50+ Favorite Easy Macro Friendly Food Recipes (2024)

By: Laurenpublished: Jan. 05, 2023updated: Jan. 18, 20241 Comment

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This Macro Friendly Food Recipe round up contains 50+ reader and personal favorite macro-friendly recipes including breakfast, lunch/dinner and dessert options! All of these recipes are family-friendly and easy to make, plus perfect for meal prep!

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What Makes Something Macro Friendly?

More Macro-Friendly Roundups

Easy Macro Friendly Food Recipes

Macro Friendly Breakfast Recipes

Macro Friendly Entree Recipes

Macro Friendly Dessert Recipes

FAQ: Macro Friendly Recipes

What Makes Something Macro Friendly?

More specifically, a higher emphasis on higher protein, moderate fats, and lower to moderate carbs when compared to their traditional counterpart.

One thing I do want to point out is that macros are super relative. It isn’t, “this is macro-friendly and this isn’t” or “this is a healthy and this isn’t.”This is not a black and white comparison by any means.

There are, however, foods and recipes that “fit your macros” easier than other; which can be super helpful if you are following a macro-friendly diet.

I have a few posts that go more into depth about macros if you want to dive deeper and learn more:

The Science of Fat Loss: How to Diet for Maximum Success
What are “Macros” and Tracking Macros vs. Just Tracking Calories
How to Determine your Calories and Macros for a Calorie Deficit Phase
How to Track Alcohol Macros

More Macro-Friendly Roundups

I also have this post on Macro-friendly Fast Food Options for Breakfast and 50+ Macro Friendly Chicken Recipes to check out!

Another good resource is this post by The Books Cover on Macro-Friendly Fast Food Orders that Aren’t Salads.

Easy Macro Friendly Food Recipes

I have separated these macro-balanced recipes by breakfast, lunch/dinner and dessert depending on what you are looking for.

These are the most popular macro-friendly recipes among readers (and myself!) but if you are looking for macro-friendly recipes, check out ALL my macro-friendly recipes here.

The macro-friendly chicken recipes are by far everyones favorites and definitely the ones I would recommend the most!

Macro Friendly Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast Casseroles

1. Holiday Crescent Roll Breakfast Bake

Holiday Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is guaranteed to be an hit with the whole family! Juicy turkey sausage, fluffy eggs, buttery crescent rolls, and topped with melty cheese. It's so simple to make but if perfect for your next holiday brunch or meal prep breakfast!

Check out this recipe

2. Healthy Southwest Hashbrown Casserole

Healthy Southwest Hashbrown Casserole

This Healthy Cheesy Southwest Hashbrown Casserole is filled with savory hashbrowns and sausage and tons of veggies. Each serving is under 300 calories and oh so delicious!

Check out this recipe

3. Mediterranean Egg White Pizza

Mediterranean Egg White Pizza

Enjoy bold and fresh Mediterranean flavors for breakfast with this protein packed Mediterranean Egg White Pizza! It comes to life in just 30 minutes and is the perfect meal prep recipe.

Check out this recipe

4. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Whip up my healthier take on the ultimate breakfast comfort food with just 3 ingredients! This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole will quickly become a family favorite. No one will be able to tell it’s lightened-up and protein packed!

Check out this recipe

5. Blueberry Sausage Pancake Breakfast Bake

Blueberry Sausage Pancake Breakfast Bake

This Blueberry Sausage Pancake Breakfast Bake has a fluffy buttermilk pancake base and is stuffed with savory sausage and sweet bites of blueberry. Prep this super easy bake for meal prep to enjoy all week or serve it for brunch with family and friends. It tastes amazing with a little butter and pancake syrup on top!

Check out this recipe

Oats and Baked Oatmeal

6. The Best Gooey Chunky Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

The Best Gooey Chunky Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars

This isn't just another baked oatmeal recipe… these Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars are thick, CHUNKY, gooey, sweet with banana and rich with salty peanut flavor! On their own, they're macro-balanced but you can up the protein by topping with some Greek yogurt (add a few banana slices + drizzle honey of honey for a real treat! A dreamy breakfast, dessert or afternoon snack!

Check out this recipe

7. Pumpkin Pie Protein Overnight Oats

Healthy Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats

Sweet, creamy, pumpkin-y!! These Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats make for the perfect grab-and-go, protein-packed, meal prep breakfast option. They only 5 minutes to prep and are made with simple ingredients you can easily keep stocked for breakfast emergencies!

Check out this recipe

Muffins & Breads

8. Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Bites

Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Bites

These Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Bites seriously couldn't be easier! They're made with five simple ingredients and are ready in just 20 minutes! Leave all the hassle of homemade pancakes behind and enjoy these easy, bite-sized pancake bites on busy mornings or as an afternoon school snack!

Check out this recipe

9. Double Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

Double Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins

These Double Chocolate Protein Muffins explode with the richest chocolate flavor! Lower in carbs, calories, and fats than your typical double chocolate muffin, these protein-packed treats will help tame your chocolate cravings in a way you can feel good about. Best part? Just 6 ingredients!

Check out this recipe

Breakfast Sandwiches and Handhelds

10. Healthy Breakfast Burritos (Easy Meal Prep)

Healthy Breakfast Burritos (Easy Meal Prep)

Macro Friendly Entree Recipes

Chicken

12. Pulled Buffalo Chicken (30-Minute Stovetop or Crockpot)

Pulled Buffalo Chicken (30-Minute Stovetop or Crockpot)

This simple, 2 ingredient Pulled Buffalo Chicken recipe is almost too good to be true! It can be prepared on the stovetop or crockpot and can be used for salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, sliders and more!

Check out this recipe

13. Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (One Pot + Dairy Free)

This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the ultimate guilt-free comfort food. Filled with hearty chicken, tender vegetables and warm broth, it's the perfect way to get cozy on a chilly night!

Check out this recipe

14. Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese(30 Minutes)

Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy and bursting with Mediterranean flavors in each bite! It's lightened up and packed with protein and works great for an easy dinner or meal prep!

Check out this recipe

15. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

If you love PF Chang's, you're going to love these copycat Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps! They're packed with delicious flavor and so easy to make for meal prep. They're the perfect low carb lunch option.

Check out this recipe

16. Crockpot Cream Cheese Salsa Chicken (Tacos)

Crockpot Cream Cheese Salsa Chicken (Tacos)

You won't believe how easy and delicious these Crockpot Cream Cheese Salsa Chicken Tacos are! Only 3 ingredients and the CrockPot does all the work! This creamy salsa chicken recipe is perfect for tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more! A simple recipe with so much flavor that even picky eaters will love!

Check out this recipe

17. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole is absolutely to die for! Low carb, high protein and super voluminous, there is cheesy goodness all throughout and its bursting with buffalo flavor! A reader favorite around here!

Check out this recipe

18. The Most Yummy Healthy Chicken Curry (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Healthy Chicken Curry (Slow Cooker Recipe)

This Healthy Chicken Curry is made easy by using a few staple ingredients in the slow cooker! It's flavorful, creamy, warm, and with just the right amount of spices – this curry dish is sure to spice up your night!

Check out this recipe

19. Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Gyros

Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Gyros

Delight your taste buds with these quick and easy Healthy Chicken Gyros! Marinated with a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of citrus flavor, this chicken is out of this world flavorful! Pile it on top of a warm pita, with fresh dill tzatziki and extra veggies and enjoy this delicious healthy meal!

Check out this recipe

20. Healthy Chicken Alfredo (Low Fat + High Protein)

Healthy Chicken Alfredo (Low Fat + High Protein)

Bold, blackened chicken tenders meet creamy, flavor-popping fettuccine alfredo! This low fat, high protein Healthy Chicken Alfredo is comfort food and flavor explosion to the extreme! Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner!

Check out this recipe

21. Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili (High-Protein!)

This Healthy Crockpot White Chicken Chili recipe is the best dump-and-go recipe for a chilly night! Prep everything in less than 15 minutes, then let the crockpot do all the work!

Check out this recipe

22. Easy Homemade Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole

30-Minute Low Carb Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (High Protein)

This low calorie and Low Carb Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is baked to creamy, cheesy perfection in just 30 minutes. It'll quickly become part of your dinner rotation!

Check out this recipe

23. Creamy Lightened-up Chicken Gnocchi Soup (One Pot)

Creamy Lightened-up Chicken Gnocchi Soup (One Pot)

This Creamy Lightened-up Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a total Olive Garden copycat. It's much lighter but still creamy, hearty, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it only requires one pot so clean up is a breeze!

