29 Comfort Foods That Flirt with Wellness

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Spring’s trying her best, but we’re not exactly swapping braises for smoothies just yet. These healthy-ish recipes strike the perfect balance: they’re light enough to feel virtuous but comforting enough to still count as dinner (and not a regret). Think One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese that whispers “veggies” while screaming “cheese,” or The Best Everything Spice Egg Avocado Yogurt Bowl that somehow feels both lazy and elevated. Easy Blackened Shrimp Tacos? Basically, a beach day on a tortilla. And don’t sleep on the Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri—because when “salad season” feels like a personal attack, there’s always fusion. Whether it’s Vegan Poke Bowls, Sesame Ginger Dumplings in Chili Oil, or Greek Goddess Chicken Lettuce Wraps, these recipes deliver flavor, comfort, and just enough green stuff to keep your conscience quiet

Blackberry Chia Pudding

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A close-up of vegan banana chia pudding is topped with blueberry sauce and has fresh blueberries around it.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This vegan blackberry chia pudding is a healthy and delicious dessert that’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. The magic of chia seeds creates a thick, creamy pudding that’s perfectly complemented by a sweet and tangy blackberry sauce. Top it with your favorite granola for an extra crunch!
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Chia Pudding

One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

overhead photo of One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

Looking for a way to sneak in some veggies? This One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the perfect solution! Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.

Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes.

overhead photo of Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes recipe is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Made in one pan and ready in under an hour, this healthy and well-balanced dish is packed with Greek flavors and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes.

The Best Everything Spice Egg Avocado Yogurt Bowl 

The Best Everything Spice Egg Avocado Yogurt Bowl | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest #breakfast #healthy #avocado
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Everything Spice Egg Avocado Yogurt Bowl is a quick and healthy meal option that’s perfect for any time of day! Combining creamy Greek yogurt, perfectly cooked eggs, and sliced avocado, this bowl is elevated with everything bagel spice and fresh herbs. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s both gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
Get the Recipe: The Best Everything Spice Egg Avocado Yogurt Bowl.  

Vegan Poke Bowl (Beet Poke)

Delicious Vegan Poke Bowls made with Beet Poke- made with steamed beets instead of fish, this marinated beet salad can be made ahead and served over rice, greens or noodles. Vegan and GF adaptable! Includes a Video. #poke #beetsalad #beets #avocado #soba #pokebowl #vegansalad #cleaneating
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This vegan poke bowl features steamed beets instead of fish, offering a plant-based twist on a Hawaiian classic. Make this vibrant and flavorful beet poke salad ahead of time for an easy lunch or dinner. Customize with your favorite toppings for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Poke Bowl (Beet Poke)

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Mediterranean ground beef stir fry in a pan.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This Mediterranean ground beef stir-fry is a quick and healthy dinner option, ready in minutes. Packed with protein and fresh vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and tomatoes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal. The addition of feta cheese and oregano elevates the dish, making it a delicious twist on a classic stir-fry.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Polenta Rounds with Fried Eggs and Avocado Bean Salsa

Polenta Rounds with Eggs and Avocado Bean Salsa Recipe
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal? These Polenta Rounds with Fried Eggs and Avocado Bean Salsa are perfect for any time of day. This gluten-free vegetarian recipe is easy to customize for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Get the Recipe: Polenta Rounds with Fried Eggs and Avocado Bean Salsa

Roasted Vegetable Pita Sandwich

Roasted Vegetable Pita Sandwiches on twopeasandtheirpod.com #recipe
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

These Roasted Vegetable Pita Sandwiches are a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner! Whole wheat pitas are filled with roasted zucchini, red peppers, mushrooms, feta cheese, and a flavorful tzatziki sauce. This vegetarian recipe is perfect for any time of year and is kid-friendly too!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Pita Sandwich

15-Minute Sweet Potato Salmon Cakes

sweet potato salmon cake on a plate with text overlay
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These Sweet Potato Salmon Cakes are ready in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, they’re great for lunch or as an appetizer. Plus, they’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and kid-friendly!
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Sweet Potato Salmon Cakes

Easy Blackened Shrimp Tacos

three blackened shrimp tacos with lime wedges
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These blackened shrimp tacos are a quick and easy way to spice up your Taco Tuesday! Packed with flavor from the homemade blackening seasoning, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize your toppings and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Easy Blackened Shrimp Tacos

30 Minute Peanut Beef Rolls

30 Minute Peanut Beef Rolls | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These 30 Minute Peanut Beef Rolls are the perfect quick and easy appetizer or light meal. Savory ground beef is combined with fresh herbs and a flavorful peanut sauce, all rolled up in warm tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, these beef rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Peanut Beef Rolls.

Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri

Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri | halfbakedharvest.com @ hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

Craving a unique sandwich experience? This Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi recipe combines the best of Vietnamese and French flavors with tender short ribs, aromatic pho broth, and a vibrant Thai Basil Chimichurri. It’s a deliciously creative twist on a classic that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Pho French Dip Banh Mi with Thai Basil Chimichurri.

