Turmeric—a staple of holistic medicine, featured ingredient in Indian cuisine, and a star in healthy Instagram pics the world over—is known for its immune boosting properties and ability to ease digestive issues.
It also happens to taste heavenly when mixed with coconut milk and honey as a soothing, health-boosting beverage called golden milk. But the turmeric-infused grub doesn’t end there! Whether you buy turmeric root fresh or grab a bottle of ground turmeric from the spice aisle, you can sprinkle a little gold into everything from hummus to salad dressing to smoothies.
We rounded up 12 of the most creative and delicious turmeric recipes we could find—and we guarantee you’re going to want to try them all.
1. Turmeric Sweet Potato Hummus
Enjoy every dunk of this nutrition-packed dip by Sprinkle of Green knowing you’re scooping up all the benefits sweet potatoes, turmeric, and beans have to offer (think vitamin A, protein, fiber, and more). Whether you’re dipping with whole-grain pita chips, crackers, or veggie sticks, it’s a colorful and flavorful snack or appetizer.
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2. Lemon Turmeric Energy Bites
When you need a boost fast, energy bites are as easy to grab-and-go as they are to make. These bites from Natalie’s Health are light, sweet, and zesty—and come together quickly in the food processor. In addition to the golden goodness of turmeric, they also offer protein, fiber, and healthy fats from rolled oats, almonds, and chia seeds.
3. Turmeric Gummies
Trick your taste buds into thinking you’re eating candy (while supporting your immune system, of course) with Dear Crissy’s gummy recipe. You’ll blend together steamed carrots, OJ, hot water, gelatin, and turmeric paste to make these fruity, chewy health powerhouses. You’ll score some vitamin A and vitamin C in addition to the turmeric.
4. Turmeric Coconut Flour Muffins
Warm turmeric is perfectly at home in these grain-free, naturally-sweetened muffins by PaleoHacks. They’re the perfect healthy quick breakfast, snack, or after-dinner treat—and unlike your average store-bought muffin, they provide the fiber you need to feel satisfied.
5. Golden Ginger And Turmeric Cookies
No mere gingerbread cookie or gingersnap can stand up to Rebel Recipes’ spicy ginger and turmeric cookies. Made with wholesome ingredients like ground almonds, oats, bananas, and coconut oil, they’ll light up your taste buds from the first bite. (You can thank pink salt, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric for that!)
Related: Shop a wide selection of ingredients for healthy baking.
6. Creamy Turmeric Dressing
Any food lover knows a delicious sauce can make a meal. This simple dressing by Savory Lotus is great drizzled on salads, veggies, meat, or fish—or practically any other food or dish that could benefit from a quality condiment. All you need is tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, turmeric, black pepper, and a little salt to step up the flavor and nutrition of any meal.
7. Healing Turmeric Cauliflower Soup
This thick, creamy soup is as comforting as it is nourishing—and provides the fiber, protein, and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) you need to feel both cozy and satisfied. Simply Quinoa’s recipe uses cauliflower, red lentils, vegetable broth, and nut milk as a base, and packs in the flavor with shallots, garlic, turmeric, cumin, and sea salt.
8. Turmeric Coconut Rice
An easy way to spice up (literally) any grain side dish? Turmeric, of course. Healthier Steps’ turmeric coconut rice turns a plain grain into a robust, elegant side. Along with onion, garlic, turmeric, thyme, and carrots, you’ll cook your rice in coconut milk for extra rich, creamy flavor.
9. Golden Glow Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie
You may not think to shake turmeric into your smoothies, but with the right blender buddies to sweeten it up and mellow it out, we’re willing to be you’ll start. This bright blend from Jar of Lemons combines turmeric with banana, frozen pineapple, and coconut milk, for a thick, creamy smoothie that tastes as refreshing as it looks. Add your favorite vanilla protein powder into the mix and you’ve got the ultimate free radical-crushing, muscle-building post-workout smoothie.
10. Golden Chicken
Without a strong marinade game, chicken breasts can be almost too boring to eat after a while. Try The Seasoned Mom’s turmeric marinade for a burst of color and flavor. Honey, whole-grain mustard, Dijon (who doesn’t love that), turmeric, garlic, olive oil, and salt whisk together quickly—any you don’t use to marinate your meat makes for a delicious dressing!
11. Cinnamon Turmeric Iced Tea
When it’s too warm out for golden milk, sip on turmeric in a refreshing iced tea blend. Fooduzzi brews her favorite loose-leaf tea (half English Breakfast, half Ceylon) with cinnamon, turmeric, and either maple syrup or honey, then stashes it in the fridge to make a sweet and spicy beverage that’s perfect whether you’re sipping poolside or just need something flavorful to put in your water bottle.
12. Turmeric Roasted Carrots
Toss any veggie in a little fat and throw it in the oven and it’s pretty much guaranteed to turn out ah-mazing. But throw some spices and seasonings into the mix and you’ll be next-level impressed. The Mediterranean Dish perfectly caramelizes her carrots by roasting them with olive oil, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, minced garlic, and salt and pepper for a punch of flavors that’s sure entice even the biggest of veggie-haters.