Lean and Green Recipes don’t have to be boring. Try out one of these recipes to add some fun and flavor to your next meal.
While most start eating healthy for their New Year’s Resolution, there’s never a wrong time to work on eating more healthily.
A popular diet right now is Optavia which includes purchasing their snacks as well as a “lean and green meal” every day. The basics of “lean and green recipes” include five to seven ounces of high-protein meat alongside two to three servings of non-starchy greens. In the diet, you also have room for one to two servings of healthy fats. Usually, this is where your extra flavor and seasonings come in.
You can see more about the full rules of lean and green HERE.
While there are also many other options for a healthy diet, these meals would be healthy for almost any diet you want to follow. All of the lean and green recipes are high in protein and usually low in carbs, calories, and sugar.
Please note: I am not a physician nor do I have any stake in the Optavia company or any of its competitors. This post is to share the information I have gathered for myself and my family regarding lean and green meals as well as what I have learned when trying to cook these meals.
Originally Published On: January 6, 2023
Lean Protein
Chicken
Lemon-Herb Chicken Kabobs
Grilling in the summer is a great way to spend time together outside. Bring the flavors of summer together with Lemon-Herb Chicken Kabobs.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Air Fryer Chicken Breast is juicy, flavorful and perfect every time! It’s an easy chicken dinner that’s on the table in about 15 minutes!
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Paleo Greek Chicken Thighs
Paleo Greek chicken thigh recipe is an easy and healthy 30-minute meal. The lemon, caper, and artichoke sauce is keto, Whole30, & low-carb friendly.
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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Drumsticks
Try making ranch chicken drumsticks in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal without all the added oil from regular frying.
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Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet pan chicken fajitas are the simplest, most delicious one pan dinner around. Full Stop. Make this tonight!
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Grilled Shrimp with Shishito Pepper Gremolata
This grilled shrimp recipe will be your new summer go to! It is simple, quick to make, and sure to wow everyone.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
Learn how to cook chicken breast in the air fryer, in just 10 minutes! It turns out juicy and tender every time with this easy air fryer chicken breast recipe.
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Grilled Chili Lime Chicken (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Allergy-Free)
You’ll want this spicy and zesty recipe on the grill asap! Grilled Chili Lime Chicken that’s a delicious healthy entree for your next bqq or cookout! It’s gluten-free, paleo, and allergy-free; perfect for pleasing the crowd and awakening the taste buds!
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Avocado Shrimp Ceviche Salad
Made with fresh and nutritious ingredients, this Avocado Shrimp Ceviche is the perfect medley of flavors to be enjoyed this summer.
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Black Garlic & Lime Cedar Plank Salmon
Black garlic and lime add even more flavor to smoky grilled cedar plank salmon. You won’t have to wait long for this paleo & gluten-free recipe to be done!
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Dill Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats
Add a little fun and dill pickle flavor to your tuna salad with these Dill Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats! This healthy gluten-free recipe is one that’s ready in just minutes and will be a new fast and easy lunch!
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Super Simple Cilantro and Lime Fish Dinner
On busy nights, we need a quick and easy meal to get it on the table quickly and easily. Cilantro and Lime Fish is only 4 ingredients and 15 minutes!
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How to Make Perfect Poached Cod (No Simmer/Boil)
Poaching is a very easy and forgiving way to cook fish, and this special way of poaching is even better: there’s no boiling or simmering! This simple and fool proof method ensures a perfectly cooked…
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Shrimp With Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner
This amazingly delicious Shrimp With Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner is healthy and very easy to make. Find out the easiest recipe for making this delicious shrimp dinner.
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Baked Pesto Tofu
Basil pesto is tossed with tofu that has been seasoned and roasted with simple spices for a savory dish that is practically effortless.
View The RecipeNon-Starchy Greens
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Bean sprouts
- Bell Peppers
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Eggplant (also known as aubergine)
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peppers (also known as capsicum)
- Salad greens
- Spinach
- Tomato
- Turnips
- Zucchini (also known as courgette)
10 Minute Braised Kale
This Braised Kale with Apple Cider Vinegar is a quick and EASY vegan side dish that’s ready in about 10 minutes!
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Crispy & tender Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer! Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy healthy side dish you can make in minutes!
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Air Fryer Okra
Air Fryer Okra is the easiest and tastiest way to enjoy this healthy Southern veggie! Crispy, made without oil, gluten-free, keto, & vegan!
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Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus
These air fryer pears are a delicious alternative to traditional heavy desserts. With maple syrup, warm cinnamon, & a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, this dessert is ready in under 15 minutes!
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Baked Lemon Asparagus
This exquisitely simple lemon asparagus is baked tender with crispy tips and a bright citrus flavor!
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Easy Sautéed Greens Recipe – For Kale, Chard, and More
10 Minutes! Quick and easy plus it works for any greens you have on hand. Try our tried and true recipe for swiss chard, kale, spinach, boy choy etc.
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Roasted Lemon Pepper Asparagus
Looking for the perfect roasted lemon pepper asparagus side dish? Once you make it once, you’ll want it with every meal!
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Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli Rabe is a signature Italian-American green leafy vegetable that has bitter notes and a distinct flavor–a nutritional powerhouse!
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Blistered Shishito Peppers
Blistered shishito peppers are a tasty snack or appetizer ready in under 10 minutes! They taste slightly smokey with a mild pepper flavor.
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I just love your lean and green recipes, I’ve saved a lot already in my cooking list 🙂
These all look so delicious! I love these because they’re great meals even if you’re not following Lean and Green. Some eating plans are so weirdly specialized that you really can’t enjoy the recipes unless you’re following the plan.
We’ll definitely be taking some of the green recipes on board this month as we navigate Veganuary. I especially love the idea of the lemon pepper asparagus.
These sound like fun recipes to try. The pesto tofu sounds very interesting, as well as the greens recipes.
Nnniiiccceeee…I am sssoooo in for air-fryer chicken breast! I can never have enough of this lean goodie!
I agree it doesn’t have to be boring. It’s nice to have many options to try. I’m a person who loves to try new recipes.
This is exactly what I was looking for. Balanced daily meals between lean meat and vegetables is the way to go.
Wow yummy recipes for diet.I always struggle with food.Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reminding me that I have to try and use the air fryer that I got for a Xmas gift last year!
I love this list! I am always looking for new dishes to try out in the kitchen.