Apricots are one of nature’s true gifts for fruit lovers. Apricots can elevate any recipe because of their sweetness and tartness. They are bright orange and juicy in texture, making them perfect for healthy recipes. Apricot Recipes are widely popular and served as a traditional dish. Apricots are my all-time favorite and I’ve made a list of 21 Healthy Apricot Recipes that will Satisfy Your Taste Buds. These recipes are not only delicious and flavor-packed, they are loaded with nutrients and health benefits.
The flavor, texture, and nutritional values make them a superb ingredient for various healthy recipes. All the fresh and simple apricot recipes are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a valuable addition to any diet. All the apricot recipes are true celebrations from appetizers to desserts.
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Here are some of the key health benefits of apricots:
Rich in Vitamin A: All apricot and chicken recipes are a fantastic source of vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. This vitamin also plays a significant role in promoting cell growth and differentiation.
High in Fiber: The fiber content in apricots helps digestion, maintains a healthy weight, and lowers cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber helps regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Packed with Antioxidants: All the apricot recipes Indian and dried apricot recipes are loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.
Potassium: Potassium is essential for heart health and maintaining proper blood pressure levels. Apricots help regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
Supports Skin Health: The vitamins A and C in pineapple apricot jam and other dishes promote healthy, glowing skin. It protects against skin cell damage and encourages collagen production.
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Health-Related Suggestions
- Start your day by adding fresh or dried apricots to your cereal, yogurt, or smoothies. This simple addition can enhance the flavor and nutritional content.
- Enjoy the fresh apricot recipes as a quick and healthy snack. Pair them with nuts or cheese for a balanced, satisfying treat.
- Fresh apricots can be added to salads and side dishes. Try them in a quinoa salad with herbs and nuts for a nutritious meal
- You can make apricot recipes dessert like fruit tarts, sorbets, or even baked goods. They can add natural sweetness and a unique flavor.
- Apricots aren’t just for sweet recipes. They go well with savory ingredients like chicken, pork, and grains.
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The Versatility of Apricot Recipes
All these 21 healthy apricot recipes bring unique flavor and health benefits to the table. Apricots can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a refreshing salad, or a comforting dessert, there’s an apricot recipe here to suit your preferences for every occasion. From traditional dishes to innovative new takes on classic recipes, these apricot bars, apricot cobbler, apricot pie, and other dishes are designed to be both delicious and nourishing.
They can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or dried, making them an excellent ingredient for a wide range of dishes. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect addition to desserts. The tart flavor adds a delightful contrast to the delicious dishes. Moreover, apricots can be used to make jams, chutneys, and sauces.
These healthy apricot recipes boost your intake of essential nutrients and support your body’s health. For breakfast, you might consider apricot-studded oatmeal or a refreshing apricot smoothie. For lunch and dinner try apricot and chicken salad, apricot-glazed pork tenderloin, or a Moroccan apricot. While apricot tarts or apricot-infused yogurt parfaits can satisfy your sweet tooth as a healthy dessert option.
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From breakfast to dinner, apricots are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, get ready to enjoy these delicious and nutritious apricot recipes!
Apricot Thumbprint Cookies
These Apricot Thumbprint Cookies pair well with the fruitiness of the apricot jam and the delicate buttery sweetness of apricot bars. This is one of the simple apricot recipes. Apricots have long been my favorite fruit, so it looks natural when you use them as a substitute. The key ingredients to make this awesome dish are a cup of salted butter, a cup of granulated white sugar, a cup of packed brown sugar, egg yolk, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, cups of all-purpose flour, a cup of apricot jam. The nutritional facts are Calories: 94kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 42mg, Potassium: 13mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 169IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 0.4mg. Try using raspberry jam instead of apricot jam. This simple swap adds a tangy twist to the classic recipe.
