family will love? These baked banana bars are sure to hit the spot. These better-for-you bites contain no added sugar; instead, the sweetness comes from dried fruit, which also provides plenty of fibre. Not only that, but the ingredients also include mineral-rich bananas, protein-packed milk and rolled oats, which add even more fibre to the mix. They take just five minutes to prepare, then they're ready for the oven. Once baked, they'll keep for up to three days in an airtight container.
Reduced-sugar chocolate marble cake
Though it contains just a fraction of the refined sugar normally used to create a decadent marble cake, this beautiful bake has a lovely light texture and bags of chocolatey flavour, making it a fantastic choice for a children's party or birthday gathering. It's made with a short list of easy-to-find ingredients, most of which you'll have in the cupboard – and best of all, it only takes 10 minutes to prepare.
Ultimate chocolate mousse
With very little sugar involved in the recipe – and no butter or cream whatsoever – this French classic may be a show-stopper of a dessert, but it's also surprisingly healthy. It uses good-for-you dark chocolate, too, so you and your dinner guests can tuck in without feeling guilty. The key here is melting the chocolate gently and slowly; if it gets too hot, it'll split. Serve each pretty portion with a handful of fresh raspberries for an extra boost of vitamin C.
Get the recipe for ultimate chocolate mousse here
Looking for more ideas? Check out our collection of comfort food recipes with a healthy twist
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