122 Weeknight Dinners That Make It Easy to Eat Healthy
Looking for some fresh inspiration for your dinners? Fill up on these flavorful recipes all week long.
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Good-for-You Ideas
We know that getting dinner on the table every night can be difficult: You need to have time, energy and a plan, not to mention a good recipe! And if you want that dinner to be nutritious, you might find this task to be even more burdensome — but we’re here to help. We rounded up over 100 of our very best healthy dinners that are perfect for weeknights. From low-carb meals to flavor-packed pastas, we have you covered. Don't worry about spending a lot of cash, either, as cheap healthy meals exist and they can be quite delicious. This salmon dinner couldn't be simpler. Season the fish with salt and pepper, then pop it in the oven to bake to perfection in 15 minutes. An easy-to-make parsley and almond salsa goes on top.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Salmon
Sweet and Sour Couscous-Stuffed Peppers
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Couscous-Stuffed Peppers
Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli
This chicken gets incredibly crunchy, thanks to a light coating of panko and Parmesan and a quick cook in the air fryer! Serve it with charred broccoli and a tangy yogurt sauce for a healthy and complete meal you can throw together any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits
Mexican Chicken Stew
Leftover rotisserie chicken makes this delicious stew a quick-fix meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Stew
Eat-Your-Veggies Pork Scallion Meatballs
These veggie-packed meatball lettuce cups are like pork dumplings without the, well, dumpling. Perfect for kids (and adults) who aren't veggie lovers, they're full of flavor. Pozu sauce makes a bright, citrusy dip.
Get the Recipe: Eat-Your-Veggies Pork Scallion Meatballs
Lighter Shrimp Scampi
Get the Recipe: Lightened-Up Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp, Watercress and Farro Salad
This Shrimp, Watercress and Farro Salad will leave you feel totally satisfied but not overstuffed.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp, Watercress and Farro Salad
Alton's Lentil Soup
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Whole-Wheat Fettuccine with Zucchini Ribbons
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ribbon Pasta
Frozen Fish Sticks
Get the Recipe: Homemade Frozen Fish Sticks
Healthy Mediterranean Baked Haddock
Haddock is a mild-tasting, flaky white fish similar to cod. Here it is baked to perfection atop a sweet cherry tomato sauce spiked with salty capers and olives. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mediterranean Baked Haddock
Roman-Style Chicken
Get the Recipe: Roman-Style Chicken
Fettuccine with Walnuts and Parsley
Ellie Krieger's creamy fettuccine will sate your pasta cravings without blowing your diet.
Get the Recipe: Fettuccine with Walnuts and Parsley
Giada's Salmon Baked in Foil
Get the Recipe: Salmon Baked in Foil
Fettuccine with Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
Get the Recipe: Fettuccine with Creamy Red Pepper-Feta Sauce
Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parm in the instant pot leaves chicken breast cutlets juicy and tender, and there's just one pot to clean. And it doesn't require a lot of added fat to boot. Serve the chicken with whole-grain pasta, zoodles or steamed vegetables if you like.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
40 Cloves and a Chicken
Get the Recipe: 40 Cloves and a Chicken
Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
Get the Recipe: Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
These protein-packed fajitas cleverly use a foil-lined baking sheet and broiler to make a quick and healthy weeknight meal with easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Zucchini Enchiladas
Instead of tortillas, this genius recipe calls for enchilada filling to be rolled up inside thin zucchini ribbons, cutting the carb count to just 10 grams per serving.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini and Chicken “Enchiladas”
Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Pineapple-Chili Sauce
Think just because you're eating healthy doesn't mean indulgent-tasting dishes like coconut-crusted shrimp are off limits. In this ingenious rendition, you can dig right in, all the way down to the delectable sweet-and-sour dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Whole30 Coconut-Crusted Shrimp with Pineapple-Chili Sauce
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Cauliflower Gnocchi
We subbed in cauliflower for all-purpose flour to make a soft and fluffy gnocchi. Toss it in nutty brown butter-caper sauce for an indulgent gluten-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Gnocchi
Eat-Your-Veggies Italian Meatballs
Amp up spaghetti night with these clever veggie-packed meatballs. Convenient frozen collards and canned black beans are easy to sneak into the mix.
Get the Recipe: Eat-Your-Veggies Italian Meatballs
Grilled Steak With Green Beans, Tomatoes and Chimichurri Sauce
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Green Beans, Tomatoes and Chimichurri Sauce
Healthy Chipotle Beer-and-Butter Shrimp Foil Pack
Chipotle and cumin are tempered by beer, butter and lime in this simple and healthy shrimp dish that comes together in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chipotle Beer-and-Butter Shrimp Foil Pack
Honey Mustard and Red Onion Barbecued Chicken
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard and Red Onion Barbecued Chicken
Baked Tilapia with Coconut-Cilantro Sauce
Get the Recipe: Baked Tilapia With Coconut-Cilantro Sauce
Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto
You'll save both time and calories with this zesty shrimp risotto.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto
Eat-Your-Veggies Mediterranean Meatballs
These meatballs have a secret -- they're packed with spinach. Veggie-shy kids (and adults) won't even notice since they are happily tucked into a warm pita with lettuce and tomato and drizzled with tangy dill yogurt sauce.
