70 Healthy Dinner Recipes That Definitely Don’t Skimp on Flavor (2024)

70 Healthy Dinner Recipes That Definitely Don’t Skimp on Flavor (1)

Throwing on a pot of mac 'n' cheese or grilling up a juicy steak are pretty incredible ways to get dinner on the table — but trying to incorporate more whole grains and veggies in that p.m. meal? That can be tricky. No fear: We rounded up our best healthy dinner recipes so you'll have no shortage of options when it comes to nutritious, delicious and totally satisfying meals.

Whether you and your partner are looking to incorporate more healthy recipes for two in your repertoire or lighten up dinnertime with some low-calorie meals, we've got options. Here you'll find flavorful and nourishing soups, vibrant, hearty salads, healthy chicken dinners, tacos, pasta, rice bowls and so much more. Nothing is off limits!P lus, a lot of these recipes can work if you are looking for a healthier lunch option.

The secret to healthy dinners you'll actually want to eat? Focus on packing in the produce, especially non-starchy vegetables and fruit rather than reducing portion sizes or cutting out your favorite foods. Opt for whole grains and complex carbohydrates over white refined carbohydrates, as well as low-fat and fat-free dairy, plus lean protein sources (think: fish fillets, chicken breasts, turkey or eggs). Say "yes" to beans, legumes, unsalted nuts, fresh herbs and dry spices.

Many of these meals are made with budget-friendly ingredients like healthy canned foods and frozen vegetables. We also made sure to feature dishes that fit into a variety of diets, which include vegan recipes, vegetarian recipes and gluten-free dinners. They all have one thing in common, though: These recipes make it easy (and tasty!) to eat healthier. Now, who's hungry!?

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1

Creamy Kale Pasta

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We blended cottage cheese (really!) into the sauce for a dose of richness and serious boost of protein.

Get the Creamy Kale Pasta recipe.

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2

Gingery Spring Soup

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Though this soup is low-cal, it'll fill you up because tofu and shelled edamame offer up gobs of protein. To bulk it up even more, stir in leftover shredded chicken.

Get the Gingery Spring Soup recipe.

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3

Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes

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This one-skillet dish relies on a can of artichoke hearts for extra veggies that don't require much prep. To speed it up even more, look for pre-halved or quartered artichoke hearts.

Get the Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes recipe.

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4

Pea and Ricotta Omelets

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When you're in a recipe rut, remember this: There's always breakfast-for-dinner. This light omelet is even better served with a piece of crispy toast.

Get the Pea and Ricotta Omelets recipe.

RELATED: 36 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Off Right

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5

Adobo Glazed Portobello Tacos

Calling all vegetarians! These sweet 'n' tangy glazed mushroom tacos will make all the meat eaters jealous.

Get the Adobo Glazed Portobello Tacos recipe.

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6

Steak with Pickled Veggies

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Looking for a gluten-free option? This punchy, peppery salad served with juicy steak is so much better than a roll.

Get the Steak with Pickled Veggies recipe.

RELATED: 37 Delicious Healthy Salads That Are Fresh and Filling

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7

Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Tofu

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Soba is made from buckwheat flour, which is a good source of fiber (and so delicious).

Get the Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Tofu recipe.

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8

Air Fryer Falafel Salad

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Pulsing the chickpeas in a food processor until chopped but chunky (not smooth, like hummus) is the key to light and crisp falafel – a great source of plant protein.

Get the Air Fryer Falafel Salad recipe.

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9

Italian-Marinated Chicken

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The herby dressing does double duty: It acts as both the marinade for the chicken and the dressing for the salad (which means less overall work for you).

Get the Italian-Marinated Chicken recipe.

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10

Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup

Packed with creamy black beans, nutty quinoa and sweet chunks of butternut squash, you won't even notice that this hearty soup is 100% vegan.

Get the Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup recipe.

RELATED: 30 Soup Recipes That Are Perfect for the Winter (Or Anytime of the Year)

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11

Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads

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Spice mixes like tandoori masala, a robust blend of paprika, coriander, cumin and more, mean you can have big flavor without the need for excess salt.

