Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes

These Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes are simple, healthy and kid-friendly as well! They’re perfect dinner side dishes and a great way to add some extra veggies to your day. 

*Originally published 8/2017. Updated 9/2023*

Hi friends!

I originally wrote this post shortly after my second child started eating solid foods. While I did a fairly good job making and serving my oldest a variety of vegetables, it’s a whole different game trying to start feeding a baby with a wild toddler running around.

When I noticed I was falling into the habit of giving her more fruit than veggies, I decided I needed to step up my game. I made an effort to be more proactive about prepping vegetables to have on hand to give her for meals and snacks.

How To Make Vegetables More Interesting

One of the easiest ways to make vegetables more interesting is to add variety. That can mean changing the preparation method – raw, steamed, roasted, sauteed, etc and can also mean adding different spices and seasoning to change up the flavors. Spices like paprika, cumin, curry powder and oregano are great ways to change up the flavor profile without making foods too spicy for little mouths.

What vegetables are best for picky eaters?

All of them! One of the best things you can do for more selective eaters is to offer a wide variety and offer them repeatedly, even when they’re not getting eaten. Exposure matters and even getting kids to touch, smell or lick things on their plate can be a huge exposure win!

Our Favorite Easy Vegetable Recipes

So, here are 9 quick and easy ways to add veggies to your table. I buy fresh veggies weekly, but my freezer is also packed with frozen veggies and my pantry usually has a few cans of vegetables as well.

Most Americans don’t eat nearly enough vegetables and my motto is “the easier the better” so these simple “recipes” will help add some vegetables to your familys’ plates and hopefully you’ll find some new favorites!

What Vegetables Side Dish Recipes Are Good For Last Minute Dinners?

Most of these are ready in just 20 minutes or so in the oven or on the stove if you need to cook them right before eating. But they can also be made ahead of time and reheated which makes them perfect for dinner in a hurry.

They don’t really require recipes so I’ve just provided a short description/instructions for each one:

Easy Roasted Vegetables – Ginger Soy Green Beans

If you’re not a fan of just plain steamed green beans, try these with fresh green beans! I simply cut the ends off, toss in a little oil and roast at 400 degrees F on a foil-lined baking sheet for about 12 minutes, stirring once.

Then drizzle with a little sweet thai chili sauce, some soy sauce and a bit of fresh ginger (or ginger paste) and mix well.

Vegetables with Butter – Paprika Carrots

I just peel some fresh carrots and thinly slice them, then toss with a little melted butter and sprinkle with paprika and roast on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until desired softness is reached, stirring occasionally.

You could also use baby carrots for this – it’d be an easy way to keep all the slices similar sized. I slice mine pretty thin both so they cook quickly and are easy for the baby to eat but you could make them thicker and cook them longer. Also- don’t like butter? Just drizzle with oil instead.

Oven Baked Vegetables – Broccoli Tots

Steam a bag of broccoli in the microwave. Drain excess water and add to food processor. Pulse until well chopped.  Add an egg, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 – 1 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 cup shredded cheese and process until combined. Form into tot shape, squeezing tightly.

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes, flipping once. Serve with ketchup. Make sure you sprinkle the seasonings around the whole food processor bowl when adding instead of just dumping all in one spot or you may get ALL the garlic powder in one tot like my husband was lucky enough to taste!

Skillet Vegetables – Balsamic Mushrooms

Thinly slice mushrooms and cook over low heat on the stovetop with a little oil until soft. Add a little balsamic vinegar, mix well and serve.

Lightly Sweetened Vegetables – Maple Cinnamon Squash

Cut squash in half and remove seeds. I used acorn squash but most kinds would be fine. Cut into slices – I sliced mine into rings and then cut them in half. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet, brush both sides with maple syrup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roast at 400 degrees F for 20 min or until soft, flipping once.

Simple Sauteed Vegetables – Pesto Zoodles

Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Saute over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add pesto and stir to combine.

Oven Roasted Vegetables – Curried Sweet Potatoes

Slice and dice a sweet potato. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with oil (I usually use olive oil but coconut oil would be good for this flavor combo too!) and stir to coat. Sprinkle with curry powder, stir and roast at 425 degrees F for about 20 minutes, stirring a couple of times.

Smashed Vegetables – Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Look for the smallest little round potatoes you can find. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Roast at 425 for 20 minutes. Using the bottom of a glass, smash each potato.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and parmesan cheese. Optional – add rosemary to the mix. Also optional- stick back under the broiler once smashed to get them crispier!

Sauteed Vegetables – Peas with Pancetta

Saute diced pancetta and garlic in a pan. Steam peas in the microwave. Add peas to the pan, stir to combine and serve. Bacon would also work if you don’t have pancetta!


Easy Vegetable Recipes As Side Dishes FAQs

What vegetables are easiest to cook?

Frozen vegetables are a great option if you’re looking for vegetables that are easy to cook. You don’t need to peel or chop them and they pretty much just need to be heated up in the microwave or on the stove!

Similarly, canned vegetables are an easy option as well. Just open the can, drain if needed and then heat them up if you want to or serve them room temperature. Canned and frozen vegetables are also perfectly prepped to be added to things like soups and casseroles.

Here are some more quick and easy vegetable recipes for lunch/dinner.


What is the fastest vegetable to cook? What is the best way to cook vegetables quickly?

The smaller the vegetable pieces, the quicker they cook so if you do need things to cook quickly, dicing them into small pieces will help! You can also look for precut vegetables at the grocery store to save time.

Cooking frozen vegetables in the microwave is an easy way to cook vegetables quickly. You can then add seasonings, butter, salt etc or add a sauce on top for an easy side dish.

Harder vegetables like potatoes and carrots can take longer to cook than vegetables like peas, corn, peppers, beans etc.

Here are some quick-cooking tips for vegetables.


How to store these vegetable recipes?

These vegetable recipes can be stored in glass Pyrex containers in the fridge. To reheat them you can use the microwave, a saute pan or an air fryer.


What veggies are best for meal prepping? Can you meal prep vegetables for the week?

You guys know I love meal prep. I have a whole course called Mastering Food Prep. Vegetables are something I prep every single week. Some of my favorites are chopping, washing and drying lettuce for salads and prepping a veggie snack tray with carrots, cucumbers, peppers, cherry tomatoes, etc. I also always roast a few vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans etc to use as dinner side dishes.

Here are more tips for How To Meal Prep Veggies for Easy Meals and How To Meal Prep Specific Veggies.


