Balance out your diet with these macro-friendly recipes. They’re healthy, full of nutrition, and extra delicious. On top of it all, not so hard to make.
There are tons of diets on the market now. These include diets such as low carb, high protein, and low-fat diets.
But what if you like your carbs, fats, and protein? What’s a gal (or guy) gonna do?
Follow a macro-friendly diet! A macro-friendly diet is simply one that has a healthy mix of carbs, fat, and protein.
So, you still get to enjoy all the macros – but in a balanced way.
To make your life easier, I’ve compiled 23 Macro Friendly Recipe Ideas. They’re not only healthy, but they also taste great too.
Let’s get cooking!
1. Chicken & Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Credit: cubesnjuliennes.com
We could all use more veggies in our diets. And salads are the perfect way to do that.
But most salads leave you wanting a little something. And that something is protein.
Of all the macros, protein fills you up the most. And it boosts your metabolism, which helps you lose weight.
This salad is packed with protein. So, you won’t feel like reaching for donuts a few hours later.
And it has a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the apples balances the bitterness of the Brussel sprouts.
And the tartness of the pomegranate arils complements the creaminess of the feta cheese.
Meanwhile, the pumpkin seeds add extra crunch. Who knew healthy eating could taste this good?
Now, you will be shaving your Brussels sprouts for the salad. Doing this adds additional layers of texture.
To do this, you can use a knife. However, to save time, you can simply use a mandolin slicer like this. It comes with a fingerguard and heavy-duty gloves to keep your hands safe.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 242
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
2. Carne Asada Fire Roasted Stuffed Peppers
Credit: bonappeteach.com
Are you craving some Mexican eats? Try these Carne Asada Fire Roasted Peppers.
These Fire Roasted Peppers are a Mexican twist on your classic stuffed peppers.
Rather than stuffing your peppers with ground beef, you stuff them with grilled marinated steak.
What you get is a delicious bite that is sure to delight your taste buds.
And to add more Mexican flare, be sure to add your favorite toppings. These could include sour cream, avocado, or even cilantro.
Bon appetit!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 341
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
3. Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bowls
Credit: eatthegains.com
Mornings can be a train wreck. There’s so much to do and so little time.
Before you know it, it’s time to hit the road. And you haven’t had a bite of breakfast.
So you end up at the drive-thru and order coffee and donuts – yet again.
So you have a carb overload. And that’s no good.
These Meal Prep Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bowls offer a better solution. You prep your breakfast once, and you have breakfast ready for a couple of days.
And you’ll definitely want to sink your teeth into this breakfast. That’s because it contains yummy foods, like smoked salmon, crispy breakfast potatoes, and eggs.
You even have a medley of veggies such as avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, and arugula. All topped with a light vinaigrette.
Now that’s a breakfast for champions!
And to keep your breakfasts fresh all week long, make sure you store them in high-quality food storage containers.
I prefer glass ones like these because they keep food fresh longer, and they are better for the environment.
However, if you want lighter containers, these BPA-free ones here are an excellent alternative.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 470
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 9g
4. High Protein Yogurt Pancakes
Credit: fitasamamabear.com
The weekends are the perfect time to sleep in. And, of course, lounge in your pajamas with a warm cup of coffee/tea.
And what would help you enjoy the weekend even more? A plate of pancakes!
These High Protein Yogurt Pancakes are fluffy and delicious. And unlike your typical pancakes, these contain more protein and fewer carbs.
So, your macros are nice and balanced – just the way you want them to be.
To keep the macros balanced, you’ll use almond flour and coconut flour instead of regular flour.
Almond flour is low in carbs and has lots of healthy fats and fiber. So, it keeps your feeling full longer.
It also contains a ton of bone-building minerals such as manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.
And it’s also gluten-free – perfect if you have allergies or intolerance to gluten. If you need some, you can pick up some here.
Coconut flour is also low in carbs yet rich in fiber. And it’s rich in iron which gives you energy.
And just like almond flour, it’s gluten-free. If you’d like to give it a try, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 146
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
5. Healthy Southwest Turkey Burgers
Credit: breathesweateat.com
Tired of greasy hamburgers? Give these Turkey Burgers a try.
