Getting dinner on the table can be a challenge on weekdays. Between work and all of life’s other obligations, it’s hard to find time to cook.
These healthy dinner ideas are perfect for busy weeknights.
With easy recipes that only require a few ingredients, you’ll be able to get dinner on the table in no time. Plus, these dishes are all healthy and delicious!
HEALTHY DINNER IDEAS
Each recipe is easy to make and tastes delicious. So get ready to start cooking because these recipes are sure to please everyone in your family!
To make healthy dinner ideas, start by making sure that the food you’re cooking is fresh and tasty.
You can do this by shopping at farmer’s markets for ingredients.
1. ROASTED CHICKPEA SALAD
Time: 30 mins
This is a crunchy, fresh flavor, and is packed full of goodness.
This is a really easy, quick recipe that uses roasted chickpeas as the base.
It’s perfect for those days when you’re not feeling like cooking anything too elaborate but still want something filling and delicious.
The dressing is made of olive oil, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, pepitas, apple cider vinegar, and pomegranate arils.
You can also add any spices or herbs you like!
From https://www.jaroflemons.com/chickpea-fall-salad/
2. CHICKEN BROCCOLI SALAD
Sweet, tangy, and a perfect summer salad.
Steam the broccoli for 2 mins for the softer version and use pre-boiled chicken.
This recipe is not only delicious but it’s healthy, too.
It features broccoli and other vegetables that are high in vitamins A, C, K, and folate.
You can use light mayo for the dressing.
Check out 9 Salad dressing Recipes that are great for any salad.
Recipe from https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/221062/chicken-broccoli-salad/
3. MEXICAN CAULIFLOWER RICE
Time: 30 Mins
A dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free dish.
This is a delicious way to make cauliflower. A perfectly healthy meal that is easy to make, though it uses a lot of ingredients.
Packed with flavor and texture and takes only 10 mins to whip up everything and the rest is cooking time.
Recipe from https://www.jaroflemons.com/30-minute-mexican-cauliflower-rice-recipe/
4. BAKED TERIYAKI SALMON
Time: 30 Mins
A perfectly made homemade teriyaki sauce that adds to the flavor of the dish.
This is an absolutely delicious and the best-baked salmon you will ever eat.
You can make the teriyaki sauce in advance too.
Recipe from https://healthyfitnessmeals.com/baked-teriyaki-salmon/
Salmon is a protein-rich food.
Here are:
- 15 High-Protein Meals to Eat Daily
- 15 High-Protein Foods to include in meals
- 10 Low-Sodium Foods to stay healthy
5. THIGH CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS
A perfect summer meal, easy to make, light, and refreshing.
Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as an appetizer.
This healthy dinner recipe is a low-carb and skinny main dish recipe.
Recipe from https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/thai-chicken-lettuce-wraps/
More appetizers?
6. SHEET PAN SESAME CHICKEN AND VEGGIES
Time: 30 mins
A quick and easy weeknight meal that is perfect for those who want to cook healthy, but don’t have a lot of time.
This recipe includes an amazing soy sauce that will give you the taste of takeout without all the grease.
It’s also low-carb!
This delicious dish can be made with either chicken or tofu if desired. So grab your favorite veggies and whip up this dinner in under 30 minutes!
Recipe from https://www.eatyourselfskinny.com/sheet-pan-sesame-chicken-and-veggies/
7. AVOCADO EGG SALAD
It’s a simple recipe that is loaded with flavor and protein.
The avocado provides the perfect base for this dish, adding creaminess while also bringing healthy fat to the table.
You can add crumbled bacon to this amazing healthy dinner idea.
Recipe from https://downshiftology.com/recipes/avocado-egg-salad/
8. SHRIMP AND VEGETABLE SKILLET
This shrimp and vegetable skillet is a fast, flavorful dish that is great for busy nights!
The ingredients needed are olive oil, garlic, onion, broccoli florets, red pepper flakes, and the main star: the shrimp.
This is a versatile vegetable skillet where you can add as many veggies as you want. Be it zucchini, bell pepper, or yellow squash.
This recipe also has a little kick in it with some sriracha sauce. Mix in some fresh lemon juice and you’re good to go!
Recipe from https://www.cookinwithmima.com/shrimp-and-vegetable-skillet/
9. SHEET PAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE WITH BROCCOLI AND PEPPERS
Roasted colorful veggies with juicy chicken sausage. What else could be an addictive healthy dinner idea?
The best thing about this dish is that it’s quick and easy to make. It only takes about 30 minutes, has minimal cleanup, and the kids will love it too!
With a few fresh ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in no time. This recipe is great for those nights when you are short on time or just want something simple to cook up.
This is also a terrific meal-prep idea too.
Recipe from https://www.nourish-and-fete.com/sheet-pan-chicken-sausage-broccoli-peppers-potatoes/
10. CHICKEN PARMESAN CASSEROLE
You can easily store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
A quick and easy casserole healthy dinner idea.
This chicken parmesan casserole is a wholesome meal with cauliflower rice.
It is perfect to feed your family or guests!
All you need are a handful of ingredients, including some garlic, onions, cooked chicken, dried oregano leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. It’s so good!
Recipe from https://wholelottayum.com/keto-chicken-parmesan-casserole/
11. JACKFRUIT CARNITAS TACOS
I am always on the hunt for new and exciting taco recipes.
