Easy Healthy Dinner Ideas That Take 30 Minutes Or Less
Most of us are never not on the lookout for easy, healthy dinner ideas. After all, some delicious and headache-free nourishment is just what you need at the end of a long day.
What counts as easy dinners is kind of subjective, but for this list of recipes, we kept it to meals that come together in 30 minutes max and dont have ridiculously long ingredient lists. What counts as healthy varies from person to person toobut in the most basic sense, a healthy dinner is one that tastes good and fills you up.
For a meal that is both mentally and physically satisfying, I recommend that people strive for three to four food groups when possiblenamely fat, protein, starch, and fruits/vegetables, SELF columnist Jessica Jones, M.S., R.D., certified diabetes educator and cofounder of Food Heaven, tells SELF. By doing this, you will not only get a variety of textures and flavors, but also nutrients that work together to provide you with a steady, stable stream of energy.
With that in mind, we rounded up 60 easy, healthy dinner ideas. Most of these tasty recipes make for a balanced meal on their own, while a few youll probably want to serve with some bread or rice. Add them to your list of essential healthy recipes and youll never have trouble finding a quick and satisfying weeknight meal again.
How To Choose Quick Dinner Ideas
Knowing what to make for dinner is probably the toughest part of dinner itself. Either you don’t know what you’re craving or you’re worried it’s going to take too long. Well, never fret with these strategies!
Roasted Onions & Beets
The meal they love to make is Roasted Onions & Buttered Beets with Blue Cheese. This dish is inspired by a trip they took to Europe. They rented a cottage in a Provencal vineyard, picked up produce and cheese at a farmers’ market, then roasted the onions in the fireplace, using grapevine clippings for firewood.
Crunchy walnuts contrast with the smooth roasted beets and creamy blue cheese.
Also Check: Kid Friendly Gluten Free Dairy Free Recipes
Backyard Or Indoor Picnic
Pack a picnic basket with some sandwiches or wraps , snacks, and sodas. Lay a blanket down in the living room or family room and open up your basket. Take your date night a step further and make indoor smores over your stovetop or with tea candles. If the weather is good, move the picnic to the backyard. Throw down a big blanket and some pillows, build a fort for two, or put up a tent for more privacy. Take out some board games or card games for a fun game night. If you have a projector or laptop, a backyard movie marathon would also be fun.
Salmon Healthy Dinner Ideas
Salmon is a treat because of its price. I truly believe in eating wild salmon vs. farmed. These healthy salmon recipes are ready in under 30 minutes. And again, serve them with a whole grain and a side of veggies instead of salad for a change: corn, asparagus, butternut squash and cauliflower.
Check out these 15 healthy salmon recipes that you will want to make again and again.
Easy Baked Salmon in Foil with simple seasonings in 20 minutes. Healthy, moist and delicious meal even picky eaters will enjoy. Flake up cold leftovers and use instead of tuna in this tuna salad recipe.
Recommended Reading: Smirnoff Cucumber Lime Vodka Recipes
Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon With Spinach And Sun
Another easy dinner idea: Smothered in a luscious garlic butter spinach and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, you wont believe how easy, fast and simple it is to cook salmon this way! These deliciously seasoned, Tuscan salmon filets are juicy and tender on the inside with perfect crisp edges. Get the recipe
Dinner Recipes With 10 Ingredients Or Less
One of the best ways to cut back on the time you spend on making dinner is to limit the number of ingredients needed to make the meal. Below are some delicious dinner recipes with 10-ingredients or less. Most of the dishes below are low carb options too since grains take the longest to prepare and cook besides proteins.
I love stuffed chicken with veggies like the caprese chicken and jalapeno popper chicken breasts shown below. You basically just cut some slits in the chicken hasselback-style, or you can open up the fold of the breast and stuff with toppings. Grill or bake, and you’ve got dinner ready in under half an hour! You can always serve with a side of potatoes, rice or salad to boot.
Just as you can stuff chicken to keep the ingredient count low, you can also use vegetables as the vessels for stuffing. Add some chicken and quinoa to portobello mushrooms, or saute some ground beef and add to poblano peppers like the ones shown below.
Adding everything to a skillet and choosing a simple sauce as with the sausage, peppers and onions recipe below also allows you to use less ingredients while keeping cook time to a minimum.
Hasselback Caprese Chicken // Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Read Also: Recipe For S Mores Bars
Savory Quinoa Egg Muffins With Spinach
The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn
Quinoa adds special texture and flavor, plus lots of great protein and fiber, to these delicious little egg muffins that are suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free diets. Packed with spinach, onion, and melted cheese, these healthy breakfast egg muffins are perfect for a meatless brunch or a hand-held breakfast on the go.