Get the Recipe: Eat-Your-Veggies Mediterranean Meatballs
Pork Chops with Apples and Garlic-Smashed Potatoes
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops With Apples and Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Healthy BBQ Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Protein- and fiber-packed, this healthy and streamlined salmon dinner for two can be cooked all on one sheet pan. The veggies get a head start, then BBQ-rubbed salmon fillets join in and everything finishes the race at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Healthy BBQ Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Healthy Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
Get all the zesty flavors of sizzling fajitas in a healthy stuffed pepper that's easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloins
Get the Recipe: Herb-Marinated Pork Tenderloins
Shrimp Stir-Fry
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Stir-Fry
Coconut Shrimp with Tropical Rice
This simple oven-baked coconut shrimp recipe pairs perfectly with a light coconut-scented rice.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp with Cilantro Rice
Asian Turkey Burgers
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Turkey Burgers with Quick Pickles and Chili Garlic Yogurt
Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos
Start the meat in a slow cooker before you go out for the day and come home to tender, flavorful pork tacos. Or, if you don't want to wait, make this recipe in a Dutch oven in half the time.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos
Surf and Turf Paella
Get the Recipe: Surf 'n Turf Paella
Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad
Get the Recipe: Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad
Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta with Green Peas, Snap Peas and Spinach
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta with Green Peas, Snap Peas and Spinach
Oven-Fried Chicken
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken
Honey-Soy Grilled Salmon with Edamame
Get the Recipe: Honey Soy Grilled Salmon with Edamame
Orange Chicken Fingers
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken Fingers
Ribbony Shrimp and Pasta Scampi
Get the Recipe: Ribbony Shrimp and Pasta Scampi
Salmon with Baby Artichokes
Get the Recipe: Salmon With Baby Artichokes
Chicken Divan
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Divan with a Sherry Dijon Sauce
Three-Bean and Beef Chili
Get the Recipe: Three Bean and Beef Chili
Mini Skillet Meatloaves
Get the Recipe: Mini Skillet Meatloaves
Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb with Asparagus and Mint Chimichurri
Get the Recipe: Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb with Asparagus and Mint Chimichurri
Spicy Kale and Corn Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Get the Recipe: Spicy Kale and Corn Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ellie's Buffalo Chicken Salad
By making her own sauce and dressing, Ellie packs all the Buffalo kick and creaminess of blue cheese in this restaurant-favorite salad, without all the fat.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad
Linguine with Chicken Ragu
Get the Recipe: Linguine with Chicken Ragu
Shrimp Gumbo
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Gumbo
Teriyaki Hens with Bok Choy
Get the Recipe: Hoisin-Glazed Hens with Bok Choy and Grapefruit Salad
Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs
Get the Recipe: Lighter Spaghetti and Meatballs
Roasted Salmon Tacos
Tacos don't have to take your healthy diet off track! Ina's are packed with heart-healthy salmon, a crunchy cabbage-cucumber slaw and creamy avocado mash.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Salmon Tacos
My Big Fat Greek Burgers
Get the Recipe: My Big Fat Greek Burgers
Asian Chicken Noodle Soup
Not only is this soup brimming with heart-healthy vegetables, the star anise used inside the broth is filled with plenty of antioxidants so it's perfect for nights when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
Pasta with Broccoli-Walnut Pesto
Get the Recipe: Broccoli-Walnut Pesto With Pasta
Broiled Tilapia and Eggplant with Moroccan Pesto
Versatile and inexpensive tilapia gets the Moroccan treatment with couscous, eggplant and a verdant pesto.
