40+ Recipes that Boost Flavor with Herbs and Spices

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Thanks to herbs and spices, these 40+ flavor-boosting recipes are nutritious and delicious without lots of added sodium, fat and calories!

Adding flavor to food can be fun and simple and doesn’t have to involve increased calories, unhealthy fat, added sugar, and sodium. I love cooking with herbs and spices – they’re an easy and healthy way to add amazing, delicious flavor to recipes while keeping them healthier. Flavor-packed healthy and delicious recipes = #Winning in my book!

Every herb and spice has its own nutritional and health benefits, but in general herbs and spices have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that provide protection against cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Some herbs and spices may even play a role in weight loss, memory and brain function, and gut health.

What’s the difference between herbs and spices? Herbs like rosemary, oregano, mint, cilantro, and thyme come from the leaves of the plant. Spices come from the remaining parts of the plant including the seed (e.g. sesame), root (e.g. ginger), fruit (e.g. paprika), berry (e.g. black pepper), bud (e.g. saffron), and bark (e.g. cinnamon).

To get you started on using herbs and spices in the kitchen, here are over 40 nutritious and delicious flavor-boosting recipes from my dietitian and healthy food blogger friends!

Breakfast

Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal @ Jessica Levinson (cinnamon, nutmeg, & cloves)

“Golden Milk” Turmeric Smoothie @ Love & Zest (turmeric)

Cinnamon Spice Muffins @ Amy Gorin Nutrition (cinnamon & cloves)

Baked Mushroom Leek Frittata @ Jessica Levinson (thyme)

Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Wrap @ Mom’s Kitchen Handbook (chives)

Lunch & Dinner

Chili Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos with Mango Salsa @ Dishing Out Health (chili powder, paprika, cumin, & cilantro)

Greek Zucchini Pie @ Jessica Levinson (mint & oregano)

Beef and Apricot Tagine @ Erica Julson (cumin, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, & cilantro)

Quinoa Stuffed Cornish Hens @ Jessica Levinson (turmeric, cinnamon, & paprika)

Indian Spiced Chicken @ Real Living Nutrition (cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, mint, & cilantro)

Summer Shakshuka @ Jessica Levinson (cumin, turmeric, paprika, parsley, & za’atar)

Asian-Style Turkey Meatloaf @ Jessica Levinson (ginger & cilantro)

Soups, Salads, and Sides

Golden Roasted Cauliflower @ Jessica Levinson (turmeric, garam masala, & garlic powder)

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese @ Lively Table (thyme)

Parmesan Roasted Campari Tomatoes @ Nutrition Starring You (oregano & crushed red pepper)

Roasted Cherry Farro Salad @ Jessica Levinson (mint)

Easy Moroccan Split Pea Soup @ Dishing Out Health (thyme, turmeric, & coriander)

Tomato White Bean Soup @ Jessica Levinson (bay leaves, rosemary, & thyme)

Chestnut Soup @ Rachael Hartley Nutrition (bay leaf, nutmeg, & parsley)

Spinach Salad with Jicama, Black Beans, & Lime Vinaigrette @ Jessica Levinson (cumin & chili powder)

Sauces, Dressings, & Rubs

Southwest Seasoning Mix @ Healthy Ideas Place (cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, & more!)

Tomato Jam @ Jessica Levinson (ginger, cumin, & cinnamon)

Citrus Salsa @ Jessica Levinson (cilantro)

Fresh Peach Salsa @ Running In a Skirt  (cilantro)

Herb Sauce @ Jessica Levinson (mint, cilantro, & ginger)

Homemade Barbecue Sauce @ The Pretty Bee (chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, mustard powder & more!)

Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce @ Jessica Levinson (cinnamon)

Homemade Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms @ Jessica Levinson (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, & oregano)

Dessert

Spiced Pumpkin Bread @ Jessica Levinson (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)

Golden Milk Popsicles @ Food, Pleasure, & Health (turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, & ginger)

Carrot, Ginger, Flax Muffins with Cream Cheese Glaze @ Dishing Out Health (ginger, nutmeg, & cinnamon)

Blood Orange Poached Pears @ Jessica Levinson (cinnamon & ginger)

Pumpkin-Coconut Dark Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding @ Rachael Hartley Nutrition (cinnamon, nutmeg, & ginger)

Cocktails & Mocktails

Watermelon Mojito @ Jessica Levinson (mint)

Orange-Rosemary Paloma @ Zestful Kitchen (rosemary)

Strawberry Ginger Switchel @ Recipes to Nourish (ginger)

Sage Blueberry Collins @ The Food Hunter’s Guide (sage)

Spicy Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita @ Jessica Levinson (ginger)

Turmeric Ginger Lemonade @ Cotter Crunch (turmeric & ginger)

Strawberry Basil Lemonade @ The Spicy RD (basil)

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Do you cook with herbs and spices?

Which are your favorite flavor-boosting recipes?

Share with me in the comments below!