Best Easy Optavia Instant Pot Recipes
Following the Optavia diet plan can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding quick and easy recipes that fit within the guidelines. Thankfully, the Instant Pot is a handy kitchen appliance that can help make meal prep a breeze. With its ability to cook food quickly and retain its nutritional value, the Instant Pot is the perfect tool for those following the Optavia plan. Here are some of the best easy Optavia Instant Pot recipes to help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.
1. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, release the pressure naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
4. Shred the chicken and serve hot.
2. Lemon Garlic Salmon
Ingredients:
– 2 salmon fillets
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place salmon fillets in the Instant Pot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the salmon fillets.
4. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 5 minutes.
5. Once cooked, release the pressure naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
6. Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables.
3. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the sesame oil.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of water.
4. Pour the mixture over the beef in the Instant Pot.
5. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic.
6. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 5 minutes.
7. Once cooked, release the pressure naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
8. Serve hot over cauliflower rice.
4. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly and drain.
2. Place quinoa in the Instant Pot with 2 cups of water.
3. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 1 minute.
4. Once cooked, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
5. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
6. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve chilled.
5. Egg Roll in a Bowl
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 bag coleslaw mix
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the sesame oil.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Stir in coleslaw mix, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
5. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 5 minutes.
6. Once cooked, release the pressure naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
7. Serve hot.
Now, let’s answer some commonly asked questions about these recipes:
1. Can I freeze the Chicken and Vegetable Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup in individual portions for future meals. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
2. Can I use frozen salmon for the Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes instead of 5.
3. Can I substitute chicken for beef in the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for beef sirloin in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes.
4. Can I use white rice instead of quinoa in the Quinoa and Black Bean Salad?
Yes, you can substitute cooked white rice for quinoa in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
6. Can I make these recipes without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt these recipes to stovetop cooking. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly and ensure that the meat is fully cooked.
7. Are these recipes suitable for the Optavia diet plan?
Yes, these recipes are designed to fit within the Optavia diet plan guidelines. They are low in calories and carbohydrates while being high in protein and nutrients.
In conclusion, these easy Optavia Instant Pot recipes are a great way to stay on track with your weight loss goals. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can quickly prepare delicious and nutritious meals that fit within the Optavia plan. So, grab your Instant Pot and start cooking your way to a healthier you!