Looking for healthy soul food recipes that are big on flavor? You’re in the right place! From smoked catfish to baked chicken, we’ve got lighter takes on classic dishes that still bring all the comforting, down-home goodness you love.

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Soul food is all about love, tradition, and bringing people together around the table! But let’s be real—it can sometimes be a bit on the heavy side.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite healthy-ish soul food dishes. These easy recipes are meals we cook often for our family, and our kids love them too!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a lighter take on your favorite dishes, these recipes are sure to satisfy. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share them with your loved ones!

How to Make Soul Food Healthy

Making healthy soul food is easy when you make a few simple changes!

Instead of using cured or smoked meats, which have a lot of salt, try seasoning your food with herbs and spices for big, bold flavor. When cooking chicken, choose skinless chicken breast because it has less fat than thighs or legs. If you love fried chicken, try baking it instead—just use a little oil to coat the pan so it still gets crispy without all the grease.

For recipes that use buttermilk, go for a fat-free or low-fat kind to keep it healthier. Swap butter for soft tub margarine to cut down on unhealthy fat. Instead of regular salt, use a no-salt seasoning blend to add flavor without extra sodium. These small changes help you enjoy delicious soul food that’s better for you!

Source: “Soul Food Makeover —Heart Healthy African American Recipes” by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in partnership with the Community Health Worker Health Disparities Initiative.

Alternatives to Deep Frying

Instead of deep-fried pork chops, we coat them in breadcrumbs and bake pork chops in the oven for that crispy texture.
Or, you can try sous vide pork tenderloin or grilled pork chops for more options.
Our salmon fish sticks are traditionally fried, you can bake them in the oven or air fryer for a lighter version.
Instead of fried chicken, we’ve swapped it with oven-baked chicken, so you can still enjoy that crispy goodness without all the grease.
For an alternative to fried catfish, try our smoked catfish for a flavorful, healthier twist!

Healthier Soul Food Recipes

Below, you’ll find a complete list of our easy, healthy soul food recipes for Black families.

Oven Fried Pork Chops (Healthy Soul Food Recipe)

Crispy oven fried pork chops are a healthy soul food recipe that’s quick and easy to make, and the entire family will love!

The BEST Blackened Catfish Recipe

This blackened catfish recipe combines bold Cajun flavors with tender catfish fillets for a quick, flavorful meal.

How to Grill the Best, Juicy Pork Chops (Easy Recipe!)

Learn how to grill juicy pork chops with this easy recipe. These thick cut pork chops are seasoned with a simple dry rub, grilled until extra tender.

Peri Peri Chicken

This Peri Peri Barbeque Chicken recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in a tangy sauce made with fresh chilies, herbs, and lemon.

How to Make Salmon Croquettes (Old Fashioned Recipe)

These salmon croquettes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Made with canned salmon, peppers, and onions, this Southern classic is easy to make and delicious! Perfect for a savory breakfast, brunch, and even dinner.

Easy Grilled Barbecue Chicken Quarters Recipe

Barbecued chicken leg quarters paired with a homemade Alabama white sauce recipe is the perfect bbq chicken recipe for grilling season.

Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin

This sous vide pork tenderloin is perfectly tender and juicy with a flavorful golden crust. It’s an easy-to-master recipe perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family!

Best Southern Baked Chicken Recipe

Southern baked chicken is a simple recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough for Sunday dinners.

Smoked Catfish

Our easy smoked catfish recipe seasoned with soul food seasoning and served with a delicious lemon butter sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners!

Vegetarian Black Eyed Peas Recipe with Leeks, Tomatoes

This vegetarian black eyed peas recipe is made with tomatoes, leeks, white wine, and garlic. Black-eyed peas may not be known for much outside of an old, Southern New Year’s Day tradition, but they can be prepared a number of different ways and offer several health benefits.