Check out this recipe

24. Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Tender and juicy, these crispy Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders are a meal you'll have on repeat!! The crispy coating and mix of sweet and savory with the honey drizzled makes this a family favorite recipe that is a seriously a winner every time!

Check out this recipe

25. Healthy Chicken Caesar Wrap (High Protein)

Healthy Chicken Caesar Wrap (High Protein)

This healthy Chicken Caesar Wrap is just like a chicken caesar salad in wrap form!! It's packed with hearty chicken, crunchy croutons and LOADED with tons of taste-bud-popping caesar flavor! The perfect grab-and-go no-reheat lunch or quick lunch at home!

Check out this recipe

26. Easy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos(20 Minute)

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos(20 Minute)

These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are about to be your new favorite thing!! They're easy to make, quick to air fry and perfectly dip-able – we love salsa, guacamole and sour cream! Perfect cheesy chicken finger food and great as an appetizer, entree or snack!

Check out this recipe

Beef

27. Doritos Pie Casserole

Healthy Doritos Pie Casserole

Take taco night to the next level with this Healthy Doritos Pie Casserole! It's the easiest and tastiest way to enjoy all the beefy, cheesy and crunchy flavors you love about tacos in one simple casserole dish! It's ready in just 30 minutes and guaranteed to be a new family favorite!

Check out this recipe

28. Cheeseburger Pie

Cheeseburger Pie

A cheeseburger in pie form? Heck YES! This Cheeseburger Pie is filled with hearty beef, grilled onions and cheese, and it comes together quickly and easily on a busy weeknight! The whole family will LOVE it!

Check out this recipe

29. Lightened Up Hamburger Helper

Homemade Lightened Up Hamburger Helper (One Pot)

This Lightened Up Hamburger Helper is truly the best homemade version of the classic cheeseburger macaroni recipe you grew up eating! It's seriously WAY better than the boxed version and is made with simple ingredients, only requires one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes. It's cozy, comforting and perfect for busy weeknights!

Check out this recipe

30. Pizza Casserole

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits (High Protein, Kid-Friendly!)

Pizza night just got even easier! This Pizza Casserole with Biscuits is the ultimate, weeknight dinner that's super easy, high protein and kid-approved! It only requires 6 simple ingredients and is a mess-free way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors in one easy dish!

Check out this recipe

31. Skillet Lasagna

30 Minute Healthy Skillet Lasagna (One Pan)

Looking for a faster, easier, and healthier way to enjoy lasagna? You've got to try this Healthy Skillet Lasagna. It's perfect for even those busy weeknights, coming together in one pan in just 30 minutes!

Check out this recipe

32. Easy Healthy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake

You and your family are going to love this easy and healthy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake recipe. It makes weeknight meal time easy because it's quick, balanced, and absolutely delicious!

Check out this recipe

33. Zucchini Mushroom Beef Pasta

One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Beef Pasta

Need a quick and easy weeknight dinner? Try this cozy One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Beef Pasta! Filled with warm hearty protein, melty cheese, and yummy veggies, it's so good! And only takes 30 minutes!! 🙌🏼

Check out this recipe

34. 12-Minute Easy Garlic Steak Bites (Air Fryer or Skillet)

12-Minute Garlic Steak Bites (Air Fryer or Skillet!)

These easy Seared Garlic Steak Bites (Air Fryer or Skillet!) are out-of-this world flavorful and juicy and ready in just 12 minutes! Perfect to throw in tacos, bowls, salads, wraps or simply enjoy with your favorite sides. Seriously the easiest way to cook steak!

Check out this recipe

35. Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake

Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake

This Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake is the easiest meal prep or weeknight dinner option! It's made with rotini pasta, hearty meat sauce, and lots of melty cheese – seriously the best type of lightened up comfort food!

Check out this recipe

36. Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls

Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls

Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls are balanced and light and are so easy to make! Crunchy lettuce, seasoned ground beef, your favorite burger toppings all tossed in your favorite sauce, they'll be a lunch you'll look forward to all week long!

Check out this recipe

Turkey

37. Healthy Mexican Mac and Cheese

Healthy Mexican Mac and Cheese

This Healthy Mexican Mac and Cheese recipe is creamy, hearty, and SUPER cheesy with delicious Mexican flavor throughout! It doesn't taste lightened up for one second! A true family favorite! No doubt will this one become a staple in your house too!