They’re light yet flavorful. The taco seasoning and jalapeno peppers add some heat.
And the red onions add sweetness. Meanwhile, the black beans and ground turkey make the burgers very satisfying.
And unlike regular burgers, these turkey burgers contain Vitamin C. That’s because you’re adding chopped red bell peppers to your patty mixture.
So you’ll be doing your tummy and immune system a world of good.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 161
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
6. Quinoa & Chickpea Salad
Credit: allnutritious.com
Many of us are turning towards plant-based meals. And for a good reason.
Shifting towards a plant-forward diet has health benefits. And it may even help you lose weight. Yay!
This Quinoa & Chickpea Salad is bursting with flavor. And the chickpeas make it quite filling – you definitely won’t miss the meat.
To amp up the flavors, you’ll be using several spices – 7 to be exact. So, gather your measuring spoons.
I like these ones here because they contain premium stainless steel. So they don’t rust or get bent.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 251
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 6.4g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 6.1g
- Sugar: 12g
7. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Credit: sugardishme.com
Do you want to amp up the spice level? Try these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
They are creamy, spicy, and oh, so yummy. And the chicken bites are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside – just the way they should be.
The quinoa adds a little bite, as well as a boost of plant-based protein. Quinoa is also rich in bone-building minerals such as manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Besides using it in salads and wraps, you can also use it to make breakfast bowls. If you’d like to give it a try, you can get some here.
Check out more 400 calorie meals here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 471
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 47g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
8. Spicy Ground Turkey & Green Bean Stir Fry
Credit: slenderkitchen.com
At the end of a long workday, you just want to binge-watch Netflix. The last thing on your mind is making a healthy dinner.
After all, it would be much easier to order takeout, right? But takeout is not usually macro-friendly.
That’s where Stir Fry comes in handy. It takes only 20 minutes to make.
And it tastes incredible. The ground turkey and green beans are a winning combination.
And the stir-fry sauce takes really elevates this simple yet tasty dish. The Asian chili-garlic paste adds heat, while the soy sauce adds umami
And the garlic cloves add savory.
With a dish like this, who needs takeout?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 294
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 39g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
9. Turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet
Credit: spoonfulofflavor.com
Looking for a macro-friendly meal option for Taco Tuesday? This Turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet is a great choice.
Now your typical taco dish tends to be heavy on carbs. That’s because of the tortilla.
With this Skillet meal, we’re getting rid of the tortilla. And we’re focusing on the toppings.
After all, that’s all that really matters, right?
And this Taco Skillet has the works. There’s black beans, green chilis, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, quinoa, and of course cheese.
And the Mexican spices add even more Mexican flavor.
What’s more, this is a one-pan dish. So, you spend more time eating – and less time cleaning.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 245
- Fats: 6.6g
- Protein: 19.3g
- Carbs: 28.5g
- Fiber: 6.5g
- Sugar: 2.5g
10. Blackened Chicken Avocado Power Bowls
Credit: therecipecritic.com
Tired of the same old chicken dinners? Change things up with these Blackened Chicken Avocado Power Bowls.
These bowls are brimming with yummy goodness. There’s juicy blackened chicken, cooling avocadoes, crunchy red cabbage, creamy chickpeas, broccoli, and bell peppers.
There’s so much variety – you won’t know where to start. But once you dig in, you’ll just keep on eating until the Bowl is finished.
Besides being tasty, this dish is also nutritious. It is rich in potassium which is vital for healthy blood pressure.
And it’s packed with immune-boosting Vitamins A and C.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner. You might also like these high-calorie meals!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 602
- Fats: 30g
- Protein: 57g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 11g
- Sugar: 3g
11. Egg Roll Bowls
Credit: onelovelylife.com
I enjoy egg rolls, as I’m sure many of you do too. But I definitely don’t like making them.
That’s because all that rolling and deep-frying takes a ton of effort – and time.
With these Egg Roll Bowls, you get to eat your cake, ahem, egg rolls- and have them too. That’s because these Egg Roll Bowls are deconstructed versions of egg rolls.
