Healthy Living

Did you know you can make vegetable steaks that taste just as good as the real thing? We’ve made it happen time and time again with these dishes made from cabbage, cauliflower, mushroom and more. With four- and five-star reviews from EatingWell readers, you’ll want to keep coming back to these tasty meals. Our Garlic-Butter Butternut Squash Steaks make a flavorful entree. Or, enjoy side dishes like our Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Butter with your favorite main for a complete meal.

01 of 15

French Onion Cabbage Steaks

This cozy dish transforms simple roasted cabbage into something special. Inspired by the flavors of classic French onion soup, these roasted cabbage steaks are topped with a caramelized onion butter and a layer of nutty Gruyère. You’ll make more butter than you’ll need—toss it with roasted veggies or spread it on a grilled cheese.

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02 of 15

Garlic-Butter Butternut Squash Steaks

These butternut squash steaks are a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional steak. Thick slices of squash are scored to allow garlic butter to seep into every bite, then they’re roasted until caramelized and tender, with crispy, golden edges.

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03 of 15

Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Butter

These cauliflower steaks with herb butter are a delicious side that pairs well with any main. Roasting the cauliflower leads to nice browning and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable. Lemon zest and juice in the herb butter adds a pop of brightness and is so good, you’ll want to use it on other dishes like roasted potatoes or salmon.

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04 of 15

Cabbage Steaks with Herb Butter

These cabbage steaks are tender and sweet with an herby butter spread on top that seeps into the folds of the cabbage, providing flavor in every bite. These are simple enough for a casual weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

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05 of 15

Balsamic Roasted Cabbage Steaks

These balsamic roasted cabbage steaks are a flavorful and simple dish where thick slices of cabbage are brushed with olive oil and seasonings and roasted until tender and caramelized, then finished with a coating of balsamic vinegar. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy richness. Serve them as a side dish alongside your favorite main. Roast any extra cabbage you may have separately, or refrigerate it and save it for another use.

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06 of 15

Marry Me Butternut Squash Steaks

Savor this plant-based take on Marry Me Chicken, featuring butternut squash steaks in place of chicken, all nestled in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Choose butternut squash with a long neck for the steaks, and use the leftover bulb and trimmings for roasting or making soup. Serve this comforting dinner with a side of sautéed greens and crusty whole-grain bread for sopping up the sauce.

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07 of 15

Loaded Broccoli Steaks

Roasted broccoli slices topped with cheese, sour cream and bacon create a delicious low-carb swap for traditional loaded potato skins. You can also roast any extra florets alongside the broccoli steaks, or chop them up to add to soups or salads.

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08 of 15

Garlic-Butter Mushroom Steaks

Garlic-butter mushroom steaks are a savory and delicious plant-based dish perfect for mushroom lovers and steak enthusiasts alike. We pair juicy portobello mushroom “steaks” with a buttery garlic sauce flavored with rosemary, for a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to impress. Swap out the rosemary for another woody herb like sage or thyme for a different twist.

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09 of 15

Cauliflower Steaks with Poached Eggs & Pesto Hollandaise

This weekend-worthy dish features cauliflower “steaks” flavored with Italian seasoning and topped with sautéed kale, a poached egg and pesto-flavored hollandaise. No need to fret over finicky homemade hollandaise—our blender method simplifies the process, bypassing the stovetop hassle with a creamy stable sauce that won’t break or separate. Look for medium heads of cauliflower with compact florets for the best “steaks.” The center-cut slices hold their shape best. Use any extra florets from the sides to make cauliflower rice or roast them separately for a salad.

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10 of 15

Loaded Cabbage Steaks

Melted cheese, bacon, scallions and a touch of sour cream are perfect toppings to add to a nicely seared cabbage steak in this low-carb twist on a classic loaded baked potato. To make this meal vegetarian, leave out the bacon, or swap it out for veggie bacon or roasted mushrooms. Roast any extra cabbage you may have separately, or store it and save it for another use.

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11 of 15

Cauliflower Steaks Piccata

This cauliflower steak piccata recipe swaps out chicken for thick, center-cut slices of cauliflower while staying true to the flavors of the rich, lemony sauce. To serve this recipe as a side dish, cut the braised cauliflower into large wedges or florets and serve in a bowl topped with the sauce and parsley.

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12 of 15

Parmesan-Crusted Cabbage Steaks

These tender cabbage steaks are brushed with balsamic vinegar and oil on both sides to help with caramelization while also adding sweetness to every bite. If you have any leftover cabbage after cutting the steaks, chop it up and save it for a salad, or use it for roasting the following day.

