22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (2024)

22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (1)

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BBQ Salmon Tacos With Kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish created from spicy fermented vegetables. Its unique flavor lends itself well to a number of dishes, and the fermentation process makes kimchi rich in probiotics, which can help improve the health and diversity of your body’s microbiome. Here, kimchi is paired with savory BBQ salmon that brings a healthy dose of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats to the table. This dinner is sure to keep you coming back — for the flavors and health benefits alike!

contains Wheat, Fin fish, Sesame, Shellfish

4.6 out of 10 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

637

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

15 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp paprika

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

1 ½ pound fresh salmon filet

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

8 small (6-inch) tortillas (preferably whole wheat)

1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen and defrosted ones)

1 ⅓ cups kimchi

2 fresh limes, quartered

Directions

1

Preheat broiler and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

3

Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet (skin side down) and drizzle with the olive oil, being sure to evenly coat the fish. Sprinkle the fish with the BBQ spice mixture, patting it into the fish to evenly coat all surfaces. Place the fish into the preheated oven and cook until it is almost cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, about 4 to 6 minutes. Watch the fish closely, as broilers vary and the cooking time will also be affected by the thickness of the filet.

4

Once the fish is cooked, flake it gently with a fork and divide it evenly between the 8 tortillas. Top each taco with corn, kimchi, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with the remaining lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 tacos

calories

637

total fat

28g

saturated fat

7g

protein

43g

carbohydrates

54g

fiber

2.4g

sugar

10g

added sugar

3g

sodium

743mg

TAGS:

Wheat, Fin fish, Sesame, Shellfish, Anti-Inflammatory, Dinner, High-Protein, Mediterranean, Quick & Easy

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (2)

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Gut-Boosting Post-Workout Smoothie

This smoothie has the carbs, protein, and hydration your body needs after a good sweat session — making it the perfect post-workout snack. Not only that but you’ll also get great gut benefits from the kefir (a fermented milk beverage rich in probiotics) as well as from the fiber in the blueberries, avocado, and chia seeds. In fact, at almost 11 grams of fiber per serving, this recipe delivers more than a third of the daily value of fiber.

contains Dairy

4.8 out of 18 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

355

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

2 cups low-fat plain kefir

1 ripe banana

2 cups frozen blueberries

½ ripe avocado

1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

2 tbsp chia seeds

Directions

1

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

355

total fat

13g

saturated fat

2.8g

protein

15g

carbohydrates

51g

fiber

10.9g

sugar

32.6g

added sugar

0g

sodium

133mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Gluten-free, Diabetes-Friendly, Anti-Inflammatory, Breakfast, Cholesterol-Conscious, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (3)

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Miso Soup With Soba Noodles, Carrots, and Bok Choy

Soup is considered a comfort food, but did you know miso soup may offer gut health benefits as well? Miso contains living probiotic organisms that may help contribute to the diversity of your microbiome. For this reason, the miso is added after the soup is removed from the heat so that the heat doesn't unintentionally kill any of these beneficial microbes. Add ginger and garlic for a kick of flavor that also contributes to anti-inflammatory effects.

contains Wheat, Soy

4.7 out of 10 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

232

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

25 min

Ingredients

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

1 cup baby portobello mushrooms, sliced (optional)

2 carrots, sliced into thin ribbons

2 heads baby bok choy, ends removed and chopped or sliced in half lengthwise

4 oz soba noodles, dry

½ (14-oz) block firm tofu, chopped into cubes

2 ½ tbsp white miso paste

3 scallions, sliced

Directions

1

Place a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the broth and bring to a rolling boil.

2

Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3

Stir in the mushrooms (if using), carrot ribbons, bok choy, and noodles and cook until the noodles are tender and the bok choy is bright green in color, about 5 minutes.

4

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the tofu, allowing the mixture to sit until the tofu has warmed through, about 2 minutes.

5

Meanwhile, remove ½ cup of the broth from the pot and place it in a small bowl. Add the miso to the bowl of broth and whisk until all of the miso is dissolved. Return the mixture to the bigger pot and stir to combine.

