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23 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes to Whip Up on Weeknights

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.

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.

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.

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.


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?

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.


Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

Have a low-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.



purewow author

Freelance PureWow Editor