If you google the health benefits of turmeric, you might think you’ve stumbled upon the secret to a happy, healthy life. From less inflammation to improved memory to pain reduction, the benefits of turmeric look a lot like my personal health goals. It has even been reported to increase libido, through an increase in testosterone. Whatever the results, the magic comes from the active ingredient found in turmeric recipes: curcumin.

Curcumin is what gives turmeric its yellow coloring, and is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. However, this real-life pixie dust is unfortunately difficult for the body to absorb. Enter: black pepper. Piperine, which is found in black pepper, can reportedly lessen nausea, headaches, and poor digestion, but its true power lies in its ability to assist in curcumin absorption. The combo is truly a dynamic duo, so you’ll notice that a lot of turmeric recipes also call for black pepper.  

Obviously, adding turmeric to your morning coffee won’t be a cure-all for your life, but if you’re looking to make it a part of your healthy-living routine, look no further. These turmeric recipes are all you need.

Keep scrolling for 12 turmeric recipes that help you reap all the benefits of this delicious superfood.

Haldhi Doodh Ice Cream

Why we love it: This is a golden milk latte in ice cream form. Haldhi means turmeric and Doodh means milk, in case you were curious. Suruchi, the creator of this deliciousness (and our resident food editor), calls herself a “self-professed ice cream obsessive” and she gives this recipe the golden seal. The flavor is floral and sweet, with a creeping heat that comes from the ginger and pepper to spice it up. If homemade ice cream is something you’re wanting to try, make this recipe, stat.

Get the recipe for Haldhi Doodh Ice Cream.

Orange Juice Wellness Elixir

Why we love it: Feeling under the weather? Skip the DayQuil and whip up this wellness elixir. The orange juice provides a boost of vitamin C and electrolytes while the turmeric fights inflammation. It’s health in a cup and I could drink it everyday, regardless of how I feel. 

Get the recipe for Orange Juice Wellness Elixir.

Turmeric Roasted Kabocha Squash Salad

Why we love it: Who doesn’t love a delicious, filling, and hearty salad? This recipe uses turmeric to season the squash, which is truly the star of this salad. I could eat the squash alone for an entire meal. But combined with figs, cranberries, goat cheese, and kale? The result is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Get the recipe for Turmeric Roasted Kabocha Squash Salad.

Turmeric Tahini Roasted Cauliflower

Why we love it: Let me introduce you to your new favorite way to make cauliflower. The tahini gives it that yummy earthy flavor while the dates add just the right amount of sweetness. And, of course, the turmeric gives it a gorgeous yellow/orange hue plus all of those great health benefits. Bonus content: This post describes the easiest and best way to serve cauliflower to guests. (You’re welcome.)

Get the recipe for Turmeric Tahini Roasted Cauliflower.

Carrot Turmeric Hummus

Why we love it: My go-to snack is hummus with celery, carrots, pita… or anything else I find in my fridge/pantry. This legume-free carrot hummus, however, puts my grocery store version to shame. It’s full of veggies and spices that give it a major anti-inflammatory boost. Even though homemade hummus may sound intense, this healthy snack comes together way faster than you’d think.

Get the recipe for Carrot Turmeric Hummus.

Turmeric Chicken Immunity Soup

Why we love it: This soup embodies the phrase “food is medicine.” It uses a rotisserie chicken to save you some time, but doesn’t skimp on flavor… or anti-inflammatory and antibiotic ingredients. The ginger and turmeric, combined with pepper of course, go to work in this healing soup. 

Get the recipe for Turmeric Chicken Immunity Soup.

Anti-Inflammatory Berry + Turmeric Muffins

Why we love it: Say hello to healthy, anti-inflammatory baked goods for breakfast. On top of turmeric, these muffins are full of anti-inflammatory berries, walnuts, coconut oil, chia seeds, and apple cider vinegar. They’re also totally void of butter and granulated sugar. Plus, as long as you get the substitute flour’s measurements right, making these gluten-free is a total breeze.

Get the recipe for Anti-Inflammatory Berry + Turmeric Muffins.

Turmeric Tea Latté

Why we love it: This recipe makes the most delicious, spiced almond milk I’ve ever had. All you do is blend almond milk, turmeric, ginger, cardamom and coconut oil in a blender, heat and sweeten it in a saucepan, then serve with a shot of espresso. It might just be the easiest way to incorporate turmeric into your everyday diet, especially since you can pre-make and save the milk. Your morning (or afternoon) coffee will never be the same.

Get the recipe for Turmeric Tea Latté.

Anti-Inflammatory Ginger & Turmeric Carrot Soup from Simply Quinoa

Why we love it: This soup is creamy, comforting, and colorful while being dairy and gluten-free. It’s perfect to reset your diet/gut after an indulgent holiday or weekend, as it is great for digestion and easy on the gut. The ginger and turmeric add flavor and anti-inflammatory properties, while the carrots, squash, fennel, and leeks make it hearty and smooth. 

Get the recipe for Anti-Inflammatory Ginger & Turmeric Carrot Soup from Simply Quinoa.

Turmeric Chicken Curry from Unbound Wellness

Why we love it: This chicken curry recipe is a great 30-minute weeknight dinner recipe. Of course, the turmeric makes it anti-inflammatory, but it’s also paleo, Whole-30, and AIP compliant. It uses cauliflower rice as the base and a curry sauce that’s free of dairy, sugar, and nightshades. 

Get the recipe for Turmeric Chicken Curry from Unbound Wellness.

Honey Turmeric Chicken from Rasa Malaysia

Why we love it: Sweet, sticky, and savory, this honey turmeric chicken is cooked on a skillet and ready in 15 minutes. All this recipe asks of you is to coat the chicken with the rest of the ingredients and cook! I like to pair it with broccoli and cauliflower rice for a healthy (but still filling!) dinner.

Get the recipe for Honey Turmeric Chicken from Rasa Malaysia.

Creamy Golden Rice with Spiced Chickpeas from Half-Baked Harvest

Why we love it: This is recipe is the key to an ultra-delicious, warming, vegan comfort meal (yes, it really is possible!). This recipe sits somewhere between a soup and a stew, made creamy with coconut milk and more soup-ish with extra broth. The crispy spiced chickpeas combined with the turmeric rice make every bite a total flavor explosion.

Get the recipe for Creamy Golden Rice with Spiced Chickpeas from Half-Baked Harvest.

Have you made turmeric a go-to in your anti-inflammatory diet? Share which turmeric recipes you’re loving in the comments.