12+ Best Healthy Southern Food Recipes You’ll Love to Make!

Southern cooking is all about heart and soul, blending rich flavors with comforting traditions. Imagine dishes that warm your heart and make your taste buds dance, all while being good for you. Let’s explore some mouthwatering recipes that bring the best of Southern flavor to your table without the guilt!

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken from The Whole Cook

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h 15 min Total Time: 1 h 15 min.

Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe from Feasting At Home

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken from Eat Yourself Skinny

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

This dish is a refreshing take on the classic Southern fried chicken, swapping grease for zesty goodness. With a delightful marinade of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of herbs like rosemary and thyme, each bite bursts with flavor. It’s special because it pairs beautifully with a side of seasonal veggies or a light salad, making it a perfect summer dinner.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos from Cookie and Kate

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h

Recipe: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos from The Kitchn

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.

Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe from JoyFoodSunshine

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.

These tacos are a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures! Roasted sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness, while black beans add a hearty touch. Topped with crunchy cabbage and a zesty lime dressing, they provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. They’re popular for gatherings, as they are not only colorful but also a hit with both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Quinoa and Collard Greens Salad

Warm Collard Quinoa Salad from Primavera Kitchen

Rating: 4. Ingredients: Collard greens, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, olive oil Total Time: 25 min.

Collard Quinoa Salad from Naturally Ella

Ingredients: Salad, feta, watermelon radishes, sunflower seeds, honey

Kalamata Collard Quinoa Salad Recipe from Primavera Kitchen

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Collard greens, mushrooms, kalamata olives, yellow bell pepper, red pepper flakes Total Time: 15 min.

Imagine a salad that’s packed with nutrients and Southern charm! This quinoa salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the earthy taste of collard greens, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s special because it’s not just a side dish; it’s a filling meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.

Oven-Baked Catfish with Spicy Remoulade

Oven-Fried Catfish With Remoulade Sauce from Food.com

Ingredients: 35 Min. Total Time: 35 min..

Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade from Bread Booze Bacon

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 29 Min. Total Time: 29 min..

Oven-Fried Catfish Bites from Lemons for Lulu

Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: 40 Min. Total Time: 40 min..

This dish takes the classic fried catfish and turns it into a healthier oven-baked version. Seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, the fish remains moist and flavorful without the extra oil. The spicy remoulade made from Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce adds a creamy kick, making it a favorite for fish lovers looking for a lighter option.

Peach and Spinach Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Easy Grilled Shrimp and Sweet Peach Salad from Home & Plate

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

Grilled Shrimp and Peach Salad with Burrata and Basil from Give it Some Thyme

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.

Grilled Shrimp With Wilted Spinach and Peaches from NYT Cooking – The New York Times

Rating: 4. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Sweet, juicy peaches paired with tender spinach and succulent grilled shrimp create a salad that sings of summer! The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, especially with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to tie it all together. This dish is special because it’s not only refreshing but also showcases the best of Southern produce, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.