Ever heard the phrase ‘eat the rainbow‘? Well, it turns out that eating a variety of colourful foods can benefit our health by providing a range of antioxidants and nutrients. Choosing to eat a balanced and varied diet that includes a variety of colours is the best way to ensure that we’re receiving the full spectrum of these vital nutrients.
We have plenty of rainbow recipes, including turmeric recipes and lots of super greens, for midweek meals and healthy lunchbox ideas.
Our top 26 healthy colourful recipes
1. Turmeric and mango lassi
This turmeric and mango lassi recipe is sunshine in a bottle. Turmeric has plenty of health benefits too, making this the ultimate feel-good drink. Perfect for a hot summer’s day to quench your thirst.
2. Supergreen smoothie
Our vibrant supergreen smoothie is set to give you a boost inside and out. Super quick to make, this is a perfect drink to take on the go whilst getting in those essential nutrients. Cucumber, spinach, lime and kiwi makes a great flavour combination and avocado adds a lovely creamy texture.
3. Breakfast smoothie bowl
Smoothie bowls are the ultimate on-trend rainbow recipe, and we think our vibrant breakfast bowl is the perfect way to start the day with a whole lot of colour. Unleash your creative side when it comes to toppings. We have plenty more healthy breakfast ideas over here.
4. Gochujang roast sweet potato with mixed grain salad
Pack plenty of texture into this low-calorie, vegetarian salad with roast sweet potatoes, mixed grains, radishes and cucumber, lifted with a punchy dressing.
5. Warm red rice, herb and salmon salad
Try this nutritious, spice-packed rice salad with cucumber and tomato for a healthy midweek meal.
6. Baked orzo with harissa prawns
Flavour prawns with harissa, dill, garlic and lemon, then serve swirled through orzo for a speedy but sophisticated dinner that’s low in calories but rich in protein.
7. Prawn and red cabbage summer rolls with cashew butter dipping sauce
These fresh prawn and red cabbage summer rolls are packed with punchy herbs and crunchy vegetables, a great summertime meal.
8. California scramble
This California scramble is a quick and easy vegetarian meal for one – try for breakfast, brunch or a quick midweek meal.
9. Spring greens shakshuka
Shakshuka is typically comprised of spices, eggs and tomatoes, but here we’ve decided to mix things up a little… making it green and healthy with asparagus tips and broad beans. This dish is loaded with plenty of gut-healthy fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.
10. Pepper, date and harissa tagine
This tagine makes a feature of meltingly soft peppers, but you could add any summery veg to the base sauce – chunks of squash or courgette work great, or why not switch it up according to what’s in season?
11. Vegetable fried rice with turmeric
Try our vibrant turmeric-fried rice. This colourful recipe is packed with punchy flavour and is really straightforward to make. Plus, it comes in under 300 calories per serving. See more of our favourite turmeric recipes.
12. Vegan dhansak curry
Cook aubergine pieces with fragrant spices and red lentils for a hearty yet healthy version of a curry house staple.
13. Turkey tikka burgers with light coronation slaw
Check out these punchy turkey tikka burgers with a light yet creamy coronation slaw. These easy burgers are simple to make, and are packed with plenty of flavour. This recipe offers a unique way to include more fresh, raw vegetables into your diet for added fibre and nutrients.
14. Lamb and dill meatballs with horiatiki salad
Looking for a light option for lunch or dinner? Prepare a zingy Greek-style salad to serve with healthy homemade lamb meatballs. Lamb is not only rich in protein, but it also offers an impressive nutritional profile including iron, zinc and vitamin B12.
15. Cajun salmon with rosemary sweet potato wedges
This super-easy salmon recipe packs a punch with its spicy Cajun seasoning and rosemary sweet potato wedges. Providing 39.5g of protein, as well as skin-healthy beta carotene and potassium, this is a great a midweek meal for two.
16. Salmon traybake
Traybakes, the midweek saviours. This vibrant, curried salmon dish is full of omega-3 fats and antioxidants – great for healthy skin and mind. Serve as is or add a nutritious grain like brown rice or spelt.
17. Warm red pepper hummus with coriander chicken breasts
Want an easy midweek dinner that’s high in protein and low in salt? Try our pan-fried coriander chicken with vibrant, homemade red pepper hummus. Hummus is a great way of adding some fibre-rich plant protein to a meal, and the roasted red peppers provide vitamin A, potassium, folate and antioxidants.
18. Griddled chicken with rice and mango salad
This easy griddled chicken breast with juicy mango dressing is low in calories, high in protein and ready in just 35 minutes. The sweet mango and fresh vegetables offer fibre and antioxidants. The wild rice keeps you feeling full and energised.
Discover even more chicken salad recipes.
19. Spicy peanut butter chicken breast
Serve up a healthy supper for two in just 30 minutes. This chicken dinner sees roasted chicken paired with vegetable-spiked rice and a crunchy peanut butter and sriracha dressing.
20. Crunchy veg and smoked tofu salad with sesame dressing
Try our vibrant salad recipe with crispy golden tofu and crunchy vegetables. This easy dish is vegan-friendly, high in protein and low in calories.
21. Roast broccoli with lentils and preserved lemon
This recipe for roast broccoli with lentils and preserved lemon makes for a really easy midweek meal for one. It’s vegetarian, ready in under and hour and around 300 calories, but still delivers big, punchy flavours. You’re welcome.
22. Roasted veg and feta grain salad
Check out our nourishing vegetable salad recipe with roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes and onions. Ready in 45 minutes, this simple salad will make an easy midweek meal for two.
23. Red pepper soup
A vibrant and antioxidant-rich red soup recipe, perfect for sunny days. You’ll need plenty of red pepper, garlic and dried chilli flakes for this one.
24. Temaki hand roll
Our colourful vegan temaki rolls are healthy and super easy to make, ideal for an easy lunchtime treat. The dipping sauce with soy, fresh red chilli and sesame seeds is a winning accompaniment.
25. Roasted carrots with tahini and pomegranate
Full of flavour with gorgeous fresh colours, this roasted carrot with tahini and pomegranate recipe is a delicious and healthy side dish to complement any meal.
26. Moroccan cauliflower salad
What a way to make cauliflower shine! Roast your florets with ras el hanout, dried cranberries, dates, nuts and pomegranate seeds, then drizzle the whole lot with a tahini and mint dressing for a show-stoppingly colourful salad.