What are some autumn and winter vegetable recipes? What are some spring and summer vegetable recipes?

Fall and winter veggies include things like brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, carrots, kale and other leafy greens. Spring and summer vegetables include things like asparagus, snap peas, corn, squash and zucchini.


Best Kid-Friendly Vegetable Side Dish Recipes:

Looking for more veggie side dishes? Try these:

  • 10 Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes
  • 25+ Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes
  • Healthy Veggie Nuggets
  • Kid-Friendly Vegetable Side Dishes

Let’s chat:

What’s your favorite veggie side dish?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

These Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. With a mix of vegetarian and meat options, there’s a pressure cooker recipe for everyone!

*Originally published 11/2017. Updated 9/2023*

Hi friends!

I first wrote this post back in 2017 when instant pots were all the rage and honestly, I wasn’t sure how long the trend would last. But here we are years later and I can still honestly say that I use mine every single week. It’s great for cooking things like rice, hard-boiled eggs and shredded chicken but it’s also great for making full meals!

I know a lot of people are intimidated by their instant pot so I wanted to round up some recipe ideas for you to try!

Instant Pot Chicken Dinner Recipes & Ideas

The list below is a mix of both meat-based and vegetarian options – a list of instant pot dinner recipes healthy and flavorful – and I’m sure there is something for everyone. However, I do get the most requests for instant pot chicken dinner recipes. So I’ve included several in the list below but I also did an entirely separate post with just chicken recipes so be sure to check that out as well!

Find it here: Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

And now, here are some easy instant pot dinner recipes you’ll love!


Easy Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes with Chicken

Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles

These Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles are packed with chicken and vegetables for a quick, healthy dinner the whole family will love! Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight.

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Asian Chicken

This Instant Pot Asian Chicken can also be made in a slow cooker. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. A healthy dinner the whole family will love!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Ready in 30 minutes, this is one of those Instant Pot dinner ideas that you’ll just keep coming back to. A little sweet, a little spicy and perfectly comforting on a busy night.

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Pressure cooking the chicken makes it fall-off-the-bone tender. Paired with a flavorful sauce and lots of veggies, this is one of those instant pot dinner ideas everyone will love!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Ginger Garlic Drumsticks

Tender chicken drumsticks in a sweet and sour sauce that will be a hit at any party!

Grab the recipe!


Best Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

Most people think slow cookers are the ultimate fix-it-and-forget-it dinner appliance but the instant pot is just as easy to use and can often get your favorite recipes done in less time than a crockpot!

Instant Pot Beef Stew

This healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is ready in under an hour and tastes like it has been simmering all day. The perfect dinner on a cold winter night.

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa

A quick and easy vegan meal idea made with pantry staples that you probably already have on hand!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Egg Roll in a Bowl

This veggie-packed meal is quick and easy to make and also high in protein. A simple sauce adds flavor!

Grab the recipe!

Creamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This recipe is creamy and delicious just like risotto but it’s totally hands-off, no stirring required!

Grab the recipe!

Best Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

You’ll love this tender and juicy pork tenderloin topped with a gravy made from the juices!

Grab the rcipe

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

A quick and healthy weeknight meal that’s the perfect balance of protein, carbs and veggies!

Grab the recipe!


Instapot Family Dinner Recipes with Pasta

Don’t let your instant pot intimidate you! There are so many instant pot family dinner recipes to try – you can even cook some of your favorite pasta recipes that your family will love!

Instant Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce

This Instant Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce is a simple, healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love!

Read more

Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta

A fun way to change things up on taco night, this taco pasta is made in the instant pot and will be a hit with the whole family!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Spaghetti

The quickest and easiest way to make spaghetti is using the instant pot!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Instant Pot Lasagna

The perfect combination of noodles, cheese and meat sauce. You won’t believe how easy it is to make lasagna in the instant pot.

Grab the recipe


Instant Pot Soups

Soups are easy to make on the stove but if you want to let one simmer and can’t be home all day to watch the open flame, making soup in the Instant Pot can be a great option!

Instant Pot Vegetable Minestrone Soup

This Italian classic soup is a family favorite. Toss all the ingredients in the instant pot and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week long!

Grab the recipe

Vegetarian Lentil Tortilla Soup

Easy to make, full of flavor and packed with protein, this soup is perfect for a cool Fall evening.

Grab the recipe!

Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

Your list of instant pot dinner recipes can’t be complete with a soup! This low carb soup is topped with bacon and green chilis making it totally irresistable.

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Chicken Sweet Potato Soup (with slow cooker option)

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

CGrab the recipe!

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

A flavorful combination of butternut squash, apples and spices blended to smooth perfection.

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Made with just 10 ingredients, this simple recipe is packed with flavor and makes the perfect dinner on a cold night!

Grab the recipe!


Best Easy Instant Pot Dinner Staple Recipes

Here are some simple staples you can make in the Instant Pot that can be used as parts of a dinner main dish or side dish.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Use this basic recipe to make flavorful shredded chicken that can be used to make everything from tacos to enchiladas to soups to wraps.

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Whole Rotisserie Chicken

Did you know you can make a whole chicken in the instant pot in just 45 minutes! Then use the bones to make chicken broth!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Learn how quick and easy to cook a spaghetti squash in the Instant pot in just 7 minutes!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Applesauce

If you have extra apples, this Instant Pot applesauce is quick and easy and makes a great dinner side dish for kids!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

These Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs come out perfectly every time. So easy even kids can make them!

Grab the recipe!

Instant Pot Quinoa

Use this quick and easy method to make a big batch of quinoa to use in specific recipes or as an easy dinner side dish!

Grab the recipe!

Perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

A super easy way to have perfectly cooked and fluffy baked potatoes in no time at all! The perfect dinner side dish.

Grab the recipe!


If something caught your eye, be sure to pin this post for later! And if you’re still looking to buy one, this is similar to the Instant Pot I have (affiliate link)!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

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Homemade Pepperoni Bread

This homemade pepperoni bread is so delicious it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next tailgate or party! If you’re short on time, use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough.

Hi friends!

This homemade pepperoni bread has been a big hit at our house so I wanted to share it with you today. This summer we perfected our favorite homemade pizza dough recipe and we discovered that we can use that recipe to make homemade pepperoni bread as well.

With tailgate season coming, this is an easy appetizer you can serve at parties and gatherings that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole crowd.

How Long Does It Take To Make Homemade Pepperoni Bread

The most time-consuming part of this recipe is making the homemade dough and even that doesn’t take that long because you don’t have to wait for the dough to rise.

