Inflammation plays a role in a lot more than people realize. It can affect digestion, energy levels, joint health and even how you sleep. One of the simplest ways to support your body is by making better choices at dinner. These meals use ingredients like salmon, turmeric, leafy greens and legumes to help reduce inflammation and give your body a break. These recipes are based on real food that can make a difference.
Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon
This sheet pan dinner checks all the boxes: minimal cleanup, bold flavor, and ingredients that support inflammation-fighting goals. Turmeric gives the salmon a rich golden color and a health boost, while garlic and cherry sauce bring contrast. Roasted broccoli adds fiber and nutrients, making this a solid choice for anyone looking to eat better without adding stress to their weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turmeric Salmon
Instant Pot Coconut Pork
This tender pork is cooked with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom—each known for anti-inflammatory benefits. The Instant Pot cuts down on cook time, making it practical for weeknights. Pair it with turmeric ginger rice and a handful of dried fruit and sliced almonds for a complete dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or substance.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
This one-skillet dinner comes together fast and brings major benefits to the table. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber, while turmeric adds anti-inflammatory support and depth of flavor. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of cilantro for a comforting meal that works well any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Blueberry White Bean Salad
A fresh white bean salad might not sound like dinner, but this version makes it work with a tahini turmeric dressing, antioxidant-rich blueberries, and nutrient-dense toppings like broccoli sprouts and pumpkin seeds. The mix of textures and flavors keeps things interesting while staying squarely in anti-inflammatory territory.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad
Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew
This lentil stew is packed with anti-inflammatory spices and plant-based protein. Turmeric and garlic help power up the broth, while the lentils and vegetables keep it hearty and filling. It’s an easy option for a weeknight dinner when you want something wholesome that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew
Chicken Miso Soup
This is a go-to option for when you want something light, nourishing and easy to digest. Miso adds depth to the broth, while chicken and vegetables make it a well-rounded meal. It’s a great anti-inflammatory choice that also happens to be incredibly easy to make after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup
Blueberry Toast with Whipped Ricotta
This isn’t just breakfast food. With whipped ricotta and a rich blueberry compote, this toast works as a light dinner or snack when you want something simple but still nutrient-dense. The berries pack in antioxidants, and it’s a quick way to feel like you’re doing something good for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Toast with Whipped Ricotta
Broccoli Pomegranate Salad
This bright salad brings color, crunch and plenty of health perks to the table. Broccoli and pomegranate seeds are both anti-inflammatory powerhouses, and when combined with red onion, walnuts, and a honey mustard dressing, they make for a great side or light dinner that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pomegranate Salad
Miso Butter Salmon with Rice & Vegetable Sides
Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, which are known to support inflammation control. Pair it with coconut rice, lightly cooked vegetables, and a simple cucumber salad, and you’ve got a balanced plate that works for busy nights when you want to stay on track without thinking too hard.
Get the Recipe: Miso Butter Salmon with Rice & Vegetable Sides
Creamy Orange Carrot Soup with Coconut Milk
This plant-based soup brings together carrots, coconut milk, and warming spices for a comforting bowl that’s perfect when you want something healthy but still filling. The carrots provide beta carotene and fiber, while the coconut milk gives it richness without the need for cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Orange Carrot Soup with Coconut Milk
Indian-Spiced Lentil Soup
This soup leans on lentils, carrots, and warming spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander to create a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory meal that feels grounding and substantial. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners that checks the health box without feeling restrictive. Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Spiced Lentil Soup
Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Bowls
Roasted cauliflower gets a golden glow from ground turmeric, which adds anti-inflammatory benefits and deep flavor. Served over hummus with pita and a simple salad on the side, it’s a well-rounded vegetarian dinner that’s easy to prep and satisfying enough to skip the meat.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Bowls
Masoor Dal
Masoor dal is a staple dish that’s fast, filling and made with pantry-friendly ingredients like red lentils, garlic, and turmeric. It simmers into a thick, comforting stew that makes a great weeknight dinner, especially when you need something grounding and good for you that doesn’t take forever to cook.
Get the Recipe: Masoor Dal
Moroccan Red Lentil Soup
With warming spices, soft sweet potatoes, and fresh lemon juice, this soup brings big flavor and soothing qualities. It’s made in one pot with just a handful of ingredients and supports your anti-inflammatory goals while still tasting like something you’d want seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Red Lentil Soup
Turmeric Chicken Salad
This chicken salad uses fresh turmeric root to give it a health-forward upgrade without complicating the prep. It’s creamy, crunchy, and works great in lettuce wraps or between slices of toasted bread. A solid choice for a quick dinner or meal-prepped lunch that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad
Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup with Ginger
Roasted carrots and squash give this soup a natural sweetness, while ginger and turmeric keep it in anti-inflammatory territory. It’s smooth, comforting and easy to make in big batches, which makes it perfect for low-key weeknights or packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup with Ginger
Lemon Cilantro Chicken
Bright citrus and fresh herbs bring bold flavor to this chicken dish, which comes together quickly and pairs well with simple sides like rice or greens. It’s a great meal to have in rotation if you’re trying to stick to anti-inflammatory eating without repeating the same few recipes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cilantro Chicken
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Quick to prep and quick to cook, these marinated salmon bites make a great weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. The garlic, ginger, and soy marinade doubles as a dipping sauce, adding flavor and function while giving you the benefits of omega-3s from the fish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables
This meal keeps things low-effort and high-impact by roasting chicken with colorful vegetables like zucchini, red bell pepper, Brussels sprouts and onions. It’s practical, nutrient-rich and fits perfectly into an anti-inflammatory meal plan without requiring extra thought.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables
Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
Chickpeas, coconut milk and warming spices like turmeric and ginger make this curry creamy, nourishing and great for inflammation support. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting but still does your body some good—and it keeps well for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup
This quick-cooking soup comes together in the Instant Pot and is loaded with lentils, mushrooms, spinach and green beans. It’s an easy, plant-based dinner that works well for anyone trying to eat more anti-inflammatory meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.