100 Healthy Recipes from Around the World

When I’m invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy vegetarian recipe to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona

I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri

This easy Indian dish will be loved by all. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave it out altogether if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Greek seasoning, feta cheese and dill-cucumber sauce give this gyro an authentic taste. It was my family’s introduction to how really good pita bread can be. Instead of feta cheese, we’ll sprinkle on cheddar or Monterey Jack if we have it. —Donna Garvin, Glens Falls, New York

I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, Washington

These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon

Asian slow cooker recipes are a favorite in our home, and this one is perfect for fall and winter evenings. A pork roast cooks all afternoon with sweet onions, honey, soy sauce and ginger for fabulous flavor. The aroma fills the house with a scent that cries out, ‘Welcome home!’ —Sheree Shown, Junction City, Oregon

Trade in the usual veggie party platter for these fun kabobs. I often make it for my family to snack on, and it’s a great recipe for the kids to help make. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

This light and loaded beef salad even satisfies my meat-lover husband. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico

When my mom and sister developed several food allergies, we had to modify many recipes. I substituted quinoa for couscous in this tabouleh. Now we make it all the time! —Jennifer Klann, Corbett, Oregon

“Because I’m watching my weight, I’ve used this recipe for years,” writes Janet Bumb of Beallsville, Maryland. “Served with a flavorful tomato sauce, these cutlets taste so good that my son, who is thin and doesn’t need to worry about his weight, requests them for his birthday dinner!”

Tradition has it that if you eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day, you’ll enjoy prosperity all year through—but I serve this tasty combination of pasta, peas and tangy tomatoes anytime. —Marie Malsch, Bridgman, Michigan

I got this recipe from my sister and my family really likes it a lot. It makes the house smell so good! The amount of garlic might seem high, but it’s just right. You get every bit of the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. —Terri Christensen, Montague, Michigan

Cooking up original recipes is a hobby of mine. My version of classic cabbage rolls is delicious served over rice or noodles. —Irma Finely, Lockwood, Missouri

I love the challenge of developing recipes for my garden leeks, a delicious underused vegetable. This Italian flavored dish is a family favorite. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

I love the marinated sides and salads that come with meals at Japanese restaurants and wanted to try some at home. After some research, I came up with this cool and crisp salad with a little Asian zing. We love it with meat hot off the grill! —Kimberly Ludvick, Newburgh, New York

The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. It’s like having your own Greek gyro stand in the kitchen. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

I love this quick, healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, Texas

Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I’ve eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It’s delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina

To give risotto, that favorite Italian comfort food, an update, I used couscous and lively North African-inspired flavors to deliver all the satisfaction of the creamy classic. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

I’m a big sushi fan, but I don’t always have time to make those intricate rolls at home. This jar is layered with my favorite California roll ingredients, so I can get the flavor I love without the fuss. —James Schend, Deputy Editor, Taste of Home Magazine

This popular Italian dish is very spicy and full of flavor. We decided to recreate one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that’s naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

This recipe was inspired by my love of spicy flavors and light, nutritious entrees. The pretty salad has an appealing variety of textures. I make it year-round because it’s fast and easy to prepare after a long day at work. —Peggy Allen, Pasadena, California

This family-friendly main dish with turkey, black beans and vegetables has a rich Mexican flavor that may seem indulgent, but it’s delightfully light. Created by our Test Kitchen, it cooks in one skillet, so it’s a snap to clean up for a weeknight supper.

My son has an egg allergy, so this potato salad is perfect for him. For extra color, add radishes, apple and garlic dill pickles. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario

Looking for a lighter snack that’s still a crowd-pleaser? You’ve found it! Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina

I created this recipe when I didn’t have the ingredients for my go-to dish. After making this, it became my new favorite! —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington

This classic San Fransisco soup makes an easy, healthy and flavorful dinner. I serve it every New Year’s Eve, and I’ll often include salmon along with the cod, shrimp and crab. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

I created this dish on a whim to feed my hungry teenagers. It’s since become a dinnertime staple, and, now, two of my grandchildren make it in their own kitchens. —Judy Batson, Tampa, FL

The chard in my garden inspires all kinds of recipes. This one makes a great side dish, especially in spring and summer. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, California

You can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts

The classic flavors of herbes de Provence, apples and dried plums make this easy slow-cooked pork taste like a hearty meal at a French country cafe. For a traditional pairing, serve the pork with braised lentils. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

This recipe started out as a salad, which I re-created after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve the mixture in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer! —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida

Here’s a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can custom-make their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

This awesome recipe reflects my German roots. In the cooler months, nothing is as comforting as a hearty hash. Serve this versatile recipe as a side dish at a holiday meal or as a brunch entree over cheddar grits or topped with a fried egg. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota

This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

Marinated in soy sauce, lime juice, red pepper and ginger, the pork takes on plenty of flavor—and is special enough for company. —Margaret Haugh Heilman, Houston, Texas

This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen

If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire. I like this skillet meal served warm or cold. —Becky Cuba, Spotsylvania, Virginia

I’ve been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It’s a one-pan meal that’s become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

Caribbean cuisine brightens up our weeknights thanks to its bold colors and flavors. Done in less than 30 minutes, this chicken is one of my go-to easy meals. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

“This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I’ve altered it slightly to suit our tastes,” Leann Hilmer from Sylvan Grove, Kansas says of the simple skillet supper. “We like it with a fresh green salad.”

This is such a great-tasting, good-for-you bok choy recipe. The simple dish capitalizes on the flavors of spring. —Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas

We love to make this chilled chicken salad brimming with veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado

Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas

In our new cookbook “The Kitchen Decoded,” we include tabbouleh salad because it’s super simple and filling. Try red quinoa for a slightly earthier flavor. —Logan Levant, Los Angeles, California

My friends tell me this is one of the best soups they’ve ever had. One even said it’s “perfect.” No one guesses that it’s healthy!—Sarah Ott, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.

