Go Mediterranean With 25 Healthy Recipes That Will Make You Live Forever

What are the best things to make in an Instant Pot?

You can make all kinds of delicious recipes like rice, soup, and meats like chicken and salmon. In our opinion, the best thing to make in an Instant Pot is something that would take you a long time to make otherwise!

What should you not cook in an Instant Pot?

You don't want to cook fried food because an Instant Pot won't keep the outside crispy the way that an air fryer will. You also want to avoid desserts like cookies because the moisture won't give you the same delicious results that an oven will.

What should I make my first time with Instant Pot?

For your first time using the an Instant Pot, make a super simple, cheap dinner that won't cost you if you make a mistake. We'd recommend a simple chili, chicken noodle soup, or a simple pasta you've made before. That way, you can familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot without worrying too much about the outcome.

Is Instant Pot just as good as slow cooker?

The Instant Pot is great for when you're short on time, whereas a slow cooker might require more attention since you typically cook food all day long in it. Each appliance is relatively easy to use, but if you want to whip up something quick, the Instant Pot might be better than a slow cooker.

Because of the different settings, the results will vary a bit from a slow cooker, but as long as you figure out the recipes that work for you, an Instant Pot can be a great addition to your kitchen.

Frittatas may be your norm for brunch, but they also make for an easy fridge clean-out dinner. Easy, quick, and tasty? Who wouldn't want to make this beginner Instant Pot recipe? (via Brit + Co)

This beginner-friendly soup is nutritious, thanks to eight different vegetables. It receives richness from sweet Italian sausage and lots of cannellini beans. Plus, it’s blissfully Tuscan thanks to juicy San Marzano tomatoes, lemon, and fresh parsley. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy butter chicken makes for a romantic weeknight at-home date night. Serve with plenty of basmati rice for scooping up the addictive sauce, and enough slices of naan to literally wipe your plate clean. (via Brit + Co)

All you need to make rice in your Instant Pot is water, salt, and, well – rice. The most important part of this whole process as far as we're concerned is the fluffing, because getting that fluffy consistency is vital for any and every rice recipe. (via Brit + Co)

The keys to fluffy, flavorful quinoa: rinse off the pseudo-grain’s bitter coating with water first, then sauté it in the Instant Pot until toasted. After you've done those steps, you can cook it with broth on the gadget’s rice setting and voilà. An easy and delicious meal. (via Brit + Co)

Your favorite veg, eggs, and cream go into individual ramekins, get pressure-cooked, and come out ever-so-slightly soft so you can spread the whole thing over toast. This is seriously one of the best breakfasts ever, and your brunches will never be the same! (via Brit + Co)

From a frozen state, fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook in the Instant Pot. Yes, you read that right. From there, it’s just about adding the sauce and serving with rice for a complete meal. This is one of our favorite beginner Instant Pot recipes for the health nuts out there. (via Brit + Co)

We thought meatballs couldn't get much better, but stuff them with cheese, and suddenly they're a whole new meal that we can't get enough of. We love to eat them on top of zoodles, but any kind of noodles will do. (via Brit + Co)

You'll want to go ahead and bookmark this beginner Instant Pot recipe because chances are, after you make this stew for the first time, you’ll go back again and again. (via Brit + Co)

This foolproof recipe relies on quinoa to naturally thicken the chili. Not only will it help with the consistency, but it will also leave you feeling fuller. (via Brit + Co)

All you need is water, salt, and pepper to make this 10-minute chicken breast, which is easy to shred for salads, soups, and more. For extra moisture and flavor, we suggest brining the chicken in salt water overnight and sprinkling in a touch of brown sugar and peppercorns. (via Brit + Co)

While you need the better part of an hour for the normal butternut squash method, this new and improved version only takes 12 minutes. We don't know about you, but we'll be fixing this Instant Pot recipe all the time for a side dish from here on out! (via Brit + Co)

Salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli can be steamed up all together in three minutes via the wonders of the Instant Pot. We'll never say no to a dinner this quick *and* this delicious. (via Brit + Co)

The classic American-Chinese staple is made even quicker when seared and pressure-cooked in the Instant Pot. Add a little bit of sriracha for an unmatched sweet and spicy flavor. (via Brit + Co)

