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 a healthy food for people who don't like to cook? ›

Canned beans. Frozen pre-cooked chicken strips (not breaded, no sauce) Pre-cooked whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa. Pre-cut fresh vegetables and fruit.

What are 5 foods that seniors should eat? ›

What to eat
  • fruit and vegetables.
  • potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy foods.
  • dairy and alternatives.
  • beans, pulses, fish, eggs and other proteins.
  • oils and spreads.

What is the best dinner for seniors? ›

Allman also has a few go-to meals that typically meet nutritional needs for seniors:
  • Citrus salmon with baked sweet potato and steamed broccoli.
  • Hummus veggie wrap.
  • Chicken and veggies with whole grain pasta and pesto. ...
  • Roasted Veggie Couscous.
  • Curry Egg Salad lettuce wraps.
May 25, 2022

What are three foods that can be eaten without cooking? ›

What can I eat?
  • raw fruits and raw vegetables.
  • dried fruits and vegetables.
  • freshly made fruit and vegetable juices.
  • soaked and sprouted beans, other legumes, and grains.
  • raw nuts and seeds.
  • raw nut butters, such as peanut butter and almond butter.
  • nut milks, including almond milk.
  • coconut milk.

What food do people not like the most? ›

The Top 3 Most Divisive Foods in the U.S.
  • #3 Oysters. Instacart. There is something festive and celebratory about enjoying raw oysters from an ice-packed tray at happy hour or grabbing decadent Oysters Rockefeller from an appetizer platter. ...
  • #2 Black Licorice. Instacart. ...
  • #1 Anchovies. Instacart.
Sep 7, 2023

What foods for people who don t like meat? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  • Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  • Soya beans. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seeds. ...
  • Cereals and grains. ...
  • Quorn™ ...
  • Dairy.

What is the healthiest dinner you can eat? ›

Healthy Meals: The 10 Best Foods for Dinner
  • Salmon.
  • Sweet Potato.
  • Chickpeas.
  • Lentils.
  • Dark Leafy Greens.
  • Tempeh.
  • Wheat Berries.
  • Olive Oil.
Oct 3, 2022

What to cook for dinner when nothing sounds good? ›

What to eat when nothing sounds good: 25 balanced meal ideas
  • Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich with a side of fruit.
  • Rotisserie chicken with frozen microwaveable rice and veggies.
  • “Adult Lunchable”: cheese, crackers, deli meat, raw fruits or veggies with dip.
  • Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets on top of a salad.
Jan 11, 2023

What are the top 10 healthiest dinners? ›

It's dinnertime: ZOE members' top recipes
  • Chickpea & broccoli pasta.
  • Lentil & eggplant stew.
  • Veggie shepherd's pie.
  • Harissa traybake.
  • Noodle salad.
  • Cod & salsa salad.
  • Kale salad.
  • Mushroom stir-fry.
Mar 19, 2024

What is the healthiest meat to eat? ›

But to break it down in terms of meats only, and which is the healthiest, here's our list featuring the best:
  • Top overall: Lean cuts. ...
  • Lean cuts of Pork: ...
  • Healthiest: Skinless Turkey Meat. ...
  • Healthiest: Skinless Chicken Breast. ...
  • Healthiest: Flank, strip steak, and 95% lean ground beef. ...
  • Sources:

What is a balanced healthy dinner? ›

It is generally agreed that a balanced plate consists of one quarter proteins, one quarter carbohydrates and one half vegetables. ©Shutterstock/ifong. A very common piece of nutrition advice around the world is to 'eat a balanced diet.

What are the easiest foods for the elderly to eat? ›

Here are some fruits and vegetables that are ideal for a soft diet.
  • Mashed sweet potatoes.
  • Pureed peas.
  • Steamed or boiled carrots.
  • Steamed, boiled, or pureed green beans.
  • Mashed or pureed spinach.
  • Thinly-sliced cooked zucchini.
  • Cooked mushrooms.
  • Mashed butternut squash.
Oct 31, 2023

What dishes are considered healthy? ›

Top 10 Foods for Health
  • Water. Drink 8 to 12 cups of water daily.
  • Dark green vegetables. Eat dark green vegetables at least three to four times a week. ...
  • Whole grains. Eat whole grains sat least two or three times daily. ...
  • Beans and lentils. Try to eat a bean-based meal at least once a week. ...
  • Fish. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Winter squash. ...
  • Soy.

What cooking method is suitable for elderly? ›

Cooking Methods

Braising, boiling and steaming are some of the best ways to prepare food for the elderly. Boneless and skinless meats are best as well as ensuring meats are not tough, chewy or have bones. Avoid coarse, stringy, hard and dry textured food, sticky foods and also those that tend to crumble easily.

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