I came across this recipe, which is a vegan twist on carnitas tacos.
It replaces pork with jackfruit. Jackfruit has an amazing texture that resembles pulled pork when prepared properly, so it’s perfect for these tacos!
This fruit is a great replacement for taco meat.
From https://veganhuggs.com/jackfruit-carnitas-tacos/
12. PORTABELLO FAJITAS
I’ve always been a fan of fajitas, but I never thought about making them with portobello mushrooms.
But when I saw this article on how to make these delicious vegetarian dishes, it got me thinking.
As someone who is trying to eat less meat and more plants, this seemed like the perfect alternative for my next dinner!
A perfect weeknight meal in less than 30 mins.
Recipe from https://simple-veganista.com/portobello-fajitas/
13. BUTTERNUT RED LENTIL SOUP
Yummy and healthy lentil soup recipe.
This soup is the perfect winter meal and hearty enough for an evening meal.
This recipe is great for quick weekday meals.
With sweet butternut squash, earthy red lentils, and tangy tomatoes, it’s full of flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied.
Recipe from https://www.sproutedkitchen.com/home/2017/12/12/butternut-red-lentil-soup
14. QUINOA STUFFED AVOCADO
This a healthy and easy-to-make recipe that everyone will love.
This delicious dish is made with quinoa, scallions, black beans, and red pepper.
The ingredients are mixed together and stuffed into the pit of an avocado half. Don’t forget your favorite toppings!
From https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a47065/quinoa-stuffed-avocado-recipe/
15. CHOPPED KALE SALAD
This salad is a perfect lunch option too for those who want to stay healthy and still enjoy the taste of delicious, savory food.
Kale provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A which can be hard to come by in other foods.
You’ll also get rich fiber and antioxidants from the edamame seeds.
And with all these tasty ingredients you’re sure to feel satisfied every time you crave a good meal.
Recipe from https://cookieandkate.com/chopped-kale-salad-with-edamame-carrot-and-avocado/
16. HUMMUS COLLARD WRAPS
Easy healthy collard wraps.
This vegan favorite is sure to become your new lunch go-to or a healthy dinner idea.
It’s an easy meal prep idea that will make any day feel like Friday!
The perfect snack food for when you’re craving something healthy and filling. These hummus collard wraps are a great way to add more vegetables to your diet, while still satisfying that need for flavor and crunch!
Recipe from https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/hummus-collard-wraps/
17. BLACK BEAN TACOS
Corn kernels, avocado, and black beans. A healthy dinner taco recipe.
This gonna look delicious and you can incorporate as many vegetables as you want.
Recipe from https://likeabubblingbrook.com/southwestern-black-bean-tacos-easy/
18. VEGETARIAN TOSTADAS
This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike because it’s made with beans (which are vegetarian), but the tostada can also be topped with chicken or pulled pork, or beef if you want!
It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
If you’re looking for an easy Mexican dish that your whole family will enjoy this summer, look no further than these Mexican Tostadas.
Recipe from https://www.thetravelpalate.com/vegetarian-tostadas/
19. VEGAN SUSHI BOWL
Brown rice, shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, avocado, and a splash of coconut aminos make it a perfect vegan sushi bowl.
You can add chopped mango or pineapple for sweetness.
You will be impressed by how delicious this healthy dinner recipe tastes.
Recipe from https://www.darngoodveggies.com/vegan-sushi-bowl/
20. CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES
Flavorful 30-minute weeknight dinner recipe.
Tender pan-fried chicken with sauteed tomato and garlic.
This a simple, delicious, and very easy-to-make chicken recipe.
From https://ifoodreal.com/chicken-breast-with-tomatoes/
21. SOUTHWEST SALSA TURKEY BURGER
Southwest Salsa Turkey Burger is the perfect way to spice up your next BBQ.
This quick and easy recipe will have your guests coming back for more!
To make the burger, you will need ground turkey, black bean, garlic-chili powder, and bread crumbs.
Recipe from https://www.mashupmom.com/southwest-salsa-turkey-burgers/
My Take on Healthy Dinner Ideas
There are so many different ways to make a healthy dinner, that it can be hard to know where to start.
The recipes for delicious and nutritious dinners will help you stay on track with your health goals.
You’ll be able to get in some much-needed nutrients while also feeling satisfied by all of the yummy food on your plate!
This is just one way that you can start living healthier today.
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- 14 Best + Quick Keto Dinner Recipes to Make in under 30 mins
Healthy Dinner Ideas
21 Healthy Dinner Ideas for a Fit Lifestyle
Ingredients
- Roasted chickpea salad
- Chicken broccoli salad
- Cauliflower Mexican rice
- Baked Teriyaki salmon
- Thai chicken lettuce wraps
- Sheet pan sesame and veggies
- Avocado egg salad
- Shrimp and vegetable skillet
- Sheet pan chicken sausage broccoli peppers
- Chicken parmesan casserole
- Jackfruit Carnitas tacos
- Portobella Fajitas
- Butternut red lentil soup
- Quinoa stuffed avocado
- Chopped kale salad
- Hummus collard wraps
- Black bean tacos
- Vegetarian tostadas
- Vegan sushi bowl
- Chicken breast with tomatoes
- Salsa Turkey Burgers
Instructions
- Choose your favorite healthy dinner recipe.
- Collect all the ingredients required prior to making.
- Eat a healthy dinner.