Check out this recipe

38. Pesto Zucchini Turkey Skillet

Pesto Zucchini Turkey Skillet (One Skillet)

You're going to love this one skillet, 25 minute, meal prep friendly Pesto Zucchini Turkey Skillet. A delicious family favorite that you can make your own for a lower carb or more balanced meal, too!

Check out this recipe

39. 30-Minute Greek Style Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

30-Minute Greek Style Turkey Burgers(Air Fryer, Grill, Stovetop)

These Greek Style Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are a delicious twist on traditional beef burgers that will have you savoring the taste of Greece in every bite! Whether cooked in the air fryer, stove top or grilled, this recipe yields juicy flavorful burgers perfect for any summer cookout or weekday meal!

Check out this recipe

40. The Most Delicious Healthy Turkey Ricotta Meatballs

Turkey Ricotta Meatballs

Tender, juicy, low in fat and high in protein!! These Turkey Ricotta Meatballs are a delicious healthier option to incorporate into your lunch or dinner rotation! Oh yeah, and they freeze great, so you never have to worry about making too many!

Check out this recipe

41. Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Turkey Chili

Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Turkey Chili

This Healthy Butternut Squash Turkey Chiliis so warm and cozy! Gluten and dairy free as written, it's low calorie, protein packed, and super quick to come together on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Check out this recipe

42.

Mexican Ground Turkey Taco Meat

This Mexican Ground Turkey Taco Meat (healthy and easy!) is one of the absolute BEST, tastiest, quickest meal prep proteins! It's so good in tacos, salads, quesadillas, rice bowls, you name it! And a great staple recipe to keep the ingredients on hand for a quick and easy dinner any night of the week!

Check out this recipe

Pork

43. Pork Tenderloin Carnitas

The BEST Pork Carnitas (Crockpot Pulled Pork)

These Pork Carnitas are incredibly juicy, tender, and oh so mouth watering. They make the most delicious sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and more! Plus, they're a perfect protein to make and enjoy all week. Just add a few simple ingredients to your Crockpot and broil!

Check out this recipe

44. Healthy Ham and Cheese Sliders (High Protein)

Healthy Ham and Cheese Sliders (High Protein)

These Healthy Ham and Cheese Sliders are definitely a crowd pleaser! Everything you love about classic ham and cheese sliders but lightened up a smidge! This slider recipe will quickly become your new (old) favorite!

Check out this recipe

Seafood

45. Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Air Fryer)

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites are absolute FIRE. They're the easiest ever to make and packed full of health and flavor! Top these salmon bites on your favorite salad, bowl or eat along your favorite sides. And did I mention they're prepped and ready in just 15 minutes?!

Check out this recipe

46. Blackened Mahi Tacos

Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

These Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos are PERFECT for busy weeknights because they're ready in just 20 minutes. And they're so fresh and flavorful, especially with some 5-minute Cilantro Lime Crema drizzled on top!

Check out this recipe

47. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

These Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are one of my go-to's for days when I'm just not sure what to make for dinner. They're packed with flavor in every bite, are made on one pan, and are super customizable to help you meet your flavor cravings!

Check out this recipe

Macro Friendly Dessert Recipes

48. Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars – Easy, Chewy, So Good!

Peanut butter lovers, rejoice! These Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Barswill be one of your new favorite peanut butter desserts!! With creamy peanut butter, chewy oats and melty chocolate throughout, these cookie bars are decadent and seriously make for the perfect easy dessert!

Check out this recipe

49. High Protein Lava Cake in a Mug (Single Serve)

Protein Lava Cake (Single Serve)

This High Protein Lava Cake is the perfect dessert to quickly curve your chocolate cravings when your sweet tooth strikes! Made with a few staple ingredients and ready to eat in a minutes time, this microwavable chocolate cake will quickly become your new favorite dessert!

Check out this recipe

50. The Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream!

Reese’s Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream

Satisfy your summer sweet tooth with this Reese's Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream! This healthy treat has the best creamy texture, is full of peanut butter flavor and has 38 grams of protein per pint.

Check out this recipe

51. The BEST Healthy Cake Batter Oreo Protein Blondies

Cake Batter Oreo Protein Blondies

Your funfetti cake batter dreams have just come true with these Cake Batter Oreo Protein Blondies! They're sweet, chocolatey, and lightened up—but no one will ever be able to tell!

