Calling all savory breakfast fans! Make these easy do-ahead breakfast sausage patties and you’ll wonder why you ever went with the store-bought variety. With a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, a bit of savory sage, and 21 grams of protein per serving, they’re just the thing to fuel your morning. Plus you can freeze the unused patties for future breakfasts.

Pair this with some fruit and whole grain toast for a complete meal.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454g) ground 85/15 turkey
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground sage
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
• Cooking spray

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, maple syrup, parsley, flaxseeds, salt, sage, garlic powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir until combined.

Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, portion the mixture and form into patties about 1/2-inch thick.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes per side, or until browned, crusty, and no longer pink in the center with an internal temperature of 165°F. Reduce the heat if the patties begin to brown too quickly.

To freeze, arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C).

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 patties

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 272; Total Fat: 18g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 85mg; Sodium: 660mg; Carbohydrate: 5g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 21g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 3%; Iron: 14%; Potassium: 73mg; Vitamin A: 7%; Vitamin C: 9%

Originally published November 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Turkey Breakfast Sausage appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This lighter, dairy-free cheesecake uses a base of cashews instead of cream cheese. Allow 3–4 hours to soak the cashews and use a sharp food processor blade or a high-powered blender for the smoothest cheesecake filling. We sweeten the cake with maple syrup with a slightly lemony flavor that compliments this lemon and raspberry dessert.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes plus 3–4 hours soaking and 4 hours chilling

No-Bake Vegan Lemon Cheesecake

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 cups (260g) raw, unsalted cashews
• 6 graham crackers, roughly broken into pieces
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp coconut oil, divided
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp plain oat milk
• 1/4 cup (62g) lemon juice
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup (75g) raspberries

Directions

Coat an 8-inch (20cm) springform pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside. Place the cashews in a large heatproof bowl and pour 4 cups (946ml) boiling water over them. Stir, cover, and let soak until softened, 3–4 hours.

While the cashews soak, prepare the crust. Pulse the graham crackers, lemon zest, and cinnamon in a food processor until finely ground. Melt 2 tbsp coconut oil, add it to the crumbs, and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate. 

Drain the cashews and add them to a high powered blender along with the remaining coconut oil, oat milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, stevia powder, and salt. Process until completely smooth, stopping once to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Transfer the cashew mixture to the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

Arrange the raspberries on top, cut into 10 wedges, and serve.

Serves: 10 | Serving Size: 1/10 recipe

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 251; Total Fat: 18g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 90mg; Carbohydrate: 20g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 6g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 4%; Iron: 11%; Potassium: 229mg; Vitamin C: 8%

Originally published September 3, 2020; Updated June 2026

The post No-Bake Vegan Lemon Cheesecake appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

If you own a slow cooker, you know it’s probably the most convenient and versatile device ever created. (And it’s the perfect way to make great-tasting meals without being in the kitchen for hours!) Tonight, enjoy our slow-cooked chicken and lentil chili, a nutritious dish that’s hearty, healthy and full of budget-friendly veggies.

RD Tip: You’ll notice that we don’t add the tomato sauce until the beans have had some time to cook. This is because adding dried black beans to the slow cooker at the same time as an acidic ingredient (tomato sauce) can prevent the beans from ever fully softening.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 8 hours, 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Chili

Ingredients

• 1 medium (110g) onion, chopped
• 2 cups (255g) chopped carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. (455g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup (190g) dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup (190g) dried black beans, rinsed
• 4 cups (960g) no-salt-added, fat-free chicken broth (certified gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 8 oz.can (227g) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120g) reduced-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup (57g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves (or more to taste)

Directions

Coat slow cooker with cooking spray. Place onion, carrots and garlic in the bottom. Top with chicken, lentils and black beans. Stir in broth, chili powder, cumin and salt.

Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, adding the tomato sauce during the last hour or so of cooking.  Stir before serving. Top each serving with 1 tbsp sour cream and 1 tbsp cheese. Garnish with a few fresh cilantro leaves per serving.

Serves: 8 |  Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups 

Nutrition (Per serving): Calories: 339; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 40mg; Sodium: 419mg; Carbohydrate: 42g; Dietary Fiber: 14g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 28g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1036mg; Iron: 28%; Vitamin A: 130%; Vitamin C: 10%; Calcium: 16%

Originally published October 19, 2016; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Chili appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

The Smithsonian Institution, a group of 21 museums, 21 libraries, and other institutions and historical landmarks, has brought a curated selection of its massive archive to Unsplash.

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A pressure cooker quickly transforms canned chickpeas, infusing them with Indian flavors and turning their texture from firm to irresistibly creamy. The vegan dinner gets the right amount of sauciness by draining one can of tomatoes and leaving one can undrained, plus tons of flavor from a finishing splash of canned full-fat coconut milk. To keep things quick and easy, pick up precooked rice — either frozen or in a shelf-stable pouch.

