10 Healthy ‘Take Out’ Recipes

Take out food boxes image via shutterstock

We all love ordering in or picking up some food to-go, but most of the time take out is not very healthy. Instead of reaching for the menus or going for the frozen pizza, try whipping up one of these take out inspired meals. Many of these recipes can even be made ahead of time because it will reheat perfectly for lunch the next day.

1. Healthier General Tso’s Chicken
via Kitchen Simplicity

The Chinese menu is usually on the top of the pile. This recipe uses a lighter sauce that’s thickened with a cornstarch slurry. For another variation, try using pork or tofu. If you don’t like snow peas, substitute with broccoli or regular green beans.

2. Quinoa Fried “Rice”
via Girl Makes Food

This vegan option is great a side dish. When buying edamame, look for the packages of shelled and unsalted beans. You can also buy it in the shell but it should be steamed before eating.

3. Gryos with Greek Chicken
via Cooking Classy

Marinating meat is a great way to infuse flavor without adding a ton of extra calories. This recipe uses an outdoor grill, but the chicken can be made in a skillet or grill pan. The tzatziki sauce is also lightened up by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

4. Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Pizza
via She Knows

This pizza is built on a crust made from cauliflower and uses bottled buffalo sauce for an easy week night meal. Try adding sliced red onion, cubed pineapple, or black olives for extra flavor and color.

5. Healthy Cobb Salad with Yogurt Ranch Dressing 
via Making Thyme for Health

Sometimes a good Cobb salad is the perfect take out meal. This recipe cuts out the fatty meats, and includes instructions for vegan bacon bits and a creamy low calorie dressing. If vegan bacon bits aren’t for you, then try crisping a few slices of turkey bacon.

6. Baked Falafel with Greek Salad
via Fab Fit Mommy

Falafel is made from chickpeas and spices. You can stuff the falafel and salad into a pita for an on-the-go lunch or top the salad with the falafel and toast pita points to act as croutons.

7. Blackened Tilapia Baja Tacos
via Cooking Light

Fish tacos are a great way to lighten up a favorite meal. You can use any flaky white fish or even shrimp with these spices and still create the same delicious result. Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings like salsa, black beans, shredded lettuce, or black olives.

8. Skinny Crab Rangoon
via Generation Y Foodie

Who isn’t guilty of plowing through a container of crab rangoon after a night out on the town? This recipe allows you to have your crab rangoon without feeling guilty the next day. Try building ahead of time and then bake as you crave.

9. Crispy Chicken Fingers
via Fitness Magazine

When choosing the cornflakes to use as a coating, be sure to buy a brand that doesn’t add a ton of sugar. It’s also easier to buy chicken breast tenderloins instead of breaking down whole chicken breasts. It will be one less step in the prepping process. This link also includes a list of healthy dipping sauces to go with your chicken fingers.

10. Grilled Chicken and Corn Lettuce Wraps
via Whole Living

Instead of cooking the corn on the girl, you can take the kernels off and sauté before cooking the chicken. If you aren’t a fan of iceberg, these wraps would also be good with Bibb or butter lettuce.