Get the Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads recipe.

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12

Green Soup with Crispy Tofu

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Golden-brown tofu nuggets, made extra-crispy in a hot oven, act as low-carb "croutons" for this creamy broccoli-based soup. Genius!

Get the Green Soup with Crispy Tofu recipe.

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13

Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads

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Raise your hand if you don't have an air fryer, yet. If your hand is up, go ahead and use it to order one of the best air fryers online stat. This popular countertop appliance is the secret to cooking up crispy foods sans the oil — plus, it makes flaky, tender fish in no time at all.

Get the Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads recipe.

RELATED: 55 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That You Absolutely Need to Try

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14

Roasted Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

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Meal prepping is a great way to set yourself up for success when it comes to healthy eating. By cooking up a batch of grains, roasted vegetables, pickled red onions and seasoned proteins in advance, you're ready to mix and match your way to a delicious, nutritious dinner in 20 minutes or less.

Get the Roasted Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls recipe.

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15

Crispy Chicken and Buttermilk Salad

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For a lightened-up take on fried chicken salad, coat breasts with crushed cornflakes and bake 'em before tossing with lettuce, fennel and cucumbers. We also skipped the bottled dressing and whipped up our own ranch-inspired version.

Get the Crispy Chicken and Buttermilk Salad recipe.

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16

Green Goddess Sandwiches

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This meatless meal is packed with 16 grams protein and 8 grams fiber per serving, so you know it'll keep you full. Plus, it's super portable and easy to eat on the go. Picnic, anyone?

Get the Green Goddess Sandwiches recipe.

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17

Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Red Grapes and Cabbage

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A bed of caramelized shallots, red cabbage and juicy roasted grapes is the ideal pairing for tender slices of pork in this hearty winter main that’s impressive enough to serve to guests but will take you less than half an hour to make (yes, really!).

Get the Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Red Grapes and Cabbage recipe.

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18

Beef and Lentil Meatballs with Chipotle Sauce

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Let's take a moment to appreciate lentils — they are high in iron and fiber, affordable and versatile. Plus, they're a great way to cut back on how much ground beef you use to make meatballs or meatloaf.

Get the Beef and Lentil Meatballs with Chipotle Sauce recipe.

RELATED: 25 Tasty Lentil Recipes for Healthy and Easy Weeknight Meals

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19

Sesame-Crusted Salmon with Miso-Roasted Radishes

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This umami-rich dish features just five ingredients. Radishes are roasted until slightly caramelized and golden brown, then tossed with its leaves until wilted. White miso, sesame seeds and a smidge of butter add so much flavor with little to zero effort required on your end. Stunning.

Get the Sesame-Crusted Salmon with Miso-Roasted Radishes recipe.

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20

Air Fryer Squash Soup

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Cozy up with a big bowl of comfort that is good for you, too! This soup is packed with potassium-rich butternut squash and is easy to prep in advance and reheat. Just freeze soup (minus cream and seed topping) in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and top as desired.

Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.

RELATED: 37 Best Butternut Squash Recipes That Are Easy to Make for Fall

70 Healthy Dinner Recipes That Definitely Don’t Skimp on Flavor (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest thing to cook for dinner? ›

Best, Easy Dinner Recipes For A Family
  • Sheet Pan Olive Bar Chicken. ...
  • Five Spice Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. ...
  • Sheet Pan Quesadilla with Jalapeño Ranch. ...
  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. ...
  • Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Meat. ...
  • Mango Chutney Chicken Sheet Pan. ...
  • Old Bay Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner. ...
  • Za'atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner.
Jun 10, 2024

What can I make for dinner tonight when nothing sounds good? ›

List of Easy Dinner Ideas – Not Diet Specific
  • Vegetable Stir-fry with Rice – Heat a splash of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. ...
  • Simple Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). ...
  • Naan Pizza – Grab a piece of naan bread and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the top.
Feb 20, 2024

What to make for dinner with barely any food? ›

11 dinner recipes for when your fridge is empty
  • Spaghetti in cherry tomato sauce. ...
  • Harissa chickpeas with silverbeet. ...
  • Bacon, mozzarella and baked bean jaffles. ...
  • Pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) ...
  • Peas and broad beans with prosciutto. ...
  • Orecchiette with hot-smoked salmon, peas and beurre blanc sauce.