Herby Chicken with Apricots and Feta
This Herby Chicken with Apricots and Feta is made with flavorful braised chicken and offers Middle Eastern flair. This dish is one of the quickest of apricot recipes. If you are planning for a quick dish on a busy weeknight then in 45 minutes the meal will be ready to serve on the table. This dish is a contest winner and needs only 20 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking time. The key ingredients include teaspoons of salt, a teaspoon of dill weed, a teaspoon of dried oregano, a teaspoon of dried thyme, teaspoon pepper, boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds), tablespoons canola oil, small onion, chopped, dried apricots, pitted dates, cup chicken stock, cup lemon juice, cup crumbled feta cheese, green onions, thinly sliced. I always love to serve the dish with hot-cooked couscous. You can try substituting the feta cheese with goat cheese. This adds a creamy and tangy dimension to the Herby Chicken with Apricots.
Apricot Amaretto Jam Recipe
This Apricot Amaretto Jam is an Italian-originated dish that came from the word amaretto. Amaretto means “a little bitter”. But the Amaretto drink is sweet in nature. Amaretto is an almond-flavored liqueur and makes the recipe delicious and flavorful. This almond-flavored liqueur pairs well with Apricot jam and ensures a tasty meal. Simply mix the fruit and lemon juice with some sugar and pectin to make a filling and satisfying dish. The key ingredients are cups of Apricots, lemon juice, cups of sugar, and a package of fruit pectin, butter, and amaretto. With the use of these very few ingredients, you can prepare a mouth-watering meal for your family. To serve this delicious dish to 8 people you need only 30 minutes of preparation time. Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This addition enhances the jam's sweetness and depth of flavor.
Apricot and Rosemary Scones
These Apricot-Rosemary Scones are one of my favorites quick savory and delicious breads to make. Where Aprocorts are sweet and tart and the rosemary is earthy. What a lovely combination. Scones can be both sweet and savory. Make sure to use cold butter when you mix it in. You can cut them into even triangles to serve them better. The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, Kosher or fine sea salt, unsalted butter, diced into cubes (cold), fresh rosemary, chopped, chopped dried apricots, heavy cream (whipping cream), large egg yolks, large egg, heavy cream or milk, Kosher or fine sea salt. These scones are best served the day they are made. You can still store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. Try adding a handful of toasted almonds. This addition provides a delightful crunch.
Apricot-Frangipane Tartlets
These Apricot-Frangipane Tartlets are absolutely delicious, filled with luscious almond cream. This is one of the wide favorites of healthy apricot recipes. This recipe is one of the quickest too. You can prepare this dish for casual dinners or busy weeknights. I always crave this recipe when I have less time to spend in the kitchen or when some guest coming for a dinner party. The ingredients you need to make this delicious dish are all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, table salt, cold unsalted butter, large egg yolk, whole milk, almond flour, unsalted butter, softened, large egg white, small apricots, pitted and cut into ½-inch-thick slices, apple jelly, before serving tartlets, in a small saucepan, heat apple jelly over low heat until melted. Whisk until smooth. Brush onto tartlets. Try adding a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the almond cream. This adds a refreshing citrusy note.
Apricot Blackberry Pie
This Apricot-Blackberry Pie is a perfect choice for a holiday bucket. These delicate, buttery tarts melt in your mouth. This is a very fresh, bright pie - the fruit is unsugared so you taste their complex flavors. You can use both salted and unsalted butter according to your taste preferences. To make 2 dozen pies you need only 20 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of baking. The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, confectioners' sugar, cold butter, large egg yolk, water, almond paste, butter, softened, large egg white, almond extract, and apricot preserves. Serve the Apricot-Blackberry Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a bright contrast and delightful flavor. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Apricots
This Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Apricots is a quick and fresh meal for summer days. Your friends and family will be amazed by the taste and uniqueness of the dish. Goat cheese will create a little tart flavor contrast with the sweet fruit, so the addition of herbs and cream cheese makes this a unique recipe using apricots. The goat cheese spread may be made up to several days in advance but fresh herbs are recommended instead of frozen ones. The ingredients you need are fresh goat cheese, minced fresh basil, minced fresh chives, 2% milk, fresh apricots, sliced, salt, pepper, balsamic glaze, and fresh basil leaves. You need only 20 minutes of preparation to serve the dish on the dinner table. For a delicious variation of Herbed Goat Cheese Stuffed Apricots, try adding a drizzle of honey over the stuffed apricots to enhance the sweetness.
