Nourishing Recipes to Start the New Year
Published on January 02, 2026
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Quick Summary
Kick off the year with flavorful, nourishing recipes that are easy to prep and full of fresh ingredients. From cozy breakfasts and simple lunches to comforting dinners and wholesome snacks, these recipes are easy to prep, packed with goodness, and absolutely delicious.
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Pin ItFlavorful Recipes to Start the Year Right
I’m kicking off the new year with 40 of my favorite nourishing recipes, full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and meals that are as good for you as they are delicious.
These are the recipes I come back to again and again: cozy breakfasts that make mornings brighter, simple lunches that you’ll want to pack for work or school, and easy dinners that the entire family will love! I also included a few snacks and healthy sweet treats for you to enjoy in between meals.
Each recipe is made with wholesome, nourishing ingredients, yet they’re simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, you’ll want to make these recipes over and over again.
Nourishing Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks
Breakfast
1
Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
Fluffy, protein-packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bites made in a blender! These easy, make-ahead breakfast bites are creamy, customizable, and perfect for busy mornings.
Check out this recipe
2
Easy Overnight Oats
Learn how to make Overnight Oats, a great make-ahead breakfast that is healthy, satisfying, and delicious! Plus, this easy overnight oats recipe is very customizable.
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3
Cottage Cheese Frittata
This easy vegetable frittata recipe is made with cottage cheese which makes the frittata super creamy and adds a big boost of protein. Enjoy for breakfast, brunch, lunch or a light dinner!
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4
Chia Pudding
You only need 4 ingredients to make this healthy and satisfying chia pudding recipe! Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy for breakfast, a simple snack, or even dessert.
Check out this recipe
5
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Warm, cozy, and naturally sweet, this baked oatmeal is loaded with tender apples and fragrant cinnamon. Perfect for a comforting breakfast and great for meal prep too! Try my classic baked oatmeal and maple blueberry baked oatmeal.
Check out this recipe
6
Easy Blender Pancakes
Fluffy, flourless pancakes made with oats, naturally sweetened with banana and pure maple syrup. Quick to whip up in the blender and perfect for busy mornings, these pancakes are kid-approved and full of wholesome flavor!
Check out this recipe
7
Breakfast Tacos
Scrambled eggs, beans, cheese, and avocado served in warm tortillas with delicious toppings! A fun and easy breakfast that your friends and family will love!
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8
Breakfast Cookies
Breakfast cookies are a healthy, delicious, and convenient way to start your day, packed with oats, fruit, nut butter, and natural sweetness for a nutritious, grab-and-go breakfast or snack option.
Check out this recipe
Lunch
9
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
This dill pickle chicken salad is tangy, creamy, and packed with protein. Made with shredded chicken, crunchy pickles, and a light, flavorful dressing—perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead meals.
Check out this recipe
10
Chickpea Salad
This chickpea salad is a vegetarian version of a classic chicken salad, some refer to it as "chickpea chicken salad." It's made with basic ingredients, loaded with flavor, and perfect for picnics, work lunches, or a simple, healthy lunch at home.
Check out this recipe
11
Tuna Salad
This Tuna Salad is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor from dill pickles, fresh parsley, and a hint of Dijon. Lightened up with Greek yogurt and ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or snacking with crackers!
Check out this recipe
12
Avocado Egg Salad
Avocados take this egg salad to a whole new level! You will love this healthier version of the traditional egg salad!
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13
Lentil Salad
This healthy Lentil Salad is made with green lentils, crunchy cucumber, sweet red bell pepper, onion, herbs, and a simple lemon dressing. It’s packed with flavor and a favorite for lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe
14
Cottage Cheese Salad Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Salad with crispy chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and feta is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, fresh, and savory. It’s high in protein, nutritious, and delicious—making it a great choice for an easy meal or a satisfying snack.
Check out this recipe
15
Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
A fresh, flavorful Asian-inspired chicken salad with crunchy veggies, avocado, and a sesame ginger dressing. Quick, easy, and meal-prep friendly.
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16
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A colorful and refreshing chickpea salad with crisp veggies and a creamy feta dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or easy meal prep.
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17
Roasted Vegetable Lentil Salad
Lentil salad with roasted vegetables, arugula, feta cheese, and a simple maple balsamic dressing. This hearty salad is nutritious, delicious, and perfect for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Dinner
18
Greek Turkey Burgers
Juicy turkey patties packed with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and Mediterranean flavors. Quick to make, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor and nourishing ingredients. Try our Classic Turkey Burgers too!
Check out this recipe
19
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are loaded with flavor and texture! Spiced, juicy chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, fresh veggies, and creamy cottage cheese come together in a delicious, customizable bowl topped with a drizzle of hot honey.
