It might be tempting to order takeout food when you have a craving for something good that’s cheap and quick, but the cost of eating out is rising and it has shown in the quality of food. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to an unhealthy meal, then you should consider taking some time on your own and cooking yourself up a meal. Not only will this save you money at the end of the day, but it will also give you control over what goes into your meal—and no extra sodium!

 

It’s easy to make these quick and easy meals with minimal hassle. You don’t need any fancy equipment or a chef’s knife to make grab-and-go meals. Just some simple kitchen tools and you’re good to go. All a person needs is some raw ingredients (fruit, nuts, vegetables) and their time to create an amazing meal!

 

Even though it can be easier to get takeout food with your friends or public transportation, there are those moments when you are pressed for time and need a quick meal that can fit into your life. Being able to cook up a healthy meal in no time is one of the best ways to have control over your eating habits.

 

We all know that healthy food is better when it’s homemade. You can be sure that you’ve made it in your own house, so you know exactly what goes into it; you don’t have to worry about the ingredients being processed and therefore full of unwanted things.

 

You don’t have to cook a fancy meal to make it healthy—or have to match a certain color or texture. All you need to do is create a tasty, satisfying meal with raw ingredients! So if you’re looking for some quick and easy meals, then this list will show you how!

 

1. Turkey and Veggie Meatloaf

 

Image Credit: Amy’s Kitchen

This dish is a combination of turkey and vegetable meatloaf and can be made in 30 minutes or less. You’ll only need five ingredients to make it, so it’s very straightforward. You could use any kind of vegetable you like in here, whether they’re familiar to you or not—it doesn’t matter too much as long as they don’t taste unpleasant. Just make sure these are floury vegetables! Spices are crucial to this recipe, but all you need to do is add a pinch or two of whatever your particular liking is.

 

2. Smashed Fava Beans

Image Credit: Taunton Press

Eating all your life isn’t always easy. When you want to make a healthy change, it can be hard to know where to start. Your favorite foods might work for others, but they may not work for you. Here are 125 tips and tricks that will help you…

 

3. Pasta with Peas and Bacon.

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] Creating a healthy lifestyle is easier when you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. This pasta dish has veggies and bacon, but no pasta, so it’s still healthy.

 

4. Broccoli Quiche.

Image Credit: The Big Man’s World (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] While this is a breakfast recipe, you could easily make it into a dinner instead by switching out the bacon for ham or turkey. You can also try adding spinach to this recipe to spice things up even more!

 

5. Rice and Lentils.

Image Credit: Jam Hands (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2011, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] The idea behind this recipe is that you can prepare it the night before and let it cook while you sleep. This will give the flavors time to blend, so the dish will taste much better.

 

6. Cheese Pizza with Pepperoni.

Image Credit: Wit and her Books (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2013, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] You’re used to a cheese pizza when you order your pizza from the nearest pizza joint. But this one has a lot more flavor—and it’s healthy!

 

7. Veggie Pizza.

Image Credit: Homemade Interest (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] You’re used to having a cheese pizza when you order your pizza from the nearest pizza joint, but this one has a lot more flavor. All you need is some whole wheat dough and some colorful vegetables.

 

8. Tasty Tomato Soup with Croutons.

Image Credit: The Virtual Vegan (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2013, but was republished with new information in September 2015. This recipe was also included in the Just One Cookbook.] This is a tomato soup recipe that’s made with a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge. You could make this even healthier by adding some garlic and ginger to give it more flavor or going light on the onions and substituting in some kale for the tomatoes if you like it that way.

 

9. Eggplant Parmesan.

Image Credit: Lemons for Lulu (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2013, but was republished with new information in September 2015. This recipe was also included in the Just One Cookbook. The author of the blog says, “This is a well-loved and classic dish, so it’s good to have an eggplant recipe that’s not just for one night.”] This is a great dish for your next meal. It’s colorful, filling and delicious!

 

10. Grilled Salmon on Mushroom Bread.

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2011, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] When you’re trying to eat more healthy foods, you often don’t know what to cook. Here is a handy list of healthy foods and the best ways to prepare them so that you can eat your favorite dishes without all the extra fat.

 

11. Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce.

Image Credit: The Bushnells (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2013, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This dish is super easy to make and tastes amazing! You will only need a couple of ingredients for this meal: pasta, oil, onions, garlic powder and some other spices. That’s all you will need for this simple recipe!

 

12. Greek Salad.

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] Greek salad is a great salad that you can make at home. There are different types of grape leaves, and if you’re going to make one you’ll need a few to get the job done. The recipe is simple as long as you have all the ingredients and will take less than 30 minutes to make.

 

13. Eggplant Parmesan.

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2011, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This is a great dish for your next meal. It’s colorful, filling and delicious!

