11 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes for Quick, Flavor-Packed Meals

2021-12-03
11 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes for Quick, Flavor-Packed Meals

When crafting a healthy meal plan, lean on your trusty electric multicooker. With these healthy Instant Pot recipes, you'll enjoy filling meals that feature lean meats, nutritious veggies, and bold spices. Whether you are short on time or just want something simple to prepare, these healthy Instant Pot recipes are perfect for weeknight meals and fancy dinners alike.

01 of 11

Pressure Cooker Asian Pork Cabbage Bowl

Our Test Kitchen really amped up the bold flavors with this healthy Instant Pot recipe. Pork shoulder is infused with fresh ginger, soy sauce, lemongrass, and garlic to really wake up those tastebuds. Enjoy the tender meat over fresh cabbage and veggies to keep this recipe grain-free, yet super filling.

02 of 11

Moroccan Chicken and Cauliflower Stew

North African spices cumin, ginger, and cinnamon combine with tomatoes to make the base of this healthy Instant Pot dinner recipe. The one-pot meal calls for searing the chicken first before a quick 12-minute cook under pressure. Serve over hot couscous topped with parsley and toasted almonds.

03 of 11

Beef and Broccoli

Satisfy those takeout cravings by making this healthy Instant Pot recipe. We season the Asian-inspired dish with coconut aminos to keep the meal gluten-free while still giving that umami flavor you love from soy sauce (you can totally use soy sauce here if that's all you have). The beef quickly cooks in just 7 minutes for a 30-minute meal that you'll happily add to the regular dinner menu.

04 of 11

Pressure Cooker Indian-Spiced Chicken

Boneless chicken thighs, curry powder, and coconut milk star in this Indian-inspired dinner recipe. Keep this healthy Instant Pot dinner idea low-carb (and Paleo-friendly) by serving the cozy chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice.

05 of 11

Pressure Cooker Moroccan Apricot Chicken

This simple, yet special-occasion-worthy dinner Moroccan chicken dish gets its bold flavor from ginger, turmeric, and allspice. The Paleo-friendly chicken thighs are then served alongside tender butternut squash and Kalamata olives. Add couscous or quinoa and a dollop of Greek yogurt, or keep it Paleo and simply serve with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for bright flavor.

06 of 11

Pressure Cooker Ham and Mixed Bean Soup

This healthy Instant Pot soup will be the perfect addition to your winter dinner menu. The mixed dried beans absorb tons of flavor from the smoked pork, vegetables, and herbs in the pot. Bonus: This cozy soup freezes well, so you can make a big pot and enjoy leftovers for up to two months.

07 of 11

Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast

Planning a holiday meal for a smaller crowd this year? Skip roasting the whole bird in favor of cooking just the turkey breast with this healthy pressure cooker recipe. Seasoned with the traditional Thanksgiving flavors and veggies, you'll have a stunning main dish ready for the table in just over an hour.

08 of 11

Fast or Slow Seafood Cioppino

This classic Italian American comfort stew is loaded with halibut, shrimp, and crab but takes a mere 1 minute of pressure cooking in most models. Don’t have halibut? You can substitute sea bass, cod, or any other firm white fish you have on hand. Enjoy this healthy stew with some crusty homemade bread (perfect for dipping into the fish-infused tomato broth) or pour it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

09 of 11

Garlic-Ginger Pork Lettuce Wraps

Ginger, garlic, apple juice, and brown sugar make the most delicious seasoning for pork in this healthy pressure cooker recipe. Pile up the tasty filling onto butterhead lettuce with crunchy toppers (we like shredded carrots, radishes, and peanuts) for a delicious low-carb meal.

10 of 11

Thai Turkey Meat Loaf

Bet you've never had meat loaf like this before! Not only is it made with ground turkey for a leaner take on the comfort food, it's also spiced with jalapeños, fish sauce, and ginger for bold Thai-inspired flair. Glazed with sweet chili sauce, this is a healthy Instant Pot recipe you'll make on repeat.

11 of 11

Mediterranean Chicken and Wheat Berry Salad

Up your whole-grain intake with this healthy Instant Pot recipe. The Mediterranean dish features fresh parsley, mint, and lemon for bright, herbal flavor in every bite. Plus, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp here to change things up.