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

A skillet filled with cooked beef fajitas and slightly scorched peppers and onions.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas are a flavorful and colorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Thinly shaved beef is paired with sweet peppers and caramelized onions, seasoned with spices, and served with cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

Roasted Radishes

bowl of Roasted Radishes
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

Looking for a new side dish? Try these roasted radishes, seasoned with dill, garlic, and butter, for a lighter alternative to potatoes or carrots. This simple recipe from Spend with Pennies is sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes

Beef Stir Fry

Overhead shot of Beef Stir Fry in a black pan
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Beef Stir Fry recipe is quick, easy, and flavorful! It features tender beef, crisp veggies, and a delicious sauce that comes together in minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stir Fry

Grilled Vegetables

plated Grilled Vegetables
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

These grilled vegetables are the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue! Bright and colorful veggies are lightly seasoned and grilled until tender and slightly charred, making for a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Lebanese Chicken with 7-Spice

Lebanese Chicken with 7-Spice, caramelized onions, almonds and roasted lemon. A simple flavorful Lebanese-inspired dinner, with only 15 minutes of hands on time. Roast or Grill!
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Lebanese Chicken recipe is packed with flavor from a special 7-spice blend and caramelized onions. Whether you choose to roast or grill it, this dish is surprisingly simple with only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time. Garnish with almonds and parsley for a beautiful and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Chicken with 7-Spice

Corn Salad

Fresh corn salad in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This vibrant corn salad is bursting with fresh flavors from corn, tomatoes, cucumber, and a medley of herbs. The addition of feta, avocado, and a zesty lime vinaigrette makes it a perfect side dish for any summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Corn Salad

Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad with Mushrooms and Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette

overhead photo of Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad with Mushrooms and Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad is a refreshing mix of spring veggies and grilled mushrooms, topped with a spicy peanut vinaigrette. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a light lunch or dinner, plus it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad with Mushrooms and Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette

Zucchini Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze.

Zucchini Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

Looking for a unique way to use up that summer zucchini? These spiced Zucchini Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are the answer! They’re easy to make and perfect for a weekend breakfast or special treat.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze.

Sesame Ginger Dumplings in Chili Oil.

Sesame Ginger Dumplings in Chili Oil | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Sesame Ginger Dumplings in Chili Oil are perfect for a cozy night in! They’re a healthier, homemade version of your favorite spicy dumplings. Filled with ground chicken or pork and topped with sesame seeds, these dumplings are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Ginger Dumplings in Chili Oil.

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad.

Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad is a delicious twist on a classic. The farro and roasted red pepper sauce add a unique touch that makes this salad stand out. It’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken and Farro Salad.

Greek Goddess Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

The image shows a grilled chicken wrap containing lettuce, avocado, olives, feta cheese, and pickled onions on flatbread. It is accompanied by a side of green sauce.
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Greek Goddess Chicken Lettuce Wraps by Half Baked Harvest are a fresh and healthy take on gyros, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring seasoned chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a vibrant pistachio-basil dressing, this recipe from Half Baked Harvest is simple to make and full of flavor. Ditch the pita for lettuce cups for a gluten-free option.
Get the Recipe: Greek Goddess Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Udon Noodles Soup

Presenting a delicious Udon Noodles Soup
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This Udon Noodle Soup recipe is quick, easy, and ready in just 15 minutes! It’s packed with delicious ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, and silken tofu, making it a healthy and satisfying vegetarian meal. Top it with furikake and togarashi for an authentic Japanese flavor.
Get the Recipe: Udon Noodles Soup

Vegan Broccoli Soup

Vegan Broccoli
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Vegan Broccoli “Cheddar” Soup with Jalapeño is a quick and easy dinner that’s both healthy and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is perfect for a comforting, plant-based option. Customize the spice level to your preference and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Broccoli Soup

Chicken Fajitas

Three chicken fajitas in flour tortillas shown with various toppings.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

Craving a taste of Tex-Mex? This Chicken Fajitas recipe brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen with seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and tender onions. Serve it all up with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a customizable and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajitas

Classic Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This classic Waldorf salad recipe is the perfect addition to any gathering. Crisp apples, celery, grapes, and toasted walnuts are tossed in a creamy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying side dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Classic Waldorf Salad

Greek Quinoa Salad

 Greek Quinoa Salad
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Greek Quinoa Salad is a healthy and delicious side dish or light meal! It’s packed with fresh spinach, veggies, feta cheese, and a simple Greek-inspired dressing. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Cool and Crunchy Fennel Salad

Simple, delicious Fennel Salad with cucumber and fresh Dill. Refreshing and light, this vegan salad can be made ahead, and pairs with so many things! #fennelsalad #fennel #vegansalad #plantbased #fennelslaw
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This refreshing Fennel Salad with cucumber and dill is the perfect side dish! It’s cool and crunchy texture pairs well with fish, meat, or chicken. Plus, the simple lemon dressing adds a bright, zesty flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Cool and Crunchy Fennel Salad

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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