 

14. Bolognese Sauce.

Image Credit: Vegan Richa (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] After you make this sauce once, you will never go back to the way you made it before. It’s hearty and healthy and good paired with something light like pasta or veggies.

 

15. Chinese Broccoli with Tofu and Oyster Sauce.

Image Credit: Vegan Richa (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This is a great recipe even if you don’t like broccoli. It’s a simple dish to make for dinner, and it’s healthy! The tofu will give the broccoli that extra kick that it needs, and it goes well with the oyster sauce.

 

16. Brussels Sprouts.

Image Credit: veganricha (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] Brussel sprouts may sound like a strange vegetable to be eating, but they’re actually quite delicious when they’re cooked properly. They have a strong taste and are easy to prepare. This recipe is super quick and you can make it in no time at all.

 

17. Creamy Broccoli Soup with Bacon.

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The author of the blog says, “This is a very simple and healthy soup to make that tastes amazing. It takes just a few ingredients and can be put together in no time at all. It’s great on a cold winter day!”] This soup is easy to make, but it still manages to taste like something special.

 

18. Creamy Tomato Soup with Garlic Bread.

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] When you’re trying to eat more healthy foods, you often don’t know what to cook. Here is a handy list of healthy foods and the best ways to prepare them so that you can eat your favorite dishes without all the extra fat.

 

19. Creamy Cauliflower Soup.

Image Credit: Allrecipes (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This low-calorie soup will leave you feeling full and satisfied after every meal thanks to its delicious blend of cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. It’s also incredibly easy to make, so it’s great for busy weeknights.

 

20. Baked Potato Chips.

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] Baked potato chips aren’t greasy or oily. They’re also super simple to make and take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. They make a great snack when you’re craving something salty!

 

21. Roasted Vitamin C Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Bits and Caramelized Onions.

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger adds, “This recipe is a very simple one and good for a quick and light dinner or lunch, especially on a cold day. I often make this for my family because it’s fast to make and easy to have all the same ingredients.”] Brussels sprouts may sound like a strange vegetable to be eating, but they’re actually quite delicious when they’re prepared properly.

 

22. Easy Pasta Sauce with Feta Cheese and Olives.

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “This is a quick and easy recipe to make that is great for a light dinner or lunch. It’s also very delicious.”] If you’re looking to add some flavor to your pasta, this is the recipe you need. It’s so simple that you can make it in 5 minutes or less!

 

23. Greek Yogurt with Honey.

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “This is a very healthy and yummy breakfast to eat for the whole family. It’s gluten free and very healthy.”] You can make this yourself at home for a fraction of the price. It costs around $1 per jar when you buy it in the store, but you can make it for just a couple dollars per jar!

 

24. San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Summer Veggies.

 

Image Credit: Vegan Richa (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “This is a very easy recipe to make. It’s good for lunch or dinner.”] This is an elegant and simple pasta dish that you can make in five minutes or less.

 

25. Shredded Brussels Sprouts.

Image Credit: A Smoothie Life (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] If you’re trying to eat healthier, shredded Brussel sprouts are a great alternative to french fries. They’re healthy and delicious. This is a great meal for the family on any night of the week!

 

26. Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrot Stir Fry.

Image Credit: Recipes from a Pantry (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] The different types of vegetables that are found in this stir fry have all been chosen because they taste great together. They’re all healthy, too!

 

27. Baked Potato Protein Balls.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger adds, “These are a very healthy snack to eat because they are high in protein and fiber. They are low in fat and high in fiber.”] These baked potato protein balls taste great!

 

28. Cherry Tomato Filled Grilled Zucchini Sticks.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This summer recipe is a real winner because it’s so simple to make, delicious and healthy. It’s also very inexpensive to buy food to make this dish from scratch at home instead of buying potato sticks from the store that are full of sodium. Who wouldn’t love this?

 

29. Avocado and Toasted Quinoa Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger adds, “This is a very healthy salad to eat. It’s good for breakfast, lunch or dinner (or anytime in between).”] Avocado and quinoa are two of the healthiest foods on the planet, so it makes sense that they taste great together! This tasty recipe will leave you feeling full after every meal.

 

30. Veggie Power Flatbread Pizza.

 

Image Credit: Healthful Pursuit (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This veggie power flatbread pizza is a great alternative to regular pizza because you can use whatever vegetables that you have on hand to make it. That makes it taste fresh and appealing every time!

 

31. Brussels Sprouts Chips.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] There are many ways to make your own Brussels sprouts chips at home. You can even play around with different spices to see which ones you like! The great thing about these sprouts chips is that there’s not much to clean up after making them, so you don’t have to spend as much time preparing them than other chips.

 

32. Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice.

 

Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “This is a very simple recipe to make and good for a quick and light dinner.”] You can make broccoli rice at home without buying the prepackaged variety that you can find at the store. It tastes just as good, if not better.

