7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (2024)

1

7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (1)

Tatiana Volgutova/Getty Images

Simple Herb-Roasted Potatoes and Veggies

There’s nothing simpler or more divine than roasted vegetables. Here, the starchiness of the potatoes is complemented by carrots,zucchini, and onion to add color, flavor, and additional nutrients to this scrumptious side dish. Simply prepared with seasonings you already have on hand, this vegetable dish comes together quickly even on the busiest weeknight.

4.3 out of 6 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

125

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

35 min

TOTAL TIME

45 min

Ingredients

1 lb new potatoes (aka baby potatoes)

1 medium red onion, cut into wedges

4 medium carrots, skin on, cut into sticks

1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

¾ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2

Thoroughly wash potatoes and prick all over with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 3 minutes.

3

Transfer potatoes to a parchment-lined baking sheet and add other vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.

4

Bake until vegetables are soft and begin to brown, about 30–35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

125

total fat

5g

saturated fat

0.7g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

20g

fiber

3.2g

sugar

3g

added sugar

0g

sodium

196mg

TAGS:

Anti-Inflammatory, Gluten-free, Heart-Healthy, Side Dish, Mediterranean, Vegan, Vegetarian

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2

7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (2)

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Baked Garlic-Parm Fries

French fries are traditionally deep-fried, which adds loads of calories and unhealthy fats to a naturally fat-free food. In this recipe, we swap the fryer for an oven and use a touch of extra-virgin olive oil. Leave the skin on the potato because it contains half the fiber,research shows. Fiber helps with regularity, lowers cholesterol, and maintains a healthy weight and blood sugar levels,according to the Mayo Clinic. Parmesan cheese adds a nice, strong flavor for very few calories.

contains Dairy

4.9 out of 7 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

163

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

30 min

TOTAL TIME

40 min

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

¾ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

2

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and, leaving the skin intact, slice them into ½"-wide strips.

3

Place the fries in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.

4

Spread fries evenly in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 30–35 minutes, tossing halfway through.

5

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, if using.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving sizeAbout 1½ cups

calories

163

total fat

5g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

25g

fiber

2.7g

sugar

1g

added sugar

0g

sodium

191mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Heart-Healthy, Gluten-free, Family-Friendly, Side Dish, Mediterranean, Vegetarian

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3

7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (3)

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Vegan Potato-Leek Soup

You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this soup and reap its healthy benefits. AsCleveland Clinicpoints out, more plant-based foods like this dish in your diet may help decrease blood pressure and therisk of heart diseaseand certaintypes of cancer. Indeed, astudy published in the September 2021Journal of Urologyfound that in men younger than 65, aplant-based dietdecreased the overall risk ofprostate cancerby 19 percent and the risk of dying from the disease by 47 percent.

contains Soy

5.0 out of 4 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

173

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

30 min

TOTAL TIME

40 min

Ingredients

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

4 leeks, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped

1 rib celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, skin on, chopped into ½-inch pieces

4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

½ tsp ground coriander

2 bay leaves

1 cup unsweetened plain soy milk

2 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

Place a large stockpot over medium heat and add oil, leeks, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are soft and tender, about 10 minutes.

2

Add potatoes, broth, thyme, rosemary, coriander, and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are very soft, about 20 minutes.

3

Remove from heat. Cool slightly, then strain out bay leaves and puree the soup using an immersion or countertop blender.

4

Return mixture to stockpot over medium, addsoy milk, and simmer. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 cup

calories

173

total fat

6g

saturated fat

0.8g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

29g

fiber

3.3g

sugar

4g

added sugar

0g

sodium

400mg

TAGS:

Soy, Gluten-free, Side Dish, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Vegan

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4

7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (4)

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Herbed Potato Salad

Potato salad often contains mayo, which is high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But this version swaps in olive oil, which is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that may lower heart disease risk, research says. The potatoes are cooked, then cooled, turning some of the starch into resistant starch, according to a study. Resistant starch can be difficult to digest and has fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular starch, per a different study.

4.3 out of 7 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

156

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

25 min

Ingredients

2 lb new potatoes (aka baby potatoes), halved

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup white wine vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

¾ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup red onion, diced

3 tbsp capers

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Directions

1

Place potatoes in a large stockpot full of cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and cook until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and cool.

2

In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour over potatoes and toss gently to coat.