But if you’re really short on time, you can grab some refrigerated pizza dough and use that.

Easy Homemade Pepperoni Bread Dough

When we make our dough we use bread flour, but you can use regular all-purpose flour as well.

To make the dough we just combine sugar and warm water, sprinkle some yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Then mix in salt, oil and flour and let the mixer knead it up for a few minutes. This recipe makes 2 loaves so divide the dough in half. You can always freeze half for later!

Stretch your dough into a rectangle, layer on provolone cheese and pepperoni, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with herbs, bake and slice!

Homemade Pepperoni Bread Recipe

Here’s the recipe we use:

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Homemade Pepperoni Bread Recipe

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This homemade pepperoni bread is so delicious it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next tailgate or party! If you’re short on time, use store-bought refrigerated pizza dough.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: 2 loaves 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp oil (I use avocado oil)
  • 33.5 cups bread flour (or AP flour)
  • 6 oz package of pepperoni
  • 2025 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • garlic powder and oregano for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sugar and warm water.
  2. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit 5 minutes.
  3. Add salt, oil and 3 cups of flour.
  4. Let the mixer mix for 3-5 minutes. Add flour 2 Tbsp at a time until dough is tacky but not sticky.
  5. Divide dough in half
  6. Spread one half of the dough into a large rectangle (10-12 inches wide).
  7. Starting on the short end of the rectangle, lay 2-3 pieces of provolone cheese and top with pepperoni.
  8. Fold the dough over and repeat on top of the layer you just folded over.
  9. Repeat 2-3 more times until you run out of dough, making sure to end seam side down.
  10. Repeat with the other half of the dough.
  11. Place loaves on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano.
  12. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.
  13. Let cool 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram


Pepperoni Bread FAQs

Can you freeze homemade pepperoni bread?

Yes, you have two options. You could make the pepperoni bread, let it cool, slice it and freeze wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in a Ziploc bag. Or you could make the dough, freeze half of it and just pull the dough out of the freezer when you’re ready to make a loaf of pepperoni bread.

Best cheese for homemade cheesy pepperoni bread?

This is going to depend on personal preference. For most people, the top choice is provolone. It has a smoky flavor that pairs well with pepperoni. We’ve also made it with havarti. Or you could try pepperjack to add a little kick!

Homemade pepperoni bread with crescent rolls

If you’re looking for an option using crescent rolls, try my Turkey and Cheese Roll-ups but swap pepperoni for the turkey.

Could you make homemade pepperoni bread sticks?

If you prefer, you could split the dough in half and then into 6-8 smaller balls, spread into a smaller rectangle and add a layer or two of pepperoni and cheese and then fold the dough over, ending seam side down so the shape looks more like individual bread sticks.


Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies

These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies are protein-packed but don’t require protein powder! They’re gluten-free, made with real food ingredients and absolutely delicious.

*Originally posted 3/2016. Updated 9/2023*

Hi friends!

These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies have now been a go-to of mine since 2016. I love them for a quick snack and they came in super handy during the newborn phase when I often needed to eat quickly and with one hand.

They’re very forgiving, and you can easily change up the mix-ins to make them more kid-friendly or to suit your tastebuds.


Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookie

Back when I first developed this recipe, I used my recipe for Sweet Potato Banana Bites (4-ingredient mini muffins) as a starting point and made some adjustments to make them more like sweet potato oatmeal cookies!

These would make a great sweet potato breakfast cookie. They’re low in added sugar and high in protein and fiber—a great way to start your day. They’d also be great for a snack, and if you throw in some chocolate chips, they could even pass as dessert to curb a sweet tooth.

Eating these for breakfast works out well for me because I can eat them quickly while I’m trying to feed three kids. Plus, I can make a batch on Sunday and eat them all week! Food prep for the win.

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet Potato Protein

If you’re looking for a protein cookie recipe, this one is great! Added bonus? You don’t need any protein powder to make these healthy protein cookies. If you’re looking for something similar that uses protein powder, check out my recipe for Sweet Potato Protein Bars!

I rarely check the nutritional information for my recipes, but these had me curious, so I put the recipe into MyFitnessPal. If you make a dozen cookies, each one has 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of sugar. If you make them a little bigger and make 8 cookies, each one has 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and 7 grams of sugar. That’s pretty good in my book!

Sweet Potato Oat Cookies

Because it calls for oat flour, the original recipe is gluten-free (use certified gluten-free oats if needed). However, I’ve made this recipe many times with white whole wheat flour in place of oat flour and it works perfectly. 

Sweet Potato Cookies Mix-ins

My favorite mix-ins are pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chia seeds and dried cranberries. You could use raisins or swap chocolate chips for dried fruit. To make them free of added sugar, you could try swapping mashed banana or baby food prunes (pureed) to add some sweetness naturally. I use peanut butter but you can make them nut-free with sunflower seed butter. Just know that they will likely turn green when baked due to a reaction with the baking soda. Perfectly safe to eat!


How To Make Easy Sweet Potato Cookies

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Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

No protein powder required for these Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies! They’re gluten-free, made with real food ingredients and packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy them for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 812 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 3/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
  • 1/2 cup nut butter (i use peanut butter but almond butter or sunflower seed butter would be great)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 23 Tbsp maple syrup (depending on desired level of sweetness)
  • 2 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
  • 1/4 cup Craisins or raisins
  • 1/4 cup oat flour (white whole wheat flour also works)
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Combine sweet potato, peanut butter and eggs in a large bowl and mix well.
  2. Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and Craisins and stir to combine.
  3. Add oat flour and baking soda and stir.
  4. Scoop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (8-12 cookies).
  5. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

These are fluffy and delicious.  I used white chia seeds, in case you noticed they’re not black in the photos.


Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of homemade in this recipe?

Yes! Canned sweet potato puree will work just fine in this recipe.

Can I replace the sweet potato for pumpkin? Can I make pumpkin cookies instead of sweet potato cookies? Can you use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! I get this question frequently and you can definitely replace the sweet potato with pumpkin if you’d like to! I almost always have a can of pumpkin in the pantry so I do this often.

Can I freeze sweet potato cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well! Just let them cool completely and then wrap in plastic wrap and tranfer to a freezer-safe bag. Let them thaw on the counter when ready to eat!

Could I make these with butternut squash?

Yes, canned squash can also be substituted for the sweet potato. I’ve even tried it with homemade roasted squash that I roast and puree until smooth.