Healthy Chicken Dinner Recipes:
Check out these Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes for 50+ healthy chicken dinner ideas! We love cooking with chicken during the week! Its one of our favorite proteins. These healthy chicken dinner recipes are all easy to make and taste amazing! We get all of our chicken from ButcherBox. Its so tender and has a minimal amount of fat on it!
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is the perfect light dinner. Learn how to make chicken pot pie in under an hour for a delicious meal!
Lemon Chicken Soup is a delicious dinner. Easy to make in the instant pot, crockpot or on the stove. Lemony and healthy!
Healthy Orange Chicken is the most popular recipe on our site. Have you tried it?
Baked Chicken Tenders are a favorite in our house. You cant go wrong with pairing them with our Healthy Baked French Fries!
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is SO cozy and delicious.
Baked Boneless Chicken Breasts that are so juicy and delicious and the perfect protein for dinner or meal prep!
Chicken Vegetable Soup is loaded with veggies and packed with protein and can be made in your crockpot, instant pot, or on your stove!
Crockpot Whole Chicken is a must try. If youre afraid of cooking a whole chicken, this recipe is basically fool proof!
White Bean Chicken Chili is easy and healthy. Make it in the crockpot, instant pot or on the stove for a delicious, protein packed dinner!
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is healthy and delicious. Gluten free and easily modified for a paleo/keto friendly dinner.
Read Also: Drink Recipes Using Spiced Rum
Healthy Tuna Grain Bowl With Turmeric Sweet Potatoes And Spicy Yogurt Dressing
This healthy grain bowl is loaded with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, thanks to the tangy, spicy yogurt sauce and turmeric-roasted sweet potatoes. Plus, you can easily make this dish from pantry staples and long-lasting freezer items. Serve with an extra squeeze of lime juice for a nutrient-packed and sustaining meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Grain Bowl with Turmeric Sweet Potatoes and Spicy Yogurt Dressing
Indian Shrimp And Lentils
A great source of protein, lentils are an underappreciated legume. They absorb flavors really well, have a hearty but soft texture and serve as a versatile backdrop to so many other ingredients. One example? This Indian Shrimp and Lentils dish. The lentils adopt the flavors of the shallot, garlic, garam masala and coconut cream to create a smooth, creamy, protein packed bed upon which the shrimp rest. Enjoy with a garnish of fresh cilantro for an extra fresh element.
Read Also: Pumpkin Pie Spice Latte Recipe
Wholesome Meals Any Night Of The Week
Healthy eating can mean a lot of different things. For some of us it means incorporating more low-carb or Whole30-friendly meals into our weekly routine. For others it’s all about following a Mediterranean diet or committing to meal prep and eating more plant-based foods. However you define it and put it into practice, we can all agree on two things: healthy eating nourishes us and fills our plates with plenty of wholesome ingredients. Thats the idea behind these quick and easy any-night dinner recipes, including this fun take on enchiladas. It has the same great smoky spicy, sweet flavor you’d find in the classic version but this one will fill up on squash, broccoli and black beans . Serve with a garnish of cilantro, fresh lime juice, diced avocado and a bit of shredded cheese for maximum enchilada feels.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Enchilada Stir-Fry with Couscous
Tropical Acai Breakfast Bowl
Acai bowls are a delicious, cool, and nutritious breakfast that are quick and easy to make. This complete breakfast in a bowl has an indulgent texture and flavor that’s like having healthy ice cream for breakfast. It’s perfect for those days when you need an extra boost of energy to get up and out the door.
Read Also: Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe
Healthy Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes:
Vegetarians dont worry! You can cook many other things besides meat in your crockpot! These healthy crockpot meals focus on the veggies!
Easy Lentil SoupRecipe that you can make on the stove, in the slow cooker or in the instant pot! Vegan, gluten free and delicious!
Healthy Broccoli Soup is a delicious, cozy meal. Easy to make in the instant pot, crockpot, or on the stove this broccoli cheddar soup is a must make! Gluten free and easily made dairy free, this creamy soup is seriously yummy!
Easy Sweet Potato Soup can be made in your instant pot, crock pot or on the stove. Vegan, healthy, paleo, Whole30 & done in 30 minutes.
Healthy Potato Soup Dairy free, Whole30 friendly and ridiculously creamy this is becoming a super popular recipe on our site!
Tomato Basil Soup is SO creamy and simple to make in the instant pot, crockpot or on the stove top. Healthy, vegan & dairy free.
Easy Minestrone Soup is the perfect cozy, healthy dinner! Vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan its delicious and done in under 30 minutes! Make it in your crockpot, instant pot or on the stove this hearty soup is one youll absolutely love!
Healthy Crockpot Artichokes If youve never cooked an artichoke, this is one of the easiest ways to do it!
Steak Frites With Herb Mustard
Indulge your craving for this classic combination of beef and potatoes with this lightened-up version. The oven-baked fries will save significant calories, and a lean cut of flank steak, with excess fat trimmed away, will deliver a healthy dose of protein.
