The Best Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
The Best Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
Balanced, flavourful recipes to help keep blood sugar steady every day.
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean missing out on your favourite foods — it just means being a little more mindful about how you nourish your body. The best diabetes friendly recipes balance complex carbohydrates with fibre, protein, and healthy fats to help keep blood sugar levels steady while still delivering plenty of flavour and satisfaction.
In this collection, we’ve gathered our top recipes designed to support blood sugar balance and overall wellbeing. From high-protein breakfasts and hearty plant-based lunches to flavour-packed dinners and smart snacks, each dish is built around nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients. Think slow-digesting grains like quinoa and brown rice, lean proteins such as salmon and lentils, and naturally sweet ingredients like berries and cinnamon that help satisfy cravings without a spike in blood sugar.
These recipes aren’t just for people living with diabetes — they’re for anyone who wants to eat well, feel energized, and maintain a healthy relationship with food. You’ll find easy weeknight meals, make-ahead lunches, and wholesome treats that fit seamlessly into real life. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or simply trying to make more balanced choices, these dishes prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland.
Each recipe in this roundup highlights the Rily philosophy: simple ingredients, balanced nutrition, and food that makes you feel good from the inside out. Because when it comes to managing diabetes — or just maintaining steady energy — the best approach isn’t restriction, but balance.
So grab your grocery list, head to the kitchen, and get ready to rediscover what diabetes-friendly eating can look like: vibrant, satisfying, and full of life.
Grilled Pork Shoulder with Olive Salsa
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Juicy grilled pork shoulder meets a bright Castelvetrano olive salsa for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts hearty and fresh. Pork provides steady, hunger-taming protein, while the olive-herb topping adds satisfying fats without heaviness. Keep portions sensible (about a palm-size steak) and round out the plate with a big leafy salad or grilled zucchini to boost fibre. Lime, cumin, and smoked paprika bring punchy flavour so you won’t miss added sugar or heavy sauces.
Summer Salmon Pasta Salad
Recipe by Megan Horsley
A chilled pasta salad that actually supports blood sugar balance? Yes. Chickpea pasta offers fibre and extra protein, wild salmon brings omega-3s, and peas plus dill keep things lively. A creamy dairy-free yogurt dressing ties everything together without added sugar. It’s perfect for potlucks, make-ahead lunches, or easy dinners. Want to tweak the carbs? Swap half the pasta for extra peas and cucumber. This bowl eats like a complete meal—protein, fibre, and healthy fats in every bite.
Grilled Steak & Veggie Kebabs
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
High-protein skewers without the carb crash. Top sirloin cubes marinate in coconut aminos, garlic, and avocado oil, then grill alongside a rainbow of peppers, onion, and zucchini. The result: satisfying iron-rich steak paired with non-starchy veggies for volume and fibre. Serve over a simple arugula salad or cauliflower rice to keep carbs lower and energy steady. They cook fast, portion easily, and reheat well—ideal for weeknights or batch-prep lunches that won’t slow you down.
Chimichurri Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Zesty chimichurri meets smoky grilled shrimp in crisp Boston lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb main. Shrimp delivers lean protein for steady energy; avocado and extra-virgin olive oil add the satisfying fats that help blunt glucose spikes. The herbs, red wine vinegar, and chili flakes bring brightness so you won’t miss tortillas. Add sliced radish or cabbage for crunch and extra fibre, or a handful of cooked quinoa on the side if you need a gentle carb.
Turmeric Cauliflower
Recipe by Carley Nadine
Simple, golden, and versatile. Roasted cauliflower tossed with turmeric, garlic, and avocado oil becomes a fibre-rich side you can put on everything—bowls, salads, even breakfast plates. Cauliflower’s low glycemic load keeps carbs modest, while healthy fats help you feel satisfied. Turmeric adds warmth and is a great match for tahini, lemon, or yogurt sauces. Make a double batch: it’s excellent for meal prep and an easy way to add volume and nutrients to weekday meals.
Ghee Roasted Radishes
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Roasted or pan-fried radishes transform from peppery to gently sweet, delivering crunch with very few carbs. A quick sauté in ghee plus garlic, Aleppo pepper, and sesame seeds adds richness and heat without sugar. Keep the radish tops on if you have them—crispy greens add texture and minerals. Pair with eggs or grilled fish, or use as a potato alternative beside meats. Ready in minutes, they’re a clever way to fill your plate while staying blood-sugar smart.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
A velvety, dairy-free soup built on sautéed mushrooms and a small handful of cashews for body—no cream needed. Mushrooms bring umami and potassium, while olive oil and tamari layer in depth. With minimal carbs and plenty of fibre from the fungi, this bowl supports steady energy. Top with the browned mushrooms for texture and serve with a green salad or a slice of whole-grain or seeded gluten-free toast if you want a light, balanced meal.
Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Big flavour, balanced macros. A punchy sundried tomato–almond pesto coats gluten-free pasta, chicken, artichokes, and arugula for a complete meal. Almonds and olive oil add healthy fats; chicken supplies protein; artichokes and greens bring fibre to temper the pasta’s impact. Keep portions mindful (about 1 cup cooked pasta per serving) and bulk up with extra arugula. It doubles well for meal prep, and the pesto works beautifully as a sandwich spread or roasted-veg topper.
Thai Inspired Butternut Squash Soup
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Creamy without cream, this fragrant soup blends butternut squash with green curry, ginger, and coconut milk for a silky, comforting bowl. Squash is a higher-carb veg, so we balance it with healthy fats from coconut milk and serve modest portions alongside a protein—think shrimp skewers or sliced chicken. Lime and cilantro brighten every sip, while a sprinkle of sesame adds crunch. It’s cozy, quick, and easy to freeze for later, making weeknights feel a little calmer.
Cauliflower Steaks with Green Sauce
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Thick-cut roasted cauliflower steaks seasoned with warm spices get a lift from a briny herb-capers sauce. Cauliflower’s fibre and low glycemic load make this a great base for a diabetes-friendly dinner, and the olive-oil–based sauce adds staying power. Serve with a protein, grilled salmon, lentils, or chicken thighs, to turn it into a complete plate. The bold spices and fresh herbs deliver plenty of flavour, so you won’t need sugary glazes or heavy sides.
Tiramisu Chia Pudding
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Breakfast meets dessert—with balance. Chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and protein powder create a creamy, high-protein, high-fibre base that supports steady blood sugar. Coffee, cocoa, and a touch of maple provide tiramisu vibes without a sugar bomb. Keep sweetness modest and top with almonds for crunch. Make it the night before for grab-and-go mornings, or portion as a smart snack. It’s a delicious way to satisfy cravings while staying aligned with your nutrition goals.
Veggie Packed Tofu Scramble
Recipe by Jennifer Barr
A colourful, protein-rich scramble that’s endlessly adaptable. Extra-firm tofu brings plant protein; turmeric, cumin, and paprika add warmth; and a mountain of veg (mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, kale, tomatoes) boosts fibre for stabilizing power. Almond milk and nutritional yeast add creaminess and B-vitamins without dairy. Enjoy solo, with greens, or in a high-fibre wrap. It’s quick, satiating, and perfect for meal prep—exactly the kind of breakfast or lunch that keeps you energized without the crash.
Herb & Caper Crusted Salmon
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Crispy almond-flour crust, bright lemon, and briny capers make this salmon a weeknight standout. Salmon’s omega-3s and quality protein support heart and metabolic health, while the almond coating adds fibre and satisfying fats. Serve with a big tray of roasted veggies or a shaved fennel salad for crunch. Ready in minutes, it’s an easy way to build a blood-sugar-friendly plate that still feels restaurant-worthy—no sugary glazes required.
Lemon Keftedes (Meatballs)
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Juicy lamb meatballs scented with oregano, cumin, garlic, and lemon for a Mediterranean take on comfort food. Protein and healthy fats help keep you full, while serving them with a heap of chopped salad or cauliflower-herb rice keeps carbs in check. Try a dollop of yogurt-dill sauce for extra tang. They’re quick to cook, great for meal prep, and just as tasty at room temperature—ideal for packed lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Miso Braised Short Ribs
Recipe by Fran Allen
Deeply savoury (without added sugar), these fall-apart short ribs lean on miso, ginger, garlic, and sesame for richness. Protein supports satiety, while the broth and vegetables round out the bowl. Keep portions modest and balance the plate with non-starchy sides—garlicky greens, roasted radishes, or cauliflower mash. If you want a carb, a small scoop of brown rice works well. It’s weekend cooking that reheats beautifully for comforting, balanced meals all week.
Curry Goat
Recipe by Kamoy Williams
Aromatic, tender curry goat layered with turmeric, thyme, onion, and Scotch bonnet warmth. Protein takes centre stage, so you’ll feel satisfied on smaller portions. To keep carbs moderate, serve with steamed cabbage, callaloo, or cauliflower rice; if you’d like a starch, add a small side of brown rice or quinoa. The spice blend delivers depth without sweetness, making this a great option when you want bold flavour that still supports steady blood sugar.
Hot Italian Sausage & Kale Frittata
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This baked frittata packs serious protein and greens, inspired by classic sausage-and-kale flavours. Eggs, sausage, and nutritional yeast create a satisfying base; a heap of kale adds fibre and volume. Enjoy warm for brunch or slice for grab-and-go breakfasts. Pair with tomatoes or a simple salad for freshness. It’s naturally lower in carbs yet filling, making it a smart staple for busy weeks when you need dependable, delicious meals that won’t spike your energy and crash it later.
Turmeric Braised Chicken Thighs
Recipe by Fran Allen
Golden, aromatic chicken thighs simmered with ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili, and coconut milk for a silky, satisfying sauce. Thighs offer iron and protein; coconut milk brings fats that help with staying power. Add lots of kale to boost fibre, and serve with roasted cauliflower or a small scoop of quinoa if you want gentle carbs. It’s a one-pan, weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers comfort and balance in equal measure.
Roasted Cauliflower & Fennel Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
A cool-weather salad with serious texture. Roasted cauliflower and fennel meet chopped kale, toasted walnuts, and a lemon-tahini dressing. Walnuts and tahini add healthy fats; kale and cauliflower bring fibre—together they help support steady blood sugar and long-lasting fullness. Add your protein of choice (roasted chickpeas, lentils, salmon, or chicken) to turn it into a complete meal. It packs well for lunch and keeps its crunch, making meal prep both easy and satisfying.
If you liked this collection, make sure to check out our full page about Diabetes and Nutrition for more expert insights, recipes, and practical tips to support balanced blood sugar. And don’t miss these related reads from our Rily blog:
Can Diabetics Eat Rice? And Should They?
Bittersweet Rivalry: The Diabetes Diet Debate
Allulose: The Revolutionary Healthy Sugar That Will Change Everything