Want to create your own healthy Instant Pot dishes? Don’t be afraid to experiment. Lean proteins (like turkey, pork, or chicken) cook up beautifully in just a matter of minutes. You can even cook a 3-pound pot roast in approximately 60 to 80 minutes with a pressure cooker—just be sure to sear the meat on all sides first to seal in the flavor. Or, if you prefer plant-based healthy Instant Pot recipes, remember that pressure cookers can cut the cooking time for grains, dried beans, or legumes by half (or more). With a little ingenuity, there’s no end to what you can accomplish with the beloved countertop gadget. Just toss your chicken, vegetables, dried beans, or fish into the pot with a little bit of liquid and easy, delicious, healthy Instant Pot recipes are just a button push away.

Related Article

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

Crab Rangoon Roll-Ups Are So Much Better Than the Original

This crab rangoon roll-up recipe is the perfect balance of crispy tortilla shell and creamy crab filling. Serve them with your favorite sweet chili sauce.
Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Basil, oregano, and chives brighten up this rich Parmesan and ricotta cheese spread. Start your next dinner party with this easy, cheesy appetizer. Just add slices of baguette and veggies for dipping!
Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch

Pineapple-Ginger Punch might just be your new favorite summer drink. To transform the refreshing punch recipe into a cocktail, spike the fresh ginger-infused sip with rum or vodka.
Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Why You Should Be Eating More Pecans

Beyond their delicious taste, pecans are also packed to the brim with nutrition. Read on to find out just what makes pecans such a healthy addition to your lifestyle as well as some tasty ways to get started.
What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What Is Natural Flavor? Here’s What It Means on Food Labels

What does “natural flavors” mean when you see it on a food or drink label? A flavorist explains how your favorite strawberry drink gets that taste.
13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

13 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for a Morning Brain Boost

Looking for a protein-loaded breakfast? Here are our best energy packed breakfast ideas to give your morning a boost. Incorporate these recipes into your daily routine for a high protein breakfast.
How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill for Perfect Results Every Time

Conquer your next cookout with tips on all you need to know about how long to cook steak on a grill, the best cuts to buy, and how to serve the steak.
How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

How to Cook Eggplant—5 Simple Methods

If you're wondering how to cook eggplant, keep reading. On the grill, roasted, sautéed, and—yes—even in the microwave, this vegetable is as versatile as it is delicious.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes—6 Different Methods Including Baked, Fried, and More

Mash them, bake them, pressure-cook them, or turn them into fries—whatever your method, follow these steps to make perfect sweet potatoes every time.
Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

Easy Chicken and Broccoli Recipes You'll Be Making on Repeat

From all-American casseroles to Korean-style suppers to Italian chicken Parm, these chicken and broccoli recipes show how that combo *can* be something you eagerly anticipate. We’ve rounded up our best healthy chicken and broccoli recipes (as well as a few more decadent options) to help remix your weeknight menu.
16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

16 Cauliflower Recipes to Make if You're Cooking Tonight

This round-up of cauliflower recipes features the versatile veggie as the star of the plate. Each of these recipes with cauliflower provides a wide array of options everyone can enjoy, any night of the week.
Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

Snap Peas, Snow Peas, and Farro with Oranges and Citrus-Sesame Vinaigrette

The crunchy combo of snap and snow peas complements the chewy bite of farro and contrasts the juicy orange sections.
Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Chilaquiles Breakfast Casserole

Try this make-ahead breakfast casserole to feed a crowd on a busy weekend. The zesty Mexican flavors will inspire everyone to come back for seconds.
Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Use canned fire-roasted tomatoes to rev up this classic Italian sausage sandwich recipe.
Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

Gluten-Free Giant Ginger Cookies

We've used a 1/4 cup of cookie dough for each of these giant, molasses-infused cookies. If you prefer smaller cookies, there's instructions for mini gluten-free ginger cookies, too.
Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

Gluten-Free Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

In just 10 minutes, you can have a zesty homemade salad dressing ready. The olive oil will solidify when chilled, so let the vinaigrette stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving. Don't forget to shake it well!
Portobello Pot Roast

Portobello Pot Roast

Meaty portobellos stand in for beef in this vegetarian portobello pot roast that's as rich as the classic but cooks in a fraction of the time.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

How to Smoke Food Even if You Don't Have an Actual Smoker

Add complex flavors to your meats, seafood, grains, and veggies with our Test Kitchen tutorials on how to smoke food at home using a charcoal or gas grill.
Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

Grilled Trout Stuffed with Lemon and Herbs

This is a simple, flavorful way to grill almost any whole fish, with a 'stuffing' designed not to be eaten, but to flavor the fish from the inside out.