Get the Recipe: Broiled Tilapia and Eggplant with Moroccan Pesto
Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Feta and sun-dried tomatoes add exotic flavor to Giada's healthy turkey meatloaf.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Buddha Bowl
A Buddha bowl, grain bowl or harvest bowl is a healthy trend we can get behind! Balanced with lots of colorful produce plus healthy grains and proteins, Buddha bowls are fun to create and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Grain Bowl
Garlic-Ginger Chicken Thighs
Get the Recipe: Dirty P's Garlic-Ginger Chicken Thighs
French Three-Onion Soup
Get the Recipe: French Three Onion Soup
Broiled Halibut with Ricotta-Pea Puree
Get the Recipe: Broiled Halibut with Ricotta-Pea Puree
Curried Chicken and Rice Soup
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken and Rice Soup
Hearty Italian Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Get the Recipe: Hearty Italian Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Chicken and Dumplings
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings
Roasted Salmon With Shallot Grapefruit Sauce
Get the Recipe: Roasted Salmon with Shallot Grapefruit Sauce
Vegetable Frittata
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Frittata
Chicken Fingers with Curried Ketchup
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fingers With Curried Ketchup
Spring Chicken Salad
Get the Recipe: Spring Chicken Salad
Tilapia Masala with Rice
Get the Recipe: Tilapia Masala With Rice
Pork Tenderloin with Seasoned Rub
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Seasoned Rub
Grilled Chicken with Roasted Kale
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken With Roasted Kale
Weeknight Two-Bean Chili
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Two-Bean Chili
Chicken Pot-au-Feu
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot-au-Feu
Middle Eastern-Style Chicken, Veggies and Rice
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pan Chicken, Veggies and Rice
Spicy Vegan Sloppy Joes
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vegan Sloppy Joes
Homemade Frozen Chicken Fingers
Store-bought chicken fingers are often loaded with all kinds of can't-pronounce ingredients. Stock your freezer with this homemade version instead — your kids will love them, but don't be surprised if they're a grown-up favorite too.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Frozen Chicken Fingers
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil and Salmon
Get the Recipe: Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon
Steak and Tabbouleh Salad
Get the Recipe: Steak and Bulgur Arugula Salad
Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Get the Recipe: Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Mini Meatloaves
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaves
BLT Pasta Skillet
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Skillet
Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole
The classic Hungarian dish becomes a one-dish dinner in this healthier take, which is made with skinless chicken breasts and brown rice. A dollop of reduced-fat sour cream goes on top.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Paprikash Casserole
Roasted Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Salsa
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken with Pumpkin Seed Salsa
Ricotta-Spinach Tacos
Get the Recipe: Ricotta-Spinach Tacos
Ellie's Peach Chicken
Get the Recipe: Savory Peach Chicken
Skillet Pork and Peppers
Get the Recipe: Skillet Pork and Peppers
Giada's Beef Stew
Get the Recipe: Chianti Marinated Beef Stew
Bean-Kale Burgers with Sweet Potato Wedges
Get the Recipe: Bean-Kale Burgers with Sweet Potato Wedges
Steak Frites with Herb Mustard
Get the Recipe: Steak Frites With Herb Mustard
Pork and Cabbage with Wild Rice and Spiced Apples
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage with Wild Rice and Spiced Apple
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto
Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Sauce
Get the Recipe: Marinated Flank Steak with Blue Cheese Sauce
Garden Vegetable Soup
Get the Recipe: Garden Vegetable Soup
Pork Tenderloin with Corn Panzanella Salad and Yogurt with Mango
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Corn Panzanella Salad and Yogurt with Mango
Whole-Grain, Bean and Turkey Cassoulet
Get the Recipe: Whole-Grain Bean and Turkey Cassoulet
Grilled Salmon and Pineapple with Avocado Dressing
Get the Recipe: Grilled Salmon and Pineapple with Avocado Dressing
Turkey with Ancho-Orange Sauce
Get the Recipe: Turkey With Ancho-Orange Sauce
Grilled Chipotle Pork Tacos with Red Slaw and Brown Sugar Pineapple
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chipotle Pork Tacos with Red Slaw and Brown Sugar Pineapple
Whole-Grain Greek Meatloaf
Get the Recipe: Whole-Grain Greek Meatloaf
Salmon with Lentils
Get the Recipe: Salmon with Lentils
Pork Chops with Fennel and Caper Sauce
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Fennel and Caper Sauce
Lentil Vegetable Soup
Get the Recipe: Lentil Vegetable Soup
Bobby's Vegetable Meatloaf With Balsamic Glaze
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze
Creamy Lemon-Pepper Orzo with Grilled Chicken
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon-Pepper Orzo with Grilled Chicken
Rigatoni with Chicken Thighs
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni with Chicken Thighs
Chicken with Mango Barbecue Sauce
Get the Recipe: Chicken With Mango Barbeque Sauce
Creamy Lemon-Pepper Orzo with Chicken and Fig Salad
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon-Pepper Orzo with Chicken and Fig Salad
Slow-Cooker Brisket Sandwiches
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Brisket Sandwiches
Sirloin with Teriyaki Broth
Get the Recipe: Sirloin With Teriyaki Broth
Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Caper Aïoli
These healthy salmon burgers are packed with flavor and topped with a creamy sauce. Best of all, this good-for-you meal comes together in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Caper Aïoli
Chicken Thighs with Grapefruit-Fennel Salad
You only need a handful of ingredients (like sweet-tart grapefruit and fragrant fennel) to make this quick, simple and oh-so-satisfying chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Thighs with Grapefruit-Fennel Salad
Pork Chops with Glazed Apples and Pierogi
Pork chops and apple are a classic combination. Make them a meal by adding filling cheese-and-potato pierogi.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Glazed Apples and Pierogi
Roasted Zucchini Flatbread with Hummus, Arugula and Goat Cheese
Get the Recipe: Roasted Zucchini Flatbread with Hummus, Arugula, Goat Cheese, and Almonds
Salmon Hash
Get the Recipe: Salmon Hash
Lentil and Orzo Salad with Roasted Cauliflower, Chard and Herbs
Get the Recipe: Lentil and Orzo Salad with Roasted Cauliflower, Chard and Herbs
Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops With Pineapple Salsa