One of the things I love about my Instant Pot is how it can make healthy food fast. These healthy Instant Pot recipes are some of my favorite weeknight meals because I can dump the ingredients in my pot, press a button, and walk away while my meal cooks to perfection.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite healthy Instant Pot recipes so you can try them for yourself. If you’re a little intimidated by your Instant Pot, be sure to check out my video here, sharing 10 things I think will help you get started right away.
Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
1. Vegan Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup
Jen from Simple Green Smoothies shares this dairy-free soup from The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. I make it at least twice a month as part of my weekly meal prep, and it’s quickly become a fan favorite. I love how comforting it is. It reminds me of Thanksgiving in a bowl!
2. Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls (Low-carb & Whole30)
This easy one-pot meal comes together in minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. The chicken cooks on the bottom of the pot, while a bowl of cauliflower florets cooks on top, in just a 4-minute pressure cooking cycle. When it’s done, the cauliflower can be flaked into rice-like pieces with a fork!
This healthy Instant Pot recipe comes together in minutes, for a protein-rich breakfast or snack on the go. You can even freeze them to reheat for a fast morning.
photo: Inspiralized
These Korean Chicken Bowls are a fast and flavorful meal, that you can serve over rice that you cook pot-in-pot, or over protein-rich quinoa like Ali from Inspiralized did here. (Don’t cook quinoa pot-in-pot, though… it doesn’t work!)
5. Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Soup
This healthy Instant Pot soup is made with green lentils for plant-based protein, and lots of veggies! It’s a great option for meal prep, because it makes enough for a meal right away, plus leftovers for an easy packed lunch.
6. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup
photo: Well Plated
Erin from Well Plated shares this recipe from The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. I love this recipe because it has the flavor you love, with a sneaky serving of extra veggies and less cheese, for a “lightened up” version. (Like all of the recipes in my Instant Pot cookbook, this recipe includes a tested dairy-free option.)
7. Hidden Cauliflower Mac n’ Cheese
This creamy Mac n’ Cheese packs a sneaky serving of veggies, and is lightened-up by using less cheese than traditional recipes. I love how the cauliflower cooks at the same time as the pasta, and practically dissolves when you give it a stir after cooking!
8. Instant Pot Sweet Potato Vegan Curry
photo: Fit Foodie Finds
Lee from Fit Foodie Finds shares this fast vegan dinner from The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. Red lentils and sweet potatoes cook so quickly under pressure, your entire meal is ready in less than 30 minutes!
photo: Cookie + Kate
My friend Kathryne, from Cookie + Kate, shares this easy make-ahead salad from The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. I love how the Instant Pot takes care of the cooking the rice, so you can chop the veggies and make the dressing all at the same time.
10. Instant Pot Salmon (with perfectly steamed broccoli!)
Salmon cooks so quickly in the Instant Pot, I use a 0-minute (yes, zero minutes!) pressure cooking cycle so that I can cook it with veggies, too. Top it off with fresh broccoli, and you have perfectly cooked salmon with non-mushy broccoli for a fast & healthy dinner.
11. Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oatmeal is easier than ever when you prepare it in the Instant Pot. Instead of waiting for water to boil and watching the stove to make sure it doesn’t boil over, or burn to the bottom of your pan, you can just add the oats and water, press a button, and walk away while you accomplish other morning tasks.
12. Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs can be a pain to peel, but not when they are pressure cooked! In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make eggs (soft, medium, or hard) that are easy to peel for a fast, protein-packed option you can add to any meal.
13. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Lisa from 100 Days of Real Food shares this recipe from The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. I love that it’s naturally dairy-free, and how you can cook rice for serving at the same time, in the same pot.
14. Instant Pot Pad Thai Stir Fry
photo: Hummusapien
You can cook your favorite healthy pasta quickly in the Instant Pot, then use the sauté function to saute the veggies for a quick one-pot stir fry! The creamy peanut sauce is addictive, and your hands are free to make it while the Instant Pot does the rest. Thanks to Alexis from Hummusapien for sharing this one!
photo: SkinnyTaste
Cooking beans from scratch is a breeze with the Instant Pot, and this recipe shows you how to make an easy refried version with the fat. Make sure to use dried beans (not canned) to get correct results! Thanks to Gina from SkinnyTaste for sharing this one.
