You won’t believe that these fudgy, chocolatey treats are made with a few secret ingredients that transform dessert into a nourishing snack. Pumpkin puree goes entirely undetected when paired with rich cacao powder, and supplies a boost of vitamin A and fiber. Black bean flour (available online and in health food stores) delivers that irresistible fudgy texture, while keeping this recipe gluten-free and supplying protein, fiber and minerals. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, helping to lower blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity which reduces your risk of diabetes, and also reduce inflammation throughout the body. Mexican hot chocolate incorporates cinnamon and chili powder for a layer of spices within the sweet treat. Those same spices give this recipe an extra kick of anti-inflammatory power and a subtle undertone of spice that pairs deliciously with the cacao.

Known as “cong you bing” in China, these delicious scallion pancakes are made with dough rather than batter, layered with flavorful scallions and pan-fried, resulting in crispy edges and an irresistible chewy texture perfect for dipping into a savory sauce. Scallions are one of the most affordable superfoods, packed with vitamin C, vitamin B, calcium, potassium and antioxidants. Make up a batch of these to share while watching the Olympics this winter—they’re a bit of a project to make, but sure to be a hit with whomever you share them with!

This vibrant and fresh recipe originated in Iran. Candy-colored beets layer with creamy labneh for a delicious and impressive dish that’s as healthy as it is beautiful. Beets are high in digestion-boosting fiber and also contain nitrates which help to widen blood vessels and improve blood pressure. Beets are also a rich source of Vitamin C and iron. Labneh, a thick strained yogurt, is an excellent source of probiotics to boost your gut microbiome and contains protein to increase satiety. It’s also low in lactose, since the whey has been strained out, making it easier for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy sensitivity to enjoy it without issue. Oranges give another boost of vitamin C, and pistachios add heart-healthy unsaturated fat, making this recipe an all-around winner for your body and your palate.

These lightened-up mushroom shawarma wraps provide all the smoky, savory flavors of the meaty street food favorite, while packing in lots of healthy vegetables, spices and herbs. Mushrooms are a veritable superfood, offering high levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which protects the body from stress and inflammation, and helps it heal after fighting off an illness. They also protect against neurological and heart diseases, and are rich in energy-boosting B and D vitamins. Lettuce leaves offer a nutrient-rich alternative to a wrap made from flour, and cucumbers add a hydrating and delicious crunch. If you have any leftover garlic yogurt sauce, it’s perfect for adding a kick of flavor to grain bowls or roasted meats and vegetables.

This beautiful, hearty salad is quick enough for a healthy weeknight meal while also feeling special enough for entertaining. Sweet delicata squash takes center stage and saves you time with its thin and edible skin. Paneer, a traditional Indian ingredient, is a firm non-melting cheese that crisps up deliciously in the oven. It adds protein and calcium to this dish, alongside chickpeas, which also contribute protein and fiber. Kale, rich in vitamins A, K and C, as well as powerful antioxidants, is a tasty way to fortify your immune system and lower inflammation in your body. The creamy cilantro dressing that ties this whole dish together also helps detoxify your body. Cilantro contains powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. It also promotes liver health and decreases bad cholesterol.

The sweltering days of late summer call for cooling, hydrating foods. All the better if they require little time in a hot kitchen. This simple recipe transforms basic summer ingredients into a flavorful, beautifully-spiced meal that’s elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for weeknight dinner. Watermelon and tomatoes both contain lycopene, which boosts your skin’s defenses against sun damage. The addition of Moroccan-influenced spices also adds to the nutrition of this dish. Paprika contains vitamins A and C, antioxidants and can help balance blood sugar levels, while cumin has anticancer properties and an anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Cool, creamy and refreshing, labneh is a traditional Middle Eastern food, stemming back from ancient times. Made from strained yogurt, labneh was an important source of protein for the Bedouin tribes and holds a central space in Armenian, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian and Israeli culinary traditions. It can be made from goat, sheep, cow, camel or buffalo milk, each with its distinct flavor, and you can purchase it or make your own by straining a thinner plain yogurt. An excellent source of protein, calcium and Vitamin A, labneh also offers gut-boosting probiotics.

This classic Lebanese salad features a refreshing mix of greens, herbs and crisped flatbread, all tossed in a zesty sumac-spiced dressing. Perfect for pairing with meat or poultry, this salad also stands well alone as a hearty vegetarian meal with sides of tabbouleh and hummus. Sumac is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory spices you can add to your cooking. It’s full of antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and can even help offset cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It has a pleasantly sour flavor, similar to lemon, and makes a delicious addition to dressings, dips and marinades.

