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Coconut is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that brings a tropical twist to most dishes. From creamy curries and smoothies to refreshing salads and indulgent desserts, coconut can often turn a dish from good to great.
Here are 25 easy and delicious recipes using coconuts. Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or a bit of both, these delicious, easy, and unexpected recipes are sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.
Crispy and oh-so-delicious, coconut shrimp is perfect as an appetizer or main course. The shredded coconut adds a sweet and crunchy coating that pairs beautifully with a tangy dip or tartar sauce. Ideal for a tropical-themed party or for whenever you're relaxing by the pool, this dish is also quick and easy to whip up.
Recipe: Sally's Baking Addiction
This creamy and zesty coconut curry chicken is a comforting dish with a hint of spice. Coconut milk gives the curry a rich and silky texture, while the spices add warmth and depth. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is also great for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Recipe: Delish
Coconut rice is a fragrant and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The coconut milk infuses the rice with a slight sweetness and a rich aroma that's perfect for serving alongside curries, grilled meats, or seafood. It's a simple yet satisfying way to elevate your usual rice and add a tropical flair to your dishes.
Recipe: Love and Lemons
These sweet, chewy, coconut macaroons are a delightful treat that are sure to be a hit with the kids. Made with shredded coconut, they have a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Great for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging, they're also easy to make and can be dipped in chocolate or condensed milk for an extra indulgence.
Recipe: AllRecipes
Start your mornings off right with a stack of fluffy coconut pancakes. Made with coconut milk and shredded coconut, these pancakes are light, airy, and delicious. Perfect for a special breakfast or to serve at brunch, these pancakes can be topped off with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Recipe: Cookie and Kate
A refreshing coconut smoothie is a great way to kickstart your day, or for those sluggish mornings when you need a little extra boost. Blend coconut milk with your favorite fruits — think pineapple, mango, or banana — for a tropical delight that's packed with nutrients and provides a healthy energy boost. It's also a great option for a post-workout snack; just add protein powder to the mix before blending.
Recipe: Wholefully
This classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy coconut filling and flaky crust. The combination of coconut milk and shredded coconut creates a rich and luscious pie that's perfect for any occasion. Ideal for potlucks, birthdays, family gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat, this one is sure to hit the spot. Best served chilled.
Recipe: Tastes Better from Scratch
These zesty coconut lime bars are a refreshing and tangy dessert option that are sure to impress all your dinner guests. The tartness of lime complements the sweet creaminess of the coconut to create a balanced and flavorful bite. They're perfect for summer picnics or as a light dessert after dinner, and are incredibly easy to make.
Recipe: My Mini Chefs
Made with coconut milk and chia seeds, this pudding works great as a healthy and satisfying breakfast or midday snack. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and fiber, this versatile dessert can be combined with all your favorite toppings like fruits, nuts, or granola. It's also a great make-ahead option for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Recipe: Well Plated By Erin
A vegetarian delight, this coconut tofu stir-fry is packed with flavor, fiber, and nutrients. The coconut milk adds creaminess to the sauce, while the tofu absorbs all the flavors from the spices. It's great for a quick and healthy dinner, and can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with a lime wedge and chopped scallions.
Recipe: Bon Appetit
Upgrade your classic banana bread with this tropical twist that's sure to have all your guests wanting seconds. By adding shredded coconut flakes, the bread gets a wonderful texture and flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this recipe is also great for using up overripe bananas.
Recipe: Two Peas & Their Pod
If you're at your wits end with this sweltering heat, try cooling down with a scoop of this rich and indulgent coconut ice cream that can be easily made at home. Made with coconut milk, this dairy-free treat is creamy, refreshing, and perfect for taming those scorching summer days. Customize it with mix-ins like chocolate chips or fresh fruit.
Recipe: AllRecipes
This hearty and nutritious soup is made with yellow lentils, onion, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk. Perfect for those colder days, or for when you're feeling under the weather, this dish is both comforting, easy on the stomach, and filling. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Recipe: Budget Bytes
Give your fish a zesty, tropical twist with this delightful coconut crust. The shredded coconut adds a sweet and crunchy coating that pairs wonderfully with the tenderness of the fish. Great for a light and healthy dinner, serve it with a side of steamed veggies, mango slaw, or a fresh salad for a full meal that's sure to have you wanting more.
Recipe: Reluctant Entertainer
Hailing from Japan, mochi is a fun and tasty dessert that has a bouncy and slightly chewy texture. This recipe, which calls for sweet glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and baking powder, is perfect for when you want something different from the usual sweets. Mochi is also gluten free and can be customized with various fillings.
Recipe: Wild Wild Whisk
This refreshing and hydrating salad is tangy, sweet, savory, and perfect for hot days. The combination of watermelon, shredded coconut, and fresh mint is both cooling and delicious. Great as a light appetizer or side dish, this recipe is super easy to prepare and can be easily customized with different toppings and dressings.
Recipe: The Sophisticated Caveman
These rich and creamy coconut chocolate truffles are a decadent treat that melt in your mouth. Made with coconut milk and dark chocolate, these dainty treats are perfect for gifting or to enjoy as dessert on a special occasion. They're also easy to make and can be customized with different flavors and coatings; think dusting them in cocoa powder (or gold leaf if you're fancy), finely chopped nuts, and more.
Recipe: Sweetest Menu
This luscious coconut caramel sauce is perfect for drizzling over desserts and pancakes, or to enjoy as a dip for fruits and even popcorn. Made with coconut milk and brown sugar, it has a rich and creamy texture with a hint of tropical flavor. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge.
Recipe: Manu's Menu
This comforting and creamy dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially as a post-dinner or workout snack. The coconut milk gives it a rich, balanced flavor, while the rice provides a satisfying crunch and texture. Ideal for a cozy night in or as a sweet breakfast, you can also top it with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for more flavor.
Recipe: Food & Wine
These coconut muffins are a delightful breakfast or snack option that are sure to keep you energized throughout the day. Made with shredded coconut and coconut milk, they are moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. They're also easy to make and freeze well for later, and are perfect for on-the-go mornings or a quick pick-me-up.
Recipe: Dessert for Two
These flavorful and healthy meatballs are cooked in a rich coconut curry sauce for an incredible depth of flavor. The coconut milk adds creaminess, while the spices bring warmth and tons of umami. Great for a hearty weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for parties, be sure to serve them with rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Recipe: Healthy Delicious
Why settle for plain water when you can refresh yourself with a tall glass of coconut limeade? Great for hot summer days or to enjoy as a mocktail at parties, this drink is easy to make and calls for ingredients that you most likely already have in the pantry. Serve chilled, frozen, or with ice for a drink that's both hydrating and delicious.
Recipe: Smitten Kitchen
This light and refreshing salad with an Asian flair features chicken, shredded coconut, and a tangy dressing for a light lunch that won't leave you feeling bogged down. The aroma of the coconut adds a zesty flavor and texture that makes the salad stand out. It's also versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies and toppings.
Recipe: Gimme Some Oven
This refreshing sorbet is a tropical delight that's perfect for hot summer days. Made with coconut milk and fresh mangoes, it’s a dairy-free and naturally sweet treat that’s both healthy and delicious. Perfect for cooling down after a meal or as a light dessert during a picnic, this sorbet is easy to make with just a few ingredients and a blender.
Recipe: Hilah Cooking
This crunchy coconut almond granola is perfect for breakfast or to enjoy as a snack. Made with rolled oats, shredded coconut, almonds, and a touch of honey, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Sprinkle it over yogurt and fruit, serve it with a glass milk, or enjoy it on its own. It’s also easy to store and makes for a great make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Recipe: Share the Spice
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