So you have all the taste, with none of the work. And since they’re not deep-fried, they are healthier for you too.
Best of all, these Egg Roll Bowls take only 30 minutes to make. Now that’s a plus in my books.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 233
- Fats: 7.1g
- Protein: 28.9g
- Carbs: 12.9g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 6.3g
12. Mango Chia Pudding
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do you have a sweet tooth? I have just the right breakfast for you.
On the menu is chia pudding topped with a creamy mango and coconut puree. All topped with coconut flakes.
The balance of creaminess and crunch is simply divine. You’ll be on cloud nine.
Not only is this pudding delicious, but it’s also good for you too. The chia seeds provide fiber that is good for your digestion and fills you up.
And they are rich in brain-boosting omega-3s. They’re also good sources of calcium which is vital for strong bones.
Besides using them in your puddings, you can also add them to smoothies. If you need to stock up on them, you can get some here.
Love this recipe? You might also like this Strawberry chia pudding and banana chia pudding.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 337
- Fats: 23g
- Protein: 6.5g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 17g
13. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Credit: therealfoodrds.com
Do you like your food sweet and spicy? Give this Buffalo Chicken a try.
The Buffalo chicken is juicy and tender. The heat of the Buffalo sauce is complemented by the coolness from the ranch dressing.
And since the Buffalo chicken is sandwiched in a sweet potato, you have a nice burst of sweetness.
To get your chicken nice and juicy, you’ll be making it in a slow cooker. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can get a good one at a great price here.
This Buffalo chicken is excellent just the way it is. But if you want, you can serve it with a Garden salad.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
14. Oregano Lemon Chicken & Potatoes
Credit: thewholecook.com
Need a little (or a lot) less heat? This Oregano Lemon Chicken & Potatoes dish will be up your alley.
On the menu are lightly seasoned chicken breasts—all accompanied by Italian-seasoned baby potatoes.
So it’s a pretty simple dish, yet it’s full of flavor.
What’s more, it takes only 30 minutes to make. So, it’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 356
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
15. Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl
Credit: fitmittenkitchen.com
Looking for another tasty yet simple dish? This Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl is a great option.
It’s colorful, refreshing, but most importantly, tasty—the freekeh’s nuttiness balances the tempeh’s meatiness.
And the crunchy cabbage complements the creamy avocado perfectly. And the mixed greens add freshness.
But the star of this Buddha Bowl is the cashew curry sauce. It’s so good that you’ll want it on everything.
Freekeh, if you’re not aware, is simply an ancient grain. Besides adding texture, it adds a ton of nutrition too.
It’s rich in calcium and magnesium, which are essential for strong bones. And it is rich in prebiotics which feeds your good bacteria. If you’d like to try some, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 275
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 16g
- Sugar: 20g
16. Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
Credit: skinnytaste.com
Looking for a breakfast that is ready in 1, 2, 3? You can’t go wrong with this Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl.
It takes only 5 minutes to make. So it’s perfect for those busy mornings.
Cottage cheese is topped with a medley of veggies: Persian cucumbers, bell peppers, and grape tomatoes.
And it’s all topped with roasted pistachios. So you have a nice combination of tastes and textures.
What a great start to the morning!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 221
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugar: 13g
17. Chinese Chicken Salad
Credit: therealfoodrds.com
Looking for a lunch idea that will wow your coworkers? Try this Chinese Chicken Salad.
It looks and tastes fantastic. It’s packed with juicy chicken, crunchy almonds, and a rainbow of fresh veggies.
And it’s topped with a delightful sesame-ginger sauce. Your coworkers won’t believe you made it.
Now you will need some cooked chicken for this salad. If you don’t have any handy, you can use a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 324
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
18. Mango Avocado Salad
Credit: allnutritious.com
Are you tired of boring old Garden salad? Try my Mango Avocado Salad.
It’s fruity, sweet, and refreshing. It’s sure to transport you to the Caribbean.
The mangos and red onions provide sweetness. Meanwhile, the English cucumber offers hydration.
And the avocadoes add creaminess.
Besides adding sweetness, mangos add a lot of nutrition. Mangoes contain immune-boosting Vitamins A and C.
