8 Healthy Soul Food Recipes That Just Make You Feel Good

The classic Southern dish gets a colorful and nutritious boost from peppers, scallions, and whole-grain wild rice. Plus, it's naturally gluten- and dairy-free, bursting with vitamin C, and chock-full of fiber.

Get the recipe: Wild Rice Hoppin' John

Easily one of the best-loved soul-food dishes is shrimp and grits. This tangy version gets a healthy twist with cauliflower "grits" made with creamy coconut milk (so it's dairy-free), plus a nutrient boost from mushrooms.

Get the recipe: Shrimp and Cauliflower "Grits"

There's finally a fried chicken recipe you don't have to feel guilty about. This super-tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside chicken is baked in the oven to lighten things up, and it's gluten-free so all your meat-eating friends can dig in.

Get the recipe: Oven-Baked "Fried" Chicken

There are few things more "soul" than good old-fashioned collard greens. This delicious recipe adds two more quintessentially Southern ingredients—slow-cooked black-eyed peas and corn grits—for a vegan version brimming with flavor.

Get the recipe: Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Collards and Cheesy Grits

Classic jambalaya goes vegan in this easy recipe that gets a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. Even better? It's ready in under an hour, so it's perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the recipe: Spicy Vegan Jambalaya

Every smart Southerner has a go-to gumbo recipe. This fiery rendition relies on andouille sausage and chicken for protein, plus tons of fresh produce such as okra, celery, bell peppers, and fire-roasted tomatoes.

Get the recipe: Lightened-Up Gumbo

This iconic dish isn't usually so great for your waistline. But fear not! This gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo-friendly version uses ingredients like coconut milk and arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy. And the fluffy biscuits are made with coconut flour, grass-fed butter, and heart-healthy coconut oil.

Get the recipe: Paleo Biscuits and Gravy

Vegans, prepare to be excited, because now you too can indulge in banana cream pie, thanks to a delicious combo of coconut cream and almond milk.

Get the recipe: Vegan Banana Cream Pie