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!?
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Creamy Kale Pasta
We blended cottage cheese (really!) into the sauce for a dose of richness and serious boost of protein.
Get the Creamy Kale Pasta recipe.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
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: 36 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Off Right
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
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.
RELATED: 37 Delicious Healthy Salads That Are Fresh and Filling
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
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)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
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.
RELATED: 55 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That You Absolutely Need to Try
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
Roasted Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Crispy Chicken and Buttermilk Salad
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Green Goddess Sandwiches
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Red Grapes and Cabbage
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
Beef and Lentil Meatballs with Chipotle Sauce
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Sesame-Crusted Salmon with Miso-Roasted Radishes
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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
Air Fryer Squash Soup
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