Inspired by the Macrobiotic diet, which focuses on whole grains and plant-based nutrition, the Buddha bowl is flexible and typically includes grains, steamed or roasted vegetables, beans or soy, and a fermented ingredient like sauerkraut or kimchi. Zen Buddhism encourages this balanced and moderate way of eating, and Buddha subsisted on whatever simple foods local people could spare for him each day. In this nutrition-packed recipe, sweet potato provides skin- and eye-supporting beta carotene, tofu and brown rice add protein and gut-boosting fiber, and cucumbers boost hydration. Adding a fermented component like sauerkraut or kimchi aids in digestion and helps support your microbiome, where the immune system lives. Serve up variations of this recipe with whatever vegetables and protein you have on hand for a flexible healthy meal everyone will love.

Congee, the ultimate Chinese comfort food, gets a whole-grain spin with the easy substitution of brown rice. Simple and satisfying, this recipe is just the thing to make when you’re feeling under the weather or craving something warming and heartening. Brown rice is a nutritional powerhouse, offering fiber to aid in digestion and satiety, protein for sustained energy, zinc for immune function and also helps lower bad cholesterol. Mushrooms contain selenium and vitamin D, helping to boost mood, thyroid and immune function. For an even heartier meal, add some shredded chicken or a fried egg to this recipe.

A staple across the Middle East for centuries, you’ll find some variation of this recipe across much of the globe. This version utilizes ground chicken, for a lean source of protein, and employs harissa, a spicy, smoky blend of roasted peppers, chili peppers, garlic, cumin and lemon for a flavor and health boost. Spicy food can increase your feelings of satiety, and also has been linked to improving heart health and boosting metabolism. Reach for this quick recipe when you want a fast and healthy meal that’s full of color, spice and flavor.

These colorful and filling bowls pack a big nutritional punch along with a ton of bright, zesty flavors. Gochujang, a staple in Korean cooking, flavors this simple braised chicken, serving as a saucy counterpoint to a cool and crunchy kimchi cucumber salad. Kimchi, a Korean fermented cabbage, contains naturally occurring probiotics that strengthen the gut, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels and contribute to a radiant complexion. Perfect for weekly meal preps, this dish comes together in a flash, especially when you start with already cooked chicken and grains. Just reheat the chicken in the braising sauce and dig in!

Traditionally made with fresh raw fish, poke bowls originated in Hawaii and have grown in popularity all over the world. Super fresh, light and full of clean, bright flavors, they’re the ideal meal to enjoy when you’re looking for a break from the heavy food of the holiday season. In this recipe, I’ve swapped the traditional raw fish for cubed watermelon. While unconventional, it looks uncannily like raw tuna, and its sweetness and crunch play perfectly with a classic soy and sesame marinade. Enjoy this recipe as is, or serve it over rice or your favorite grain for a more filling plant-based bowl.

Common throughout the United Kingdom, shepherd’s pie was originally devised as a way to use up leftover meat. Now a delicious dish in its own right, I’ve re-worked this versatile recipe with a creamy and cheesy cauliflower topping to replace the traditional potato mash.

This recipe celebrates the bounty of fall, utilizing acorn squash as the perfect vehicle for a hearty brown rice filling stacked with nutty, sweet and savory flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Acorn squash is rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium, and its thin skin lets you skip peeling for a quicker prep time. Brown rice is a hearty and filling whole grain that boosts satiety with protein and fiber, and can aid in lowering cholesterol naturally. You can serve this recipe as a weeknight vegetarian supper with a mixed green salad, or double it for a healthy side to serve on your Thanksgiving or harvest celebration table.

This bright and summery dish has us dreaming of warmer days with a tropical combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado and zesty lime.

When your pantry and fridge look bleak, reach for this freezer-friendly comfort food recipe that’s an easy dupe for a takeout favorite. Frozen vegetables are preserved at the peak of their freshness, ensuring maximum nutrients. Feel free to swap in brown rice for the noodles, tofu for the chicken, and fresh vegetables for frozen. This recipe is all about making something delicious with whatever you have on hand.

These Norwegian Style Salmon Cakes utilize canned salmon to a delicious end. A cost-effective way to incorporate more heart-healthy omega-3 fats into your diet, canned salmon takes on a fresh taste when served alongside hydrating dilled cucumbers and fiber-filled corn salad.

Cucumbers contain a balance of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K, which can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels when consumed regularly. These salmon cakes also make for a delicious burger when sandwiched in a bun or with lettuce.

This freezer and pantry friendly recipe relies on a few shelf-stable basics to elevate the humble mushroom to a crave-worthy meal. Rich in energy-boosting B vitamins and immune system bolstering vitamin D, mushrooms are an ideal ingredient to add to your quarantine grocery list.

This Middle Eastern favorite is a perfect healthy snack option to keep on hand. If social distancing or under-stocked stores have you unable to pick up your favorite pre-made hummus, this recipe makes it quick and simple to prepare your own from pantry staples you probably have on hand. Take this opportunity to try out delicious flavor mix-ins, which not only add to the flavor profile but also boost the health benefits of this already protein and fiber-rich recipe. You might never go back to store-bought hummus again!