We Skipped Takeout and Made These 21 Healthy Recipes Instead

Skipping takeout started as a one-time thing but quickly turned into a full-blown routine. With 21 healthier options on hand, nobody missed waiting an hour for cold fries. Meals came together quicker than the group chat could agree on where to order. Turns out, sticking to homemade wasn’t just smart; it was less stressful too.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Warm bowls bring comfort, and Chicken Noodle Soup does just that without needing takeout. It’s light yet filling, making it ideal for colder evenings or days when you crave something wholesome. The noodles are perfectly cooked alongside other simple elements that balance the dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cooking at home feels effortless when you’re making Cilantro Lime Rice as a flavorful side. Its slightly tangy and fresh flavors pair well with proteins or can stand alone. You’ll enjoy how it complements a simple meal but leaves an impression. It’s an option you’ll want to keep trying.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Vegetable Soup

Staying healthy is easier with hearty Vegetable Soup as part of your meal. It’s warm and packed with flavor, perfect to keep you going through busy days. The mix of ingredients feels both simple and wholesome, giving you a break from heavy takeout options. Prep this and have leftovers that save you effort and money.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup

Easy Chicken Tenders

When dinner calls for a quick fix, Easy Chicken Tenders are a perfect choice. They’re light, crunchy, and don’t feel overly complicated to make. This dish keeps you away from greasy takeout and lets you enjoy a freshly-made option. They work well for any meal or snack time moment.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tenders

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Looking for a plant-based alternative? Vegetarian Shepherds Pie offers everything you’d want without missing traditional flavors. It’s well-layered and makes it easy to skip ordering something less nutritious. Perfect for anyone wanting a balanced homemade dish that’s fulfilling and thoughtful.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Forget long cooking times with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork prepared in your kitchen. The effort is minimal, and you get a tender result that feels straight out of a restaurant. Perfect for sharing or adding to casual meals. Pick this over greasy processed options and enjoy each bite of your homemade version.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Pecans

Breakfast feels comforting with Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Pecans on your plate. It’s sweet enough to please anyone but doesn’t feel heavy, making it ideal to start your day better than takeout pastry options. Perfect for meal-prepping during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Pecans

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

You don’t need a grill master to make Chipotle Grilled Chicken part of your dinner routine. It packs bold taste but feels simple enough to create from your kitchen. Skipping takeout becomes easy when homemade options like this offer balance and flavor. Great for pairing alongside other meals or serving it up solo.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Refreshing meals are just steps away with Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad adding heat while staying light. It offers a quick way to step away from heavier takeout dishes without losing flavor. The crunch and spice together make for an enjoyable combo you’ll keep going back to. Simple but memorable every time you make it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Grilled Salmon

Easy dinner ideas get better with Grilled Salmon straight from your own stove or grill. It’s flavorful and feels good to eat without reaching for extra greasy options. This dish gives you a restaurant-worthy feel at home. Pair it with simple sides or enjoy it alone, and you’ll have an all-time dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon

Sweet Potato Tacos

Easy meals feel healthier with Sweet Potato Tacos, which turn simple ingredients into something exciting. They bring both texture and flavor without being hard to make. Skip heavy fast-food burritos with this lighter choice that fits right into home cooking. Perfect for customizing and quick dinners you’ll rely on.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Shrimp Scampi

When homemade meals need elegance without effort, Shrimp Scampi comes through every time. It works well for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancier occasion. This dish gives you a perfectly cooked seafood option that doesn’t feel heavy like takeout pasta.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

You’ll rethink heavy takeout sides with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, blending comfort food at its best. It’s creamy without being overwhelming and offers a unique switch-up of traditional recipes. Simple yet filling, making it ideal for when you want something easy but flavorful. This option turns ordinary moments into special ones.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Veggie Pizza

Homemade options shine when Veggie Pizza makes its way onto dinner tables. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and feels lighter than traditional greasy delivery choices. You’ll appreciate the balance this dish offers while enjoying something homemade. Perfect for pizza cravings without the mess or waiting times.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Coconut Ramen

Noodles never felt so easy to make at home until Coconut Ramen became part of your lineup. This dish skips greasy takeout and adds healthier touches to mealtime. Its texture and warmth work perfectly when you’re seeking simplicity during busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ramen

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Snacking gets an upgrade with Maple Pecan Granola prepared fresh from your kitchen. It’s sweet but not too heavy, making it perfect for mornings or midday energy. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make compared to packaged store-bought versions. Keep it handy for meal-prepped snacks without extra additives.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

When wanting hearty food, Jamaican Red Beans and Rice turns simple ingredients into something filling for dinner. It’s rich without being complicated, inspired by flavors you don’t need takeout to experience. A homemade meal with this adds something a bit different to your lineup.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

A plant-based dinner feels easy with Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff taking center stage. It’s rich and pairs well with simple sides, perfect for dinners that feel healthier. You’ll enjoy skipping overly processed takeout options for a homegrown taste of comfort. Make this dish your go-to for balanced yet filling ideas.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Keep game nights or casual dinners special by going with Best Oven Baked Ribs made fresh at home. They’re perfectly cooked and offer great flavor compared to greasy BBQ takeout. You’ll enjoy how they work for everyday meals or something extra fun. It’s a simple dish that keeps everyone happy without ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Homemade meals during long days shine when Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew makes an appearance. It feels hearty and simple yet completely plant-based for newer food switches. Perfect for staying full while keeping lighter options in your routine. It’s a healthy take on comfort food that’s easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Skipping takeout is easy with options like Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl made at home. It offers customizable options that feel better than going to your favorite chain. This simple bowl gives you plenty of flavor without tipping over into greasy meals. Adjust how you make it and enjoy it your way every single time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl