Healthy Dinner Ideas

50+ Healthy Dinner Ideas for family, weight loss, or just to eat healthier! These meals are approachable and affordable for any budget.

It is absolutely possible to feed your family healthy dinners, that are simple to make and taste amazing. From protein-packed bowls, chicken, seafood and vegetarian recipes, each healthy dinner recipe is loaded with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. If you want macro balanced recipes, I’ve got you covered there too! So put on your apron and let’s get cooking!

Kung Pao Shrimp

Made with all fresh ingredients and sautéed shrimp, this dish is done and ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes! 

“My husband and I are adding this to our regular dinner rotation. It was so quick and packed with flavor.”

Salmon Bowls

Healthy, fresh, and cooked in the air fryer! This 30 minute meal is absolutely incredible and loved by every person in my family!

“This is seriously one of my favorite dishes! I have made it so many times – it is delicious, healthy, and it comes together so quickly! If you like salmon, you will love this! The home made teriyaki sauce is the cherry on top!”

Chickpea Curry

There is nothing better than a simple one-pot meal on a busy day. It won’t make a mess of your kitchen, and it’s easy to make!

“Made this recipe and my family loved it. Even my 4 year old who is typically harder to please. He had seconds.“

Beef Gyros

This is one of my favorite meals to make for company. It’s made in one pot so my kitchen stays clean, and everyone can assemble their own! I always get so many compliments!

“I made this in my IP. Absolutely loved it. 100% will make this again.“

Pad Thai

My personal take, inspired by Pad Thai, using ingredients that are easy to find for my own home kitchen.

“Highly recommend! This was SO GOOD. Simple recipe, easy to follow, and incredible flavors. Better than any I have had from restaurants. Will definitely be making again!”

Orzo Salad

This salad is quick to make, healthy, and perfect to eat on the go or meal prep!

“It’s a lot of interesting textures and flavors that work surprisingly well together! I’ll be making this one again for sure!”

Red Curry

All made in just one pan for the easiest clean up. Anyone can make this chicken red curry recipe!

“I’ve been craving Thai food lately and this hit the spot! Having lived in Thailand for almost 3 years this dish brought back so many memories. It tastes pretty authentic and straightforward to make. Just get the ingredients and you’re good to go!”

California Rolls

California rolls are popular for a reason, and a perfect starting point for kids or adults to venture into the sushi world. My kids love them in their school lunch.

“Wow! I made this for the first time and with your step-by-step instructions is was so easy!

Bulgur Salad

This easy salad recipe comes together quickly and has a perfect crunchy and delicious texture!

Teriyaki Chicken

A classic, delicious meal that is a family favorite every single time! The homemade teriyaki sauce takes it to the next level!

“I just made this tonight and it’s amazing! I steamed broccoli then added to the pan right before serving – so yummy! Next time I’ll add water chestnuts and peppers and onions. Served it over rice – perfect quick meal.”

Vegetarian Enchiladas

These enchiladas are hearty, filling, and packed with vegetables! They leave you feeling satisfied.

“I made these tonight with the homemade enchilada sauce. I love this recipe. I didn’t think I liked sweet potatoes because I don’t like them as fries, but you have changed my mind. These are so hearty, but don’t leave you feeling guilty. I made them just as directed, except I may have added a little extra cheese.”

Autumn Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This hearty soup is loaded with delicious fall flavors, vegetables and packed with protein from the garbanzo beans. The fennel and cumin are stand-outs in making the flavor of this soup amazing, and you will love how hearty and healthy it is!

“Loved this!! Just made it for the first time for the family – my two year old chowed down!! I added a little garlic – as we love garlic 🙂 It was a hit!!! Thanks for sharing!!”

Apple Pecan Salad

This is a healthy copycat of Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad. It’s made with bacon, chicken (optional), and light balsamic dressing. Check the post for tips on how to make your salad even healthier and stay fresh longer!

“Simple and great mix of flavors!”

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe makes delicious chicken that can be used in tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, and more. I’ve also included instructions for making these chicken tacos in the instant pot. This is a healthy and easy recipe that is perfect for busy families who love their crockpot or instant pot.