Can I make gluten-free sweet potato cookies?

These cookies are gluten-free since they use oat flour (be sure to use certified gluten-free if needed). However, you can also make them with regular wheat flour if you have that on hand and don’t need them to be gluten-free.

Can I use oat flour and skip processing the rolled oats?

Yes! If you have oat flour on hand already, feel free to use it!


Other Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Delish!

Need more ideas? Try these:

Sweet Potato Waffles

These Sweet Potato Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, pre-workout fuel or an afternoon snack. Add some peanut butter in the middle for a fun waffle sandwich!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

These Sweet Potato White Bean Bars are perfect for breakfast or snack time. They’re kid-friendly, nut-free and full of fiber! 

Grab the recipe!

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

These Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies are flourless, sweetened with dates and full of chocolate flavor. They taste so good you’ll never believe they’re a healthy dessert!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Bites have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults! 

Grab the recipe!

20+ Baked Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes

If you’re in the mood to bake with sweet potatoes, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye in this round-up!

Click for recipe ideas!

35+ Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes

Need sweet potato dinner recipes? Here are 35+ recipes by category including slow cooker, with chicken or beef, vegetarian and more!

Read more

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade {with a kick!}

This spicy Greek yogurt chicken marinade is so moist and flavorful. Prep it ahead of time and then throw it on a sheet pan in the oven or toss it on the grill for a quick, healthy dinner.

*Originally published May 2019. Updated Sept 2023*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing a recipe for Spicy Yogurt Marinated Chicken! If it’s been a while since you marinated anything, you may be surprised just how much flavor it can add. This is one of those recipes that’s perfect for food prep because you can just toss everything into a Ziploc bag and then move it to the grill for an easy dinner.

I used chicken thighs when I made it but you could also use chicken breasts. When I want a sheet pan meal, I cooked them in the oven with some green beans on one pan and roast some sweet potato slices on another.

In the summer months, this recipe is perfect for grilling. Put the chicken on the grill with some quick veggie kabobs and boom! Dinner is served. 

How To Make Greek Marinade with Yogurt

To make this marinade, just grab a large Ziploc bag. You could also use a bowl or Tupperware container if you prefer.

Combine the yogurt, spices, lime juice and garlic in the bag, then place the chicken in yogurt mixture. Seal tightly and mix until well combined and coated.

Let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours then cook as desired!

How To Cook Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade

There are tons of ways to cook this chicken!

  • On the grill – remove from the marinade and grill.
  • In the oven – place on a baking sheet with some veggies and bake!
  • In the air fryer – place in the air fryer at 400 for 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness
  • On the stove top – cook in a cast iron skillet on the stove.

If you’re using a sheet pan, you may want to use some foil for a divider. The chicken is juicy and will release some liquid. I covered half my pan with foil to contain the chicken and then tossed my green beans on the other half of the pan.

If you’re not a fan of roasting two pans in the oven at once, toss a few sweet potatoes in the microwave while the chicken and beans are cooking in the oven!

Here’s how you make it:

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Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinde Recipe

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5 from 1 review

This Spicy Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade is so moist and flavorful. Prep it ahead of time and then throw it on a sheet pan in the oven or toss it on the grill for a quick, healthy dinner.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3/4 cup plain greek yogurt (regular works too)
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
juice from one lime
pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large Ziploc bag.
  2. Close tightly and use your hands to mix everything around and make sure the chicken is well coated.
  3. Marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours. (24 hours is best!)
  4. Remove the chicken and cook as desired, discarding the remaining marinade. I cooked mine on a sheet pan with green beans at 400 for 15-25 minutes. Time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. Check internal temperature until it reaches 165. You may need to remove the green beans before your chicken is done!

Notes

To cook the sweet potatoes, thinly slice, spray with oil, season as desired and bake at 400 or 425 for 20-25 min flipping once.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

This Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade is so easy and full of spice. You can dial back the cayenne if you don’t want it as spicy. You could also try a different combo of spices. Add some turmeric, swap the lime juice for lemon juice, try chili powder instead of cumin etc!


Greek Yogurt Marinade FAQs

Can you marinate meat in Greek yogurt? Is it safe to marinate chicken in yogurt?

Yes! Yogurt makes a great marinade. Yogurt is acidic, which you want in a marinade. Some marinades use lemon, citrus, vinegar etc but in this case yogurt adds acid as well.

Is Greek yogurt good for marinating? What are the benefits of a yogurt marinade?

Marinating in yogurt adds acid which helps tenderize the meat and make it nice and juicy when you cook it instead of dry and rubbery.

Is marinating chicken healthy?

Yes! Marinating is a super easy way to infuse flavor into the chicken before cooking it.

Is Greek yogurt or regular yogurt better for marinade?

It doesn’t matter. Either works great!

How long should you marinate chicken? How long can you keep yogurt-marinated chicken in the fridge?

Most Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinades are suggested for 4-24 hours. Marinating any longer than 24 hours can cause the meat to start to break down, resulting in a less desirable texture.

How long do you cook marinated chicken?

This will depend on your cooking method. Be sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the meat and the juices run clear.

Do you rinse off yogurt marinade? When baking do you leave it in all the marinade?

You do not need to rinse off the marinade before cooking but you can discard any marinade left in the bag after you remove the chicken.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt? I wonder if sour cream could be subbed for Greek yogurt in the marinade?

Yes, if you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream makes a great substitute. You could also use buttermilk!



Healthy Chicken Marinades

Looking for other chicken marinades? Try these:

Easy Chicken Marinade (only 4 ingredients!)

For this easy chicken marinade, combine oil, red wine vinegar, honey and garlic for perfectly juicy chicken every time. Cook it any way you want – on the grill, in the air fryer or in the oven!

Read more

Simple Chicken Marinade for Meal Prep

This simple chicken marinade for meal prep will quickly become a favorite. Easy and flavorful, perfect for batch-cooking chicken to enjoy all week long.

Read more

Honey Bourbon Chicken (Marinade and Glaze)

This Honey Bourbon Chicken Marinade is packed with flavor! Let it sit overnight, then turn the marinade into a sauce while you cook the chicken. 

Read more

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

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How To Cook Lentils

Learn how to cook dried green lentils in this step-by-step tutorial. You can cook a whole bag at once and freeze for future use!

Hi friends!

This is a post that has been several years coming! Pretty much ever since I posted my recipe for Lentil Banana Muffins back in 2011, I’ve been getting questions about how to cook lentils. I finally got my act together to write out the process for you so that anyone can learn!

How To Cook Green Lentils

This post is specifically about how to cook green (or brown) lentils. This is the kind I use most often and always have in my pantry. They are high in fiber and potassium and they’re full of antioxidants. They hold their shape when cooked and can easily be combined with ground meat in things like tacos, sloppy joes and pasta sauce.

Beyond our favorite banana muffins, I also use them in Chocolate Lentil Bars, Lentil Sloppy Joes and Pesto Lentil Balls. You can also learn How To Make Roasted Lentils or How To Sprout Lentils.

Need more ideas? Here are 20+ Healthy Green Lentil Recipes.

How To Cook Red Lentils

Red lentils are another great option. I use them in my Apple Cinnamon Red Lentil Muffins and my Vegan Red Lentil Curry. However, they cook differently than green and brown lentils. Red lentils cook in only 5 minutes and tend to lose their shape. They’re best used for baking and in soups and stews where they can help thicken the broth. Or try them in my Red Lentil Pancakes!

Here are 15+ Red Lentil Recipes for you to try!

How Long Do Lentils Take To Cook

The great thing about lentils is that they cook super quickly. Once the water is boiling they just need to simmer for 12-15 minutes! This means if you don’t have any on hand in the freezer, you can easily cook some up while preparing other meal components and add them to a 20-minute meal.


Learn How To Cook Lentils on the Stove


How To Cook Lentils Perfectly Every Time

  • Add lentils to a pot.
  • Add water. Lentils tend to triple in size once cooked so I recommend about 4 cups water per 1 cup dried lentils.
  • Cover the pot and bring water to a boil. Once it boils, reduce to a simmer and let cook for 12-15 minutes. Exact cooking time will depend on your desired degree of doneness. I prefer mine on the firm side so 12 minutes works well for me but you can continue to simmer them until they’re as soft as you want.
  • Drain the excess water. There will be water left. Lentils do not absorb all the water you put in like when cooking rice. Rinse lentils with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Let cool completely before freezing (if desired).

How To Freeze Lentils // How Do You Freeze Lentils?

When I cook lentils, I tend to cook a whole bag at once and freeze most of them. Since I most often use them for baking and most of my recipes call for 1 cup, I freeze in once cup portions but if you plan to use for meals you could freeze in 2-3 cup portions.

Simply let the lentils cool completely, then scoop into storage bags, remove excess air and freeze flat.

When you’re ready to use them, transfer a bag to the fridge overnight, or put frozen lentils in a bowl and microwave to defrost.

How To Cook Lentils

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How To Cook Lentils

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5 from 1 review

Learn how to cook dried green lentils on the stove top in this step-by-step tutorial. You can cook a whole bag at once and freeze the extras for later.

  • Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

Scale

1 bag dried green or brown lentils

8 cups water (approximately 4 cups per 1 cup dried lentis)

Instructions

  1. Place lentils in a large pot.
  2. Add water.
  3. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  4. Simmer for 12-15 minutes or until lentils reach desired tenderness.
  5. Drain excess water and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  6. If freezing, let cool completely and portion into storage bags to freeze.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

See how easy it is?! I can’t wait for you to make some because they’re such a versatile plant protein option.


How To Cook Lentils FAQs

Is it important to soak lentils before cooking? How long do you soak lentils for cooking?

In my opinion, lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking, but it certainly won’t hurt and could possibly aid in digestion. Since they are smaller than other beans and legumes they don’t require hours and hours of soaking. If you’re going to soak them first I would aim for 1-2 hours.

Red lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking.

Should all the water be absorbed when cooking lentils?

No. You want to fill a large pot with plenty of water before cooking so that the lentils have room to expand, but there will still be water left in the pot to drain away when the lentils are done cooking.

How do you know when lentils are done?

To me this is a matter of preference. The easiest way to tell is to taste a few. Are they soft enough to chew? Some people prefer them a bit firm and others like them very soft.

How do you cook lentils so they don’t fall apart?

Green/brown lentils hold their shape fairly well unlike red lentils. If you’re worried about them falling apart, start checking on them way before the cooking time indicated on the bag. In my experience, the cooking time on the bag of lentils is way too long and leads to mushy lentils.

Should you stir lentils while cooking?

No, you do not need to stir the lentils while they are cooking.

Do you cook lentils covered or uncovered?

Lentils should be cooked with the cover on.

How long will lentils last in the fridge?

Lentils can be stored in the fridge for 5-7 days. Alternatively, you can sort them into 1 or 2 cup portions and freeze them until they are needed.

Different Kinds of Lentils (and varying cook times)

Different colors and types of lentils require different cooking times.

  • Red/orange/yellow split lentils – cook in just 5 minutes or so and tend to lose their shape. They’re best in soups, stews etc.
  • Black lentils – cook similarly to green/brown lentils. They may take just a bit longer, closer to 20 minutes. Here’s how to cook black lentils.
  • French lentils – also cook similarly to green/brown lentils in about 15 minutes. Here’s an Easy French Lentils tutorial.

Can you cook lentils in the oven?

Yes you can cook lentils in the oven. They should take 45-60 minutes and are basically being braised. Here’s a recipe for Oven Braised Lentils.

How to cook lentils in the pressure cooker?

The Instant pot is a great option for cooking lentils as well, especially if you want to cook a large quantity at once. Here’s a great tutorial for How To Cook Lentils in the Instant Pot.


How To Cook Lentil Soup

Lentils are also a great option for soup because they can cook right in the broth. Simply add a cup to your favorite soup and let them simmer. Need a recipe? Try these:

  • Lentil Soup from Recipe Tin Eats
  • Best Lentil Soup from Cookie + Kate
  • Lentil Soup Recipe from Alton Brown

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

Easy Fish Chowder

This Easy Fish Chowder recipe tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

*Originally published Sept 2016. Updated Aug 2023*

Hi Friends!

Have you ever spent time looking for the best of all fish chowder recipes? This is it. Every summer while I was growing up, my mom, sister and I would head out to Maine to spend a couple of weeks with my aunt. Aside from fresh Maine lobster and hot dogs, both of which don’t involve a whole lot of cooking, the one thing we ate every year on this trip was this simple fish chowder.

Some years my aunt would have it made before we got there but other years I remember helping make it once we arrived. It’s made with simple ingredients, easy to make in large batches and tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

One of my biggest contributions as a kid was always standing over the sink peeling the potatoes…but aside from that and chopping up potatoes, onion and bacon, that’s really all there is to it!