16. Make-Ahead Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
Quinoa makes a hearty breakfast because it’s a complete source of plant-based protein. This tutorial teaches you how to make a big batch at the beginning of the week, for easy breakfasts all week long that you can top like cereal.
17. Instant Pot Curried Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy and comforting soup is dairy-free and packed with flavor! You can use frozen bags of cut-up squash to make it as fast and easy as possible.
18. My Favorite Black Bean & Quinoa Salad
I love using my Instant Pot to prepare the quinoa part of this make-ahead salad, so my hands are free to chop the veggies and make the dressing at the same time. It makes you extra-efficient! When the quinoa is done, you can use the big bowl of the Instant Pot to stir it all together.
19. How to make PERFECT Chicken Breasts in your Instant Pot
If you like to cook chicken on its own, for adding to stir fries or salads during your week, here’s how to make a batch in your Instant Pot without drying it out! This is the ONLY method I’ve found that makes chicken breasts that aren’t rubbery. (Otherwise chicken thighs are more fool-proof.)
20. Comforting Curried Chicken Stew
This easy soup makes such a comforting Fall meal. I love how you can just add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot, press a button, and walk away! No dairy or flour required.
21. Peaches & Cream Steel Cut Oatmeal
Jenn from Once Upon a Chef shares this creamy, dairy-free breakfast made easy in your Instant Pot. I love how you can use frozen peaches to skip the prep work!
22. Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash with Chicken
This is another easy one-pot meal I developed for Whole Foods Market. I love how you can cook the spaghetti squash in just 7 minutes, then use the Instant Pot again to sauté everything together.
This curry recipe comes together quickly when you use a can of cooked chickpeas. I love that it’s made without coconut milk, and features lots of veggies!
This recipe is low-effort and low in calories, and bursting with flavor! I love how all you have to do is add the ingredients, press a button, and walk away.
25. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
I will never cook a spaghetti squash in my oven again. It takes just 7 minutes when you make it in the Instant Pot! I like to cut it in half for a super-fast cooking time, but you can even cook it whole if you prefer. Directions are included for both ways in this post.
When I first got my Instant Pot, I used it mostly for making some kitchen staples from scratch, like black beans. You can make them for a fraction of the cost of using canned beans, and without preservatives. Freeze them in 1 1/2-cup portions so you can use them in place of canned beans in recipes.
Making quinoa couldn’t be easier in your Instant Pot, and it makes a protein-rich alternative to rice. Instead of waiting for water to boil on the stove, or making sure it doesn’t burn to the bottom, you just add the quinoa and water, press a button, and walk away. It’s perfectly cooked every time!
28. One-Pot Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
This one-pot meal showcases the magic of the Instant Pot, as it cooks the main course on the bottom of the pot, and a bowl of cauliflower “mashed potatoes” on top, all at the same time– in the same pot! Thanks to The Blender Girl for sharing it from The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. You can watch us make this dish by going to the recipe on her blog!
29. Vegetarian “Cheeseburger” Salad with Special Sauce
The Instant Pot takes care of cooking the seasoned lentil “meat” for this recipe, keeping your hands free to whip up the dairy-free “special sauce” and chop the salad veggies. Thanks to Brittany of Eating Bird Food for sharing this one from my book!
This easy egg bake makes a healthy breakfast that cooks while you get ready for work or school. When you chop the veggies into small pieces, there’s no need to saute them before you get started with this healthy Instant Pot recipe.
31. Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes turn out soft and tender when you cook them in the Instant Pot, without the risk of burning them. I tested this method for weeks so you’d have a fool-proof formula for figuring out how long to cook sweet potatoes by their weight!
Brown rice is one of my family’s favorite side dishes, but it can take up to 45 minutes when you cook it on the stove. With the Instant Pot, you can just add the water and rice and walk away to accomplish other tasks while it cooks to perfection.
Intimidated by your Instant Pot?
Here’s a 3-minute video with 10 things I think you should know, to help you get started:
Looking for more healthy Instant Pot recipes?
The Fresh & Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook is loaded with quick & easy recipes, made with real food ingredients– without using processed seasoning packets or refined sugar. There is a photo for every recipe, along with the nutrition information you might need, and all of the recipes call for ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. (I’m a lazy cook myself, so if it’s not easy I won’t make it!)
Order Your Copy Today:
I hope you’ll enjoy all of these healthy Instant Pot recipes!