Crunchy Apricot-Coconut Balls
These Crunchy Apricot-Coconut Balls need only 3 ingredients to prepare and are super delicious. This recipe has been a staple in our kitchen for decades. Whether it is a casual lunch/dinner or a Christmas evening, this dish ensures the best taste for the occasion. You won’t believe how simple they are to make. These Crunchy Apricot-Coconut Balls are healthy and nutritious options as snacks or desserts. The key ingredients include sweetened shredded coconut, dried apricots, finely chopped, chopped pecans, fat-free sweetened condensed milk, and confectioners' sugar. You need only 30 minutes of preparation to make this satisfying dish. Try adding a tablespoon of finely grated ginger to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Moroccan Spiced Fruit Bread
If you are looking for some spicy bite today then there is no alternative to Moroccan Spiced Fruit & Nut Bread. Red pepper flakes combined with cinnamon and allspice make this dish to satisfy your spice cravings. You can use yeast breads that have spices and dried fruits in them. This meal has also been on the dinner table for years as a comfort food. The key ingredients are pitted & chopped, dried apricots, chopped, raisins, large apple, peeled, cored & diced into 1/4" pieces, fresh orange juice plus zest for decorating bread, cayenne pepper, cardamom, mace, active dry yeast, sugar, lukewarm milk, butter, melted, sour cream (room temperature), large egg, flour, salt, butter, melted & cooled, cream cheese, softened, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, milk. The total time to prepare and bake this dish is 80 minutes. Try adding a handful of chopped pistachios to the dough for extra crunch and a hint of nutty flavor.
Bacon Wrapped Apricots
These bacon-wrapped apricot appetizers are ready to add some amazing delight to any gathering. These sweet and smoky snacks are easy to make and fun to eat. You can sprinkle them with a bit of blue cheese or toasted almonds for a creamy texture. This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, which makes it one of the fastest simplest, and healthy apricot recipes. The ingredients you need to make this apricot recipe are maple-flavored bacon strips, dried apricots, honey barbecue sauce, honey, and prepared mustard. Serve Bacon bacon-wrapped apricots warm on a platter with a side of tangy dipping sauce, such as a mixture of Dijon mustard and honey. Try stuffing the apricots with a small piece of blue cheese before wrapping them in bacon.
Honey Roasted Za’atar Chicken with Fruit
This Za’atar Chicken with Apricots is made with fresh herbs and spice. The dish is widely popular in the Middle East. It consists of sumac, thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and salt. You can prepare this recipe with easy-to-find ingredients and with quick preparation. You can make this mouth-watering apricot chicken recipe by adding red wine, honey, and dried fruit for a festive season. The key ingredients are za'atar seasoning, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, ground cumin, ground turmeric, bone-in chicken thighs, pimiento-stuffed olives, dried apricots, pitted dried plums (prunes), water, hot cooked basmati rice (optional). Hot-cooked basmati rice is a great serving option with this dish. Try adding toasted pine nuts and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. This adds a nutty crunch and a bright flavor.
Apricot Crab Stuffed Acorn Squash
This Apricot Crab Stuffed Acorn Squash is a quick and simple dish loaded with lots of flavors. It looks elegant when you serve the dish on the dinner table. It is filled with a flavorful mixture of sausage, onions, celery, apples, bread crumbs, and seasonings. You can prepare this dish for any and every occasion and casual meals. The total time to prepare and cook this dish is 75 to 90 minutes. The key ingredients are large acorn squash, quartered and seeds removed, apricot nectar, divided, salt, divided, white pepper, divided, butter, olive oil, green onions, thinly sliced, plus additional for garnish, dried apricots, chopped, garlic clove, minced, half-and-half cream, lump crabmeat, drained. Try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This adds a savory, cheesy crust to the dish.
Apricot-Nut White Fudge
This Apricot-Nut White Fudge is a perfect appetizer or dessert for winter parties. It's easy to make, and it melts in your mouth. You can wrap the dish up with candies and make the eating fun. This dish can be made with pineapple apricot jam as an additional ingredient. Total time to prepare and chill the dish is 2 hours and 20 minutes. This dish requires a bit more time to chill and serve. Key ingredients include unsalted butter, plus more for the pan, white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, salt, chopped roasted pistachios, chopped salted roasted cashews, chopped dried apricots, chopped dried cranberries, orange blossom water. Try adding shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical twist that enhances the flavors.