They are also good sources of folate, which you need to build DNA. So eat up those mangoes!
Check out more 300 calorie recipes here!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 312
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 5.2g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 18g
19. Healthy Vegan Lettuce Wraps
Credit: theliveinkitchen.com
Looking for a dinner idea for Meatless Mondays? These Healthy Vegan Lettuce Wraps are a great option.
They’re packed with Asian flavors. The ginger paste adds some heat, while the soy sauce adds umami.
Meanwhile, the tempeh adds meaty textures and nuttiness.
Tempeh also makes the lettuce wraps filing. That’s because it is rich in plant-based protein.
It’s also good for your bones. That’s because it’s rich in manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
What’s more, these wraps take only 17 minutes. So, you can make them in a pinch. Check out more 200 calorie recipes here!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 153
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
20. Pulled Pork Burrito Bowls
Credit: sweetpeasandsaffron.com
Chicken is good and all. But after a while, you get tired of it.
These Pulled Pork Burrito Bowls provide a welcome change. They are packed with all your favorites: corn, avocado, pulled pork, tomatoes, black beans, and rice.
It’s a fiesta in your mouth.
Like it spicy? Feel free to add some jalapenos.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 597
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 41g
- Carbs: 63g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 7g
21. Teriyaki Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Credit: thealmondeater.com
Do you love seafood? Then you probably love shrimp sushi.
This Teriyaki Shrimp Sushi Bowl is a deconstructed version of sushi. So, you have all of the yumminess without all the work. Yay!
This Bowl is packed with succulent shrimp, luxurious avocado, white rice, and quinoa. And the sweet Teriyaki sauce and spicy mayo tie this Bowl together.
Best of all, it takes only 20 minutes to make. So you can make it whenever your cravings hit.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 584
- Fats: 30g
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 3g
22. Breakfast Fried Cauliflower Rice
Credit: paleorunningmomma.com
Time for Breakfast Fried Cauliflower Rice. Yes, you read that right.
The menu is a breakfast skillet made of fried cauliflower rice, crispy bacon, sauteed red bell peppers, and broccoli.
All topped with a runny fried egg. And it tastes so delicious.
You’ll wonder why you’ve never had this for breakfast – or lunch – or dinner.You can find more low calorie recipes here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 327
- Fats: 25g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
23. Cauliflower Shawarma Grain Bowl
Credit: oursaltykitchen.com
Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Shawarma – cauliflower Shawarma, that is.
The Shawarma packs plenty of flavors, from the caramelized cauliflower, crunchy roasted chickpeas, vegetable-broth-infused quinoa, and the cucumber with tomato salad.
And the homemade Tahini dressing complements the Bowl nicely. With a bowl like this, who needs Chicken Shawarma?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 505
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fiber: 17g
- Sugar: 6g
23 Macro Friendly Recipes That Taste Awesome
Easy, delicious, and yummy. These macro-friendly recipes are quick to make and flavorful. Great for getting all the nutrients you need.
Ingredients
- 1. Chicken & Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
- 2. Carne Asada Fire Roasted Stuffed Peppers
- 3. Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bowls
- 4. High Protein Yogurt Pancakes
- 5. Healthy Southwest Turkey Burgers
- 6. Quinoa & Chickpea Salad
- 7. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 8. Spicy Ground Turkey & Green Bean Stir Fry
- 9. Turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet
- 10. Blackened Chicken Avocado Power Bowls
- 11. Egg Roll Bowls
- 12. Mango Chia Pudding
- 13. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- 14. Oregano Lemon Chicken & Potatoes
- 15. Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl
- 16. Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
- 17. Chinese Chicken Salad
- 18. Mango Avocado Salad
- 19. Healthy Vegan Lettuce Wraps
- 20. Pulled Pork Burrito Bowls
- 21. Teriyaki Shrimp Sushi Bowl
- 22. Breakfast Fried Cauliflower Rice
- 23. Cauliflower Shawarma Grain Bowl
Instructions
- Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious recipes. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.
- Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.
- Get cooking and make your next Macro Friendly Meal!
Notes
Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!