Pressure Cooker Chickpea Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 14.5-oz. cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes, one can drained of liquid
• 2 15-oz. cans low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups hot cooked quinoa
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté and allow it to preheat for 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 4 minutes. Stir in the garam masala and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Drain the juice from one can of tomatoes. Stir both cans of tomatoes into the pot along with the chickpeas and salt.

Cover and lock the lid, setting the steam valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (the pot will take about 15–20 minutes to come to pressure).

When cooking is complete, carefully quick-release the pressure by turning the steam valve to venting. Remove the lid and stir in the coconut milk.

Serve the chickpea mixture over the cooked quinoa and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: 1/2 cup quinoa and about 1 cup chickpea mixture

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 363; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 585mg; Carbohydrate: 52g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 13g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 771mg; Iron: 17%; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 5%; Calcium: 5%

Originally published: February 23, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Chickpea Tikka Masala appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Use the Instant Pot to produce a hearty, vegetable-packed soup in 30 minutes, start to finish. Cooking the chickpea pasta separately ensures it won’t become mushy in the soup, so it’s worth the extra step. A swirl of fresh pesto adds a pop of color and freshness to this wintery soup.

This soup packs a variety of veggies, perfect to load up on vitamins, minerals and antioxidants during flu and cold season.

Active time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes

Instant Pot Minestrone

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (45g) chopped fennel bulb
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) dry white wine
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups (360g) canned diced no-salt added tomatoes with juice
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) cauliflower florets (2-inch/5cm) 
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 (15-oz.) can low-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup (50g) protein-plus chickpea elbow pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• 1/4 cup (65g) pesto

Directions

Put the oil in the Instant Pot, select sauté, and adjust to high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and fennel and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 45 seconds.

Add the wine and simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until nearly evaporated, about 1 minute. Press cancel. Add the broth, tomatoes, and cauliflower. Lock the lid and turn the valve to sealing. Select pressure cook, adjust to high pressure, and set the timer for 5 minutes. When the cook time is complete, turn the valve to venting to quickly release the pressure.

Carefully unlock the lid and stir in the zucchini, beans, salt, and pepper. Select sauté and adjust to medium heat. Cover with a regular pan lid and simmer until the zucchini is just cooked, about 10 minutes. Stir in the pasta.

Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with 1 tbsp pesto. Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 1/8 cup (280g)

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 348; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 3mg; Sodium: 655mg; Carbohydrate: 43g; Dietary Fiber: 14g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 13g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 7%; Iron: 24%; Potassium: 723mg; Vitamin A: 101%; Vitamin C: 90%

Originally published January, 2021; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Minestrone appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Millet is a chronically underappreciated grain, and it deserves a place on your table. The tiny yellow grains are gluten-free and have a neutral, sweet flavor that supports whatever seasonings you add to it. In this easy, make-ahead porridge, the grains fall apart to make it thick and creamy, with a hint of apple sweetness. Apples, cranberries and cinnamon give it a warming, wintry finish.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Millet Porridge With Cinnamon-Cranberry Apples

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) millet
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup (240g) apple juice
• 1 5.3-oz. (143g) container 0% Greek yogurt
• 2 scoops whey protein powder (unflavored)
• 1 large apple, chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) dried cranberries
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Rinse the millet in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well. Place in a small pot and add 1 cup water and the apple juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the millet is tender and beginning to break down.

Remove from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and protein powder until a thick, creamy porridge forms. Keep warm.

In a small bowl, combine the apple, dried cranberries, and cinnamon and toss to coat.

Serve the porridge topped with the apple mixture.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 cup porridge with 1/3 cup apple topping

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 327; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 16mg; Sodium: 62mg; Carbohydrate: 59g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 22g; Protein: 17g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 10%; Iron: 13%; Potassium: 322mg; Vitamin C: 15%

Originally published December 5, 2020; Updated June 2026

The post Millet Porridge With Cinnamon-Cranberry Apples appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

These mini vegan pumpkin pies are proof that plant-based desserts can be just as satisfying as the classic version. Silken tofu stands in for eggs and dairy to create a silky smooth, custard-like filling that is naturally high in protein and completely dairy-free. Warm pumpkin spices and a touch of maple syrup make these as fragrant and flavorful as any traditional pumpkin pie — and at a fraction of the effort.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Mini Vegan Pumpkin “Pies”

Ingredients 

• 1/2 package (6 oz./170g) firm silken tofu
• 1 cup (244g) canned pumpkin
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 cup (79g) maple syrup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat four 3/4- to 1-cup (96–122g) ramekins with cooking spray and place them on a sheet pan.

