If you’re craving some seriously delicious food, you’ve come to the right place. These healthy comfort foods are super easy to make and full of those savory comfort food flavors. We’re sharing how to turn five comfort food favorites into a wholesome meal you can feel good about enjoying any night of the week! From mac and cheese to pizza, this list has you covered.
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5 Healthy Comfort Foods Recipes
#1 Dairy-Free Mac & Cheese
Turns out healthy mac and cheese does exist! Here’s a healthy take on a traditional comfort food favorite. It’s full of the flavors you love without the added dairy.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- ½ head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups gluten free pasta, cooked
Directions:
Step #1: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C or 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Step #2: Next, cook the vegetables to your liking and allow to cool.
Step #3: Once cooled, add the cooked vegetables to a food processor or high speed blender and blend until smooth. Add in the nutritional yeast, garlic, and onion powder, salt, and pepper, and blend again.
Step #4: Add the pureed vegetable mixture, chopped parsley, and cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and stir to coat the pasta.
Step #5: Add the mixture to the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden.
Step #6: Enjoy!
#2 Turkey Meatballs With Parmesan Zoodles
This delicious zoodle and meatball dish takes a healthy spin on a traditional comfort food favorite. Skip the cheese for a dairy-free option!
Serves: 3
Ingredients:
- 16 oz ground turkey
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cups zucchini noodles
- Parmesan cheese, grated, to serve
- Basil leaf, chopped, to serve
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Step #1: Start by adding the egg to a mixing bowl and whisk well. Add the onion, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
Step #2: Add the turkey and mix to combine.
Step #3: Chill the meatball mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Step #4: Remove from the fridge and heat coconut oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Roll the mixture into meatballs and place them in the stockpot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning them frequently to brown on all sides.
Step #5: Add the tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the meatballs are completely cooked through.
Step #6: Serve with the zucchini noodles and garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
#3 Guilt-Free Fried Rice
This guilt-free fried rice takes a healthy spin on a traditional favorite. Made with a handful of delicious ingredients, this is an easy weeknight dish you’ll find yourself making time and time again.
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice, cooked
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 eggs
- Green onion, chopped, to serve
- Sesame seeds, to serve
- Chili flakes, to serve
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Directions:
Step #1: Start by cooking the brown rice according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, set aside.
Step #2: While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat with coconut oil. Add the onion and saute for 3-5 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and saute for another 2 minutes.
Step #3: Add the spinach and stir.
Step #4: Add the cooked rice and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Step #5: Next, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk. Add to the skillet with the rice and stir until the egg is cooked.
Step #6: Add the coconut aminos and stir well.
Step #7: Divide between two bowls and garnish with the sesame seeds, green onion, and chili flakes.
#4 The Best Cauliflower Pizza
Pizza night just got healthy. This cauliflower pizza comes with all the pizza flavors we love but without the added carbs.
Serves: 3
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1½ tbsp coconut flour
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 cup pasta sauce
- 2 tbsp part skim ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Basil leaf, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C or 350°F and line a pizza pan or large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step #2: Next, add the cauliflower florets to a food processor and blend until it turns into cauliflower rice.
Step #3: Add the riced cauliflower to the center of a cheesecloth or a clean dish towel and squeeze out the moisture. Add to a large mixing bowl.
Step #4: Whisk the eggs and add to the bowl with the cauliflower along with the almond and coconut flour, seasoning, olive oil, shredded cheese, and salt. Mix well.
Step #5: Add the cauliflower pizza dough to the pizza pan or baking tray and flatten to create a circle. Top with the pizza sauce, ricotta cheese, pesto, and tomatoes.
Step #6: Bake for 30-40 minutes.
Step #7: Serve with fresh basil and allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Step #8: Enjoy!
#5 Zucchini Veggie Lasagna
This delicious comfort food dish tastes just like the real thing, with a healthier twist. This can be made dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 5 zucchinis
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled
- 1 cup pasta sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- Basil leaf, chopped, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Step #2: Wash the zucchini and peel into long strips to resemble lasagna noodles.
Step #3: Add a layer of the zucchini noodles to the baking dish and top with ⅓ of the crumbled tofu, cheese, and sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are used.
Step #4: Add an extra sprinkle of cheese to the top layer and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Step #5: Top with fresh basil and enjoy!
The Healthiest Ways to Enjoy Comfort Food
There you have it — five mouthwatering delicious healthy comfort foods that prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean deprivation. With some simple and delicious ingredient swaps, you can turn your favorite comfort food into a nourishing dish.
Pro Tip: Try making a few batches of these yummy recipes on meal prep day to have on hand and reheat during the busy week. And, if you want more healthy eating inspiration, join FitOn PRO and get access to drool-worthy recipes and personalized meal plans.