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Reader Feedback: Do you have another favorite healthy Instant Pot recipe? Please share in the comments below!
I always want (need) more tips on specifically how to make one pot meals. I’ve never tried it because I’m so nervous it won’t work!
I was nervous to try them at first, too! But now that’s what I use my Instant Pot for the most. I love throwing everything in there for dinner and having it ready without standing over the stove! There are lots of options for that in the new book, and the directions walk you through each step.
Can’t wait to try the sesame-ginger lentil salad! We use your recipes all the time and I especially appreciate the vegan recipes!
Thank you so much for the awesome bonus! I’ve been SO looking forward to your new book. Can’t wait to make some good vegan dishes!
I shared your books link with my friend who’s still afraid of her IP. She got an IP on Prime Day, and her husband has been the one doing all the cooking with it!
I was so scared of mine when I first got it, too! I hope the book helps!
Hi Megan!
I love all your recipes, and I’m stoked about the bonus. I’ve had my instant pot for a while now, but I’ve only cooked pot in pot once. Your recipes are so easy to follow, and they never disappoint. I’m ready to try cooking two dishes simultaneously!
Shared in an email!
Chicken tikka masala in the instant pot sounds good to me today!
I would love to learn how to make a “casserole” type meal, my daughter says a “bean soup”, and I’ve often wondered if it is possible to make a healthier sweet treat i.e. like a dutch oven style cobbler or something. I realize making a fruit “crisp” would be difficult bc I don’t think things typically stay crispy in a pressure cooker, but yeah, something like that – “Pie in a Pot” – a different healthy version of pot pie, savory or sweet.
There’s a fresh apple crumble in the new book that’s SO good! It’s not quite as crispy as a traditional crisp, but it’s still got all of the flavor and texture there, while being super-easy!
I would love to try the Kung Pao Chickpeas with rice! Sounds amazing.
I love soup recipes for the Instant Pot! A vegetarian chili would be great.
I’m excited about the shakshuka recipe. My kids love that!
Hi Megan, I love your sight and recipes you send me. I’m on a tight budget, hope I ein! Would love to see a beef stew
Looks like it’ll be a great cook book!
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip or Buffalo Califlower!
My daughter bought me your new cook book for Mother’s Day. Can’t wait to receive it! Still don’t have an instapot yet but will definitely be getting one soon.
I’m interested in all things vegetarian Indian/lower carb! I love my big instant pot but keep thinking I could cut my Sunday weekly prep time in half with a second pot!
I’m really curious to try a dessert recipe in the Instant Pot! And in general I’m excited to use your new cookbook to integrate the Instant Pot more into our cooking routine – right now it’s just a once in a while appliance.
I’ve shared the link with a couple friends who want to get more out of their instant pot for the bonus entry.
Hi Megan, I emailed your email to sev. friends, copied you for 2nd entry.Love your recipes!
Chicken paprikas
I would love to try the Eggroll in a bowl. I’ve seen so many good reviews about it!
I would love to make a fish with sweet potatoes in an IP
My wonderful very old pressure cooker has kicked the bucket. I’d love to try an instant pot.
I love cooking under pressure. I make veggie broth, vegan rissotto and SOUPS and BEANS! yum!
I would love to try desserts in the IP. I have made plenty of savory things but have yet to try desserts – mostly because I am not a big cheesecake fan 🙂 If I were to win, this IP would go to my mom. Thanks for the chance!
I’d love to know some more flavorful recipes that are vegetarian/vegan. I love your recipes, but others outside of your website that I’ve tried are lacking flavor in the Instant pot. It’s like it zaps the spices or something? Or maybe they don’t have time to cure. I haven’t run into that with any of your IP recipes though. Also, dinner recipes that are V/V but not rice based. Thanks so much! I’m soooo excited about the book!
I think you need to use extra seasonings with the Instant Pot because there is no evaporation, like there is with traditional cooking, which concentrates the flavors.
I don’t own an Instant Pot but have been so curious about them and trying one. I really want to try the burrito bowls.
I shared the link!! It looks like a great cookbook!
I sent the link to my friends on facebook, too!
Lentil & walnut tacos!
Thank you for this! Would love to see a jambalaya recipe!
I’d like to make one pot meals and more healthy meals!
Thanks for sharing your recipes!
