Dinner time can be a challenge for those who are trying to eat healthy. It seems like there are always unhealthy options that are calling our name. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
In this article, we will provide 10 simple and delicious dinner ideas that will help you maintain your healthy eating habits. These recipes are all easy to follow and require minimal preparation time.
So, whether you’re short on time or just looking for some new dinner ideas, these recipes are sure to please!
#1 – Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is a delicious and hearty option that is also vegan and gluten-free. It’s easy to make and can be on the table in less than an hour.
Ingredients:
- Two large sweet potatoes
- One cup cooked black beans
- One cup cooked quinoa
- One red onion
- One red bell pepper
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- One tablespoon chili powder
- One teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a ½-inch border. In a large bowl, mix together the black beans, quinoa, red onion, red bell pepper, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Divide mixture evenly among the sweet potato halves. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Stuffed sweet potatoes are a great option for dinner because they’re filling and packed with nutrients. This recipe is also vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.
#2 – Grain Bowls
Grain bowls are a simple and delicious way to eat healthy. You can make them with any grain you like – quinoa, brown rice, farro, barley, etc. – and top them with whatever vegetables and protein you have on hand. Here’s a quick recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- Cooked grain of your choice
- Roasted vegetables (try sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, peppers or squash)
- Protein (tofu, tempeh, chicken, fish or shrimp)
- Dressing of your choice (balsamic vinegar and olive oil is always a good option)
Instructions:
Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!
There are endless possibilities when it comes to grain bowls, so get creative and experiment with different ingredients. The key to a healthy and delicious grain bowl is to use fresh, seasonal vegetables and a high-quality protein.
#3 – Veggie Loaded Frittatas
Frittatas are a great way to get in a few extra vegetables, and they’re perfect for meal prep. Simply make a frittata on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and healthy breakfasts or lunches.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Your choice of vegetables (I like to use bell peppers, onions, and spinach)
- Cheese
Instructions:
Dice your vegetables and sauté them in a pan with some olive oil. Once they’re cooked, add them to a bowl with beaten eggs and cheese. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Simple, right? And so delicious. Give it a try and let me know how you like it.
#4 – Dinner Salad
I know, I know. A salad for dinner doesn’t sound that exciting. But hear me out. This isn’t your typical salad. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, and will leave you feeling satisfied.
Ingredients:
- A mix of greens (I like to use arugula, spinach, and kale)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado
- Hard boiled eggs
- Shredded chicken or turkey
- Bacon bits
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Dressing of your choice (I like to use a balsamic vinaigrette)
Instructions:
Start by mixing your greens together in a large bowl. Add in the cherry tomatoes, avocado, hard boiled eggs, chicken or turkey, bacon bits, and feta cheese. Top with dressing of your choice and enjoy!
This salad is so filling and satisfying, you won’t even miss the fact that there’s no pasta or bread. And it’s packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling energized all afternoon.
#5 – Loaded Brown Rice Pasta Bowl
This dish is so easy to make and can be easily customized to whatever you have on hand. It’s also a great way to use up any veggies that are about to go bad. And it’s healthy! Win, win, win.
Ingredients:
- Brown rice pasta
- Sautéed veggies (I used mushrooms, onions, and peppers)
Instructions:
Cook the brown rice pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, sauté your veggies of choice in a bit of olive oil. Once both the pasta and veggies are cooked, combine them in a bowl and top with your favorite sauce. I used a simple tomato sauce, but you could use Alfredo, pesto, or anything else you like.
#6 – One-pot Soups and Stews
Soups and stews are another great way to get a lot of veggies into your diet. And when everything is cooked in one pot, it’s easy to clean up too!
Ingredients:
- Whatever veggies you have on hand (I used carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion)
- Beans or lentils (optional)
- Tomato paste
- Spices of your choice (I used garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano)
Instructions:
Sauté your chopped veggies in a bit of olive oil for about ten minutes. Add the tomato paste and spices and cook for another minute. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the veggies are cooked through. Add beans or lentils if you like. Serve hot with some crusty bread.
#7 – Curry
Curry is a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand. It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste.
Ingredients:
- Any vegetables you have on hand (I used carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion)
- Beans or lentils (optional)
- Tomato paste
- Curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté your chopped veggies in a bit of olive oil for about ten minutes. Add the tomato paste and spices and cook for another minute. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the veggies are cooked through. Add the beans or lentils, if desired. Serve over rice or with some crusty bread.
#8 – Burgers
Burgers are another classic comfort food that can be easily made healthier. Look for leaner ground beef, or even ground turkey or chicken. Add some veggies to your burger like mushrooms, onions, and peppers. And skip the mayo and cheese in favor of avocado or a healthier condiment.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- Mushrooms, onions, peppers (or any other veggies you like)
- Avocado (or your favorite condiment)
- Bread or buns
Instructions:
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s cooked through, add the veggies and cook until they’re soft. Serve on a bun or bread with avocado or your favorite condiment.
#9 – Whole Roasted Chicken
Nothing is more classic – or delicious – than a whole roasted chicken. And it’s actually pretty simple to make. Just season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then roast in the oven at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken
- Salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs, then place in the oven. Roast for 45 minutes, or until cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
#10 – Sheet Pan Meals
Sheet pan meals are a great way to get a healthy and balanced dinner on the table with minimal effort. Simply choose your protein, vegetables, and favorite seasonings, then roast everything on one big pan in the oven.
Here are a few of our favorite sheet pan meal combos:
- Chicken breasts or thighs, sweet potatoes, and green beans
- Salmon, Brussels sprouts, and cherry tomatoes
- Shrimp, zucchini, and yellow squash
Conclusion
These 10 simple and delicious dinner ideas for healthy eating will help you stick to your resolutions this year. With a variety of recipes that include vegetables, grains, and proteins, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. So get cooking and enjoy a nutritious meal tonight!