Get the Recipe: Steak Frites With Herb Mustard
Also Check: Keto Breakfast Recipes For Beginners
+ Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas
Finding quick healthy dinners that you and your family ACTUALLY love is essential for a wholesome lifestyle. From tacos to pizza, to hearty bowls and casseroles, this recipe roundup is focused on comforting, nourishing foods! Heres what youll find in this guide:
When life gets busy, almost one-pan/sheet pan dinners like this Baked Chicken With Turmeric Sauce become staples. And good thing, because this recipe is creamy, savory goodness on a plate!
Healthy Slow Cooker Pork Recipes
Similar to chicken, pork can get really tough depending on how you cook it. When you cook pork in the slow cooker it becomes fall apart tender and SO yummy! Here are some of my favorite slow cooker healthy recipes that feature pork!
Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork One of our favorite recipes on our site. We make this every week!
Slow Cooker Honey Lime Ginger Pork looks amazing! Love the ginger/lime flavor combo
You May Like: Mac And Cheese Dinner Recipes
Fun & Romantic Dinner Date Night At Home Ideas
Stuck in the same old rut of dinner and a movie? Cant find a sitter? Want to just stay in and get cozy? Try one of these date night at home ideas! Dont miss our bonus recipe for Strawberry Bruschetta below!This post contains Amazon links. As an affiliate we may earn a commission from purchases.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipes
I cook a lot of chicken . Chicken can sometimes get bouncy or gross when its cooked incorrectly but when you cook chicken in the crockpot, it becomes fall apart tender!
These healthy slow cooker meals have chicken as the star and theyre all delicious!
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Pot pie, minus the pie part This soup is completely dairy free but SO rich and creamy thanks to a secret ingredient!
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Recipe uses only 4 ingredients! If you want juicy, perfectly cooked chicken-this healthy slow cooker recipe is for you! Paleo, Keto, Whole30 and Gluten Free!
Chicken Vegetable Soup is loaded with veggies and packed with protein and can be made in your crockpot, instant pot, or on your stove!
Slow Cooker Chicken Zucchini Meatballs Have you ever made meatballs in the slow cooker? If not, this is a must try!
Easy Crockpot Bone Broth Our favorite way to use up leftover chicken, turkey or beef bones! We also have a post specific for How to make Chicken Broth
Easy Thai Chicken Curry Curries are a great way to use your crockpot. Letting the meat cook low and slow really adds flavor!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas We love these for weeknight dinners. Set it + forget it in the morning and dinner is ready at night!
Don’t Miss: Bacardi Rum Mixed Drinks Recipes
Instant Pot Recipes For Hands Off Dinners
Whip up dinner using your Instant Pot like the slow cooker, it’s mostly a hands-off cooking process. Dump everything in and cook on high pressure. The main difference? The Instant Pot cooks everything FAST! You’re looking at a 20-30 minute cook time from preheating to releasing the pressure, and everything comes together in one pot to minimize clean up.
I also love that many Instant Pot recipes like the ones listed below allow you to dump dry rice, protein and liquid all at once so that you don’t have to cook anything extra on the side. Worst comes to worst you can get rice going in a rice cooker while everything is pressure cooking but even that is hands-off and will save you SO much time!
Check out these easy Instant Pot recipes for my last easy dinner idea tip.
Instant Pot Chicken Pad Thai // Instant Pot Pepper Steak
And there you have it my full, comprehensive list of healthy dinner ideas! These are by far the easiest way to get dinner on the table and help you choose what to make even if you’re not sure what you’re craving.
If you liked this list, be sure to pin the top image for later or share on Facebook to spread the word about just how easy dinner can really be!
Healthy Pork Dinner Recipes
Pork is another super lean, high protein meat. Pork tenderloins cook relatively quickly, making them perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner!
Citrus Grilled Pork Tenderloin is great for summer months on the grill. You can also bake it.
Healthy Crockpot Pulled Pork is always a crowd pleaser. Who doesnt love pulled pork!? This version is lower in fat and whole30 friendly if you use a compliant BBQ sauce.
Crockpot Baby Back Ribs are SO easy to make! Delicious and fall off the bone tender!
Apple Pork Tenderloin Sheet Pan Dinner is the perfect combo of sweet and savory. The apples pair so well with the pork tenderloin!
Don’t Miss: Raw Food Recipes For Humans
Quick Stir Fry And Curries
My family loves curry and stir fry dinner recipes. Stir fries are loaded with veggies and are super healthy especially when you make homemade stir fry sauce. You can eat stir fry on its own for a low carb meal or with a complex carb side. Healthy meals made easy!
Craving Asian but not MSG? Try this Healthy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with homemade sauce that can be on your family dinner table in 30 minutes.