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13 of 15

Cabbage Steaks with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

These cabbage steaks with creamy mushroom sauce are a delicious meatless alternative to a classic steak dinner. This easy dinner is ideal for vegetarians or anyone else looking to add more comforting, plant-based meals to their menu. A mix of mushrooms will liven up the dish. Opt for a few shiitake mushrooms for the biggest flavor impact.

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14 of 15

Panko-Crusted Cauliflower Steaks

In this fork-tender cauliflower recipe, heads of cauliflower are cut into slabs then roasted and topped with a cheesy, crunchy panko topping. Pair cauliflower steaks with roasted or grilled meats, or serve them on their own as a vegetarian main dish. Each head of cauliflower will provide 2 to 3 steaks—the sides tend to crumble. Save leftover cauliflower for roasting another night or give it a whirl in a food processor so you'll have cauliflower rice on hand.

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15 of 15

Cabbage Steaks with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Thick slices of cabbage are tender and smothered in a flavorful sun-dried tomato cream sauce in this easy vegetarian cabbage steak recipe. You'll inevitably have large and smaller "steaks" cut from the head. Place the large cabbage steaks on the outside edges of the baking sheet, with the smaller ones toward the center. The edges of the baking sheet are the hottest, so larger steaks will benefit from the extra heat. Roast any extra cabbage separately or store and save for another use.

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With less than 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving, these lunch and dinner recipes are perfect for those looking to follow a low-carb eating pattern. Plus, they’re all low in calories and high in protein and/or fiber to help support healthy weight loss. If this sounds like the  combination you’ve been looking for, give our High-Protein Green Bean & Tuna Salad or our Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus a try.

01 of 11

3-Ingredient Chicken Salad

This simple chicken salad proves that a short ingredient list can still deliver big flavor. Creamy whole-milk Greek-style yogurt pairs with tangy dill pickles and brine to create a bright, savory dressing. It’s a quick, protein-packed option for lunches or light dinners.

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02 of 11

High-Protein Green Bean & Tuna Salad

This bright green bean and tuna salad is a quick, protein-packed entree that comes together in just 25 minutes. Crisp green beans, flaky tuna and fresh herbs are tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, while peperoncini add a briny pop of flavor. Serve it on its own for a light dinner or with crusty bread for a more filling meal.

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03 of 11

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus

This Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly. Salmon, asparagus and red onion roast in a savory balsamic-soy glaze with garlic and Dijon for a perfect balance of tangy and rich. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.

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04 of 11

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

This creamy garlic chicken-and-broccoli skillet dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken cutlets are paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a light garlic cream sauce. A splash of white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor.

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05 of 11

Ginger-Scallion Salmon

This simple ginger-scallion salmon is a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Steamed until tender and finished with sizzling ginger, scallions and a fragrant soy-sesame sauce, it highlights the natural richness of the fish while keeping the prep quick. Serve this dish for a small, at-home celebration for Chinese New Year.

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06 of 11

Garlic-Butter Pork Chops with Spinach

Tender, juicy garlic-butter pork chops are seared to golden perfection, then paired with bright lemony spinach in this easy one-pan dinner. The garlic-and-herb seasoning adds bold flavor, while a touch of lemon zest and juice gives the dish a fresh, vibrant finish. It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

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07 of 11

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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08 of 11

One-Pan Chicken Florentine

Classic chicken Florentine—creamy spinach served alongside sautéed chicken—is a fast and easy meal. This recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the cream instead of cheese. This chicken recipe is simple enough for weekdays but also elegant enough for a dinner party.

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09 of 11

High-Protein Salmon Salad

This salmon salad combines flaky canned salmon with tangy capers and fresh, fragrant dill. This versatile salad can be enjoyed piled onto toast, stuffed into a pita or served over greens for a light, satisfying meal.

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10 of 11

5-Ingredient Everything Bagel–Crusted Salmon

For this 20-minute dinner, we turn to everything bagel seasoning to create a crisp, savory crust on salmon. A creamy garlic-yogurt sauce and some chopped cucumber add balance, making this five-ingredient entree feel special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.

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11 of 11

Roasted Cauliflower Steak & Spanakopita Melts

In this genius carb swap recipe, we take all the flavors of the Greek spinach pie, spanakopita, and put it on a low-carb roasted cauliflower steak. Plus, because you don't have to deal with the fussy layers of phyllo, it's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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