Gussy up this Instant Pot potato soup with all your fave fixings. This is great for any time of day and can include all your favorite loaded baked potato toppings. We always go with bacon, cheese, and chives. (via Brit + Co)

Why make hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot? Because of the change in pressure, they’re a lot easier to peel than their traditionally-boiled counterparts, so you can spend more time eating your eggs and less time wrangling with tough shells. From there, chop them up into an egg salad or over toast for a simple dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Our version of Pinterest’s most-pinned beginner Instant Pot recipe cooks tender chuck roast in nutty ghee, which we serve on buttered pretzel rolls with mild cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and leftover juices for dipping. We won't blame you if you're drooling right now. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure-cooker carnitas means you can decide you want tacos at 6 p.m. and sit down with a plate of Instant Pot pork goodness by 6:35 p.m. This flexible recipe has a flavorful base of pork shoulder, aromatic veggies, adobo sauce, and beer, but you can also get creative by adding your own combination of herbs and seasonings. (via Brit + Co)

When you're dealing with something that sounds as complicated as pot roast, turning it into an Instant Pot recipe can make things a whole lot easier. We're big fans of this one for its hearty flavors. (via Culinary Hill)

Spaghetti squash is a nice alternative to pasta if you're trying to incorporate more low-carb recipes into your diet. Plus you aren't dealing with all the extra additives of a typical noodle. The actual cooking only takes around 20 minutes so it makes for a great quick dinner. (via Feel Good Foodie)

A complete salmon dinner in under 30 minutes? Yes, please. This amazing crock pot recipe is so simple and includes all sides in one pot. Forget about multiple pots and pans, and enjoy this delectable dish that includes only four simple steps. (via Food Network)

This famously day-long cooking project gets boiled down to just 30 minutes when you follow this beginner Instant Pot recipe for cold nights. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Our favorite part of this recipe is the sweet-meets-salty flavor from the soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. It really can't be beat. (via A Spicy Perspective)

This recipe uses your favorite barbecue sauce, which means that you're almost guaranteed to love it. Serve it with tender Hawaiian rolls or some homemade pretzels. (via Cozy Cravings)

With some sweet corn, smoky chipotle peppers, cheddar, bacon, and a few other ingredients, you can have a bowl of corn chowder in less than one hour. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Instant Pot recipes don't have to be savory if you don't want them to be. Granny smith apples, brown sugar, and oats come together the way that you would expect, but the secret to making this delicious recipe is adding caramel syrup as well. (via Cilantro Parsley)

You can eat these yummy greens on their own, or serve them up as a side to another dish for a whole new meal. Whichever method you pick, make sure you don't forget about the caramelized onions. Yum! (via Forks & Foliage)

Greek yogurt is one of our favorite breakfast foods, and it's also the key to getting your mashed potatoes extra smooth. The great thing about the Instant Pot is that while it's cooking, you can be preparing your other food, or cleaning up the dishes to save yourself time later. (via Feel Good Foodie)

This vegan chili is full of nuts, grains, and lots of yummy pumpkin. Thanks to the use of canned pumpkin, it doesn't have to be October to make this beginner Instant Pot recipe. (via Pinch Of Yum)

Need a filling breakfast? Look no further than this Instant Pot oatmeal! Use your favorite milk and coconut oil to make it creamy, and top with all your favorite berries, cinnamon sugar, or go for a banana + peanut butter + chocolate chip combo. Yum! (via Feel Good Foodie)

This beginner Instant Pot recipe takes the hard labor and constant attention that traditional risotto requires. Good news is, it's still elegantly tasty for when you want to step dinner up a bit. (via Hello Little Home)

This Instant Pot stew recipe has winter written all over it. The easily-adaptable ingredients, a mix of meat and veggies, will supply you with a full, satisfied belly every time.(via Earthly Provisions)

Making refried beans in the Instant Pot means they're not really fried at all, but this recipe still results in the same mushy texture you'd expect from the dish. Dress 'em up with cheese, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime for extra zest. (via Averie Cooks)

Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, but really anytime of year, this 20-minute Instant Pot mac and cheese uses Irish cheddar and mixes in Brussels sprouts for extra tetxure. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Authentic-tasting ramen can be hard to come by. The secret to making it yourself is homemade chicken broth, which the Instant Pot makes possible in under an hour. Sprinkle a few sheets of dried seaweed right on top, and you've got a bowl of the real deal. (via Steamy Kitchen)

You’ll never think of chicken as boring once you’ve tasted this Filipino adobo, which is redolent with garlic, vinegar, and pepper. Serve with some raw veggies to add some different temperatures and textures. (via Savory Tooth)

Dinner gets boring really quickly when you’re serving the same side dishes day after day. With just four ingredients and less than five minutes, you could have these veggies on the table, ready to accompany any main dish. Since all you have to do is throw everything in the pot, this is a beginner Instant Pot recipe for the books. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

This one's for the lazy gals. If your pasta craving has grown too strong for words, make sure to prep this Instant Pot stroganoff ahead-of-time for easy savory snacking. (via Clean Cuisine)

Eating healthy is a cinch with a pressure cooker. There are no time excuses, plus you have the advantage of using minimal to zero oil when cooking your protein, like this in this chili-lime salmon. (via Savory Tooth)

Orzo is great because it tastes exactly like pasta, but it's way easier to eat than pasta. And not only does this recipe taste good, but it looks good, too. (via A Spicy Perspective)

For a sweeter rice to pair with Indian or Thai dishes, this coconut rice steps in with the perfect flavor. (via Vikalinka)

Put that sauté function on your Instant Pot to good use with this Thai-inspired rice bowl. Counteract the soft-cooked texture with crunchy peanuts and raw carrots to serve. We're obsessed. (via Wondermom Wannabe)

If this Thai-American dish is a household favorite for delivery nights, then this beginner Instant Pot recipe will be invaluable. It'll be good to your taste buds and your wallet! (via Kirbie’s Cravings)

Your beef chuck roast will never come out tough or dry when you make it in the Instant Pot. Thank us later. (via Savory Tooth)

Chili + mac and cheese are two of our absolute favorite things, so this combo dish is a no-brainer. Especially since it's quick, too. (via Averie Cooks)

You don’t have to look much further for your perfect home-cooked meal. These restaurant-worthy Thai noodles are everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and they’ll be ready in just 15 minutes. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

Say goodbye to powdery boxed macaroni and cheese and take the guesswork out of making it at home with this simple Instant Pot version. They're still just as creamy as your go-to stovetop version. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

Thankfully, side dishes like these bacon-y Brussels sprouts aren’t immune to the power of the Instant Pot. Thank goodness! (via Savory Tooth)

This time- and money-saving one-pot chicken Alfredo uses only the Instant Pot so dirty dishes can be kept to a minimum. That way, it cuts your prep time and your cleanup time. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Now that you have an Instant Pot, you’ll finally be able to make chili with the press of a button. The best part? It takes only 10 minutes but still tastes phenomenal. (via Wondermom Wannabe)

With the Instant Pot, all you need to do is throw handfuls of all the ingredients in, and wait for the magic to happen. This pad thai meal has *all* the magic, trust us. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Keep your homemade Italian seasoning on hand, and you can make this authentic dish whenever your heart desires. Serve the finished chicken on tortellini with a creamy sauce, diced tomatoes, and basil. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

This ultra-creamy sweet potato recipe only gets betters when you top it with pecan streusel. We'll take two please. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

Every spoonful of this tender chana masala is packed with spicy flavor, all the more reason to try this recipe out. (via The First Mess)

Use the slow-cooker setting on your Instant Pot for succulent, beer-braised pork shoulder. Doesn’t it look dang good in the center of that burrito bowl? Top with avocados, black beans, and pico de gallo for a complex flavor + texture + temperature combo. (via The Roasted Root)

A healthy dose of dried herbs and garlic powder help brighten up this chicken dish. It takes just 40 minutes to get it from the Instant Pot to your table. (via Savory Tooth)

In less than 15 minutes, you'll be able to sauté and pressure-cook your way to luscious tomato sauce. You'll never go back to the store-bought stuff again. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

When you're a tad under the weather, this beginner Instant Pot recipe comes to the rescue. It gets fully cooked in just 15 minutes! (via The Edgy Veg)

When simmered in the Instant Pot, cuts of beef become super tender. You'll fall in love with this recipe as the meat falls off the fork! (via Vikalinka)

Make this Instant Pot bone broth to add to cozy soups and stews, or dip it on its own to reap the nutritional benefits. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Italian chicken sausage, potatoes, and kale are simmered in a lemony pesto broth that gets a squeeze of lemon and a touch of Parmesan and cream at the end. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Sorry, Grandma, this stuffed cabbage is just as good as yours, but way easier. Bring it to all your family gatherings from here on out! (via Girl and The Kitchen)

The Instant Pot is basically a takeout food-lover’s best friend. Enjoy cooking everything from perfectly tender noodles to veggies and cut your spending down. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)

When all else fails, lettuce wraps are a great last-minute dinner that you can use to clean out your fridge. They also make for a great alternative to bread if you're on a low-carb or gluten-free diet. These happen to be full of nutrients and get a surprise texture from wheat berries. (via Sidewalk Shoes)

At once light and hearty, chicken tortilla soup is the meal you’ll crave when you want some comfort food that won’t make you need a nap afterward. (via The Seasoned Mom)

This cauliflower and potatoes soup tastes creamy but has none of the dairy of the usual recipe. Delicious lentils give this robust recipe plenty of texture and protein and a little bit of lemon juice makes the flavors really pop. (via Vegetarian Gastronomy)

Your next Italian night is on us. This Instant Pot makes pasta easy-breezy! (via Whole And Heavenly Oven)

Beer-braised pork is shredded and broiled in this easy carnitas recipe. Stuff into warm tortillas and top with peach salsa for 30-minute tacos. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Serve this comforting curry with rice for an easy and absolutely delicious dinner, no matter which night of the week it is. (via Well Plated)

This dairy-free recipe is the definition of healthy, comfort food. It tastes amazing and won't cause any flare-ups for anyone who has dietary restrictions. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Add some peppers and onions to make this Greek chicken better than ever. You can cook them all together in the Instant Pot, or add them to the plate raw. Either way, you're in for a treat. (via Wholesomelicious)

Maple Pumpkin Martini

This cocktail combines two of the most iconic fall flavors for a whole new taste that we love. Not only is it delicious, but it's also non-dairy, which makes for a great option if you or your guests need to opt for coconut or oat milk anyway. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Brandy Lemon Drops

Citrusy and sweet, these brandy-filled maple cocktails are sure to get any holiday party going. (via Clean Cuisine)

Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

The bourbon, citrus flavors, and homemade (!) maple syrup in this sip are out-of-this-world delicious, but topping the drink off with champagne really takes it to the next level. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

Give your typical whiskey sour a sweet and spicy twist with cinnamon and a splash of maple syrup. Truth be told, you may not be able to go back to regular simple syrup again. (via Cookie + Kate)

Cranberry Maple Bourbon Cocktail

This holly-jolly cranberry maple cocktail is perfect for all of your holiday get-togethers. Garnish this drink with sugared cranberries and an orange wedge to make it extra festive. (via Lemon Blossoms)

Spiced Maple Manhattan

The maple syrup echoes the sweetness of the rye in this cocktail, and the slight warming spices are truly like autumn in a glass. (via Crumb)

Maple Honeycrisp Margaritas

You shouldn’t have to give up your margarita nights when the seasons change. The next time you go apple picking, whip up these margs afterward to enjoy the fruits of your labor. (via How Sweet Eats)

Blanton's Old Fashioned

With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes, you can have this strong (and a bit sweet) maple cocktail ready to sip. Cozy weeknights just got a whole lot better! (via Earthly Provisions)

Maple New York Sour

If you’ve never had a New York sour, now is the time. You don’t have to choose between a whiskey sour or a glass of wine, because this drink combines the two for a sweet and tangy nightcap. (via Cookie + Kate)

Figgy Maple Bourbon Fizz

This maple cocktail gets its fizz from ginger beer, sweetness from syrup, and a nice kick from the bourbon. (via Cheese and Chocolate)

Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail

There are times when you need a pick-me-up, but you also want a second to chill. Those moments call for a stout cold brew cocktail that’s spiked with bourbon and sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. (via Gastronom)

Maple 43 Cocktail

When a cocktail is garnished with a maple-soaked mini waffle, you happily accept and don’t ask questions. (via Food Fanatic)

Pear Bourbon Smash

Winter fruits like pears and apples are perfect to pair with maple syrup and bourbon. This bourbon smash has half of a pear in each glass and is full of whole fruit flavor. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

A Long Winter’s Nap

You’ll feel like a snooze is on the horizon with this aromatic drink. Flavor it with everything from whole allspice pods to pine needles. (via Feasting At Home)

Gingerbread Latte

This creamy and frothy latte can be made with alcohol for a yummy caffeinated treat. (via Mixop)

The actress, who's currently promoting her book Dinner for Vampires Life on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!), recently revealed that her cast mates on One Tree Hill (which she auditioned for while already a part of the Big House Family Cult) could tell something fishy was going on — and that Craig Sheffer, who played Uncle Keith until season 3, even said something to her.

"I could see it on their faces," she tells People. "But I'd justify it, like, 'I couldn't possibly be in a cult. It's just that I've got access to a relationship with God and people in a way that everybody else wants, but they don't know how to get it.'"

At first, the group had a lot of aspects that fans have loved about One Tree Hill for years, like connection, emotional intimacy, and "the idea that someone out there says, 'No matter what you do or how badly you might behave or what dumb choices you make, I still love you, and I'm here for you.'”

She met the pastor at 20 years old, when she joined a Saturday night Bible study in LA. At first, it was "nothing to be suspicious about," she says in an episode of Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast, because it was just like other church gatherings she'd been a part of. But before long she was sucked in, and basically "disappeared for ten years."

The loving environment morphed into one that Lenz says villainized independence, and her One Tree Hill costars quickly realized where she was at. The cult's control continued to expand as they told her not to trust her cast mates (and to isolate herself instead), caused her to stop communication with her father for six years, and led her to turn down major movies. Oh, they also took upwards of $2 million from her.

Bethany Joy Lenz ended up marrying the son of the cult leader around 2005, and despite the fact she'd always had "crazy sex drive," she didn't desire sex with him, and it got to the point the couple was put on a literal schedule. Even though she hated it, she believed her duty as a wife was to have sex, so she agreed. “I take marriage seriously, and I made a promise before God. This is something I really want to figure out how to make it work."

But when her husband came to town, her "stomach dropped every single time." The schedule affected her so deeply that it gave her PTSD in future relationships. However, it was still too risky to leave. "The stakes were so high," she tells People. "They were my only friends. I was married into this group. I had built my entire life around it. If I admitted that I was wrong...everything else would come crumbling down."

During the period of filming the show, she used the role of Haley James Scott as a sort of escapism. She'd lean into her onscreen relationship with James Lafferty while filming, but clarifies she "never had to worry" about developing feelings for him off camera: “I always sort of saw him in real life as a brotherly figure and he was lovely.”

However, while she treasures her relationship with Lafferty, fans have theorized a feud between Lenz and Hilarie Burton (who played Peyton Sawyer until season 6), a rumor that first started when fans realized they weren't following each other on social media. “I love Hilarie,” she tells Alex Cooper. “I have always and will always and I don’t have any problem with her...There have been some bizarre misunderstandings that I really hope we can figure out one day, but I love that girl."

When One Tree Hill wrapped, and Bethany Joy Lenz started therapy, she had the breakthrough that would change everything. Her therapist pushed her to set boundaries, and helped her leave her physically abusive relationship. But having to start a new life was far from easy.

"To leave a TV show after nine seasons, to leave all my friends that I had known for the last 10 years, to leave my marriage, to leave the state, all at the same time," she says. "Not knowing how I was going to make rent because all the money was gone...I had many, many weeping-on-the-floor nights, just trying to figure out how to manage and what I was going to do and what to do with my emotions, the anger, the injustice, all those things."

So why talk about the experience now? "I don't think of [opening up] as brave," she says. "I think of it as important. Living silently in the suffering I experienced, I don't know if that helps anyone...I think of this more as the right thing to do."