Place the silken tofu in a food processor and process until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the pumpkin and process until smooth and well combined. Add the arrowroot, almond butter, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice and process to combine. Add the maple syrup and continue processing until the mixture is smooth.

Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins, about 1/2 cup (64g) per ramekin, smoothing the tops.

Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the edges begin to pull away from the sides.

Let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm, or cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 ramekin

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 164; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 17mg; Carbohydrate: 25g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 15g; Protein: 5g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 9%; Iron: 9%; Potassium: 319mg; Vitamin A: 636%; Vitamin C: 4%

Originally published October 2020; Updated June 2026

The post Mini Vegan Pumpkin “Pies” appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Lettuce wraps are an easy way to enjoy a low-carb meal. This recipe features lean ground turkey sautéed with zucchini and mushrooms served on butter lettuce leaves. You can make the lettuce wrap filling ahead of time, freeze it, then reheat and eat when you’re ready. If you’re packing lettuce wraps for lunch, make sure to store the lettuce leaves separately.

Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 oz. (150 g) mushrooms (about 8–10 medium), diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb lean (93/7) ground turkey
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 24 butter lettuce leaves
• 8 tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Directions

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, about 4–5 minutes.

Add the onion and continue to cook for another 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant.

Add the ground turkey and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks for about 10–12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Add the tomato sauce, sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt and black pepper and simmer for 4 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

To serve, spoon 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Top each wrap with 1 tsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt and serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups turkey mixture + 6 lettuce leaves + 6 tsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 281; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 86mg; Sodium: 583mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 27g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 822mg; Iron: 18%; Vitamin A: 63%; Vitamin C: 20%; Calcium: 11%

Originally published: October 15, 2016; Updated April 2026

The post Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Skip store-bought options, and make this sweet, savory, tangy, homemade Greek salad dressing using simple ingredients in minutes instead!

The post Greek Salad Dressing appeared first on Maureen Abood.

These mini meatloaves prove that comfort food and nutritious eating can go hand in hand. Swapping traditional breadcrumbs for almond flour keeps the recipe low-carb and gluten-free, while sautéed onion, bell pepper, and grated zucchini add moisture, flavor, and a boost of vegetables to every bite. A topping of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella makes these as satisfying as they are nourishing. Pair with whipped cauliflower mash to round out a cozy, weeknight-friendly dinner.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Mini Meatloaves

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 lb 95% lean grass-fed ground beef
• 1 small zucchini, grated and patted dry with a paper towel
• 1/2 cup (45g) almond flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup (237ml) low-sodium jarred marinara sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup (28g) grated part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

Add the ground beef, zucchini, almond flour, egg, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or clean hands until well blended. Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Form each portion into a small meatloaf about 4 1/2 inches (11cm) long on the prepared baking sheet. Press down the length of each meatloaf with the side of your hand to create a 1/2-inch deep divot in the center so it cooks evenly and catches the sauce and cheese. Spread the top of each meatloaf with 1/4 cup (59ml) marinara sauce and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a meatloaf registers 160°F.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 390; Total Fat: 23g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 131mg; Sodium: 544mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 34g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 5%; Calcium: 19%; Iron: 24%; Potassium: 910mg; Vitamin A: 9%; Vitamin C: 89%

Originally published February 2021; Updated May 2026

The post Mini Meatloaves appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This weeknight interpretation of the classic Alsatian dish is a hearty meal of sausage, cabbage and potatoes — and it’s perfect for fall. This version takes the whole dish and makes it happen on a sheet pan for ease. Be sure to use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent the ingredients from sliding off.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Sheet Pan Sausage Choucroute Garnie

Ingredients

• 1 small head red cabbage, cut through the core into eight 1/2-inch thick wedges
• 1 lb (453g) baby red potatoes, halved if large
• 1 apple, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, halved, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 small yellow onion (125g), halved, peeled and cut through the root into 1/4-inch thick wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp cumin or caraway seeds
• 1/2 tsp yellow mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 precooked chicken-apple sausages
• 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

In a large bowl, gently toss the cabbage, potatoes, apple, onion, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cumin, and mustard seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use a spatula to flip the vegetables and apples. Arrange the chicken sausages on top and return to the oven. Roast for about 10-12 minutes more, or until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are browned and the cabbage is crisp-tender. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 sausage and 1 1/2 cups of vegetables

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 397; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 80mg; Sodium: 878mg; Carbohydrate: 44g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 15g; Protein: 18g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 9%; Potassium: 947mg; Vitamin A: 8%; Vitamin C: 93%, Iron: 18%

Originally published: October 8, 2019; Updated May 2026

The post Sheet Pan Sausage and Cabbage appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.