3

Top with onion, capers, dill, and basil, and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving sizeAbout 1⅓ cups

calories

156

total fat

5g

saturated fat

0.6g

protein

3g

carbohydrates

29g

fiber

3g

sugar

0g

added sugar

0g

sodium

350mg

TAGS:

Gluten-free, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian

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5

7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (5)

Magdalena Bujak/Alamy

Veggie-Packed Baked Potato

Baked potatoes are a surprisingly simple way to get dinner on the table in a flash. And there’s no faster way to “bake” a potato than in themicrowave. While baked potatoes are usually piled high with unhealthy ingredients such as cheese, bacon, sour cream, and butter, they can be a perfect base for healthy ingredients, too. Here, they’re piled with a spinach salad, which adds fiber and iron, according to theUSDA.

contains Dairy, Tree Nuts

4.7 out of 14 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

351

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

12 min

TOTAL TIME

22 min

Ingredients

4 medium russet potatoes

3 tbsp olive oil, divided

1 pinch kosher salt

1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

2 cups baby spinach

½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

¼ cup walnut halves

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 scallion, thinly sliced, for garnish

Directions

1

Thoroughly scrub potatoes and prick the skin of each all over. Place potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 6 minutes. Flip potatoes over, then microwave for 6 more minutes. If a knife can be easily inserted into the middle of each potato, they are ready. If not, continue to microwave, 2 minutes at a time, until center of potato is cooked through.

2

Cut each potato in half, leaving the sides connected. Drizzle with a tbsp of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Evenly divide spinach, pepper slices, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and walnut halves among potatoes.

3

Drizzle each potato with remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with scallions before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 potato

calories

351

total fat

17g

saturated fat

3.3g

protein

8g

carbohydrates

44g

fiber

5.5g

sugar

5g

added sugar

0g

sodium

172mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Tree Nuts, High-Fiber, Gluten-free, Lunch, Mediterranean, Vegetarian

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6

7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (6)

Veronika Idiyat/Shutterstock

Broccoli Pesto Mashed Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes have a naturally creamy texture when mashed — no need for unhealthy fats like butter or cream. Cutting the potatoes all the same size and starting them in cold water allows them to cook more evenly, which is the key to a lump-free mash. This recipe uses broccoli to pump up the nutritional content, with folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K for very few calories, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Pesto adds flavor, but look for one that uses a healthy unsaturated fat, such as olive oil.

contains Dairy, Tree Nuts

5.0 out of 3 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

203

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

25 min

Ingredients

2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½" pieces

1 medium bunch broccoli, cut into very small pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup prepared basil pesto

1 tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Directions

1

Place potatoes in a large stockpot over medium-high heat and fill with enough water to cover by 2 inches. Cover the pot and bring to a rolling boil.

2

Once water is boiling, cook until potatoes are tenderbut not quite cooked through, about 10–12 minutes. Stir in broccoli, cover, and cook until broccoli is bright green and soft, about 4–5 minutes more. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.

3

Return drained vegetables to stockpot and add reserved water and remaining ingredients. Mash with a potato masher to thoroughly combine the ingredients (but be careful not to overmix).

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving sizeAbout ¾ cup

calories

203

total fat

6g

saturated fat

1.3g

protein

7g

carbohydrates

35g

fiber

5.6g

sugar

3g

added sugar

0g

sodium

416mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Tree Nuts, Gluten-free, High-Fiber, Side Dish, Vegetarian

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7

7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (7)

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Healthy Potato Skin Bites

Potato skins are another traditionally unhealthy way to serve potatoes. Not so with this recipe, which uses cheese as a condiment and not a main ingredient. Mushrooms are an excellent source of umami, the savory fifth type of taste (along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter). AsHarvard Health Publishingpoints out, adding them to a dish brings a savory and meaty flavor without any of the health detriments of meat.

contains Dairy

4.2 out of 5 reviews

SERVES

4

CALORIES PER SERVING

166

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

REVIEWED BY

Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

PREP TIME

5 min

COOK TIME

15 min

TOTAL TIME

20 min

Ingredients

1 lb new potatoes

¾ cup chopped baby portobello mushrooms

2 cloves of garlic, sliced

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp kosher salt

Black pepper, to taste

1 pinch crushed red pepper

2 tbsp freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2

Thoroughly scrub the potatoes and prick with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until a knife can be easily inserted into the center of each, about 5 minutes. Once cooked through, cool until potatoes can be easily handled.

3

Slice each potato in half and lay it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with mushrooms and garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, and cheese.

