4 Easy Recipes for People With Kidney Disease

Medically reviewed by Shana Johnson, MPH, RD, CSP

Written by Kate Harrison

Posted on February 18, 2025

Deciding what to cook for dinner each night can be a challenge. If you or the person you’re cooking for is one of the 37 million U.S. adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), dietary restrictions can make this daily task even harder.

A kidney-friendly diet helps protect the kidneys by limiting foods that could make them work too hard. Doctors often recommend that people with early-stage kidney disease consume less sodium (salt) and limit their protein intake to about 0.8 grams per kilogram of their ideal body weight. (To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, divide 150 by 2.2, which equals about 68 kilograms. Then multiply 68 by 0.8 for a daily protein limit of around 54 grams.)

Many people in the U.S. eat more protein than they need, and those with more advanced kidney disease (stages 3-5) may need to further limit protein, as well as potassium, phosphorus, and fluids. These changes help prevent waste and minerals from building up in the body when the kidneys can’t properly filter waste

Nutritional needs differ among people with kidney disease, including rare conditions like C3 glomerulopathy and immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. A dietitian can help create a plan that supports your kidney health based on your stage of kidney disease and any other medical conditions you have.

Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious, kidney-friendly recipes available to suit every taste preference. Here are a few easy recipes you can try out at home.

1. One-Dish Omelet

A kidney-friendly diet focuses on limiting foods that strain the kidneys while emphasizing nutritious, whole foods (unprocessed foods that are as close to their natural state as possible). This easy omelet from the American Association of Kidney Patients includes black beans, egg whites, and red bell peppers — one of the healthiest foods for your kidneys, according to Cleveland Clinic. Instead of added salt, the omelet is seasoned with flavorful spices, making it a great low-sodium breakfast choice. Plus, it’s made in a mug for easy prep and minimal cleanup. Dig into it as is, or tuck the omelet in a tortilla to make a burrito.

Black Bean Omelet in a Mug

Servings: 1 | Start to finish: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
Whites of 4 large eggs (or ½ cup pasteurized egg whites)
1 tablespoon rice beverage (phosphate-free, not enriched)
1 tablespoon canned, unsalted black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon diced red bell pepper
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon sliced green onions
1 teaspoon salsa
Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Coat the inside of a microwave-safe mug with the oil. Add the egg whites, rice beverage, beans, peppers, and turmeric. Mix with a fork.
Microwave the mixture for 1 minute. Stir and cook for 15 seconds more, then stir again and cook for another 15 seconds.
Top with the onions, salsa, and cilantro (if using).

2. Fruity, Fast-Fix Chicken Salad

Need a quick and healthy lunch? This fast-to-fix chicken salad from the National Kidney Foundation adds fresh fruits to the mix. Chicken is a lean protein source that’s lower in cholesterol and unhealthy fats — an important factor for people with kidney disease.

This recipe is also low in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, cholesterol, and carbohydrates, making it a smart option for people living with any stage of kidney disease (it’s a good choice if you have diabetes, too). It’s also nut-free and gluten-free, but you can serve it with low-sodium crackers or white bread, if you’d like.

Chicken Salad

Servings: 5 | Start to finish: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 cans chicken (packed in water), drained and rinsed
2 Gala apples, cored and sliced
½ cup grapes, cut in half
2 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, apples, grapes, onion, mayonnaise, and sugar.
Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour before serving.

3. Quick, Veggie-Rich Pasta

One way to make sure your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs is to include a variety of vegetables in your diet. The star of the American Association of Kidney Patients’ rotini primavera is asparagus, a nutrient-packed vegetable. Asparagus contains fiber and calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, and E. This veggie is also particularly good for kidney health as it’s naturally low in sodium and phosphorus. However, if you’ve been told to limit your potassium intake, it’s important to pay attention to your portion size.

Goat Cheese Rotini Primavera

Servings: 4 | Start to finish: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped asparagus (1-inch pieces)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups dry rotini
¼ cup grated goat cheese
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups water
½ cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the asparagus and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the pasta, goat cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens, about 7 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the peas and oregano, and stir to combine. Serve immediately.

4. Sweet and Simple Sorbet

You can satisfy your sweet tooth while still eating a kidney-friendly diet. Some fruits are high in potassium and should be limited if you have kidney disease, but watermelon is a lower-potassium choice with just 85 milligrams per half cup — much less than honeydew (194 milligrams) or cantaloupe (208 milligrams). This watermelon-strawberry sorbet from the American Association of Kidney Patients features two naturally kidney-friendly fruits. Just remember to watch portion sizes — eating too much watermelon can add up to more than your recommended amount of potassium.

Watermelon Strawberry Sorbet

Servings: 5 | Start to finish: 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups diced watermelon (½-inch cubes)
1 cup frozen strawberries
¼ cup honey
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice

Instructions

Place the watermelon in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
In a blender or food processor, add the frozen watermelon, strawberries, honey, water, and lemon or lime juice. Blend or process until smooth.
Serve immediately, or place in a covered container and freeze for later. Remove the sorbet from the freezer for 5 minutes before serving.

Get Help With Meal Planning

If you’re living with kidney disease, eating a kidney-friendly diet can help you stay healthy, feel your best, and support your kidney function. Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, so it’s important to talk to your doctor or a dietitian to find the best plan for you.

Find Your Team

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, the social network for people with rare kidney disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand what it’s like to live with a rare kidney disease.

What are your favorite kidney-friendly recipes? Share your thoughts in a comment below, or start a new conversation on your Activities page.

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