Arthritis-Friendly Appetizer & Sides Recipes

Baba Ghanoush

Eggplant, tahini and lemon juice are the stars of this classic, delicious vegetarian dip.

Baked Apples With Cinnamon-Oat Topping

This recipe and its tasty topping — good for the holidays or any time of year — provides some anti-inflammatory protection.

High-Protein Roasted Eggplant Dip

Fill up your family or guests with this high-protein roasted eggplant dip brimming with healthy ingredients.

Mac N’ Cheese-less

This classic comfort food is made with a healthy, versatile “cheese” sauce.

Orange-Cranberry Slow Cooker Compote

This simple recipe offers a double dose of anti-inflammatory protection from cranberries and orange juice.

Sweet Potato Hummus

Swap chickpeas for sweet potatoes to give this hummus a tasty twist.

Blueberry, Fig, Prune & Balsamic Dressing

This is a fabulous example of how you can make healthy food taste good by adding a great-tasting salad dressing without oil or added sugars.

Cashew-naise

Swap out mayonnaise for this healthy, nut-based spread.

Edamame Hummus

Edamame hummus is the perfect way to boost protein and antioxidants in dip form. This hummus tastes great on veggies or crackers.

Vegetable Rice

With the right spice, some tasty veggies and lemon zest, turn boring-but-healthy brown rice into something deliciously special.

Garden Chive Bean Dip

If you come home hungry and often go for something sweet, resist that urge and try this dip instead. It’s a great filler for late afternoon or early evening.

Arthritis-Friendly Barbecued Beans

Add homemade barbecued beans to your menu for a comforting side dish with antioxidants, fiber and protein.

Arugula and Berry Salad

Sweet berries, peppery arugula and salty blue cheese combine in this delicious, healthy salad.

Bacon-Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Reduce your active cook time with a make-ahead Brussels sprouts side dish that everyone at the table will love.

Black Bean Salad With Quinoa, Squash and Lime

Make this sweet and savory black bean salad, that’s full of nutritious fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Bottom’s Up Green Salad

Get tips for keeping your greens from getting soggy at your gatherings with this clever method for making a simple and customizable green salad.

Broccoli & Bean Salad

Try this vegetarian salad as an appetizer or side dish at your next meal or gathering. It’s a simple recipe that’s sure to please.

Cannellini Beans with Shallots and Sage

Try these simple, savory cannellini beans with shallots and sage as a protein-packed addition to a vegetarian meal.

Caramelized Fennel Corn Chowder

Try this low-sodium take on corn chowder brimming with the rich flavors of caramelized fennel, roasted garlic and bright, fresh herbs.

Chipotle Black Bean Soup

Simmer up a spiced black bean soup packed with arthritis-friendly nutrients and almost no effort.

Breakfast

Cocoa Cherry Oatmeal

Enjoy a little treat for breakfast and a dose of antioxidants with this healthy, yet decadent cocoa cherry oatmeal.

Cold Crunchy Soba Salad With Chicken and Snap Peas

Try this cold soba noodle salad with healthy veggies and a delicious dressing for the perfect lunch or light dinner.

Corn Muffins Recipe

Healthy ingredient swaps make these delicious corn muffins better for you.

Crudités with Herb and Garlic Yogurt Dip

Serve a spread of colorful arthritis-friendly veggies paired with a creamy, low-fat dip featuring fresh, green herbs.

Cumin-Scented Black Bean Dip

Try this mildly spiced black bean dip that’s packed with nutritious fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Easy Homemade Lentil Hummus

Try a new take on hummus packed with protein from lentils and anti-inflammatory ingredients like extra virgin olive oil.

High-Protein Spinach Spread

Try a creamy spinach spread that’s high-protein, low-fat and so flavorful no will guess it’s good for them too.

Indian Vegetable Dip

Make this zesty, unexpected Indian dip as an appetizer for your next gathering. It requires very little work in the kitchen.

Kale Salad

This powerhouse salad is packed with nutritious kale, onions, tomatoes and avocado. Pair it with a tasty vinaigrette dressing and it’s sure to please.

Lemon, Tamari, Tahini & Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

This tangy dressing is a light but delicious way to dress up summer salads, veggies or even the dullest of any main dish.

Lia’s Black Beans

Start with these antioxidant -ich black beans as the perfect base for many different meal options.

Loaded Greens With Walnuts and Mushrooms

: I normally toss a meaty ham hock into every pot of collards that I make, but this recipe goes in a slightly different direction. Thanks to the walnuts and mushrooms, which provide tons of depth and umami, I almost don’t even miss the hock. Almost!

Low-Sodium Couscous Sunny-Side Up

Make this delicious Southwest-inspired couscous salad packed with fresh flavor and spices, not sodium.

Low-Sodium Pea Soup

Get tips for reducing salt when you cook and make this creamy, low-sodium take on pea soup.

Low-Sodium Pickled Grapes

Try pickled grapes as a low-sodium alternative to olives and reap the antioxidant benefits of grapes at the same time.

Maple-Baked Black Beans

Sweeten your side dish or try something new for breakfast with this simple maple-baked beans recipe.

Marinated Cheese Tapas

Try these hard cheese tapas as an easy and delicious way to make entertaining preparation easier on your joints.

Marinated Goat Cheese Appetizer

Impress your guests with a quick and easy marinated goat cheese appetizer that includes many inflammation-fighting ingredients.

Mediterranean Vegetables

Learn to make simple Mediterranean-inspired veggies with this time and health-conscious recipe from chef Sandra Lee.

Moroccan Chickpea and Carrot Tagine

Try this meatless, Moroccan-inspired stew for a sweet and spicy change.

Orange-Pickled Fennel

Give this low-sodium orange-pickled fennel recipe a try if you love pickles or just want to add more heart-healthy fennel in your diet.

Pan con Tomate 

Try pan con tomate, a traditional Spanish bread, as part of a no-fuss tapas menu, perfect for people with arthritis.

Raisin Reduction

This tasty raisin reduction is a great way to sweeten dishes naturally, without processed sugars. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly.

Rosemary Roasted Cashews

Don’t spend all day in the kitchen when preparing for a holiday entertaining with easy appetizer recipes like rosemary-roasted cashews.

Seeded Rice

Mix seeds with whole grain rice and get a versatile base filled with fiber, protein, and inflammation-fighting vitamins.

Shrimp Skewers With Garlic and Guindilla Pepper

Try this simple shrimp skewers tapas recipe with prep, cooking and ingredients that are easy and beneficial for people with arthritis.

Arthritis Recipes | Spinach Salad with Strawberries

Enjoy this light, tasty salad filled with arthritis-friendly ingredients like strawberries, spinach, walnuts and more.

Tuna Finger Sandwiches With Black Olives and Egg

Snack on tuna finger sandwiches that are great for a tapas night and are easy to prep.

Whipped Squash with Honey and Spice

Make your holiday entertaining delicious and simple with this extra smooth whipped squash with delicate, yet unique spices.

Zucchini Boats

Benefit from phytonutrients, antioxidants and fiber found in vegetable peels with these Italian-inspired zucchini boats.