70 Best Healthy Dinner Ideas for the Whole Family
Most of these meals can be made in 30 minutes or less!
Sometimes a healthy dinner idea can be hard to whip up. Throwing on a pot of mac 'n' cheese or grilling up a juicy steak are pretty incredible and speedy ways to get dinner on the table — but trying to incorporate more veggies in that p.m. meal can prove 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.
Looking to incorporate more healthy recipes for two in your routine or lighten up dinnertime with some low-calorie meals, we've got options. Look no further for flavorful and nourishing mains, vibrant, hearty salads, healthy chicken dinners, tacos, pasta, rice bowls and so much more. Nothing is off-limits! Plus, a lot of these recipes can work if you are looking for a healthier lunch option.
Curious how to make a healthy dinner the whole family will love? Pack in produce, including fruit and non-starchy veg that boost nutrients, rather than cutting portion sizes or eliminating your favorite foods. Also opt for whole grains and lean protein sources (fish, chicken breast and eggs, included!).
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!?
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Five ingredients is all it takes to get this healthy dinner on the table in 25 minutes. The secret to all the flavor? Gochujang!
Get the Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry recipe.
RELATED: 28 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Eat All the Shrimp
Creamy Kale Pasta
We blended cottage cheese (really!) into the sauce for a dose of richness and a serious boost of protein.
Get the Creamy Kale Pasta recipe.
RELATED: 45 Different Ways to Eat Kale When You Can't Get Enough Leafy Greens
Samosa Salad
Rely on your freezer to add a little heft to this salad. Spicy potato-filled samosas boost heartiness, without requiring a lot of cooking.
Get the Samosa Salad recipe.
Gingery Spring Soup
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.
Skillet Lemony Chicken and Artichokes
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.
RELATED: 50 One-Pot Meals for an Easy Dinner and Even Easier Clean Up
Spice-Rubbed Chicken Lettuce Cups
Want to meal prep while making dinner? This grilled chicken can also star in tacos, quesadillas and salads. Whip up an extra batch!
Crispy Striped Bass with Citrus Soba
Double the citrusy vinaigrette to add flair to salads and other fish dishes.
Steak with Smashed Cucumber Salad
Who says steak can't be healthy? This lean cut provides iron and protein and the cucumber salad is a fresh side to balance out the richness.
Get the Steak with Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe.
RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy
Pea and Ricotta Omelets
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: 45 Easy Breakfast Ideas for Even the Busiest Mornings
Za’atar Chicken with Whipped Feta
Sprinkle on za’atar to instantly boost plain chicken. The fragrant, herbaceous Middle Eastern spice blend adds delicious, savory depth.
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.
RELATED: 7 Surprising Mushroom Health Benefits for Your Skin, Brain and Bones
Steak with Pickled Veggies
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.
Smoky Mussels Pomodoro
Pair this super speedy dinner with a salad to get your veg and protein on one tasty plate.
Get the Smoky Mussels Pomodoro recipe.
Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Tofu
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.
RELATED: 35 Healthy Tofu Recipes That Even Meat Lovers Will Crave
Air Fryer Falafel Salad
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.
RELATED: 78 Best Air Fryer Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious
Italian-Marinated Chicken
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.
RELATED: 60 Best Chicken Breast Recipes for a Winning Dinner Every Night
Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup
Packed with creamy black beans, nutty quinoa and sweet 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)
Tandoori-Spiced Cauliflower Chicken Flatbreads
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.
Green Soup with Crispy Tofu
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.
Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads
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.
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