10 Simple and Healthy Recipes for Beginners to Start Cooking Today

Are you new to cooking and looking for simple, healthy recipes that won't overwhelm you? Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or just someone wanting to eat healthier, these recipes are perfect for beginners. They require minimal ingredients, are easy to prepare, and taste delicious! Let’s dive into these ten simple recipes that will boost your confidence in the kitchen.

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
• Toss in mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and cook for another minute.

Serve hot!

2. Easy Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 cup lettuce (chopped)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup cucumber (sliced)
• Dressing of choice (olive oil and lemon juice recommended)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber.
• Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
• Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!

3. Oven-Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place salmon on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

4. Quick Quinoa Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
• 1/2 cup black beans (canned, rinsed)
• 1/2 avocado (sliced)
• Salsa to taste

Instructions: In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, and salsa. Top with avocado slices and enjoy!

5. Simple Veggie Omelette

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup bell pepper (chopped)
• 1/4 cup spinach (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add bell peppers and spinach, cooking until soft.
• Pour in the eggs and cook until set, folding in half.

6. Healthy Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Cooking spray (for the pan)

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mash the banana and mix in eggs and baking powder.
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
• Pour batter to form small pancakes and cook until bubbles form.
• Flip and cook until golden brown. Serve with honey or maple syrup!

7. Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
• 1/2 cucumber (chopped)
• 1/2 bell pepper (chopped)
• Olive oil and lemon juice to taste

Instructions: In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, and bell pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and mix well. Enjoy chilled!

8. Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes (sliced)
• 1 ball mozzarella (sliced)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic vinegar and olive oil to drizzle

Instructions:

• Alternate layers of tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate.
• Add basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

9. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (sliced)
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden. Toss in the cooked spaghetti, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Serve hot!

10. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt (plain or flavored)
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1 cup mixed fruits (berries, banana, etc.)

Instructions:

• In a glass, layer yogurt, granola, and mixed fruits.
• Repeat layers as desired.
• Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack!

Cooking doesn't have to be complicated! With these ten simple and healthy recipes, you can start your culinary journey with confidence. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients as you become more comfortable in the kitchen. Happy cooking!