6

Divide evenly between 4 serving bowls and garnish each with a small amount of scallions.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

232

total fat

4g

saturated fat

0.6g

protein

15g

carbohydrates

38g

fiber

3.2g

sugar

7.6g

added sugar

1.5g

sodium

718mg

TAGS:

Wheat, Soy, Lunch, Quick & Easy, Vegan, Vegetarian

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (4)

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Kale and Apple Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

Kale, another cold-hearty green, deserves its reputation as a superfood. It’s a member of the same family as cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, per the Farmer's Almanac, and like those vegetables, it’s high in vitamins C and E, carotenoids and other antioxidants, as well as compounds that may have anticancer properties, researchhas found. Kale also stands up to salad dressing, so it won’t get soggy and unappetizing, making this salad a good one to make ahead. A slightly tart variety of apple, such as McIntosh, makes a great addition to this salad. Keep the skin on your apples to retain those and other good-for-you nutrients.

contains Tree Nuts

5.0 out of 14 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

390

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

4 cups fresh kale, packed

1 apple, sliced (skin on)

¼ cup pecans

3 tbsp dried no-sugar-added cranberries

1 carrot, sliced into rounds

2 medjool dates, chopped (optional)

2 tbsp assorted nuts and seeds, such as pine nuts and shelled sunflower seeds

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 lemon, juiced

½ tsp grainy mustard

½ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp kosher salt

⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

Evenly divide kale between twoserving dishes. Top each plate with half the apple slices, pecans, cranberries, carrots, dates (if using), and nuts and seeds.

2

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, theme, salt, and pepper. Whisk together, then drizzle over salad.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

390

total fat

30g

saturated fat

3.2g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

33g

fiber

6.6g

sugar

21.3g

added sugar

7.7g

sodium

195mg

TAGS:

Tree Nuts, Diabetes-Friendly, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, High-Fiber, Quick & Easy, Lunch

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (5)

Anna Puzatykh/Shutterstock

Strawberry, Kiwi, and Avocado Salad With Honey Ginger Lime Dressing

Strawberries andkiwiare superstar sources of vitamin C. One serving of this salad will more than meet your daily requirement for this immune-supporting vitamin, per theNational Institutes of Health. Plus, avocado adds healthy fats and fiber,per USDA data, both of which help make this meal more filling, and its creaminess balances the tanginess of all that citrus.

4.9 out of 9 reviews

SERVES

2

CALORIES PER SERVING

311

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

3 kiwi, skin removed, sliced

1 avocado, cut into slices

½ cup strawberries, halved

1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, for garnish

1 tbsp light-tasting olive oil

1 lime, juiced

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp ground ginger

Directions

1

Place kiwi, avocado, and strawberries in a serving bowl. Garnish with mint leaves.

2

In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

311

total fat

18g

saturated fat

2.4g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

41g

fiber

8.7g

sugar

27g

added sugar

9.6g

sodium

10mg

TAGS:

Anti-Inflammatory, Breakfast, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, High-Fiber, Mediterranean, Lunch, Low-Sodium, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian

22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (6)

Nataliia Sirobaba/Getty Images

Arugula and Strawberry Salad With Feta Cheese

Arugula, or rocket, is a leafy green with a peppery and slightly bitter flavor. It's low in calories and packed with nutrition, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Arugula is particularly high in erucin, a compound that may have cancer-fighting properties, according to research. In this salad the delicate green's peppery flavor complements the sweetness of the strawberries and saltiness of the cheese.

contains Tree Nuts, Dairy

4.8 out of 6 reviews

SERVES

1

CALORIES PER SERVING

455

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

TOTAL TIME

10 min

Ingredients

2 cups fresh arugula

1 cup quartered strawberries

2 tbsp chopped walnuts

2 tbsp crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

Purple basil, for garnish (optional)

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

Combine salad ingredients and arrange on a serving plate.

2

In a small covered container, combine all the ingredients for the balsamic vinaigrette. Cover and shake vigorously and pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

455

total fat

26g

saturated fat

4.8g

protein

9g

carbohydrates

43g

fiber

4.6g

sugar

36.7g

added sugar

4.1g

sodium

475mg

TAGS:

Tree Nuts, Dairy, Diabetes-Friendly, Gluten-free, Mediterranean, Lunch, Vegetarian

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (7)

Cameron Whitman/Stocksy

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carotenoids, the plant-based pigments that make carrots orange, could also be the reason they excelat fending off illness, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One, beta-carotene, is converted to vitamin A, a nutrient critical to enhancing immune function, according to past research. Ginger also has known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and the combo can help send colds packing. Have this low-cal soup as a starter or side.

4.5 out of 19 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

103

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

40 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 lb carrots, chopped (skin on)

4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

2 tsp grated fresh turmeric or 1 tsp ground turmeric

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

¾ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

In a large stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2

Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric, and stir to combine. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more.

3

Stir in the broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all ingredients are soft, about 25 to 30 minutes.