“This is my go-to chicken taco recipe! I’ve been making it this way for months and everybody LOVES it. I feel like the Italian dressing is key because it just gives the chicken a tangy, wonderful flavor! “

Baked Salmon

All my best seasonings options and tips for buying and preparing salmon at home! Salmon is loaded with protein and all the good Omegas and it tastes amazing. This is perfect for a nice weekend family dinner paired with a salad.

“Great step-by-step tutorial!”

The Best Black Bean Burger

The BEST Black Bean Burger is much healthier than a beef hamburger and tastes great too!  This is a healthy recipe that even my kids devour! Dozens of people have given this healthy dinner recipes 5 STARS!

“These were awesome!! The sauce is what really puts this recipe over the top. I made no changes and this will remain in my dinner rotation!”

Taco Soup

This easy and healthy Taco Soup recipe is one of my favorite dinner solutions when I want something healthy, quick, and tasty. And it’s a slow cooker or stovetop recipe that my family will LOVE!

“These were awesome!! The sauce is what really puts this recipe over the top. I made no changes and this will remain in my dinner rotation!”

Yum Yum Bowls

This Yum Yum Bowl will become a new staple! It’s flavorful, so fresh, and the steak is cooked to perfection. Even picky eaters will love this!

“Made this last night. So easy and delicious. A keeper for sure!”

Lettuce Wraps

Serve it as a main dish or an appetizer, these lettuce wraps are easy, restaurant-quality, and ready to eat in 30 minutes!

“These are AMAZING! My son and husband couldn’t get enough. Later that evening the small drop of left overs was consumed in a tortilla, which was also fantastic. We will make again for sure!”

Mushroom Tacos

Take off the meat and turn up the heat with these Mushroom Tacos made with portobello mushrooms, jalapeños, onion, and garlic. Serve on warm corn or flour tortillas and top off with black beans, corn, and creamy avocado. Garnish with tangy cilantro.

“This was so delicious, and super easy to make, even for a non-cook like myself! The mushrooms paired perfectly with leftover tortillas, slaw and sauce I’d made for shrimp tacos the night before.“

Southwest Quinoa Salad

This Southwest Quinoa Salad is packed with nutrients and not shy about flavor! Quinoa is protein-rich and has lots of fiber and iron. It’s also gluten-free which makes it a great choice for people with gluten intolerance or simply looking for a gluten-free quinoa recipe!

“I made this the other night with a few modifications. I didn’t have enough quinoa on hand so I used couscous and we added grilled chicken. It was delicious!”

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are another healthy dinner idea! A simple one pan dinner that includes seasoned chicken and vegetables roasted all on one pan and served in warm flour tortillas with your favorite toppings.

“These are amazing! My whole family loves them! Said they were the best fajitas they ever tasted! Thank you!”

Vegetable Tortellini Soup

Healthy and flavorful Vegetable Tortellini Soup that’s packed with veggies like carrots, green beans, celery, corn, and peas, plus tender bites of cheese tortellini.

“This was so, SO easy. Great weeknight meal and my kids gobbled it up. We added a can of white beans for some added protein. Will def make again!”

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Healthy food has never tasted so AMAZING! These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are bursting with bold flavor and fresh ingredients. They can be enjoyed as a main dish or served as an appetizer.

“10 stars! Absolutely delicious, so much flavor! Loved everything about it, didn’t add yellow onion, only green! HEB had these great lettuce scoops, really sturdy and perfect for this recipe! Amazing!”

Grilled Fish Tacos

You just can’t go wrong with fresh, flavorful, and healthy Grilled Fish Tacos. These fish tacos are loaded with all the best toppings, including cabbage, pico de gallo and a simple homemade white sauce, or “crema”, and they can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

“First time making fish tacos and these are amazing! This recipe is a keeper for sure.”

Buddha Bowl

This is clean eating at its finest, but also tastes absolutely delicious, fresh, and flavorful, and will leave you feeling full.

These Buddha bowls are everything! Falafel is a great vegetarian option 👍 Thanks for sharing!

BBQ Chicken Tacos

BBQ Chicken Tacos are one of my go-to healthy dinner ideas. Marinated bbq chicken is served in a warm tortilla topped with black beans, corn, onion, cilantro, avocado and a creamy cilantro lime sauce.

“Really a great and delicious recipe. Thanks for those instructions, my family just loved it I had already tried this with another way but because of your recipe its become delicious.”

Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar Plank Salmon with brown sugar and dijon glaze that you can cook on the grill or in the oven. This healthy dinner recipe is loaded with good omega 3’s and protein!

“This is Uh-Mazing! I had never heard of using a cedar plank to cook salmon before coming across this recipe. We were planning on making salmon over the weekend anyway so we got the cedar planks and decided to give it a try. It was delicious!! The planks added such a great flavor and we loved the mustard sauce. This just upped our salmon game, thank you!”

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps that are better-than-take-out and made from scratch in less than 30 minutes! Grilled chicken smothered in the tastiest general-tso’s inspired sauce with crunchy cashews, spooned into a crisp green lettuce cup.

“I was stunned at how gorgeous these turned out!!! I made them on steamed pak choi and they were delicious!”

Skinny Chicken Divan

This delicious Chicken Divan casserole is made with rice, broccoli, chicken and a creamy curry sauce. It’s a healthier version of the traditional chicken divan casserole, and your family will LOVE it!

“This is one of our family’s favorite recipes (not the skinny version) – in fact, I was just talking to my mom about it and she’s making it for family dinner on Sunday. I’m gonna have to pass this version of it on to her! Thanks lady!”

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

The BEST chicken noodle soup you’ll ever make starts with a simple homemade chicken broth, and the option of making your own egg noodles!

“I made this yesterday and it was sooooo good! “

Thai Quinoa Salad

Quinoa tossed with a medley of fresh, crunchy veggies and drizzled with a delicious peanut sauce. This healthy recipe packs in the whole grains and fiber!

“I made this for a family gathering this weekend (trying to bring something healthy to the table). It was the second time I made it and I really enjoy it.”

Pozole

This Mexican POZOLE recipe is a brothy, hearty soup built on a base of hominy and tender pork or chicken, flavored with a homemade red chile sauce and garnished with shredded cabbage and thinly sliced radishes. It’s also known as Pozole Rojo.

“I have made this multiple times, and it’s always a huge hit! “

Quinoa Veggie Burger

These super filling, protein-packed quinoa veggie burgers are for EVERYBODY!  This is a healthy dinner idea that my entire family loves! Made with quinoa and brown rice, and easily adaptable to mix in your favorite veggies.

“We LOVED these!! They held together so well and the texture was phenomenal. Absolutely delicious!! I doubled the batch and now we have a bunch in the freezer for easy lunches!!”

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Fajita Soup

This “dump it and forget it” Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Fajita Soup is loaded with crazy delicious flavor and one of the easiest healthy dinner ideas on the list.

“This was fabulous! My entire family, even my “pickier-eater” son, loved it. I am looking forward to trying more of your recipes.”

Korean Bulgogi Bowl

Korean Bulgogi Bowls are marinated pork served over kimchi fried rice with leafy greens and a fried egg on top. This healthy recipe is packed with flavor and absolutely delicious!

“My husband and I love a Korean restaurant near by and we love their bulgogi. This is my first time attempting to make a Korean dish myself – I was a little nervous. The recipe was so easy to follow and delicious! Thanks!”

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

These Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps make the perfect light lunch or dinner. They are great for serving at parties too!

“Chicken, tuna, egg, chickpea, etc. salads are SO good in lettuce wraps! I also really love them in red cabbage “wraps!””

One-Pan Skinny Chicken Alfredo

One-Pan Skinny Chicken Alfredo Pasta has all of the yummy flavors of traditional Alfredo, without all the calories! Plus, this healthy dinner idea is made in ONE PAN–super easy, and even easier clean-up.

“This dish is one of my all time favorites. I love it. Thanks for sharing the recipe!!”

Easy Homemade Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice is full of fresh and bold flavor. This is my favorite type of fried rice that takes just 5 minutes to make! For a healthier version, use brown rice!

“OMG these were sooo good! I love kimchi and wanted to try this recipe. I’m so glad I did! Thanks for sharing!”

Ham Fried Rice

Better than take-out Ham Fried Rice Recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to make! For a healthier version, use brown rice!

“Just the best recipe ever, as is! This is now a #1 favorite for me.”

Fresh Spring Rolls

These Fresh Spring Rolls are even better than you’d find at a restaurant, and they’re incredibly easy and healthy! This healthy dinner idea is served with a delicious homemade peanut sauce, these rolls are perfect for a fresh and light lunch, dinner or appetizer.