 

33. Vegetable Salad with Garlic Tahini Dressing.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This recipe is fairly simple to make at home. You can even make it with leftovers! Just keep the garlic tahini recipe on hand to have it ready the next time you want a great-tasting dish.

 

34. BBQ Roasted Sweet Potato Fries with Rosemary.

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients. By adding chili powder to the recipe, you can increase the number of antioxidants that are found in this dish. It’s highly recommended that you try making these fries at home!

 

35. Fennel Seeds Roasted Chicken Wings.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “I love making turkey wings for game night. I recommend using a good quality salt and pepper to add flavor to the chicken wing.”] These fennel seeds roasted chicken wings taste great! They’re also more healthy than other kinds of chicken wings.

 

36. Tahini Stuffed Mushrooms.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger indicates that tahini is best served with plain Greek yogurt. For other types of yogurt to try, click here.] These tahini stuffed mushrooms are a great alternative to traditional cheeseburgers! They taste amazing, and they’re packed with nutrients.

 

37. Zucchini Noodles.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] This recipe takes just a few minutes to make, so it’s easy to make for dinner when you’re pressed for time. It tastes great and is healthier than traditional pasta because the noodles are made from zucchini instead of wheat.

 

38. Deviled Eggs.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger adds that the amount of seasoning used in this recipe depends on your tastes.] These deviled eggs are really delicious! They’re packed with nutrients and taste great! Plus, they’re pretty healthy for you because they use eggs to form the hard exterior of the egg.

 

39. Fire Cracker Broccoli.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger indicates that microwaves make the process of cooking this recipe quite simple.] These firecracker broccolis taste great! Plus, they’re pretty easy to make at home. Just mix the ingredients up and bake it for about seven minutes in the microwave!

 

40. Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “These potatoes are a little extra work, but they can be prepped ahead of time and baked when needed. They’re also a great way to use up leftover homemade guacamole. There are plenty of leftovers, so you could make a double batch of these and eat them for lunch all week. For a lighter meal, pair these with salad or your favorite greens.”] These Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes are full of flavor! They taste great and they’re really healthy too!

 

41. Zucchini Noodles with Goat Cheese Salsa.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “These are a bit of work to make, but the flavor is well worth the extra effort. I like to serve these noodles with a little goat cheese and olive oil salad dressing on the side.”] This recipe tastes amazing. It’s packed with nutrients and it’s better for you than traditional pasta!

 

42. Honey Mustard Kale Salad.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] The antioxidants in the kale found in this recipe will help your body fight off cancer and disease.

 

43. Roasted Chicken with Cinnamon Basil Sauce.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] The recipe for this dish is really simple and it tastes great! The cinnamon basil sauce will brighten up any dish you serve it with. It’s homemade so you know that the quality of your ingredients is top-notch.

 

44. Balsamic Potato Salad.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger adds that she recommends using organic ingredients when you make this recipe.] This recipe is really easy! It tastes great and it’s packed with nutrients. Pair it with a green salad and some crackers for a light meal.

 

45. Whole Roasted Cauliflower.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] The cauliflower sprinkled with salt can help with the process of breaking down the cauliflower so that your body absorbs all the nutrients from it.

 

46. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower With Parmesan.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] Roasting cauliflower and garlic will give you a bold flavor that will match perfectly with your pasta. Once you eat it, you’ll notice that it’s packed with plentiful antioxidants and has great nutrients.

 

47. Asian Sesame Tofu Salad Sandwich.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “This sandwich is great for leftovers the next day, because the tofu and veggies retain their flavor well.”] This recipe takes just about 15 minutes to make, so it’s really easy to do when you’re pressed for time. It tastes delicious and it’s packed with good-for-you nutrients!

 

48. Cauliflower Tots with Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Dip.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] These cauliflower tots taste amazing. Garnish them with the red pepper cashew dip and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal!

 

49. Broiled Cauliflower with Roasted Garlic-Lemon Sauce.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015.] The super roasted garlic-lemon sauce will make you feel as though you just ordered from a fancy restaurant. In reality, this dish is incredibly healthy for you and it’s really easy to make. You can serve this dish on its own for a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes or even use it as a topping for roasted chicken.

 

50. Rainbow Salad with Yogurt Dressing.

 

Image Credit: The Vintage Mixer (via Pinterest) [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2012, but was republished with new information in September 2015. The blogger writes, “This rainbow salad will brighten up any lunch! It’s also a great way to use up leftover veggies.”] This recipe is one of the most beautiful salad recipes on this list. You’ll love the healthy dyes from all the different foods that make up this tasty dish.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

If you’re looking for some delicious and healthy whole foods recipes for your home—these 50 recipes are definitely worth a try.