4

Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, allow soup to cool slightly before carefully transferring it to a standard blender and blending until smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 cups

calories

103

total fat

3g

saturated fat

0.4g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

19g

fiber

4.9g

sugar

9.8g

added sugar

1g

sodium

366mg

TAGS:

Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Appetizer, Side Dish, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (8)

Olga Lepeshkina/iStock

Fresh Broccoli Salad

Broccoli is a springtimesuperfood! This crucifer contains valuable fiber,potassium, and phosphorus, per theUSDA. There is alsoresearchshowing that regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, can discourage hardening of the arteries, especially of the aorta (the largest artery in the body). If possible, let the salad marinate in the dressing for at least a few hours before serving to help the flavors develop.

4.8 out of 6 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

268

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

15 min

Ingredients

2 medium heads broccoli, rinsed and cut into small florets

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup raisins

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp maple syrup

¼ tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds, for garnish

1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Place broccoli, onion, and raisins in a large serving bowl.

2

In a small covered container, combine vinegar, oil, mustard, maple syrup, and salt. Cover and shake the container vigorously. Pour dressing over salad and gently mix to combine.

3

Garnish with sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

268

total fat

13g

saturated fat

1.8g

protein

10g

carbohydrates

32g

fiber

9.4g

sugar

14.3g

added sugar

1g

sodium

234mg

TAGS:

Anti-Inflammatory, Cholesterol-Conscious, Diabetes-Friendly, Gluten-free, High-Fiber, Heart-Healthy, Side Dish, Lunch, Mediterranean, Quick & Easy, Vegan, Vegetarian

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (9)

Nata Bene/iStock

Spinach, Apple, Pecan, and Pomegranate Salad

Pomegranates are as vibrant in color as they are in flavor. In this recipe, pomegranate arils (their sweet seeds) are used to top a nutritious spinach salad. Pomegranates are a good source of vitamin C according to data from the USDA, a nutrient which the NIH notes can help the body more effectively absorb the non-heme form of iron in spinach.

contains Tree Nuts, Dairy

4.5 out of 21 reviews

SERVES

1

CALORIES PER SERVING

314

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

5 min

TOTAL TIME

5 min

Ingredients

3 cups baby spinach

1 medium apple, chopped

¼ cup pomegranate arils

2 tbsp chopped pecans

2 tbsp crumbled feta

Directions

1

Place spinach in a serving bowl and top with apple, pomegranate seeds, pecans, and feta. Serve with your favorite dressing or oil and vinegar.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

314

total fat

15g

saturated fat

3.8g

protein

9g

carbohydrates

42g

fiber

11.4g

sugar

26.2g

added sugar

0g

sodium

305mg

TAGS:

Tree Nuts, Dairy, Diabetes-Friendly, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, High-Fiber, Anti-Inflammatory, Quick & Easy, Lunch

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (10)

Svetlana Cherruty/Getty Images

Jamu Juice (Indonesian Turmeric Drink)

In Indonesia, where jamu juice was popularized, it’s beloved for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting benefits. Some of the powerhouse ingredients within include lemons, ginger, and turmeric (curcumin), which provide anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, past researchnotes. The black pepper increases the amount ofcurcumin your body can absorb, according to past research.

4.9 out of 16 reviews

SERVES

Serves 6

CALORIES PER SERVING

34

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

30 min

TOTAL TIME

25 min

Ingredients

¾ cup fresh turmeric root (about 100 g), washed and sliced (skin may be left intact)*

1 large piece (about 4 inches) fresh ginger, washed and sliced (skin may be left intact)

4 cups water

1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp honey

2 lemons, juiced

Directions

1

Place the turmeric, ginger, water, and pepper ina blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.

2

Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Lower heat and continue simmering for 15 minutes.

3

Once the mixture is done cooking, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before pouring it through a fine-mesh strainer (or cheesecloth).

4

Add the honey and lemon juice, and serve chilled. The mixture will separate naturally while chilling, so give it a gentle stir before serving.

5

*Note: If you don’t have fresh turmeric on hand, don’t worry. Use 1 tbsp ground turmeric and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size3/4 cup

calories

34

total fat

0g

saturated fat

0g

protein

0g

carbohydrates

8g

fiber

0g

sugar

6.2g

added sugar

5.8g

sodium

1mg

TAGS:

Anti-Inflammatory, Beverage, Diabetes-Friendly, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Low-Fat, Low-Calorie, Low-Sodium, Mediterranean, Vegetarian

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22 Immune-Boosting Recipes With Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and More (2024)
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