Apricot Chopped Chicken Salad & Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette
This Almond-Apricot Chicken Salad is made with Juicy apricot slices, toasted almonds, and chopped chicken. This dish is topped with smoky cumin and paprika vinaigrette, which creates a finger-licking taste and awesome flavor. This is one of my family favorites apricot and chicken recipes. You need only 20 minutes of preparation and some additional chilling time to serve the dish to your friends and family. The key ingredients include spiral pasta, dried apricots, thinly sliced, coarsely chopped fresh broccoli, diced cooked chicken, chopped green onions, chopped celery, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated lemon zest, Dijon mustard, salt, dried savory, pepper, sliced almonds, toasted. Try adding crumbled feta cheese for a tangy and creamy contrast.
Southern Green Beans with Apricots
These Southern Green Beans with Apricots will make your dancing. This recipe is always a winner for me. You will fall in love with the taste and flavor of the dish. It's very easy to prepare and can be served on any occasion. You can enhance the taste and flavor by adding some balsamic vinegar. The total time to prepare and cook this awesome meal is only 35 minutes. The ingredients you need are fresh green beans, trimmed, chicken broth, bacon strips, chopped, dried apricots, chopped, balsamic vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Try adding toasted pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor and it pairs well with sweet apricots and savory bacon.
Finnish Apricot Pinwheel Cookies
These Apricot Pinwheels are one of my favorites from the apricot pie category. You can enjoy these pies with or without the vanilla icing. This dish has world-class flavor as it is made with dried apricots and lots of spice. These cookies are pure fun for weekends and holidays. You can enjoy the dish with only 45 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of making. This meal will make your holidays memorable. The key ingredients include chopped dried apricots, water, sugar, finely chopped pecans, butter, softened, packed brown sugar, large eggs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, ground cloves, confectioners' sugar, butter, softened, vanilla extract, 2% milk. You can serve this kind of apricot recipes dessert with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Try adding finely chopped pistachios to the filling for a crunchy texture.
Wholesome Grain Salad
You can add all your favorite nuts, seeds, and fruits with the Great Grain Salad and the taste will be finger-licking. Make this dish with grilled chicken to get the most out of the recipe. This healthy and hearty salad is so refreshing and filling for any day of the year. This is a great salad for meal prep when topped with delicious honey lemon dressing. The key ingredients are water, medium pearl barley, uncooked wild rice, uncooked basmati rice, slivered almonds, sunflower kernels, salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, golden raisins, chopped dried apricots, dried cranberries, minced fresh parsley, grated orange zest, walnut oil, raspberry vinegar, orange juice, pepper, salt. Try adding diced fresh mango for a juicy sweetness that pairs well with the nutty grains.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
This Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos is one of the easiest and most delicious apricot recipes that you can cook for family gatherings. You can substitute Bibb lettuce leaves for the tortillas to make crunchy lettuce wraps. This meal is the most delicious and flavor-packed for Taco Tuesday. This recipe is highly customizable and you can add a choice of your herbs. The key ingredients you need to prepare this heavenly dish are boneless pork sirloin chops, cut into 2-inch pieces, salsa verde, sweet red pepper, chopped, onion, chopped, chopped dried apricots, lime juice, garlic cloves, minced, ground cumin, salt, white pepper, hot pepper sauce, flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed, Optional toppings: Chopped tomatoes, cubed avocado, reduced-fat sour cream, shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, sliced green onions. Try adding a tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky and spicy flavor.
Apple & Apricot Stuffing
This Apple & Apricot Stuffing is a sweet twist to the savory classic recipe that pairs well with dishes like turkey and sweet potato casserole. You can pair the sausage with rich pork dishes like ham or grilled pork chops too. If you are a fruit and veggie lover like me, then this dish is the best pick for you. You can add a choice of veggies and fruits to the dish. The key ingredients are cubed Italian bread, cubed whole wheat bread, butter, celery ribs, chopped, large onion, chopped, small apples, chopped, chopped dried apricots, minced fresh parsley, chicken broth, and melted butter. You can make these apricot recipes Indian by adding some traditional Indian fruits and spices. Try toasted pecans or walnuts to the mixture for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Slow Cooked Fruit Compote With Cinnamon
This Slow Cooker Fruit Compote is again one of the simplest and easiest apricot recipes I have ever made. This dish is an old-fashioned any-day treat that’s loaded with sweet fruits. This dish can be served as a dessert or as a side dish for large parties. The total preparation and cooking time is 3 hrs 15 mins to serve 8 people. You can place the ingredients in a slow cooker and leave for work. It will be ready in 3 hours. The key ingredients are (a 15-ounce) can of sliced peaches, (a 15-ounce) can of dark red cherries, (a 15-ounce) can of sliced pears, (a 15-ounce) can of apricot halves, packed brown sugar, frozen orange juice concentrate, and ground cinnamon. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of ground ginger to the mixture. This enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits.
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TIPS and Tricks
- Start your day by adding fresh or dried apricots to cereals, yogurt, or smoothies to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Pair the Apricot Recipes with nuts or cheese to balance sweetness with protein and healthy fats.
- Try adding fresh apricots to salads or side dishes like quinoa salads with herbs and nuts. This increases nutritional values.
- Use apricots in desserts like fruit tarts, sorbets, or baked goods for natural sweetness and a unique flavor.
- Combine apricots with ingredients like chicken, pork, or grains to add a sweet-tart contrast.
- Try different cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or stewing, to enhance their natural flavors.
- Make jams, chutneys, or sauces with apricots to enjoy their flavor year-round.
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FAQs
Q. Are apricots high in sugar?
A. Apricots contain natural sugars, but they are also packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Moderation is the key here.
Q. What are some tips for choosing ripe apricots?
A. Look for apricots that are slightly soft to the touch, with a vibrant orange color and a sweet fragrance. Avoid apricots that are too hard.
Q. Can apricot recipes be made ahead of time?
A. Yes, many apricot recipes are suitable for meal prepping. Dishes like Slow-Cooked Pork Tacos and Apricot Amaretto Jam can be made in advance.
Q. Are there gluten-free apricot recipes?
A. Recipes like Apricot-Rosemary Scones made with gluten-free flour, are suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Q. Can I substitute other fruits for apricots?
A. You can experiment with similar stone fruits like peaches or nectarines in apricot recipes. Adjust sweetness and tartness levels accordingly.
Related: Nut-Free Desserts
Conclusion
All these Healthy Apricot Recipes are delicious picks from breakfast to dinner. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system with multivitamins or satisfy your sweet tooth with a guilt-free treat apricots prove to be a standout ingredient in any kitchen. All the above apricot recipes are carefully picked by me to satisfy your cravings and dietary needs.
From refreshing smoothies and hearty salads to comforting desserts apricots offer sweetness and nutritional benefits to each dish. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal or planning a special gathering, these apricot pie, pineapple apricot jam, apricot and pineapple jam, apricot cobbler, apricot bars, and apricot glaze recipes offer something for everyone. They are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals like potassium to take care of your overall health.
These healthy apricot recipes support digestive health, offer healthy vision, and provide a natural source of antioxidants to remove excessive stress. Adding apricots to your diet can help you achieve a balanced intake of nutrients. For those with a sweet tooth, apricots offer a natural alternative to refined sugars in desserts like Apricot Tart with Almond Crust or the decadent Apricot Chocolate Chip Cookies. Apricots can satisfy cravings without compromising on flavor or nutritional value, making them a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy their meals without compromising health.
All the apricot and chicken recipes bring a touch of summer freshness year-round. Many of the dishes offer gluten-free options, such as the Apricot-Rosemary Scones made with gluten-free flour ensures the deliciousness of apricots without worry. Lastly, apricot recipes are perfect for meal prep and batch cooking. They are best to preserve for year-round meals and side dishes. They are well to storage and can be enjoyed long after preparation. So, next time you’re at the market, pick up some fresh apricots to make awesome dishes filled with health benefits and deliciousness.
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