“Thank you for this fabulous recipe and especially the directions! If I’d known how easy they are to make, I would have made them a long time ago! They’re so expensive in the grocery store but they’re easy, even more fresh and delicious made at home and way less expensive. I am so happy to discover this. Thank you!!”

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Easy and delicious healthy Roasted Tomato Soup, just like my favorite soup from Panera!

“We had this soup for lunch today. I have other recipes for this soup but the fact that you mentioned Panera intrigued me. We, too, like their soups, & we were not disappointed by your version. I must admit I added another two tablespoons of butter at the end. Hope you don’t mind. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you.”

Turkey Chili

Turkey Chili has easily becomes a new favorite chili recipe! It’s bursting with bold flavor and only takes 30 minutes to make!

“This is a favorite at our house. I have made it a few times but thought I would comment. Thanks!”

Harvest Bowls

These bowls are made with coconut rice, roasted autumn vegetables, and a delicious sweet curry sauce.

“This recipe is one of our all-time FAVORITES. I never would have thought to put these things all in one bowl but it comes together beautifully. One of the best! Thank you so much for sharing!”

Chicken Gyros

Chicken Gyros include delicious marinated chicken, grilled and layered on a pita with yogurt sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cucumber. This fresh and healthy meal idea is one of our family favorites!

“Made these for dinner tonight and they did not disappoint. I particularly loved the yogurt sauce. Will make again for sure!”

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowls

These delicious Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowls start with a layer of coconut rice and red beans topped with jerk seasoned chicken, mangos, mashed avocado, and a sweet and spicy pineapple sauce.

“Love this recipe! I have made it several times! I always double the pineapple sauce, too good not to have a ton. 🙂”

BBQ Chicken Bowl

These bowls have black bean rice with delicious grilled veggies, marinated and grilled chicken, and a delicious homemade BBQ ranch sauce. It’s the perfect healthy dinner idea everyone will love!

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad loaded with spinach, mandarin oranges, craisins, almonds, and parmesan cheese, tossed together with a light and healthy creamy citrus dressing.

“This looks so good! perfect summertime lunch idea. Will try this soon!”

Pasta Primavera

This simple pasta is bright, fresh, healthy, and ready on your table in 20 minutes. A simple and healthy dinner recipe.

“This is one of my weeknight favorites. So simple and oh so yummy! Even my picky son likes it.”

Hawaiian Bowls

These could be my all-time FAVORITE summer meal! The bowls start with a layer of coconut rice, topped with grilled pineapple, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Then, we add grilled teriyaki chicken and an extra drizzle of homemade teriyaki sauce over the top of everything. This healthy dinner idea is one rice bowl that is sure to be your new favorite dinner!

“This is divine! Even made with sautéed toppings (we don’t own a grill), it was a total winner. I could eat that rice and that teriyaki sauce for every meal! I’m actually saving the sauce recipe separately because it’s the best teriyaki balance of sweet/tangy I’ve ever had.”

Fajita Bowls

These bowls belong on a restaurant menu! An all-in-one-meal with chicken, veggies, and rice, that’s bursting with bold flavor and all the good stuff.

“This is delicious! Will be putting in regular rotation from now on! Yumm”

Chicken Shawarma Bowls

This Healthy Dinner Idea includes grains, veggies, protein, and a healthy sauce. Most of the elements of these Chicken Shawarma bowls can be prepared ahead of time, including marinating the chicken shawarma, chopping the vegetables and making the sauce, so that dinner is a breeze!

“I love your bowl recipes and this was no exception! They are always so well balanced and flavorful! I especially loved the flavor of the chicken shawarma and tzatziki sauce. Please keep them coming 🙂”

Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

You really won’t miss the meat in these flavorful, filling, and healthy Instant Pot Lentil Tacos! Ready in 20 minutes, and easily adaptable to use ingredients and toppings you already have, this healthy dinner idea is a WINNER.

“Five stars due to how easy this is and it’s pretty darn good. And this is coming from a family that is heavy meat eaters and looking for vegetarian alternatives. Toppings and seasoning are key (which is the case more meat tacos). Better texture than black bean tacos we’ve been making for years”

Check Out:

• 50 + Healthy Snack Ideas
• Back to School Lunch Ideas

I originally shared this post January 2018. Updated February 2021 and January 2023.

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