It’s no secret that cooking healthy meals sometimes falls on the back burner. Whether you work outside the home, at your kitchen table, or raise your kids full time, there just never seem to be enough hours, or let’s face it, enough energy, to make those good-for-you dinners you see on Pinterest. So here we’ve got some healthy Instant Pot recipes for you!
Why Use an Instant Pot?
So why invest in an Instant Pot (or dust off the one sitting in your closet)? Pressure cooking (cooking with your Instant Pot) has many benefits, both for your health and for your busy schedule:
- Retains vitamins and minerals. Your Instant Pot cooks quickly and evenly, allowing food to retain nutrients, unlike other cooking methods, such as boiling.
- Cooks full meals in under an hour. There are plenty of healthy Instant Pot recipes you can make in no time at all!
- Allows you to try a lot of new meals. There are so many meals you can make in your Instant Pot. You’ll find tons of recipes, no matter how picky your family is.
Which Instant Pot Should You Buy?
The Show Off: The Duo Instant Pot does it all. It combines seven kitchen appliances into one. You can even make yogurt in it! You’re bound to be able to try lots of healthy Instant Pot recipes with this pick.
The Budget-Friendly Choice: The Instant Pot Duo Mini has the bells and whistles of its bigger counterpart, just in a smaller size. If you’re not cooking for a ton of people, this is an awesome value!
The Tech Savvy Chef: This smart Instant Pot has Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to control and monitor cooking through an easy-to-use interface.
Faster than a slow cooker and versatile for every season and cuisine, your Instant Pot can be your best tool for quick, stress-free healthy meals. Keep reading for some healthy Instant Pot recipes for meat lovers, vegetarians, dessert fanatics, and even some seasonal fall favorites!
Healthy Instant Pot Recipes For the Meat Lovers
Meat dishes can certainly be healthy! Look for lean cuts of meat, and use chicken and turkey if you want a dish lower in fat.
1. Chicken Mole from Well Plated
This flavorful, but simple Mexican meal will be in instant favorite at your dinner table. We’re talking tender, easy-to-shred chicken in a delicious mole sauce, all cooked in one pot! Add the meat to tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or whatever your family is craving.
2. Healthy Turkey Chili from Kristine’s Kitchen
Ground turkey is not only lower in fat than ground beef, but can be just as delicious with the right blend of spices. You can also add extra veggies to this meal for a nutritional boost! Want an even heartier meal? Throw in some macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese for chili mac ‘n cheese.
3. Instant Kung Pao Chicken Meatballs from Tidbits
Whoever said meatballs can only be made of beef hasn’t tried this sweet, yet a little spicy, recipe! Serve them on top of rice, noodles, or just eat them on your own. You won’t be craving takeout anymore!
4. Turkey Meatloaf from Simply Happy Foodie
Meatloaf is a classic American dish, but we’ve got a lean, mouth-watering turkey version for you. Worried the turkey will dry out? Not with this recipe. You’ll be impressing the whole neighborhood with this meatloaf.
5. Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken from A Mindful Mom
You can make a healthier take on this classic in your Instant Pot. Chicken, pineapple, and soy sauce come together for a delicious meal that can be served over rice. Now put that takeout menu away!
Read More: Top 5 Ways to Avoid Overeating
Healthy Instant Pot Recipes to Indulge in Vegetarian Delights
A full meal doesn’t need to include meat at all! Check out these delicious veggie Instant Pot meals.
6. Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto from Vegan Huggs
Creamy and full of flavor, this 15-minute recipe will please the whole family. Want to add more delicious flair? Try throwing in some cheese or extra veggies.
Read More: Need some Kid-Friendly vegetable recipes? Yes, please!
7. Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew from Skinny Taste
This cozy stew is chock full of veggies and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s so bright and colorful, you’ll be proud to serve this dish to your family. You can even add tofu for a protein boost.
8. Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice with Avocado Salsa from Cookin Canuck
Craving black beans and rice? A creamy avocado salsa really jazzes up this vegetarian staple. Even better, each serving of this tasty dish is under 300 calories!
9. Instant Pot Vegan Burritos from Nora Cooks
Burritos don’t have to weigh you down. The classic burrito gets a veggie makeover in this family-friendly recipe. There are even some greens hidden in there!
10. Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes from Gimme Some Oven
When is the last time you enjoyed artichokes like this? These make an awesome appetizer or vegetarian side dish. You can also whip up a tasty lemon butter cream sauce for dipping.
Healthy Instant Pot Recipes – Don’t Forget Dessert!
A healthy diet can still be sweet! With a few ingredient swaps, your family can enjoy better-for-you desserts right from your Instant Pot.
11. Guilt-Free Instant Pot Chocolate Pudding Cake from This Pilgrim Life
Applesauce is the secret ingredient in this rich, chocolatey dessert. Short on time, but still have a sweet tooth? Perfect. This cake only takes four minutes to make!
12. Granola Instant Pot Apple Crisp from A Couple Cooks
This vegan treat is made with sprouted grain granola for a crunchy, guilt-free indulgence. Sprouted grain granola is nutrient-rich and easy to digest, making this a healthier dessert. Add cinnamon for an even richer flavor.
Read More: Need more ideas for your instant pot when the family is in town? These recipes are sure to please everyone!
13. Low Carb Chocolate Mousse from My Life Cookbook
Counting carbs but craving chocolate? Try this tasty treat! With only 4.4 net carbs per serving, why not indulge?
14. Weight Watchers Instant Pot Cupcakes from My Crazy Good Life
Healthy cupcakes? No, we’re not crazy. Enjoy these better-for-you treats! Don’t forget the frosting!
15. Instant Pot Cheesecake from My Crazy Good Life
Granola and Greek yogurt take center stage in this delectable dessert. Oh, and this recipe only takes minutes to make, so you don’t have to wait long for dessert!
Healthy Instant Pot Recipes: Fall Favorites
The weather is colling down and your Instant Pot can become the star of the kitchen. Here are some autumn picks for you and your family to enjoy all season long.
16. Caprese Instant Pot Chicken Thighs from Sweet Peas and Saffron
Chicken, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil come together in this fall classic. Paleo and gluten-free, this meal can fit into a healthy diet. Even better? The chicken thighs can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. How convenient!
17. 5-Minute Shrimp Scampi Paella from Health Starts In The Kitchen
What’s better than shrimp on a cool, fall day? How about this easy-to-prepare paella that’s sure to please any seafood-loving crowd? Add cheese or butter for a creamier take on this recipe.
18. Healthy Baked Beans from Simple Veganista
Gearing up for a backyard barbecue? These vegan baked beans have just the right amount of spice, with added sweetness from maple syrup. You can always add more syrup for sweeter beans.
Read More: Grab the kids and get in the kitchen with these fun desserts your kids can make with you.
19. Clean Eating Instant Pot Autumn Soup from Pinch of Yum
Who said soup was just for winter? This veggie-loaded soup will satisfy any craving. With chicken for protein and tons of veggies, this nutritional powerhouse is sure to please!
20. Instant Pot Peach Jam from Marisa Moore
Peaches are delicious any time of year. This sweet, three-ingredient jam will hit the spot on an autumn afternoon for sure. Spread it on pastries, cookies, or just dip in your spoon!
21. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes, Basil, and Garlic from Betsy Ramirez
This light seasonal recipe is low in carbs, but not in flavor! With only seven ingredients, this simple, yet delicious meal only takes eight minutes to cook! How perfect for a fall evening affair.
Now that you’re fully equipped with healthy Instant Pot recipes for all tastes, it’s time to start cooking! The time-saving and nutritional benefits of using an Instant Pot are well worth the investment, so what are you waiting for? See you in the kitchen!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Here’s everything you need to know about edible gardens that will complement your home cooking with the instant pot.
Photo Credits: Unsplash.com