Check out this recipe

52. Healthy Pumpkin Brownies (Flourless)

Healthy Pumpkin Brownies (Flourless)

These Healthy Pumpkin Brownies are the most delicious, fudgy wholesome treat that are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth! These brownies are gluten-free, grain-free and made with quality, healthy ingredients. Skip the refined sugar, oil and butter and enjoy this lightened up treat to get your chocolate fix!

Check out this recipe

53. Easy Churro Protein Cheesecake Bars

Churro Protein Cheesecake Bars

Creamy, chilled cheesecake meets cinnamon sugar churros in this INSANELY delicious Churro Protein Cheesecake Bar recipe. Crazy easy to make and they store GREAT in the freezer. You are gonna love them!!!

Check out this recipe

54. Healthy Monster Protein Cookie Dough

Healthy Monster Protein Cookie Dough

This Healthy Edible Monster Protein Cookie Dough recipe is a healthy, high protein cookie dough with a fun monster cookie twist! This edible raw cookie dough is a great healthier alternative to cookie dough that tastes just like the REAL DEAL without spiking blood sugar levels. It's made with simple ingredients, packs 14 grams of protein per serving and is the perfect way to curb your sweet tooth!

Check out this recipe

55. No Bake Oreo Pie with Cool Whip

No Bake Oreo Pie with Cool Whip

Omg this No Bake Oreo Whip Pie is to die for!!! A homemade Oreo crust topped with a luscious, cream filling with pieces of Oreo cookies all throughout! The most perfect chilled dessert for spring and summer and LOVED by everyone!

Check out this recipe

56. Healthy Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Healthy Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

This Healthy Yellow Cake is fluffy, moist, and lathered in perfectly sweet chocolate frosting. It tastes so good that no one will ever know it's lightened up! I can guarantee it will become your new go-to cake recipe.

Check out this recipe

57. Low Calorie Monster Cookie Protein Balls

Monster Cookie Protein Balls (Low Calorie)

Peanut butter lovers rejoice! Enjoy the classic flavors of a thick, chewy monster cookie without all the extra calories! These Low Calorie Protein Balls are the perfect lightened up version of one of my favorite desserts. Sweet, nutty and mixed with melt-in-your-mouth M&M's, you can't go wrong with these delicious, chewy, oatmeal protein balls!

Check out this recipe

FAQ: Macro Friendly Recipes

What are macros?

Macros, or macronutrients, are what make up the caloric content of food. Macros are what your body needs in large amount to survive and function properly. The three macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

What makes something “macro-friendly?”

“Macro-friendly” refers to foods, meals and recipes that are typically higher volume with a more balanced distribution of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein) compared to many traditional food options.
More specifically, a higher emphasis on higher protein, moderate fats, and lower to moderate carbs when compared to their traditional counterpart.

Do you have to track macros to make macro-friendly recipes?

Absolutely not! While I do think it’s helpful to track for a short period of time to gain a better understanding of the different macronutrients and their breakdown in various foods, you most definitely do not need to track macros to enjoy macro-friendly recipes or approach a macro-friendly diet.

Even without tracking macros, these macro-friendly recipes offer a huge benefit in ensuring you are getting appropriate amounts of each nutrient for health, to feel good, and whether you are chasing any fat loss or muscle building goals.

How do I know what my macros should be?

This is a bit of weighted question because it very much depends on the individual and their age, height, weight, activity, dieting history, etc; and also what their goals are (fat loss, muscle building, maintenance, etc.)

For the most accurate macro calculation I would recommend reaching out to a professional who can help you identify what your macros should be. I can help you with doing a custom macro assessment or some wonderful macro coaches I would recommend for a custom macro count would be Grace Terbrock, Kelsey Kitzman and Shannon Collins (tell them Lauren Fit Foodie sent you!)

While online calculators don’t take into account individual variances and dieting history, they can be a good starting point to get an idea of what your macros should be.

I also have this post here that will help you determine your calories and macros for a fat loss phase.

What tools can I use to count macros?

There are many apps out there that will keep track of all your macros for you. My favorites are MyFitnessPal and MacrosFirst. PS- ALL of my recipes are in both of these apps to help make tracking macros easier for you!

This is just a round up of reader and personal favorites and some of the most popular macro-friendly recipes on the blog. If you are looking for more, be sure to check out all my macro-friendly recipes and also these 50+ Macro Friendly Chicken Recipes!