In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious meals can be a challenge.
Enter the pressure cooker, a kitchen appliance that revolutionizes mealtime by cooking meals quickly while retaining nutrients and flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a busy professional looking to eat healthier, pressure cookers offer a versatile solution.
From hearty soups and stews to flavorful one-pot meals and vibrant vegetable dishes, there are endless possibilities to explore.
Join us as we dive into a collection of 50 healthy pressure cooker recipes that will inspire you to create wholesome meals with ease.
50+ Must-Try Delicious Healthy Pressure Cooker Recipes for Every Meal
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting guests, the convenience and efficiency of pressure cooking make it a game-changer in the kitchen.
From comforting classics to inventive new dishes, these 50 recipes provide a diverse range of options to suit every taste and dietary preference.
Healthy Pressure Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This healthy pressure cooker chicken and vegetable soup is a comforting and nutritious meal.
It’s packed with lean protein and colorful veggies, making it perfect for a quick and wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup kale, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop all the vegetables and set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the Ingredients: Add the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the pressure cooker.
- Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred them with two forks, and return them to the soup.
- Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and let it wilt for a few minutes.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
This healthy chicken and vegetable soup is a hearty and nutritious option for any meal.
The pressure cooker makes it quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you have a delicious and wholesome dish ready in no time.
Pressure Cooker Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
This pressure cooker quinoa and black bean salad is a protein-packed, vegetarian-friendly dish that is perfect for a light lunch or side dish. It’s colorful, flavorful, and full of nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the Quinoa: Add the rinsed quinoa and water to the pressure cooker. Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 1 minute. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff the Quinoa: Open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl and let it cool.
- Prepare the Salad: Add the black beans, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, corn, and cilantro to the quinoa.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
This quinoa and black bean salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare in a pressure cooker. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light, healthy meal any day of the week.
Pressure Cooker Lentil Curry
This pressure cooker lentil curry is a flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the lentils and rich in spices, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil, then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add Spices: Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Add Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach until wilted.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
This pressure cooker lentil curry is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s full of flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for a hearty, plant-based dinner. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and nourished.
Pressure Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers
These pressure cooker stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and colorful dish packed with lean ground turkey, brown rice, and vegetables. They make a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground turkey, cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the turkey and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the bottom of the pressure cooker. Place the stuffed bell peppers on top of the sauce.
- Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper and close the lid for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers with the tomato sauce spooned over the top.
These pressure cooker stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to make. The combination of ground turkey, brown rice, and vegetables makes for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Pressure Cooker Vegetable Stew
This hearty and healthy pressure cooker vegetable stew is packed with a variety of vegetables and rich in flavor. It’s an excellent option for a nutritious and comforting meal that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, potato, zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach until wilted.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
This pressure cooker vegetable stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs makes this stew both satisfying and healthy. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Pressure Cooker Thai Green Curry
This pressure cooker Thai green curry is a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s both healthy and easy to make. It’s loaded with vegetables and tender chicken, simmered in a delicious coconut milk-based sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp green curry paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil, then add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Add the chicken pieces, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir to combine.
- Add Coconut Milk and Spices: Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, green curry paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to mix everything together.
- Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and let the curry sit for a few minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Serve: Serve the curry over cooked jasmine rice, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
This pressure cooker Thai green curry is a quick and healthy way to enjoy a classic Thai dish at home. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich coconut curry sauce makes it a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it with jasmine rice for a complete and delicious dinner.
Pressure Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
This pressure cooker lemon garlic chicken with vegetables is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy dinner. The tender chicken is infused with tangy lemon and garlic flavors, complemented by a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic.
- Sear the Chicken: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Heat olive oil and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining minced garlic, baby potatoes, and baby carrots to the pressure cooker. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried thyme. Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
This pressure cooker lemon garlic chicken with vegetables is a healthy and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. The combination of tangy lemon, savory garlic, and tender chicken makes it a delightful dish for any occasion.
Pressure Cooker Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This pressure cooker Mediterranean quinoa salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Crumbled feta cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Quinoa: Add rinsed quinoa and water to the pressure cooker. Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 1 minute. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This pressure cooker Mediterranean quinoa salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or side dish. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it a refreshing addition to any meal.
Pressure Cooker Spicy Lentil Soup
This pressure cooker spicy lentil soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s packed with protein and warming spices. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days and easy to make in your pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil, then add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Spices: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
This pressure cooker spicy lentil soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of lentils, warming spices, and vegetables makes it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete and hearty meal.
Pressure Cooker Honey Garlic Salmon
This pressure cooker honey garlic salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy dinner option. The salmon is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then pressure cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy fillets.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate Salmon: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Pour half of the marinade over the salmon fillets and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer if time allows).
- Sear Salmon (Optional): Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil and sear the salmon fillets for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the salmon and set aside.
- Pressure Cook: Pour water into the pressure cooker pot. Place a trivet inside and arrange the salmon fillets on top of the trivet. Pour the remaining marinade over the salmon.
- Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 3 minutes (adjust time based on thickness of salmon).
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Serve: Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the pressure cooker. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed vegetables or rice.
This pressure cooker honey garlic salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. The sweet and savory marinade infuses the salmon with amazing flavors, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.
Pressure Cooker Ratatouille
This pressure cooker ratatouille is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the bounty of summer vegetables. It’s a classic French dish made easy in the pressure cooker, perfect as a vegetarian main or a hearty side.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of olive oil, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
This pressure cooker ratatouille is a delicious and versatile dish that’s bursting with flavors of summer. The pressure cooker makes it quick and easy to prepare, while still maintaining the rich and hearty flavors of this classic French dish.
Pressure Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros
These pressure cooker Greek chicken gyros are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends. The tender chicken is marinated in Greek-inspired flavors and cooked to perfection in the pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 pita bread rounds
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if time allows).
- Sear Chicken (Optional): Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode. Add a small amount of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Pressure Cook: Pour 1/4 cup of water into the pressure cooker pot. Place a trivet inside and arrange the chicken thighs on top of the trivet.
- Cook: Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Prepare Gyros: Remove the chicken thighs from the pressure cooker and slice thinly. Assemble the gyros by placing sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion inside a pita bread round. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of these Greek chicken gyros.
These pressure cooker Greek chicken gyros are a delightful twist on a classic dish. The tender and flavorful chicken, combined with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce, creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Note: More recipes are coming soon!