My 5 Favorite Cookbooks for Making Healthy Food Delicious

I’ve always loved cookbooks. I read them cover to cover like novels. Yes, I was that teenager sitting in the aisles of Barnes & Noble, flipping through recipe books for fun. I wanted to know the story behind every dish, study every ingredient list, and imagine exactly how it would taste.

That love stuck with me, and honestly? It’s a skill that’s paid off. These days, I can flip through a cookbook and know in minutes if it will be good. And at this point in my wellness journey, my standards are high.

I want recipes that are delicious, nourishing, and easy to make. Pretty basic criteria, but surprisingly hard to find all in one place. I’ve made (and eaten) a lot of disappointing meals over the years in the name of “healthy eating.” But the books on this list? They’ve earned their permanent spot on my shelf.

Whether you’re dealing with food allergies, experimenting with a healing diet, or just trying to cook more meals that make you feel good, these cookbooks won’t let you down. They’re full of flexible, allergen-friendly, veggie-forward, flavor-packed recipes that are just as satisfying as they are supportive of your health.

In no particular order, here are the five I reach for the most.

1. Paleo Takeout: Restaurant Favorites Without the Junk

By Russ Crandall

This one takes me back to the early days of my healing journey when I followed a strict autoimmune protocol. It taught me so much about building flavor, experimenting with new ingredients, and turning vegetables into absolute magic.

Even though I no longer follow a strict paleo diet, I still reach for this book. The recipes are incredibly flavorful and adaptable—you can easily make substitutions to fit your dietary needs, and I promise, you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

Favorite Recipes:

• Chicken Tikka Masala (my all-time favorite)

• Butter Chicken

• Massaman Curry

• Thai Green Curry

• Spring Rolls

2. The Herbal Kitchen

By Kami McBride

This isn’t your traditional cookbook—it’s a beautiful blend of herbalism and everyday cooking. Kami is a brilliant herbalist and teacher, and this book shows you how to incorporate herbs into your daily life through infused oils, honeys, vinegars, and spice blends.

It’s one of those books that feels like a treasure. Mine is covered in sticky notes, scribbled comments, and a long list of “recipes to try next.” If you’ve ever wanted to make herbal remedies feel approachable, this book makes it possible (and delicious).

Favorite Recipes:

• Chai Honey

• Heart Tonic Honey

• Drizzle Vinegar

• Any of the Cordials

• Anti-Plague Pesto

3. Nourishing Meals

By Alissa Segersten & Tom Malterre

This book is a newer addition to my collection, and I cannot believe I lived without it for so long. It’s an absolute powerhouse, especially for anyone dealing with dietary restrictions, doing an elimination diet, or just trying to reduce processed foods.

It’s a big book, but I haven’t been disappointed by a single recipe. That’s rare for any cookbook, let alone one this comprehensive. It’s family-friendly, nutrient-dense, and full of meals that even my picky eater will eat without a fight.

Favorite Recipes:

• Whole-Grain Waffles

• Chia Dinner Rolls

• Kale Apple Walnut Salad

• Raw Cilantro Lime Chutney

• Raw Caramel Dip

4. It’s All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great

By Gwyneth Paltrow & Julia Turshen

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about this one. Celebrity cookbooks don’t always have the best track record. But this one? Totally surprised me.

It’s heavily elimination-diet friendly and packed with recipes that are simple, clean, and shockingly good. I especially love the sample menus in the back.?They’re perfect when you don’t have the brainpower to plan a week of meals. It’s also a beautiful book. The photography, layout, and recipe descriptions make it fun to read and cook from.

Favorite Recipes:

• Quinoa with Mushrooms and Arugula

• Risotto with Peas and Greens

• Roasted Cauliflower + Chickpeas with Mustard and Parsley (I've linked to the recipe)

• Salmon with Lee’s Sriracha & Lime

5. Baked to Perfection

By Katarina Cermelj

If you’re gluten-free and feel like good baking is a thing of the past, this is the book you need. Kat doesn’t just give you recipes; she teaches the science of gluten-free baking in a way that makes it all click.

I grew up with a mom known for her baked goods, so my standards are high. And I’m telling you, these recipes are magic. If you're navigating food allergies or sensitivities and missing the comfort of a perfect baked treat, this book will bring it back.

Favorite Recipes:

• Literally all of them

• Cinnamon Rolls (a snow day tradition in my house)

• Focaccia

• Stuffed Flatbreads

I’ve spent years cooking my way through all kinds of wellness trends, elimination diets, and ingredient swaps, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that healthy food should never feel like a punishment.

These cookbooks are my tried-and-true favorites. They’ve guided me through strict protocols, picky kid phases, and countless weeknight dinners when I needed something fast, nourishing, and actually enjoyable.

If you’re on the hunt for meals that check all the boxes (delicious, nutrient-dense, allergen-friendly, and realistic for real life), I hope this list helps you find something new to fall in love with.

And if you’re the kind of person who reads cookbooks like bedtime stories? Welcome. You’re in good company.

Let me know if you try any of the recipes or if there’s a book you think I need to add to my shelf. I’m always ready for the next one.