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20
Easy Lentil Bolognese
A hearty, protein-packed vegetarian Bolognese made with lentils, mushrooms, and marinara sauce. This easy, one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights. Vegan and freezer-friendly!
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21
Easy Taco Skillet
Make dinner a breeze with this easy taco skillet recipe! Ground turkey, rice, veggies, and melted cheese come together in one pan for a flavorful, quick, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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22
Creamy Coconut Ginger Sweet Potato Soup
This Creamy Coconut Ginger Sweet Potato Soup is a vibrant, comforting blend of sweet potatoes, aromatic ginger, creamy coconut milk, protein-packed chickpeas, and nutrient-rich kale, offering a nourishing and flavorful bowl of goodness. Make a big pot, it's perfect for meal prep and it freezes well too!
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23
Black Bean Quinoa Enchilada Bake
This Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Bake is a family favorite! Kids and adults love it and the leftovers are great too! Serve with tortilla chips!
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24
Turkey Tacos
Are you ready for Turkey Tacos that will rock your world? This lightened-up taco recipe is a family favorite, especially when served with a variety of taco toppings! The perfect quick and easy weeknight meal!
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25
Roasted Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps
Harissa roasted cauliflower and chickpeas served in fluffy naan bread with a creamy feta yogurt spread, lettuce, crisp cucumbers, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
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26
White Bean Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup is made with creamy white beans, aromatic vegetables, savory broth, and herbs. It’s a comforting, nourishing meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
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27
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies with Maple Dijon Sauce
A quick and easy sheet pan meal with sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and apple chicken sausage, all roasted and finished with a tangy maple Dijon sauce. A flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner!
Check out this recipe
28
Easy Chickpea Curry
This Chickpea Curry takes less than 30 minutes to make and is made from mostly pantry Ingredients. It is a flavorful plant based meal that the entire family will love!
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29
Honey Mustard Salmon with Citrus Salsa
This easy baked salmon recipe is made with a simple honey mustard sauce and can be on the dinner table in 20 minutes! Serve with a fresh citrus salsa to make the dish extra special!
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30
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
This slow cooker turkey chili recipe is easy to make and healthy too! It is great for an easy weeknight dinner or for entertaining on game day!
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31
Roasted Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
My all-time favorite tacos…and my kids love them too! The flavors are SO good! They are perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day!
Check out this recipe
32
Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
This rich and creamy sauce is packed with protein thanks to the addition of cottage cheese! Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, spaghetti squash, zoodles, or with meatballs. Kids and adults love this flavorful, high-protein sauce!
Check out this recipe
33
Easy Black Bean Soup
Easy Black Bean Soup-A simple and healthy soup made with canned black beans and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! This flavorful black bean soup is vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
Check out this recipe
Snacks & Desserts
34
Homemade Ranch Dip
This protein-packed homemade ranch dip only takes 5 minutes to make. The dip is creamy, tangy, and herbaceous. Serve with vegetables, crackers, chips, chicken tenders, or use as a sandwich spread. Kids and adults love this healthy dip!
Check out this recipe
35
Hummus
This creamy, silky, and smooth hummus is easy to make at home and tastes so much better than store-bought hummus. Serve with pita bread, pita chips, or vegetables for a simple appetizer or snack!
Check out this recipe
36
Whipped Cottage Cheese
Whipped Cottage Cheese is light, fluffy, creamy, and salty. It only takes a few minutes to make and can be enjoyed as a dip for veggies or crackers, spread on toast, or enjoyed with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.
Check out this recipe
37
Monster Cookie Energy Balls
Easy, no-bake protein balls that will remind you of your favorite monster cookies! They only take 10 minutes to make and are the perfect grab and go snack!
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38
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Bite-sized, protein-packed snacks made with creamy peanut butter, dipped in rich chocolate, and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. Perfect for a quick energy boost, an afternoon treat, or a post-workout snack. Try my Brownie protein balls, Samoa cookie protein balls, and Snickers protein balls too!
Check out this recipe
39
Healthy Date Shake
This creamy, protein-packed, dairy-free Date Shake is thick and delicious—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. No ice cream or added sugar needed!
Check out this recipe
40
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Chocolate chia pudding is a delicious, satisfying treat that combines the richness of chocolate with a creamy, slightly textured base. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthier dessert option while indulging your chocolate cravings!
Check out this recipe
Here’s to a year filled with delicious, nourishing meals that are simple to make and full of flavor. May these recipes bring joy to your kitchen, inspire new favorites, and make every meal something to look forward to.
Save this post for inspiration throughout the year, you’ll want to come back to these recipes again and again.