I would like to try them all they sound so good but my first would have to be the Egg roll in a Bowl and Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bowls, Yum Thank you for these wonderful recipes and Awesome opportunities, I have the updated kind you use on the stove, but just aren’t comfortable with it and would love to try this. Thanks
I would love to see a ribs or beef roast recipe! I make these all the time and love trying new sauces and ways to make them. I dont have an instant pot yet so Id love to win!
I have always wanted to try Egg Roll in a Bowl, and never knew there was an Instant Pot recipe! And I’ll be sharing via Instagram!
Can’t wait to try the chicken tikka masala! I absolutely love the eggroll in a bowl and look forward to branching out to try new things with this book!
Thank you for this! Soooo excited for your cookbook. I’ve been terrified of using my IP and have been a little overwhelmed by it–especially when it comes to adapting other recipes not originally written for the IP.
I’m really looking forward to learning how to cook multiple dishes at the same time to reduce time cooking and cleaning. Multiple pots and pans and dishes to clean after every meal is so exhausting after a day at work and takes away from playtime with the kiddos before they go to bed.
I’m also really excited to learn some new, healthy meals. Love your site!
Also, I’ve shared the link to your book with my mom and friends. 🙂
Oh my goodness! So excited to try all the recipes in this book! Especially because we’re vegan. It’s so exciting to know every recipe has a vegan option!!! Love that you do that! Really, I love all the work you do. We had Kung Pao Chickpeas for lunch from the crockpot. Can’t wait to use your new book to try them in the InstantPot!
I would love to try the lentil walnut tacos! 🌮
I do not have an Instant Pot😕
So this would be such a wonderful prize to win! And of course I would totally buy your new book! 💜
I’d like to try cooking steel cut oats in a new instant pot!
Excited to try any kid friendly recipes in the new book. I emailed the link to a neighbor who just bought an instspot and she is super excited to get a book full of healthy recipes!
Chicken curry
I would love an instant pot especially since becoming a first time
Mom and finding myself with a lot less time to spend in the kitchen! I would love to make a yummy tortilla soup or other veggie loaded soup that I don’t have to stand and stir and watch on the stove for an hour plus!
Any type of “One pot” vegan meals!
I would love to win an instant pot! I’ve read all about it in The Plant Paradox.
I have really been enjoying your recipes. Every recipe I’ve tried is delicious! Thank you!
Thank you for the chance to win. All of your recipes look amazing, but I don’t have an instapot so I am crossing my fingers (and toes!) and hoping I might win so I can order your new cookbook and try them all. Thank you.
My family loves chickpeas but they do take a lot of time to “spice” up. I would want to try the Kung Pao Chickpeas recipe if I won the Instant Pot!
Also just shared the link to your new cookbook on my Facebook page.
Good luck with the new cookbook.
Thank you!
Just bought my instant pot and looking forward to your cookbook. This entry is for my daughter who wants one but husband says they don’t really need it
Megan, I enjoy your newsletters and the recipes that you share. Our daughter is due within a few weeks. I have shared with her several of your articles about healthy eating while pregnant and also nursing. I already have your EveryDay Detox cookbook and am looking forward to your new Fresh and Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook. One of my favorite things to do is read several of your recipes and then adapt them to the ingredients that I have on hand. I am better at reading recipes to see what things will taste good when cooked together, but not necessarily following the recipes to the letter.
Will you have any recipes suitable/specific to the 3qt. Mini Duo Instant Pot in your new cookbook? I realize that cutting ingredient amounts in half is an always an option. Also ideas on pans to be used for pan in pan cooking in the smaller sized Instant Pot would be helpfu.
I use my 3qt. Mini Duo Instant Pot often especially if I am cooking just for myself, but have been considering the 6qt. Instant Pot so I can make enough to freeze for future meals. Therefore, I’m excited to enter your giveaway. Thanks for all of your healthy and tasty ideas.
Wings
I would start with chicken tikka masala… but then made each one of your instant pot receipes 😂 I discovered your blog this year and I am beyond blessed! everything I made so far is amazing. I do not own instant pot yet but while I do I will keep cooking more of your stuff!
Thanks for inspiring and helping me to make healthy choices ! ❤️
Really want to try your take on vegan tikka masala! Its my absolute favorite Indian dish. Definitely plan to order the e-book now that I am back to work and need easy recipes for my toddler, 6mo old, and hubby to enjoy with me! Having an instapot would make meal time sooooo much easier on this mama!