Every afternoon after a long day at the beach we would come home all sandy and reheat in a big pot on the stove to eat after our showers. I’ve recently started making this simple fish chowder almost weekly because it’s so good.

And I’ve started adding extra veggies. In the winter, soup is my favorite way to eat vegetables so I always dump a bag of frozen mixed veggies in, or add some chopped carrots and peppers along with the potatoes. I’ve also discovered that it tastes just as good with just broth as it does with milk.

So if you’re looking to make it dairy-free, you can enjoy it as more of a fish and veggie soup vs a chowder. It’s the Old Bay that gives it that signature chowder flavor in my opinion!

What should I serve with fish chowder?

This is a hearty soup that makes a great meal all on it’s own. Don’t forget to top with oyster crackers or serve with some crusty bread for dipping.

You could easily pair with a side salad for a nice balanced meal!


How To Make Easy Fish Chowder

Here’s how you make this super easy fish chowder:

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Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

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4.8 from 4 reviews

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 3 slices bacon, diced
  • 2/3 cup diced onion
  • 2 medium white potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 c chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1.52 pounds Haddock (or cod) fillets, skin removed
  • 12 tsp Old Bay
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups 2% milk, whole milk or half & half

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Saute bacon, onion and potatoes for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Add broth and lay fish on top of potatoes in pot. (Don’t worry about cutting it up. It will flake apart when cooked)
  3. Add the Old Bay, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until fish and potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to break the fish into chunks.
  4. Reduce the heat and add the milk or half and half. Heat through but don’t boil.

Did you make this recipe?

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Fish Chowder FAQs

What are the different types of fish chowder / seafood chowder / clam chowder?

  • Manhattan clam chowder is easily recognizable because it uses a tomato-based broth.
  • New England clam chowder is more popular. It is made with a thick and creamy white broth and usually contains a mix of clams, potatoes, bacon and celery.
  • Long Island clam chowder is made with a creamy tomato-based broth.
  • Rhode Island clam chowder is similar to New England versions but with a much thinner broth that isn’t creamy.
  • Seafood chowder or fish chowder typically contain fish or a mix of shrimp ,fish and other seafood instead of just clams.

Can I add other seafood to the chowder? Can I use seafood instead of fish?

Yes! If you’re making this chowder, consider this a base recipe. Feel free to add in some clams, mussels, shrimp etc if you prefer those!

What fish is good for chowder?

We always used haddock when we made it growing up but it turns out that can be hard to find here in Ohio so I typically use cod and it works great. Really any thick, meaty white fish should work great!

Should I use fish stock?

This recipe does not use fish stock. You could substitute some or all of the chicken broth for fish stock if you want to but it isn’t necessary.

Can I freeze fish chowder?

While this isn’t my absolute favorite dish to freeze, it can be frozen. Make sure it is cooled completely and be aware that the texture might change slightly when it’s reheated. To minimize this, reheat very slowly at a low temperature.

Is it better to use heavy cream or milk? Can you use milk instead of heavy cream to finish fish chowder?

To me this is a personal preference. I most often ate it with heavy cream growing up and I most often make it with 2% milk now as an adult. The heavy cream or whole milk will give it a much richer taste and make the broth more white and creamy.

I use 2% milk and the broth is not quite as thick but ends up being the perfect richness for me.

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

Old Bay is a pre-mixed seasoning blend that’s made with a mix of celery salt, peppers, paprika and other spices. It’s a very distinct flavor and when a recipe calls for it, I tend to use it without substitute to achieve the desired flavor.

Also, note I garnished mine with extra bacon and some parsley for photos but that’s definitely not required. Turns out soup made with white fish, white potatoes and milk/cream really isn’t that visually appealing…but luckily it doesn’t impact the taste! Just for fun, check out the collage below which includes a pic I used when I first mentioned this soup back in 2011 🙂

What’s one of the first things you learned how to make in the kitchen?

Looking for other fish-based soups?

  • Salmon Corn Chowder
  • Instant Pot Salmon Tortellini Soup

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

This Easy Pumpkin Bread will become your go-to quick bread recipe for fall. Just one bowl, a handful of ingredients and the perfect loaf every time. Customize with your favorite mix-ins or try baking two mini loaves and giving one for a friend!

*Originally published Oct 2014. Updated in 2018 & 2023*

Hi Friends!

Everyone needs a pumpkin bread recipe easy enough to make quickly in one bowl. I first created this recipe when I was almost 41 weeks pregnant with my son because believe me, if there’s ever a time you need easy recipes, that is it.

How do I make chocolate chip pumpkin bread?

This recipe uses basic ingredients and comes out great every time. You need:

  • Melted butter – You can experiment with swapping some of the butter for oil or Greek yogurt.
  • Pumpkin puree – Be sure to use 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
  • Eggs
  • Brown sugar – White sugar would also work
  • Cinnamon and vanilla – for flavor! You can also add some ground ginger if you like the taste.
  • White Whole Wheat Flour – you can sub a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed

Just mix the wet ingredients in a bowl, add the dry ingredients until just mixed and bake!

What size loaf pan is recommended?

A standard loaf pan is typically 9x5x2 inches. Or slightly smaller at 8.5×4.5×2 inches. However, I personally like making mini loaves because they’re just so much more fun to eat. You can also give the second one away to a friend or stick it in the freezer! A standard mini loaf size is 5 x 3 inches. You can also use this bread batter and bake it as muffins for about 17-18 minutes at 375.

Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

Are chocolate chips good in pumpkin bread?

Chocolate chips are always a great mix-in option but if you want to change things up, you could try fresh cranberries! Or if you’re looking for a fall recipe that’s a bit more unique, be sure to try my Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins!

But let’s get back to this bread shall we? Whip up a batch today and enjoy some with your morning coffee all week!

Here’s how you make it:

Best Pumpkin Bread Healthy Recipe

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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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5 from 7 reviews

This Easy Pumpkin Bread requires just one bowl and a few simple ingredients. It will quickly become your go-to fall recipe.

  • Author: Author: Lindsay L
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf or 2 mini loaves 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 6 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar (I often use 1/2 cup)
  • 1.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1.5 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine butter, pumpkin, eggs and sugar in a large bowl and mix well.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.
  3. Pour into greased loaf pan (or two mini pans) and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. (If using mini loaves, you may want to check on them sooner).

