Looking for easy, healthy soul food recipes that don’t skimp on flavor? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve got everything from smoked catfish to baked chicken, made lighter without losing that comforting, down-home vibe.

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!

From seafood favorites like salmon croquettes and smoked catfish to sides like cheesy broccoli and rice casserole or zucchini, plus our most popular spaghetti recipe, fish sticks, jambalaya, crunchy oven-baked pork chops, and more.

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!

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!

Best Salmon Croquettes (Easy Southern 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.

The BEST Blackened Catfish Recipe

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

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.

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.

Soul Food Spaghetti Recipe

Not your average pasta recipe, this soul food spaghetti is made with smoked andouille sausage, onion, and bell pepper. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with fried catfish, collard greens, and cornbread.

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!

Healthy Soul Food Side Dishes

Here’s a list of our favorite healthy soul food side dishes!

Roasted Summer Squash and Zucchini Recipe

Our roasted summer squash and zucchini recipe is a healthy side dish and an easy way to incorporate vegetables at the dinner table without sacrificing flavor.

Southern Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

This Southern Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is easy to make and full of delicious flavor! Made with Campbell's Cream of Chicken, cheesy broccoli, and white rice, it's a great way to sneak in some veggies. Both kids and adults will enjoy it making it perfect for busy weeknights!

How to Make Chicken Jambalaya

Try our easy chicken jambalaya recipe for a taste of New Orleans! Made with grilled

Vegan Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Vegan black-eyed peas with leeks and tomatoes is an easy plant-based soul food recipe.

If you have any questions or just want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to follow us on social media @cookswithsoul on Instagram and Facebook for more tasty recipes and updates. We’d love to stay connected with you!

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Recipe Index

Here you’ll find a growing collection of our favorite comfort food recipes – updated weekly! We’ve got soul food, Southern barbecue, and Creole and Cajun dishes. There’s something here for everyone, so pull up a chair and welcome!

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