Top 10 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes: Quick and Nutritious Meals

Top 10 healthy Instant Pot recipes include quinoa salad and vegetable soup. These recipes are nutritious, easy to make, and delicious.

Instant Pot recipes offer a quick and healthy way to prepare meals. They are perfect for busy individuals who want nutritious food without spending hours in the kitchen. Using an Instant Pot, you can create a variety of dishes, from soups to salads, that are both tasty and wholesome.

These recipes often require minimal ingredients and time, making them a convenient option for anyone. With an Instant Pot, you can enjoy balanced meals that support a healthy lifestyle. Discovering new recipes can also make meal prep exciting and enjoyable.

Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Recipe 1: Quinoa And Vegetable Pilaf

Quinoa and Vegetable Pilaf offers a nutritious, flavorful meal made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Packed with veggies and protein-rich quinoa, it’s a perfect choice for a healthy diet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup of chopped carrots
• 1 cup of chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup of chopped zucchini
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and heat it. Add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Close the lid and set the pot to manual high pressure for 1 minute. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Serve the pilaf warm. Enjoy your healthy meal!

Recipe 2: Chicken And Broccoli Stir-fry

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add olive oil and minced garlic. Stir until garlic is fragrant. Add sliced chicken breast to the pot. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.

Add broccoli and carrots to the pot. Stir in soy sauce and chicken broth. Mix cornstarch with a little water. Add the mixture to the pot. Stir well.

Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual mode. Cook for 5 minutes. Release the pressure carefully. Stir the stir-fry and serve hot.

Recipe 3: Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup, a nutritious choice in our Top 10 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes, offers a hearty blend of protein and fiber. Ready in minutes, this dish provides a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of lentils
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Rinse the lentils under cold water. Place lentils in the Instant Pot. Add chopped carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir in the chopped celery. Pour in the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in cumin and paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Seal the Instant Pot lid. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for natural release for 10 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure. Stir the soup well. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy meal.

Recipe 4: Beef Stew

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Turn on the Instant Pot. Select the sauté setting. Brown the beef stew meat. Add the onions and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste. Pour in the beef broth. Add the carrots and potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Drop in the bay leaf.

Close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure. Cook for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid carefully. Stir the stew. Remove the bay leaf. Serve hot. Enjoy your healthy beef stew!

Recipe 5: Spaghetti Squash With Marinara

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cut the spaghetti squash in half. Scoop out the seeds. Rub olive oil on the inside. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Place the squash in the Instant Pot. Add one cup of water. Set to high pressure for 7 minutes. Release the pressure manually.

Use a fork to scrape out the strands. Mix the strands with marinara sauce. Top with Parmesan cheese and dried basil. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy meal.

Credit: www.foodnetwork.com

Recipe 6: Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry in the Instant Pot offers a delightful mix of flavors and nutrients. This recipe features fresh vegetables and lean protein for a healthy, quick meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp Thai green curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Heat the vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for one minute.

Add the Thai green curry paste and stir well. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Mix until combined. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the pot. Stir in the green beans, red bell pepper, and zucchini.

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick-release the pressure when done. Open the lid and stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Recipe 7: Black Bean Chili

Packed with protein and fiber, Black Bean Chili is a hearty and nutritious choice. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, this recipe tops our list of Instant Pot favorites.

Ingredients

1 cup of dried black beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 cup of vegetable broth
1 diced onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1 chopped bell pepper
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Rinse the black beans well. Place them in the Instant Pot. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin. Add salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well. Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid carefully. Stir the chili before serving. Enjoy your healthy black bean chili.

Recipe 8: Salmon With Lemon And Dill

Salmon with Lemon and Dill offers a quick, healthy meal bursting with flavor. The Instant Pot locks in nutrients and zest.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Place the salmon in the Instant Pot. Add the vegetable broth. Top the salmon with lemon slices and dill. Drizzle with olive oil. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Release the pressure manually.

Carefully open the lid. Remove the salmon fillets. Serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy meal.

Recipe 9: Sweet Potato And Chickpea Curry

• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Mix well.

Add diced sweet potato, chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes. Release the pressure manually.

Open the lid carefully. Stir the curry to mix everything well. Add salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry!

Recipe 10: Oatmeal With Fresh Berries

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh berries
• Pinch of salt

Add oats, water, milk, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir well. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes. Once done, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Open the lid carefully. Stir in honey and vanilla extract. Serve in bowls. Top with fresh berries. Enjoy your delicious oatmeal!

Credit: www.thekitchn.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Healthiest Instant Pot Recipes?

Healthy Instant Pot recipes include vegetable soups, quinoa salads, chicken stews, and steamed vegetables.

Can Instant Pot Recipes Help With Weight Loss?

Yes, many Instant Pot recipes are low-calorie and nutrient-rich, aiding in weight loss and healthy eating.

How To Cook Quinoa In An Instant Pot?

Add quinoa and water to the Instant Pot, set to high pressure for one minute, and let it naturally release.

Are Instant Pot Meals Budget-friendly?

Instant Pot meals often use affordable ingredients and reduce cooking time, making them budget-friendly.

Can I Make Vegan Dishes In An Instant Pot?

Yes, the Instant Pot is perfect for cooking vegan dishes like lentil soups, chickpea curries, and vegetable stews.

Conclusion

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard. With these top 10 Instant Pot recipes, meal prep becomes a breeze. Enjoy nutritious meals with minimal effort. Your health journey starts in the kitchen. Try these recipes today and feel the difference.

Share your favorite recipe with us in the comments!