The caper, tomato and olive flavors whisk you away to the Greek isles in an easy skillet dish that’s perfect for hectic weeknights. —Jan Marler, Murchison, Texas

I tasted a similar dish at a local restaurant and later duplicated it pretty closely. I trimmed it down a bit and no one in my family seemed to mind. —Susan Wright, Champaign, Illinois

Just open the fridge and go to town making this throw-together curry. We prefer turkey, but if you like chicken, shrimp, even bean sprouts and carrots, by all means, add them. —Lauren Rush, Clark, New Jersey

This tastes as good as any restaurant or store-bought California roll. Plus, it’s one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For best results, do use the sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I recently became a fan of tilapia. Its mild taste makes it easy to top with my favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio

My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

My mother used to make this hearty soup from her garden’s bountiful crop of beets and other vegetables. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington

The key to this curry chicken is getting complex flavors without a heavy feel. For the veggies, I like colorful pea pods, sweet red peppers and water chestnuts. —David Dahlman, Chatsworth, California

I’m always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

This is a great easy chicken jambalaya recipe. It’s great to serve at parties and it reheats well after! —Lynn Desjardins, Atkinson, New Hampshire

I had paella for the first time in Spain. And it was so good, I’ve been on the quest to re-create the rich flavors of that dish ever since. We love the shrimp, chicken, veggie and olives in this easy make-at-home version. —Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois

My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

This is a heart-healthy, one-skillet meal that is quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. Vegetarian teachers and students alike appreciate this stew at school potlucks. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin

Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you’re in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

Combine olives, onion, dill and feta cheese in a tangy, Greek-inspired topping to boost the flavor of tilapia or your favorite whitefish. —Jennifer Maslowski, New York, New York

A creamy peanut butter sauce coats moist slices of pork in this delectable dish from Amy Van Orman of Rockford, Michigan. “This recipe is from a friend in my cooking club, and it’s always a favorite,” she notes.

Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington

This yummy chicken gyro recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just take tender chicken, coat it in a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, then tuck it into pita pockets. Some folks like lettuce and diced tomato on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Our three children all love the spicy flavors found in this dish. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York

Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made German treats such as this traditional red cabbage. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee

This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had in Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas

A friend raved about Korean bulgogi—beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger—so I tried it. It’s delicious! Dazzle the table with this tasty version of beef and rice. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

To celebrate my two daughters’ Chinese heritage, we occasionally make Chinese food, especially around traditional Eastern holidays like Chinese New Year. I took a traditional pork dumpling recipe and modified it using ground chicken so that we can have them any time, not just holidays. —Joy Olcott, Millersville, Pennsylvania

We all need a quick, healthy meal that’s delicious, too. I marinate the chicken before I leave for work, and when I get home, I do the grilling and make the relish. My husband loves the spicy flavor. If more heat is desired, sprinkle on more red pepper flakes. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

My family loves pork tenderloin, so I created this hearty meal. This slightly sweet preparation is one of our favorites. It’s also an impressive dish for company.—Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota.

This is an easy recipe for a “tofu beginner,” as it teaches people how to use it. For best results, cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon

This is a family favorite in my house. It’s very quick and satisfying and not to mention, yummy! —Sharon Mannix, Windsor, New York

You’ll love this salad warm or chilled. For variety, add feta cheese or use this as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or mushrooms. —Brian Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii

This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap, but with more delicious and healthy flavor. Instead of ordering Chinese, you’ll be making these yourself! —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This dish is perfect on cold winter days, especially after we have been out cutting wood or white-tail hunting. If you are lucky enough to have venison, try it here for melt-in-your-mouth goodness. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri

This Italian eggplant dips preps quickly and actually gets better as it stands. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Try adding a little leftover caponata to scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana

Fruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It’s a promising go-to option when time’s tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

A good friend gave me this recipe when I first got married. I was a bit apprehensive to try it since the ingredients weren’t that familiar to me, but, years later, it’s now one of our family favorites. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia

My husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that’s both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California

I love Asian food and wanted a chili-like soup with the distinctive flavors of General Tso’s chicken. The slow cooker makes this super easy, and you can use any meat you like. It’s a great with turkey, ground meats or leftover pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington

My love for Greece inspired this fast-to-fix Mediterranean dip. It’s great for parties and is a delicious way to include garden-fresh veggies on your menu. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland

When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin

Quick Chicken Cacciatore from Marcia Hostetter of Canton, New York is a colorful and flavorful fast-to-fix main dish. Serve it with a crisp lettuce and tomato salad topped with your favorite bottled dressing.

When I make Asian-spiced lettuce wraps with lean ground pork, I remind my family they’re meant to be an appetizer—but maybe I should just call it supper. —Mary Kisinger, Medicine Hat, Alberta

Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It’s great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts

This recipe is foolproof and well worth the prep time. Kids love the sweetness of the honey, and I serve the slaw on the side so my vegetarian friends can enjoy it, too.—Karen Norris, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Here’s a main-dish salad that’s just plain fun to eat. It’s crunchy, beefy and has a little kick. Best of all, it’s good for you. —Janet Dingler, Cedartown, Georgia

Curry gives a different taste sensation to this chili-like soup. It’s delicious with a dollop of sour cream. My family welcomes it with open arms—and watering mouths. —Christina Till, South Haven, Michigan

Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I’ve figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer a traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas

Here’s a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio

If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it’s now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio

I’ve brought this hot dish to potlucks and it received rave reviews. There’s never a crumb left. Best of all, it’s a simple, healthy and hearty supper made with easy to find ingredients. —Anne Taglienti of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen