90+ Best Ramadan Recipes

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Planning your meals during Ramadan can be a daunting task. But with a little bit of organization, a bunch of great ideas, and creativity, you can easily meal prep healthy and satisfying meals for both iftar and suhoor to help keep you satiated and energized throughout the holy month.

To help get you started, I’ve put together a list of meal-planning ideas featuring 90 healthy Ramadan recipes for you to try. From tasty breakfast items to hearty main dishes, your options are vast. So whether you’re looking for something new to add to your iftar menu or are just starting to plan out your suhoor meals, there is something for everyone in this roundup.

Table of Contents

1. what is Ramadan
2. What are the health benefits of fasting?
3. How do you stay healthy during Ramadan?
4. suhoor ramadan recipes
5. iftar ramadan recipes
6. Favorite Ramadan desserts
7. Frequently asked questions
8. FULL LIST OF Ramadan RECIPES

what is Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this holy month, Muslims fast and abstain from food and water during sunlight hours. We do this every day for 30 days.

Fasting helps to cleanse the soul, teaches self-discipline and empathy for those less fortunate, and encourages acts of generosity. There’s so much more on this topic online. And I can provide more amazing resources if anyone’s interested. But today, I want to focus on the health aspects and delicious Ramadan recipes.

What are the health benefits of fasting?

There are amazing mental health benefits that come from this month-long ritual of sacrifice and self-discipline. Oftentimes people find they can think more clearly, they’re more productive, and they have better concentration, which can lead to moments of clarity in specific areas of one’s life that might be blocked during the rest of the year.

The physical benefits of fasting are numerous as well and are what I really want to focus on. When the body isn’t constantly digesting food, it can go into a deep cleansing mode. This detoxifies the liver, kidneys, and other organs in the body. All of which helps improve our overall health and well-being. Here are some of the top physiological benefits of fasting:

1. Lose weight. By skipping lunch and not eating until the sun sets, you will most likely consume fewer calories and less fat throughout the month. This may result in weight loss. I usually lose 5 pounds and keep it off for at least a few months.
2. Lower blood sugar. One of the immediate effects of fasting is lowered blood sugar. And that can also result in lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. All that means better cardiovascular health!
3. Detoxify your body. Not eating or drinking during the day is a method of detoxing your body naturally. It gives your digestive system a chance to cleanse itself.
4. Reduce appetite. I’m always surprised by how little food I actually need to feel full when I break my fast. During the month, many people notice an appetite reduction. That’s so important because it can help you restructure your relationship with food and limit overindulgence.
5. Improve metabolism. By skipping meals during the day, your metabolism may become more efficient. We’re giving our digestive system a break. That makes it more efficient. And that means it can better process the nutrients in the food we eat.

How do you stay healthy during Ramadan?

There are a few things you can do to stay healthy during Ramadan, which I will get to in just a second. But, the biggest thing you can do during the holy month is to make sure you’re nourishing your body with healthy, high-quality foods. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. 

Try not to let convenience and hunger rule you when choosing what to break your fast with at iftar. To prevent opting for unhealthy convenience food, I recommend meal prepping and planning ahead. Here are some other tips for staying healthy during Ramadan:

1. Wake up for ‘Suhoor.’ This is the meal eaten before dawn. It can help you get more nutrients in your body.
2. Have well-balanced meals. Make sure each of the two meals includes complex carbs, high-fiber food, and protein-rich foods. These well-balanced meals will help you replenish your energy.
3. Drink plenty of fluids. You can also do this by eating water-dense fruits or soups. The goal is to consume the equivalent of 8 cups of water to avoid dehydration. I know it’s hard, but try to limit the caffeine, which can stimulate water loss.
4. Cut down on processed foods and those with refined carbs such as sugar and white flour. They don’t have many nutrients and will not give you the energy and nutrition your body is craving.
5. Break your fast with dates and water. An average serving of dates has 31 grams of carbs. That will give you the right amount of energy after a long day of fasting. They have high levels of fiber for digestion, and are packed with potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B.

suhoor ramadan recipes

Suhoor is a great time to enjoy breakfast recipes. Especially recipes that will keep you feeling energized and full throughout the day. Because this meal happens so early, I recommend preparing as much as you can the night before, so it’s ready to enjoy when you wake up without prep work. Four popular categories for suhoor are oatmeal, egg-based dishes, smoothies, and traditional Middle Eastern breakfasts. These are the perfect go-to Ramadan recipes to start your day.

oatmeal recipes

My favorite suhoor to prepare during the month are simple oatmeal recipes that come together quickly or can be prepared ahead of time for a quick breakfast

For more easy oatmeal ideas for meal prep:

• Overnight Oats – One of my favorite quick recipes are overnight oats, where I can just grab a spoon in the morning and dig in without having to do any other preparations! You can enjoy them cold or warmed with endless topping possibilities. I love using Oath oats for super quick preparation and amazing flavor without the need for several different ingredients.
• Oatmeal Breakfast Bars – Enjoy these chewy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars in the early morning to fuel your body for the day. They’re great for meal prepping in advance and packed with heart-healthy oats!
• One Pan Baked Oatmeal – Prepare the night before and toss it in the oven while you get ready. It’s a delicious baked oatmeal full of bananas, oats, blueberries, and chia seeds.
• Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats – A hearty breakfast that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, almond butter, shredded coconut, and so much more.
• Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal – This vegan oatmeal recipe is made with pantry staples for a healthy and delicious meal. Bake ahead of time and simply heat up in the morning for a quick breakfast.

Egg-based recipes

If you’re looking for something warm and savory and loaded with protein, try a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs only take a couple of minutes to cook, will fill you up for the day, and don’t require any ingredients aside from olive oil (or butter), salt, and pepper.

For more egg recipes for suhoor, try:

• Egg and Avocado Meal Prep – Prepping breakfast boxes is a stress-free way to start your day. Fill with a boiled egg, sliced avocado, another veggie like tomatoes, and a few slices of toast for a meal ready to go.
• Inside out Omelette – Deliciously cheesy and made with a few simple ingredients, this omelette is low-carb and ready to enjoy in minutes.
• Mediterranean Egg Wrap – This Mediterranean Egg Wrap is a breakfast sandwich that is packed with protein, color, and incredible flavor- perfect for on-the-go mornings!
• Shakshuka – This traditional breakfast recipe is a must-try for a savory, wholesome vegetarian breakfast! It’s bursting with Middle Eastern flavor and the best runny eggs cooked in one pan!
• Green Shakshuka – Green Shakshuka is a modern version of the recipe above. It still includes cracked eggs, but instead of the rich red sauce, eggs are served over a medley of green vegetables.

smoothie recipes

For an even quicker breakfast, you can switch it up with some easy smoothie recipes for breakfast. Keep some frozen bananas, strawberries, or other fruits in your freezer, so you don’t need to use ice, and you can then whip up any of these smoothies in a couple of minutes.

For more smoothie recipes, try:

• Date Shake – Made with all-natural ingredients and no added sugar, this date smoothie is packed full of protein and fiber. It’s going to keep you feeling full for a while!
• Breakfast Coffee Smoothie – This Breakfast Coffee Smoothie is your morning meal on-the-go with everything you need to get you going – coffee, oats, banana, milk, and protein powder.
• Strawberry Protein Smoothie – A smoothie that is creamy and rich with a natural sweetness from the fruit and loaded with protein to give you energy & fuel!
• Superfood Smoothie – This smoothie is loaded with 5 nutrient-rich superfoods that can have a positive effect on your health and keep you feeling full longer.
• Pomegranate Smoothie – Simple, fast, nutrient-dense, and an amazing shade of pink, this healthy Pomegranate Smoothie is made with only 5 ingredients!
• Banana Date Smoothie – This Banana Date smoothie uses frozen bananas, dates, nutty almond butter, warm cardamom, & creamy almond milk – this shake will keep you full all day!
• Green Smoothie – This Green Smoothie is a nutritional powerhouse filled with spinach, avocado, pineapple, chia seeds, and almond milk to help keep you energized.
• Freezer Smoothie Packs – Not only are they quick and easy to make, but you can also customize them to your own taste. Try one of my 4 favorite smoothie pack recipes!

traditional middle-eastern breakfast recipes

Finally, the most nostalgic Ramadan suhoor breakfast for me are always the Middle Eastern ones. These are more common on weekends with family as they require more prep. As with all other suhoor recipes though, a little prep the night before goes a long way.

For example, since tomatoes and cucumbers, and other veggies are often served with these breakfast ideas, be sure to wash and chop the vegetables the night before.

For more suhoor ideas, try:

• Zaatar Manakeesh: Is a staple Mediterranean flatbread that’s made with dough and zaatar spice that is often served for suhoor.
• Ful Medames – Ful Medames is a popular Middle Eastern breakfast recipe that’s made with cooked fava beans and cumin, then topped with a garlicky lemon olive oil sauce!
• Labneh with pita bread – It’s a tangy Mediterranean yogurt cheese made with only two simple ingredients! You can also learn how to make the best pita bread from scratch for dipping.
• Shakshuka with Feta – Shakshuka with Feta is a one-skillet meal like eggs in purgatory. Eggs are poached in a spiced tomato sauce with caramelized onions and sprinkled with feta!

iftar ramadan recipes

When it’s time to break your fast, you can have your pick of so many different foods to eat. Below I share some traditional foods we typically eat during this month broken up into salads, soups, appetizers, main proteins, sides, and finally traditional stews or one-pot meals.

ramadan salads

One of my favorite Ramadan recipes is one that my mom literally makes every single day during the month. It’s a Fattoush Salad that is made with simple, fresh vegetables and toasted pita bread, then tossed in a zesty sumac Mediterranean dressing! It’s an authentic recipe I know you’ll love!

For more salad ideas, try these:

• Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad – Another very popular and traditional salad. It’s a fresh Mediterranean appetizer made with bulgur, parsley, mint, and very finely chopped vegetables. Because it doesn’t include lettuce, you can make a large batch and enjoy for 2-3 days without the salad wilting.
• Chicken Shawarma Salad – This Middle Eastern salad is made with an authentic Lebanese-style marinade with warm spices and tahini sauce.
• Mediterranean Couscous Salad – This fresh and healthy vegetarian recipe is loaded with protein from the chickpeas and full of colorful vegetables and a bright lemony taste.
• Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad – This salad requires 4 simple ingredients and is paired with a fresh dill & lemon vinaigrette!
• Bulgur Chickpea Salad – Full of fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, this is one delicious dish with authentic Lebanese products and flavors infused!
• Mediterranean Chicken Salad – Seasoned chicken breast is quickly grilled and added to a healthy salad before being drizzled with a zingy and tangy dressing.
• Crispy Feta Crouton Salad –  Cubes of feta are coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and air fried to perfection. This is such a fun way to elevate a simple salad!
• Zucchini Salad – Ribbons of zucchini are tossed with walnuts, parmesan, and a sweet and tangy red wine vinaigrette. Quick and easy to prep, it’s bursting with fresh flavors.
• Farro Goat Cheese Salad -Perfect for a light, healthy iftar dinner. The combination of fresh kale, nutty farro, tangy goat cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Chickpea Couscous Salad –  It is full of flavor and texture, thanks to the addition of delicious ingredients, all of which marry together perfectly.

Ramadan soup recipes

The most popular soup recipe during Ramadan is this Crushed Lentil Soup. It is actually one of my all-time favorite soup recipes, and I love to make it all year long. It’s made with red lentils, short-grain rice, onions, carrots, and cumin and topped with the tangy taste of freshly squeezed lemon juice – comforting, delicious and healthy!

Another popular soup during Ramadan is Chicken Noodle Soup with a Middle Eastern twist using vermicelli pasta. It’s a classic soup recipe that’s easy to make with simple ingredients and stocked with nutrients for the cold season or the hungry fasting soul!

For more hearty, easy, and nourishing soups ideas, try:

• Lemon Rice Soup – This vegetarian soup is a warm and comforting soup to include as part of your Ramadan recipes that’s so easy to make, loaded with vegetables, and keeps you feeling full and satiated.
• Moghrabieh – Moghrabieh is a traditional Lebanese stew and is a firm family favorite. High in protein, this soup is made with a spiced chicken broth and is so hearty and delicious.
• Mediterranean White Bean Soup – It’s a super easy recipe to make with no fancy ingredients or complicated steps. And you can use canned white beans to make it even faster and easier.
• Roasted Red Pepper Soup – The fresh ingredients and herbs pair perfectly with the red peppers, tomatoes, and vegetable broth! Just 45 minutes for a wholesome soup recipe.
• Baked Feta Soup – Made with orzo pasta, salty feta cheese, and fresh and sweet cherry tomatoes, this is one delicious soup recipe to try!
• Red Lentil Chicken Soup – This red lentil soup recipe is inspired by my Lebanese crushed lentil soup, but it’s bursting with a vibrant orange color, a different spice blend, and includes shredded chicken.
• Lebanese Freekeh Soup with Chicken – A rich, savory broth full of hearty grains and shredded chicken and is perfect for Ramadan days. The recipe is easy to make and can be modified based on what you have available.
• Tomato Lentil Soup – Nutrient-packed lentil soup is a flavorful vegetable-based broth full of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s hearty, filling, and vegan! 

RAMADAN appetizers

Stuffed grape leaves (warak arish) is a Mediterranean classic recipe made with short grain rice, parsley, tomatoes, and onions – my favorite appetizer and very popular to eat during Ramadan. This is the vegetarian version. But I’ve also shared the meat stuffed grape leaves recipe, which is made with a spiced ground beef and rice mixture.

And you can never go wrong with hummus! It’s always a great recipe to include during Ramadan meals. I feel confident to say this is the Best Hummus Recipe – it’s simple and classic with the right balance of flavors. In this post, I share my 4 tips for making smooth, creamy, and ultra-rich hummus. I also have Hummus with Ground Beef – which, when served with pita, is a meal on its own!

For more mezze and Ramadan finger foods, try:

• Meat Pies – These Lebanese meat pies (sfeehas) are a delicious Middle Eastern appetizer. Made with a crispy dough and filled with a spiced meat filling.
• Spinach Pies –  Made with a simple homemade dough recipe, stuffed with a spinach, herb, and lemon filling, and baked in the oven until golden and puffed. Your house will smell like the best Middle Eastern bakery!
• Arayes– Quick and easy to make, these Lebanese meat-stuffed pitas are one delicious recipe! These beef arayes are ready to enjoy in minutes, and every bite is truly tasty!
• Zaatar Spring Rolls – This zaatar spring rolls recipe is a Lebanese-inspired oven-baked appetizer that’s savory, crunchy & incredibly easy to make with wonton/egg wrappers. Freeze a batch for a fast snack!
• Halloumi Fries – My fries are baked in the oven for maximum crunch and a healthier version of the fried cheese sticks you get at restaurants.
• Kibbeh Balls – You can’t go wrong with traditional fried Lebanese kibbeh balls! They are a delicious appetizer made with bulgur wheat and seasoned ground beef and onion filling!
• Rakakat – Crispy cheese rolls are perfectly crunchy, with ooey-gooey cheese. This appetizer is made with just a few ingredients and a fantastic Lebanese recipe for Ramadan!
• Roasted Garlic Hummus – Two large heads of roasted garlic come together with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and EVOO for the most amazing roasted garlic hummus you’ve ever tried!

Main protein dishes for Ramadan

If you’re looking for some protein-rich meals with big flavor, you must try these tasty entrees. Choose a handheld option that you can make with pita bread and veggies, and be sure to try my popular Ramadan recipes. You can pair them with either my Garlic Sauce or Tahini Sauce.

• Chicken Kafta – Traditional Lebanese Chicken Kafta is so quick and easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s very similar to making the beef version but with a little change up in the seasoning.
• Beef Kafta – Made with ground beef, parsley, onions, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices- this traditional Lebanese recipe is perfect on the grill or stove.
• Lamb Kabobs – Seasoned with popular Lebanese spices, lamb chunks, and veggies are one yummy bite!
• Beef Kabobs – These grilled beef kabobs combine marinated sirloin, sweet bell peppers, and crisp onions for a tender, delicious “fall off the skewer” grilled steak kabob.
• Chicken Shish Kabobs – The chicken is marinated with bright Mediterranean spices on a skewer with fresh veggies for an easy-to-make recipe that’s bursting with flavor.
• Baked Lamb Chops – Seared in cast iron until golden brown and then finished in the oven – so tender, you’ll swear they melt in your mouth!
• Lamb burger – Juicy and full of flavor, these easy grilled lamb burgers are quick and easy to make. Served with tzatziki, every bite is extra delicious!
• Falafel – This authentic crispy Lebanese falafel recipe is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with chickpeas, herbs, onion & spices – vegan, gluten-free, protein-rich.
• Chicken Shawarma – Make this oven-roasted Chicken Shawarma easily and quickly at home with my easy and authentic marinade recipe – it’s perfectly spiced, tender & so flavorful
• Beef Shawarma – Beef Shawarma Wrap is a popular street food, especially in the Middle East. It’s made with flank steak, wrapped in pita bread with vegetables & tahini sauce. This is a nostalgic recipe made often in my house growing up.
• Shish Tawook – Try this Authentic Shish Tawook recipe – a popular Lebanese grilled chicken skewers recipe. It’s tender juicy chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon, and garlic.

stews & one-pot ramadan meals

At least once a week during Ramadan, you’ll find me and many others who are fasting during this month, preparing a type of stew dish like this popular Peas and Carrots Stew. They are generally tomato broth-based stews that are made by sauteing garlic and cilantro with veggies, meat, or chicken and then served over Lebanese Rice. I have many variations of this recipe below, so you can try something different each week!

For more hearty traditional Arabic recipes, try:

• Lebanese Green Bean Stew – This Lebanese green bean stew is a one-pot meal made with chicken, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It’s a full-bodied meal! Serve over rice or on its own.
• Spinach Stew – Try this authentic Lebanese style Spinach stew made with simple ingredients; it’s wholesome, well-balanced, and perfect to feed a large family
• White Bean Stew – This one-pot Lebanese bean stew is so easy to make and loaded with flavor. This weeknight meal is perfect for freezer dinners and is made with fresh and tasty ingredients.
• Kafta and Potato Stew – This traditional Lebanese kafta and potato stew is a hearty meal that the whole family will love! Seasoned meatballs are cooked in a rich tomato sauce for a healthy and delicious meal.
• Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Malfouf) – This is a traditional Lebanese recipe made by stuffing lightly cooked cabbage leaves with a mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices cooked in one pot.
• Okra Stew (Bamyeh) – A delicious hearty stew made with garlic, cilantro, tomato sauce, beef, and fresh or frozen okra. It’s super easy to make in one pot, has a ton of nutrition, and is very comforting.
• Kibbeh in Yogurt Sauce – Break up into two cooking days: one for making the kibbeh and one for assembling everything together. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for large family gatherings and breaking your fast during Ramadan.
• Mujadara – If there’s one meal I consider my fallback go-to dish in my kitchen, it’s this mujadara recipe.  
• Molokhia – My mom’s classic Lebanese recipe that’s true to our family. It’s a jew’s mallow stew made with shredded chicken swimming in a savory lemon broth.
• Freekeh with Chicken – This Lebanese dish is packed full of flavor, high in protein from the chicken, and made with whole grain freekeh – it’s perfect for serving a crowd.
• Pasta in Yogurt Sauce – In Arabic, this dish is often called Macarona bil laban, which literally translates to pasta in yogurt. Top with pine nuts and fresh parsley.
• Eggplant Stew – Full of delicious Mediterranean flavors, this is a big bowl of comfort with a bit of heat from the harissa. It’s quick to make and delicious to eat.

Favorite Ramadan desserts

Going all day without eating makes you crave sweets so be sure to leave a little room for dessert. Try the Sfouf recipe – a Middle Eastern semolina turmeric cake made with simple ingredients, no eggs, and no butter. It’s vegan-friendly, light, and simply delightful! It’s also very delightful to have with coffee after you’ve had dinner.

Another popular Middle Eastern dessert recipe during the month of Ramadan is Kanafa – layered shredded dough and mozzarella cheese soaked with syrup.

Other great treats and drinks to enjoy after breaking your fast include:

• Ghraybeh Cookies – Simple to make with only a few ingredients, these Ghraybeh shortbread cookies are made with rosewater and filled with jam for a tasty treat.
• Almond Milk Rice Pudding – This Almond Milk Rice Pudding is an easy and delicious Middle Eastern dessert recipe that’s dairy-free, egg-free & gluten-free – a healthy take on a classic
• Date Cookies – They are rich, buttery and chewy, and pretty easy to make. Take a break from oatmeal raisin cookies and try these Mediterranean-inspired cookies full of naturally sweet dates
• Golden Milk Turmeric Latte! – Basically, it’s like warm liquid sunshine in a cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a kick of flavor that will give you a nice boost!
• Lebanese Rice Pudding – Lebanese Rice Pudding {Riz Bi Haleeb} with rose water and pistachios! This Middle Eastern rice pudding is easy, homemade, and full of creamy goodness!
• Lebanese Baklava – This is a very special occasion dessert we eat during the holidays, after breaking our fast for Ramadan, or during big events with family. This version is unique, with an aromatic simple syrup flavored with rose water.
• Atayef – This breakfast is an airy and slightly sweet middle eastern dessert stuffed with cheese and drizzled with sugar syrup (ater) and crushed pistachios.
• Semolina Almond Cake – This almond cake is a delicious, almond-rich dessert with a nice texture and delicious flavor.
• Namoura (Semolina Cake) – Whether you call it Namoura, Basbousa, or just Semolina cake, this recipe will delight. Made with semolina flour and almonds and topped with simple syrup.

Frequently asked questions

There are strong health benefits associated with fasting for Ramadan if done right. I hope this post gave you some insight into how to honor this month, stay energized, and cook some healthy Ramadan recipes this year.

Ramadan Mubarak, and I hope you enjoy these Ramadan recipes 🙂

FULL LIST OF Ramadan RECIPES

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Lebanese Recipes, Best Recipes for Father’s Day, Recipes Using Oats, Best Air Fryer Recipes, and Vegetarian Dinner Recipes.

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