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

So there you have it, pumpkin bread quick and easy? One bowl, minimal effort, delicious result! Here are a few questions I get:

Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips FAQs

How do you store pumpkin bread?

Let it cool completely before transferring to any sort of storage container. I store mine in a Ziploc bag but you can also wrap it in plastic wrap. Store on the counter for up to 5 days. However, since this bread is moist, I typically move mine to the fridge after about 3 days (if there’s any left!)

Can you freeze pumpkin bread? Is this a pumpkin bread that can be frozen?

Yes! It freezes great. You could easily double the recipe and freeze one for later. Let cool completely before freezing. I like to slice mine before freezing so I can pull out just a couple of slices at a time, but you can also freeze the full loaf intact. Cool, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze.

What spices are in pumpkin bread? Can I use pumpkin pie spice?

I typically just use cinnamon but ginger also pairs really well. Or you could definitely try adding some pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice!

Why did my pumpkin bread fall in the middle after baking?

Typically this is either from filling your pan too full or letting your batter sit too long after mixing before you bake it. Make sure you wait to mix your ingredients until you can put the loaf in the oven right away!

How do you know when pumpkin bread is done?

Use a toothpick! Insert a toothpick into the highest part of the loaf and pull it out. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If there is wet better or a lot of crumbs on the toothpick, it needs more time to cook.

Can these be pumpkin chocolate chip muffins?

Yes. You can easily use this recipe, make as directed and portion into muffin tins to bake. I would start checking them around 16 minutes and they will likely be done around 18 minutes.

How to store moist pumpkin bread?

I store mine in a Ziploc bag on the counter for a day or two. If you have any left after that, I would move it to the fridge so that it will not spoil as quickly.


Best Easy Pumpkin Bread Variations

Pumpkin Bread Cream Cheese

The pumpkin bread cream cheese pairing seems to be very popular. While I haven’t tried this myself, I’d imagine this is the perfect recipe to add a cream cheese swirl to! Just take a packaged of room temperature cream cheese and beat until smooth, then add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat again. Swirl into loaf before baking. Or try these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins from The Novice Chef.

Pumpkin Bread Vegan

This is likely not the best recipe to try to make vegan. If you really wanted to try, you could swap the butter for oil  or an oil/applesuace combo and use flax eggs but I think it would make it much denser. If you’re looking for a pumpkin bread vegan recipe, I would try this Vegan Pumpkin Bread from Well Plated.

Pumpkin Bread Gluten Free

You could easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten-Free mix for the white whole wheat flour. I’ve done it myself and it’s great! OR you could try my other favorite pumpkin bread recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bean Bread or make these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars.

Pumpkin Bread Healthy

This may not be the very best pumpkin bread healthy recipe you can find, it’s certainly not the worst. When I make it, I reduce the sugar from 2/3 cup to 1/2 cup. You can also experiment with replacing some of the butter with oil or Greek yogurt. I also always use white whole wheat flour vs regular white flour.

Pumpkin Bread Dairy Free

To make this bread dairy-free just swap the melted butter for 1/3 cup oil. Or try these Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bars!

Recipe for Easy Pumpkin Bread Pudding

I don’t have a recipe for pumpkin bread pudding specifically, but I do have this Instant Pot Gingerbread Bread Pudding (with an oven option) and you could easily add some pumpkin and take away the molasses and ginger!

Need more perfect pumpkin recipes?

Try these:

Pumpkin Energy Balls

These Pumpkin Energy Balls are packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats for energy. The perfect addition to a quick lunch or to serve for an afternoon snack.

Read more

20 Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes {That Are Not Pumpkin Pie}

Love pumpkin but not pumpkin pie? Here are 20 delicious ways to use pumpkin for dessert!

Read more

30 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes

Everything from baked pumpkin recipes to savory recipes and even ideas for adding pumpkin to breakfast!

Read more

Pumpkin Yogurt Dip

This Pumpkin Yogurt Dip recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect afternoon snack! Try it paired with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips or graham crackers. 

Read more

Now, who wants a slice of this bread?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

Pumpkin Yogurt Dip

This recipe for Pumpkin Yogurt Dip is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect afternoon snack! Try it paired with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips or graham crackers. 

*Originally published 9/2015. Updated Aug 2023*

Hi Friends!

Pumpkin season is here again and lately we’ve been loving this Pumpkin Yogurt Dip, especially for an afternoon snack. It’s so easy to whip up and my kids love helping me make the cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips to go along with it. This may be evident by the heavy-handed amount of cinnamon on some of the chips 🙂

Recipe for Pumpkin Yogurt Dip

Easy Pumpkin with Yogurt Idea

This Pumpkin Yogurt Dip recipe is SUPER easy! But if you’re pressed for time, you can make it even easier by pretty much just combining vanilla yogurt and pumpkin puree, topping with a little cinnamon and serve it with graham crackers.

To jazz things up a little, I made myself some cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips because they’re equally as easy and fun for dipping but you could also take a lesson from my two-year-old and just eat it straight out of the bowl with a spoon.

Here’s how you make it:

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Pumpkin Yogurt Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 1 review

This Pumpkin Yogurt Dip recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect afternoon snack! Try it paired with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips or graham crackers. 

  • Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/21 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/41/2 tsp ginger (ground,dried)
  • 12 Tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Taste and adjust spices and sweetener if needed.

Notes

To make the Cinnamon and Sugar tortilla chips, cut whole wheat tortillas into triangles. Spray with oil or brush lightly with oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake at 350 for 12 min, flipping once.

To make this even easier, start with vanilla yogurt and skip the vanilla extract and maple syrup.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

Be sure to use two baking sheets if necessary for the chips so you don’t crowd the pan. I only put the cinnamon and sugar on one side but you could certainly repeat the process once you flip them over if desired.


Pumpkin Yogurt Dip FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie spice in this yogurt dip? What is a substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! Pumpkin pie spice is typically a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. If you like those flavors, you could definitely swap the cinnamon and ginger for pumpkin pie spice!

To make your own pumpkin pie spice, try a ratio of 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ginger and nutmeg.

Can I make this a Greek yogurt pumpkin dip?

Yes! You can use whatever yogurt you want, whether that’s regular yogurt, Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative yogurt.

Can I use vanilla yogurt? Can I substitute cool whip?

Yes! My kids love when I swap plain yogurt for vanilla to add a little extra sweetness. If you do use vanilla, you can reduce or eliminate the maple syrup to cut back on the added sugar if you want to.

