Packaged Food Recipes We Love (2024)

Clean eating made easy

Here's a sneak peek at Prevention's picks for wholesome, junk-free products that fit the new "clean" eating trend.

Get started with these four fantastic recipes, and then check out the full list of our100 Cleanest Packaged Food Award Winners.

Chicken Chili

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
Serves 4

2 tsp olive oil
1 lg onion, chopped
2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 pkg (10 oz) Earthbound Farm Frozen Organic Kale
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen corn (2 c)
2 c shredded cooked chicken
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini), rinsed and drained
Optional garnishes: shredded Monterey Jack, chopped avocado, sliced red onion, cilantro sprigs

1. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, and cumin and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients (except garnishes) and 2 1/2 cups water. Simmer, uncovered, until kale and corn are tender and chili is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

NUTRITION (per serving) 339 cal, 30 g pro, 40 g carb, 8 g fiber, 7.5 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 376 mg sodium

Food quick bites

Winner: Earthbound Farm Frozen Organic Kale

Convenient and full of calcium and vitamins A, C, and K

Salmon Burgers

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes + chilling time
Serves 4

2 cans (6 oz each) Wild Planet Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon, drained and flaked
2 lg eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 c fresh or dried whole wheat or panko bread crumbs
1/4 c finely chopped red onion
4 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
1 1/2 tsp fresh lime or lemon juice
1/4 c reduced-fat sour cream
4 whole wheat sandwich buns, split and toasted
4 lettuce leaves

1. Stir together salmon, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, 3 Tbsp of the dill, and 1 tsp of the lime juice in bowl. Season. Form into 4 patties with damp hands (mixture will be wet), put on plate, and chill at least 20 minutes.

2. Whisk together sour cream and remaining 1 Tbsp dill and 1/2 tsp lime juice. Cover and chill.

3. Heat oven to 400°F. Cook patties in large ovenproof skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat, turning carefully, until golden, about 6 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake 6 minutes. Serve on buns with sauce and lettuce.

NUTRITION (per serving) 293 cal, 26 g pro, 29 g carb, 5 g fiber, 8.5 g fat, 2.5 g sat fat, 547 mg sodium

Winner: Wild Planet Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon

Sustainably caught, omega-3-rich fish; can lining is made without BPA

Spaghetti with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes
Serves 6

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 jar (12 oz) roasted red bell peppers, rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar
1/2 c finely grated Parmesan
2 pkg (8 oz each) Ancient Harvest Gluten Free Quinoa Spaghetti
1/4 c sliced almonds, toasted

1. Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring, until softened, 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Transfer to food processor with next 3 ingredients and 1/3 cup of the cheese. Puree until smooth. Return to pan. Bring to a simmer, season, remove from heat, and cover.

2. Cook pasta per box directions. Drain. Toss with some sauce to coat. Top with nuts and remaining cheese and oil. Serve with remaining sauce.

NUTRITION (per serving) 403 cal, 10 g pro, 72 g carb, 8 g fiber, 10 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 226 mg sodium

Winner: Ancient Harvest Gluten Free Organic Quinoa Pasta

Wheat-free, non-GMO pasta sold in 7 shapes

Spinach Dip

Squeeze spinach dry with hands to extract as much liquid as possible. Add to food processor with remaining ingredients. Pulse until just combined. Season to taste. (Makes 2 1/2 cups.) Transfer to serving bowl.

NUTRITION (per serving) 81 cal, 8 g pro, 4 g carb, 1 g fiber, 4 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 119 mg sodium

Winner: Stonyfield Organic Oikos Plain 0% Greek Yogurt

Packs 23 g of protein per serving; less sugar than in regular yogurt

More from Prevention:100 Cleanest Packaged Food Awards of 2013