What is the healthiest food to eat all the time? ›

Here are the top 15 foods you should be eating according to our experts:
  1. Fish. ...
  2. Broccoli or any of the cruciferous vegetables. ...
  3. Beets. ...
  4. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables. ...
  5. Kale. ...
  6. Peanut butter. ...
  7. Almonds. ...
  8. Mangos.
Apr 5, 2019

What is the cheapest thing to make for dinner? ›

68 Easy And Cheap Dinner Ideas That You'll Want To Make On Repeat
  • Black Bean Burgers. ...
  • Creamy Tomato Shells. ...
  • Zucchini Corn Quesadillas. ...
  • Super-Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad. ...
  • Chicken and Mandarin Salad With Simple Sesame Dressing. ...
  • Garlic Butter Capellini Pomodoro With Shrimp. ...
  • Orzo With Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers.
May 3, 2024

What to eat when nothing tastes good? ›

Foods to try if nothing tastes good:

Try fruit popsicles in various flavors. Fruit sorbet or sherbet is also an idea. Experiment with spices and herbs. Instead of adding more salt to food to perk up the taste, try adding dried basil, oregano, or a lemon-pepper seasoning.

What to make for dinner when tired? ›

  • 1Creamy chicken and risoni tray bake. ...
  • 2Easy slow-cooker lasagne recipe. ...
  • 3One-pan creamy chicken pesto pasta bake. ...
  • 4Chicken chow mein tray bake. ...
  • 5One-pot creamy chicken ravioli. ...
  • 6One-pan miso chicken drumsticks. ...
  • 7Chicken, chorizo and olive tray bake. ...
  • 8Slow-cooker beef brisket bourguignon.

What should I make for dinner if I have no idea for dinner? ›

33 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
  • Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast. tasty.co. ...
  • Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon. tasty.co. ...
  • The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast. tasty.co. ...
  • Chicken & Biscuit Bake. ...
  • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  • Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas. ...
  • Upgraded Ramen. ...
  • Easiest One-Pot Beef with Broccoli.
May 16, 2024

What to eat when you barely have food at home? ›

15 Delicious Things to Throw Together When You're Pressed for Food Options
  • Buttery, gooey grilled cheese. ...
  • PB&J because duh. ...
  • Tuna melt tostadas. ...
  • Pancakes! ...
  • Scrambled eggs. ...
  • Waffles. ...
  • A Hagrid-size bowl of cereal. ...
  • Spaghetti carbonara.
Apr 28, 2020

How to cook for a lot of people cheap? ›

25 Cheap Meals for Large Families
  1. 01 of 26. Hungarian Goulash. View Recipe. ...
  2. 02 of 26. Simple Chicken and Noodles. ...
  3. 03 of 26. Easy Taco Casserole. ...
  4. 04 of 26. Winter Lentil Vegetable Soup. ...
  5. 05 of 26. Salisbury Steak. ...
  6. 06 of 26. Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs. ...
  7. 07 of 26. Black Beans and Rice. ...
  8. 08 of 26. Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Feb 22, 2024

What are the 10 most healthy foods? ›

Here are 10 great foods to add or increase in your diet.
  • Almonds. Nuts eaten whole are considered a protein, in the same category as seeds, meats and eggs. ...
  • Apples. Most people could use more fruit in their daily diet, according to surveys. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Sweet potatoes. ...
  • Wheat germ.
Mar 28, 2024

What is the best meal for everyday? ›

What foods are healthy to eat every day? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 , each day you should aim to eat a variety of fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains, and foods containing protein (either plant-based or from lean meats or fish).

What type of dinner is healthy? ›

Eat some wholemeal breads, pasta, rice or potatoes. Wholemeal options provide the best energy. The amount you need depends on your age, gender, size and activity levels. Include a small amount of poultry like chicken or turkey, fish, eggs, nuts, beans or meat.

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