food
By Stephanie Cain
•
Published May 7, 2019
Understatement of the year: We’re obsessed with our Instant Pot. It’s amazing for making tasty comfort food dishes like chili, mac and cheese, pot roast and cheesecake—but sometimes, we want a lightning-fast meal that isn’t going to put us into a cheese-and-carb coma. Voilà, 23 actually healthy Instant Pot recipes that are fabulous for busy weeknights.
RELATED
18 Soup Recipes You Can Make in the Instant Pot
Healthier Instant Pot Coq Au Vin
Healthy doesn’t always mean low-carb, keto or Paleo. Sometimes, it’s just about wholesome ingredients and classic recipes, like this French slow-cooked chicken dish braised in wine.
Instant Pot Whole30 Barbacoa Beef
Who knew barbacoa beef was Whole30-compliant? Plus, cooking it in the Instant Pot seriously reduces the cook time—from 9 hours to 90 minutes. Serve it in lettuce wraps and you’ve got a quick and healthy dinner.
Nisha Vora
Instant Pot Vegan Farro Risotto
All that cheese and butter in risotto isn’t exactly healthy. But make it vegan, and you remove all the dairy without sacrificing any flavor. We’re in.
Get the recipe
Instant Pot Spicy Pineapple Chicken Tacos
Hide all sorts of veggies, like poblano peppers, in these al pastor chicken tacos. Plus, they come together in 30 minutes and each serving is less than 300 calories.
The Best Instant Pot Vegan Pho Recipe
Bye, beef broth. This vegan version is filled with three types of mushrooms and protein-packed tofu.
Instant Pot Coconut Tandoori Chicken
This Indian-inspired chicken dish is made with good-for-you spices like turmeric and ginger. (For an even healthier swap, serve it over cauliflower rice.)
Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Soup
Chicken soup isn’t just delicious—the Mayo Clinic recommends eating it when you have a cold to help speed up the movement of mucus. Keep an extra batch in the freezer for when you’re feeling under the weather.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
These low-carb spiralized squash noodles make a fantastic base for your favorite pasta sauce—or keep it simple by tossing them in olive oil and fresh herbs from your garden.
RELATED
14 Spaghetti Squash Bowls You Need in Your Life
Instant Pot Mediterranean Lamb Stew
Packed with veggies, chickpeas and plenty of herbs and spices, this lamb stew is much healthier than it looks. (Thanks, Coterie member Katie Workman.)
Instant Pot Beef Ragu
Ragu sauce is typically served over pasta. Swap the noodles for spiralized vegetables or polenta to make it a healthier option for dinner tonight.
Can’t-believe-it’s-vegetarian Chili
Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this hearty chili combines bell peppers, garlic, beans and paprika, plus toppings like avocado and cilantro. Meat, who?
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Takeout may be full of oil and grease, but this teriyaki chicken recipe keeps it healthy with low-sodium soy sauce and fresh ginger.
Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes With Mediterranean Aioli
Steam artichokes in the Instant Pot in just ten minutes. Serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish to make this appetizer a meal.
Spaghetti Squash With Shrimp And Pesto
Great news: This dish is Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free and Whole30-compliant. Who wants seconds?
Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Nisha Vora
Instant Pot Spicy Thai Butternut Squash Soup
The Thai spices in this butternut squash soup prove that vegan dishes can be bursting with flavor, too.
Get the recipe
RELATED
5 Clean-Eating Vegetarian Recipes That Taste Indulgent
Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Have alow-country boil at home in just 35 minute with an Instant Pot. You’ll be craving the Old Bay-seasoned corn and shrimp all summer long.
Instant Pot Miso Red Bean Stew
The secret to dressing up simple red beans? Miso paste. Hello, umami.
Instant Pot Flank Steak Taco Salads
Garlicky flank steak + salsa verde spices + avocado + tomato + jalapeño = Mexican dinner of our dreams.
Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff
Swap in mushrooms for beef in this Russian classic to make it vegetarian-friendly. (We’re partial to shiitakes, but the choice is yours.)
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
From flu season to allergy season, this chicken noodle soup will clear your sinuses right up.
Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making it a great, veggie-friendly choice for supper.
Instant Pot Chicken And Broccoli
Ordering Chinese takeout may be tempting, but when you can make your own Whole30 chicken and broccoli in just ten minutes in the Instant Pot, there’s no reason to pick up the phone.
Cocoa-rubbed Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Mustard Sauce
This gluten-free and low-carb pork rub takes barbecuing to a new level—you’ll never miss the hot dogs and hamburgers.
RELATED
20 Slow-Cooker Barbecue Recipes to Make All Summer Long
Stephanie Cain
Freelance PureWow Editor
read full bio
