10+ Healthy 4 Ingredient Recipes for Easy Meal Prep

Healthy cooking can be simple and quick, especially when you choose recipes with fewer ingredients. With just four ingredients or less, you can create tasty and nutritious meals without the stress of complicated preparation. These recipes not only save you time but also make it easier to control what goes into your food.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. You’ll discover that simplifying your meals can lead to delicious dishes that fit perfectly into a busy lifestyle. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these easy recipes can help you enjoy wholesome food every day.

1) Avocado Egg Toast

Avocado egg toast is a simple and tasty meal you can whip up quickly. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. You only need four ingredients: bread, avocado, egg, and seasoning.

Start with your favorite bread. Toast it to your liking. While the toast is cooking, mash an avocado in a bowl. You can add a pinch of salt or pepper for flavor.

Next, cook your egg. You can choose to fry it or make it scrambled. If you want something simple, a sunny side up egg works great too.

Once your toast is ready, spread the mashed avocado on top. Place the cooked egg on the avocado.

Enjoy your healthy meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 slice of bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Toast the bread to your liking.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the egg to your preference.
4. Spread the avocado on the toast.
5. Top with the egg and serve.

2) Banana Oat Pancakes

Banana oat pancakes are a healthy and simple breakfast option. They require just four ingredients: ripe bananas, oats, eggs, and a pinch of baking powder. These pancakes are gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for any meal.

To make these pancakes, mash your bananas in a bowl. Then, add in oats and eggs, mixing until smooth. If you like, sprinkle in some baking powder for fluffiness.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) and add a little oil.

Pour two tablespoons of the batter into the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 3-4 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another few minutes.

These pancakes are versatile. You can top them with fruits, yogurt, or maple syrup for a tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup oats
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the bananas in a bowl.
2. Mix in oats and eggs until smooth.
3. Add baking powder if desired.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) with a little oil.
5. Pour batter into the skillet to form pancakes.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another few minutes.

3) Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a simple and tasty treat you can whip up with just four ingredients. They are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.

To make these cookies, you need peanut butter, a sweetener like coconut sugar, a flax egg, and baking soda. These ingredients come together to create a soft and chewy cookie.

You can also add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready to bake.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, coconut sugar, flax egg, and baking soda.
3. Add optional ingredients, if using, and combine well.
4. Scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Enjoy your cookies!

4) Baked Salmon

Baked salmon is a simple and healthy meal you can enjoy any night of the week. You only need four ingredients: salmon fillets, soy sauce, honey, and orange juice.

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating, mix the soy sauce, honey, and orange juice in a bowl to make a marinade.

Place the salmon in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.

Once the oven is ready, bake the salmon for about 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.

This dish is tasty and pairs well with veggies or rice. Enjoy your delicious and healthy baked salmon!

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Orange juice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix soy sauce, honey, and orange juice in a bowl.
3. Place salmon in a baking dish and pour marinade over it.
4. Let it marinate for a few minutes.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked.

5) Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is a fun and easy recipe that uses just four ingredients. It’s a great option for breakfast or a snack. You can prepare it in advance for a ready-to-eat treat.

To make chia seed pudding, mix chia seeds with milk, a sweetener like maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a creamy pudding that’s packed with nutrients.

After you mix the ingredients, let the pudding sit for about 10 minutes. Stir again to stop the seeds from clumping together. Then, place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

You can enjoy your chia pudding plain or add toppings such as fresh fruit, granola, or nuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (any type)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla.
2. Whisk well to avoid lumps.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes and stir again.
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight before serving.

6) Chicken Stir Fry

Making a chicken stir fry is easy and tasty! You can whip up this dish with just four ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick dinner after a busy day.

Start by heating some oil in a skillet or wok. You want it hot, around 375°F (190°C). Then, add bite-sized pieces of chicken. Stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

Next, add your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots work well. Stir them in and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until they are tender but still crunchy.

Finally, pour in a simple sauce made of soy sauce. Let everything cook for another minute or so, then it’s ready to serve!

Ingredients

• Chicken breast
• Mixed vegetables (like broccoli and bell peppers)
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat (375°F/190°C).
2. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.
3. Toss in vegetables and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

7) Mango Sorbet

Mango sorbet is a tasty and refreshing treat. It’s super easy to make with just four ingredients. You’ll enjoy the sweet, tropical flavor on a hot day.

To prepare, you’ll need ripe mangoes, sugar, water, and lime juice. Using ripe mangoes will give your sorbet the best flavor. It’s a perfect dairy-free dessert to cool off.

Start by blending the ingredients until smooth. If you like a firmer texture, place it in the freezer for a while before serving. You can enjoy it right away or store it in an airtight container for later.

Ingredients

• 2-3 ripe mangoes
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the mangoes.
2. In a blender, combine mangoes, sugar, water, and lime juice.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5. Scoop and serve! Enjoy your homemade mango sorbet!

8) Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple and delicious dish that you can make quickly. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want something fresh and easy.

For this recipe, you need just a few ingredients. Ripe cherry tomatoes add sweetness, and fresh basil gives it a burst of flavor. Olive oil and garlic bring the dish together.

Start by roasting the cherry tomatoes with garlic at 400°F (200°C) until they burst. Cook your pasta of choice until al dente. Combine the pasta with the roasted tomatoes and stir in fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.

This dish is light and satisfying, making it a great option any time.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
• 2 pounds cherry tomatoes
• 6 cloves garlic
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the cherry tomatoes and garlic until soft.
3. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
4. Combine the pasta with the roasted tomatoes.
5. Stir in fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil.

9) Berry Smoothie

Making a berry smoothie is quick and easy. You’ll need just four ingredients, which make it delicious and healthy.

Start with a cup of mixed frozen berries. You can use strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Blend these with a cup of whole organic milk or a dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk.

Add a half cup of Greek yogurt for creaminess and extra protein. This will help keep you full longer. Blend everything together in a high-speed blender until smooth.

If you want to make it a bit sweeter, consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Enjoy your refreshing berry smoothie for breakfast or as a snack!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed frozen berries
• 1 cup whole organic milk (or dairy-free milk)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• Optional: honey or maple syrup to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Add the mixed berries to a blender.
2. Pour in the milk of your choice.
3. Add the Greek yogurt.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Taste and add sweetener if desired. Enjoy!

10) Quinoa Salad Bowl

A quinoa salad bowl is a simple, healthy meal that’s both filling and tasty. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients while keeping it down to four key items.

Start with cooked quinoa as your base. It’s packed with protein and fiber.

Next, add fresh veggies like spinach or bell peppers for crunch. Chickpeas are another great addition, bringing in extra protein and a hearty texture.

Finally, drizzle with your favorite dressing, such as olive oil or lemon juice, for a flavorful touch.

This salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and can be made in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, or your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with spinach.

3. Add chickpeas and mix well.

4. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.

5. Enjoy your nutritious salad bowl!