You could also try thawing coolwhip in the fridge and using that in place of yogurt!

If I use vanilla yogurt, do I still add vanilla?

It’s up to you! I love vanilla so I do still add vanilla extract when I use vanilla yogurt but you could try leaving it out, tasting it and then adding a little if you want to.

How to make this without the yogurt or cool whip?

If yogurt and cool whip are not available, you could try cream cheese. You could also blending in silken tofu.

Or you could go a different direction and try a mix of pumpkin puree, peanut butter and a chickpea base like this Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Dip.

Do you use pumpkin puree? Is it pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling?

This recipe uses 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has spices and sugar already mixed in. For a shortcut, you could try just mixing

Can you freeze pumpkin dip?

I would not recommend freezing this dip since it’s yogurt-based and then yogurt might crystalize and get watery when thawing.


Got leftover pumpkin?

Pumpkin Bread with Yogurt

If you’re looking for a great pumpkin bread recipe, try my Easy Pumpkin Bread. To make it pumpkin yogurt bread, try replacing half the butter with yogurt. 

Or if you want gluten-free pumpkin bread, try my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bean Bread.

Pumpkin Yogurt Muffins

While I don’t have a recipe for pumpkin muffins with yogurt, I do have these Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars which are one of my absolute favs. You could probably try them as muffins if you wanted!

I also love these Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins. The perfect transition from Fall to Winter.


Healthy Canned Pumpkin Recipes

Way back when I first wrote this post, I teamed up with some food blogger friends who also created some delicious canned pumpkin recipes you should check out:

  • Paleo Pumpkin Pie
  • No Bake Pumpkin Pie Protein Bites
  • 3 Minute Pumpkin English Muffin
  • Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
  • Pumpkin Pancakes for One

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Green Beans

This Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Green Beans recipe is a quick, healthy dinner the whole family will love. Ready in 20 minutes and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.

*Originally published Feb 2019. Updated Aug 2023*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about a super easy 20-minute dinner you can add to your repertoire this week.

Did you know one of the easiest ways to cook gnocchi is…baked on a sheet pan?

It’s true. Gnocchi isn’t just for boiling in water and this Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Green Beans just might become your new favorite dinner. When I first tested it, I made it 4 times in two weeks. And it is so so easy. Literally, all you have to do is spend two minutes slicing up a few chicken sausages and green beans, throw it all on a pan and stick it in the oven.

What vegetables to use for sheet pan gnocchi?

I chose to use green beans but you could easily sub broccoli or even add a few extra veggies. If you’re a tomato fan, I’d suggest tossing some cherry tomatoes on the sheet as well. They burst open and add some juiciness.

Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Sausage

Should I use store-bought gnocchi or frozen gnocchi?

I tested this with both shelf-stable and frozen gnocchi and both worked just fine and there’s no need to change the cooking time. Just be sure to add the green beans halfway through so they don’t get over-roasted and stay crisp-tender.

Should I use potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi?

I would not recommend using cauliflower gnocchi with this recipe. I don’t have much experience with it, but from what I understand, you need to cook it a little differently than regular gnocchi and I’m not sure how well it would work with the sheet pan method.

What sauce for sheet pan gnocchi?

I tried this recipe with a couple of sauces. My favorite was drizzling everything with balsamic vinegar after it was done and sprinkling with parmesan. You could also toss it in some marinara when it comes out of the oven, or serve marinara on the side for dipping. If you want to trend away from the Italian version, try using spicy chicken sausage and top your bowl with some of my spicy green sauce.

How To Make Sheet Pan Gnocchi

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Sheet Pan Gnocchi Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

This Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Green Beans recipe is a quick, healthy dinner the whole family will love. Ready in 20 minutes and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.

  • Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound gnocchi (shelf stable or frozen)
4 fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced
1/2 pound (about 2 cups) green beans, cut to bite-sized pieces
3 Tbsp oil (i use avocado oil)
salt and pepper to taste
optional- sprinkle of oregano or italian seasoning
Balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese, to taste

Instructions

  1. Put gnocchi and chicken sausage on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with oil and stir until well coated. Sprinke with seasonings.
  2. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove sheet pan and add green beans to the pan. Stir everything and add a little extra oil if desired.
  4. Return to oven for another 10 minutes.
  5. Plate, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and top with parmesan (or desired sauce) and serve.

Notes

You could sub broccoli for green beans or add cherry tomatoes. If using tomatoes, add them to the pan at the beginning.

For additional sauce options, try tossing or dipping in marinara or going with a spicy sausage and adding a spicy green sauce before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

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Sheet Pan Gnocchi FAQs

What kind of gnocchi goes into sheet pan gnocchi?

I use traditional potato-based gnocchi for this recipe. Any shelf-stable or frozen brand you can find at your local grocery store should work. I’ve also made it with gluten-free varities – I like this Gluten-Free Gnocchi from DeLallo.

Can I bake gnocchi without boiling it first? {AKA Do you have to boil dried gnocchi?}

Yes you can add this straight from the box onto the sheet pan! You do not need to boil it first. I know it seems weird to think that this pasta-type food will cook in the oven without boiling it in water but I promise it works!

What’s the difference between gnocchi and pasta?

Gnocchi is usually made with mashed potatos, flour and eggs (and sometimes cheese). Pasta is usually made with just flour and water.

Do I need homemade gnocchi or will using shelf stable or store-bought gnocchi work well also?

You do not need homemade gnocchi for this recipe. I always use store-bought. But if you’re looking for a homemade recipe, here are a few to try:

  • Homemade Potato Gnocchi
  • How To Make Gnocchi
  • How To Make Homemade Gnocchi

Would you use hot or sweet Italian sausage?

For this recipe, you need sausage that’s already fully cooked. So if you’re buying traditional italian sausage, you may need to cook it first and then slice it up and put it on the sheet pan. Either hot or sweet would work depending on your preference!

Sheet Pan gnocchi with chicken?

If you wanted to make this with regular chicken, I would probably cook the chicken separately or use leftover chicken and just mix it with the gnocchi and vegetables after they’re cooked.


Looking for more easy sheet pan meals?

Here are a few more of my favorites:

  • Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
  • Sheet Pan Italian Salmon & Green Beans
  • Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp & Quinoa
  • Sheet Pan Sausage and Smashed Potatoes
  • Sheet Pan BBQ Meatballs

Let me know if you try this Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Sausage and Green Beans recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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