Cooking can be a source of pure joy, especially when the recipes are as delightful as they are delicious. Donal Skehan has a knack for creating dishes that not only taste incredible but also lift your spirits. Let’s explore some of his feel-good recipes that are sure to make your kitchen a happy place!
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Buddha Bowl

This vibrant bowl is packed with nutrition and flavor. The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the earthy taste of chickpeas, all resting on a bed of fresh greens. Toss it all together with a tahini dressing for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying.
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe is special because it’s customizable! You can add any of your favorite toppings, like nuts or seeds, to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies from your fridge!
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Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas


Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas from Budget Bytes
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Sour cream, mushrooms, flour tortillas, red pepper, mozzarella Total Time: 30 min.

Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas from Dishes Delish
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Portobello mushrooms, spinach, muenster cheese, flour tortillas, olive oil Total Time: 19 min.

Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas from Dizzy Busy and Hungry!
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Olive oil, tortillas, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella Total Time: 25 min.
These cheesy delights are crispy on the outside and bursting with gooey goodness on the inside. The combination of sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach creates a savory filling that will make your taste buds sing. Serve them with salsa or sour cream for an extra kick!
- 4 tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
These quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, making them a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying!
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Banana Oatmeal Cookies


Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies from Skinnytaste
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.
Imagine biting into a cookie that’s both chewy and wholesome. These banana oatmeal cookies are sweetened naturally with ripe bananas and packed with oats. They make for a perfect snack that feels indulgent but is actually quite healthy!
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
These cookies are not only easy to make, but they’re also a great way to use up overripe bananas. Plus, they’re perfect for breakfast on the go or as an after-school treat!
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One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bake from Whole Food Bellies
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Broccoli, chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, lemon, heavy cream Total Time: 55 min.

Sheet Pan Herby Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes from Ambitious Kitchen
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Skinless chicken thighs, fingerling potatoes, feta cheese, dijon mustard, red pepper flakes Total Time: 55 min.

Garlic Lemon Chicken from Carlsbad Cravings
Ingredients: Skinless chicken thighs, sour cream, baby dutch potatoes, dijon mustard, dill Total Time: 55 min.
This dish is all about simplicity and flavor. With tender chicken thighs infused with lemon and garlic, paired with colorful veggies, it’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes. The best part? You only need one pan!
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe is incredibly popular because it’s a true time-saver. Just throw everything in the pan, let it roast, and enjoy a stress-free dinner that’s bursting with flavor!
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Avocado Chocolate Mousse from Chocolate Covered Katie
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 5 min Total Time: 5 min.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse from Well Plated by Erin
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.
Who knew health could taste this good? This creamy chocolate mousse is made with ripe avocados, giving it a rich texture without the guilt. It’s a decadent dessert that’s secretly packed with nutrients!
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
This mousse is a favorite because it’s so easy to whip up and can be made ahead of time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy fats while satisfying your sweet tooth!
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Carrot and Ginger Soup

Carrot Soup Recipe with Ginger from Love and Lemons
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Coconut milk, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, carrots, olive oil Total Time: 56 min.

Carrot Ginger Soup from Simply Recipes
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Orange, fennel, ginger, butter, chicken stock Total Time: 45 min.

Carrot Ginger Soup from Downshiftology
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Pine nuts, ginger, avocado oil, cinnamon, garlic Total Time: 1 hr.
Warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, this soup is a hug in a bowl. The natural sweetness of carrots combined with the zing of fresh ginger creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and soothing. It’s perfect for chilly days!
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
This soup is loved for its simplicity and heartwarming qualities. It’s great for meal prepping and can be frozen for those days when you need a quick, nourishing meal!