4

Bake until cheese melts, about 7–10 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley, if using, and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

calories

166

total fat

8g

saturated fat

1.6g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

22g

fiber

2.6g

sugar

1g

added sugar

0g

sodium

231mg

TAGS:

Dairy, Appetizer, Family-Friendly, Gluten-free, Vegetarian

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7 Potato Recipes That Are Actually Good for You (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat a potato? ›

Baking a potato is the best way to prepare it, as baking, or microwaving, a potato causes the lowest amount of nutrients to be lost, she said. The next-healthiest way to cook a potato is through steaming, which causes less nutrient loss than boiling.

What are the healthiest type of potato? ›

The Healthiest Potato is the Red Potato

After taking into account the mineral density, the vitamin density, the macronutrient balance, the sugar-to-fiber ratio, the sodium-to-potassium ratio, and the phytochemical profile, red potatoes are the healthiest potato with data from the USDA Food Database.

How healthy is 1 potato? ›

Potatoes are also fat-free, gluten-free, plant-based, affordable, and a quality carbohydrate. They are cholesterol-free and sodium-free, with only 110 calories per 5.3oz serving. Based on the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), potatoes can help Americans of all ages follow a healthy eating pattern.

What potatoes are good for what? ›

Choosing Potatoes

Yukon gold and other yellow potatoes are low- to medium-starch potatoes, and are well suited to roasting, mashing, baked dishes, and soups and chowders. Round red and round white potatoes have less starch and more moisture, making them best for boiling, but they can also be roasted or fried.

What is the unhealthiest way to cook potatoes? ›

According to Ayurveda and gut health coach Dr Dimple Jangda, you need to immediately stop eating deep-fried potatoes, French fries and potato chips, for these are carcinogenic (having the potential to cause cancer).

What's healthier rice or potato? ›

Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.

Which is healthier pasta or potatoes? ›

In general pasta has more carbs, but it is the type of carbs that matter. Pasta is a refined carb, while a potato (baked) is more simple, and has fiber and vitamins to help with digestion and the glucose reaction. Pasta goes right to sugar while potatoes take a little longer to digest.

What is the healthiest fruit? ›

Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What is healthier yams or potatoes? ›

Sweet potatoes are often touted as being healthier than white potatoes, but in reality, both types can be highly nutritious. While regular and sweet potatoes are comparable in their calorie, protein, and carb content, white potatoes provide more potassium, whereas sweet potatoes are incredibly high in vitamin A.

Is it OK to eat a potato everyday? ›

Eating one medium-size potato a day can be part of a healthy diet and doesn't increase cardiometabolic risk — the chances of having diabetes, heart disease or stroke — as long as the potato is steamed or baked, and prepared without adding too much salt or saturated fat, a study by nutritionists at The Pennsylvania ...

Should you eat potato skin? ›

To get the most antioxidants, leave the skins on and choose colorful varieties like red and purple potatoes. The more color, the more antioxidants. Plus, the skin of some potatoes can have up to 12 times more antioxidants than the flesh. Baked potato skin is a great source of potassium and magnesium.

Is 2 potatoes a day too much? ›

The Bottom Line. It is totally fine to eat potatoes every day. While how you prepare and cook potatoes and how much you eat could possibly impact your health, whole potatoes with skin are a nutritious vegetable with health benefits.

What is the best potato in the world? ›

According to the announcement of the Chamber of Drama, the Kato Neurokopi Potato was voted first among many others from around the world, in the Taste Awards 2023-2024 competition of the Taste Atlas Guide for the World's Best Foods in the relevant category (“Potatoes”) with 4.39 points.

When should you not use russet potatoes? ›

When to avoid: Because of their high starch content, starchy potatoes don't hold together very well when cooked so avoid using them in dishes that require boiling, roasting or slicing like casseroles, potato bakes, gratins or potato salads.

When not to use russet potatoes? ›

Raw potatoes should be firm to the touch with tight skin that's free of large bruises, black spots, or other blemishes. If a potato has become soft or mushy, you should throw it out. Though it's normal for potatoes to smell earthy or nutty, a musty or moldy odor is a hallmark of spoilage.

Are potatoes healthier cooked or raw? ›

Raw potatoes are more likely to cause digestive issues and may contain more antinutrients and harmful compounds. Yet, they're higher in vitamin C and resistant starch, which may provide powerful health benefits. In truth, both raw and cooked potatoes can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Does boiling potatoes make them healthier? ›

Potatoes are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium and vitamin C. The levels of some vitamins and minerals drop during cooking, but this reduction can be minimized by baking or boiling them with the skin on.

Is the skin the healthiest part of a potato? ›

While the skin does contain approximately half of the total dietary fiber, the majority (> 50%) of the nutrients are found within the potato itself. The only nutrient significantly lost when the skin is removed is fiber. Potassium and vitamin C are found predominantly in the flesh of the potato.

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