11 Quick and Healthy Recipes for Dinner

Quick and healthy dinner ideas are a lifesaver when you want a filling meal but are pressed for time. These 11 quick and healthy recipes for dinner are ideal for hectic evenings whether your priorities are family, job, or just need something quick without compromising taste. You can quickly create a great dinner from light, healthy choices to comforting classics, so reducing stress in the kitchen and adding taste to your table! EatingWell healthy recipes.

1. Chicken Tortilla Soup (Crockpot) quick and healthy recipes for dinner

This soup is high in protein and fiber, with plenty of vitamins and minerals from the beans, tomatoes, and corn. It’s a hearty and nourishing meal that's also low in fat. healthy soup recipes.

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) corn

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Tortilla chips, for serving

1 avocado, sliced (for serving)

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Method:

Place chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and paprika in a crockpot.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours (set the timer and go for your work)

Shred chicken with a fork and stir into the soup.

Serve with tortilla chips, avocado slices, and cilantro for garnish.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 10 minutes prep, 4-8 hours cook time

Calories: 350 cal per serving  healthy recipes for dinner

2. Vegetarian Ramen Quick and Healthy Recipes

High in protein and fiber, rich in probiotics from miso, and packed with vitamins from vegetables. quick and healthy recipes

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable broth

2 packs ramen noodles

1 cup shiitake mushrooms

1 cup bok choy

1/2 cup tofu, pan-fried

Miso paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for flavor.

Method:

Prepare a flavorful broth with miso, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Add vegetables and pan-fried tofu to the broth, and cook noodles separately.

Serve topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 cal per serving  healthy soup recipes

3. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function, while asparagus is rich in vitamins A and K. EatingWell healthy recipes

Ingredients:

2 salmon fillets

1 bunch asparagus

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lemon, sliced

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place salmon fillets and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and top with lemon slices.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and asparagus is tender.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 420 cal per serving  healthy recipe

4. Chicken and Avocado Salad

A high-protein, low-carb meal that is rich in healthy fats, perfect for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels.

Ingredients:

2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced

1 avocado, diced

4 cups mixed greens

1/2 cucumber, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Toss mixed greens, cucumber, avocado, and grilled chicken together.

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 cal per serving  healthy foods

5. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

A light and protein-rich option with the benefits of omega-3s and antioxidants from the shrimp and cabbage.

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp taco seasoning

8 small tortillas

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Season shrimp with taco seasoning and sauté in olive oil for 3-4 minutes.

Toss cabbage with Greek yogurt and lime juice to make slaw.

Serve shrimp and slaw in tortillas.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 cal per serving  healthy food

6. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Quinoa provides a complete protein source, while bell peppers offer a healthy dose of vitamin C.

Ingredients:

4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeded

1 cup cooked quinoa

1/2 cup black beans

1/2 cup corn

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1 tsp chili powder

Method:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix quinoa, beans, corn, tomatoes, chili powder, and cheese. Stuff into bell peppers.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 280 cal per serving healthy recipes for dinner

7. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce

Low in carbs and high in fiber, spaghetti squash is a great alternative to pasta and helps in managing blood sugar. EatingWell recipes

Ingredients:

1 medium spaghetti squash

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut spaghetti squash in half, remove seeds, and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 40 minutes or until tender.

Scrape the flesh with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands.

Heat marinara sauce and pour over squash strands. Top with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 300 cal per serving  healthy vegan recipes

8. Turkey Lettuce Wraps healthy recipes for dinner

These wraps are low in carbs and calories, rich in protein, and packed with flavor without the added fat. It is a very quick healthy recipes.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped

2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated

Method:

Heat olive oil in a pan and cook onion until translucent. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.

Stir in water chestnuts, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.

Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves and serve as wraps.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 250 cal per serving

9. Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for a balanced, nutrient-dense dinner. EatingWell healthy recipes

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cucumber, sliced (for serving)

1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving)

Method:

Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.

Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

Serve with cucumber slices and tzatziki sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 cal per serving

10. Fajita Chicken Rice Bowl with Burnt Lime healthy recipe

This fajita bowl is a balanced, high-protein meal with complex carbs from the brown rice and healthy fats from guacamole. Burnt lime adds a smoky citrus flavor while boosting vitamin C content. quick and healthy recipes

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, sliced

1 tbsp fajita seasoning

1 cup cooked brown rice

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lime, halved

1/4 cup guacamole

1/4 cup salsa

Method:

Rub chicken with fajita seasoning and sauté in olive oil until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the pan.

Sauté bell pepper and onion in the same pan until soft.

In a hot pan or grill, char the lime halves until slightly blackened.

Assemble the bowl by placing brown rice at the base, adding the chicken, vegetables, guacamole, and salsa. Squeeze burnt lime on top for extra flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 cal per serving quick and healthy recipes for dinner

11. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Quinoa Salad

High in protein and fiber, this dish is a balanced source of lean meat and whole grains, supporting muscle repair and digestion.

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts

1 lemon (juice and zest)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried thyme

1 cup quinoa

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Marinate chicken in lemon juice, zest, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.

Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Cook quinoa as per package instructions, then toss with cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Serve grilled chicken over quinoa salad.

Preparation and Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 cal per serving quick and healthy recipes

Conclusion

These 11 quick and healthy recipes are perfect for busy individuals looking to maintain a balanced diet. With minimal prep time and maximum nutrition, these dishes prove that eating well doesn't have to be difficult. From plant-based options to lean proteins, there's something for everyone!

FAQs

Can these recipes be made ahead of time?

Yes! Many of these recipes, like the chicken soup and quinoa salad, can be made ahead and stored for later.

Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. These dishes are great for meal prep and can easily be portioned for the week.

How can I make these recipes gluten-free?

Most of these recipes are already gluten-free, but you can substitute ingredients like regular pasta with gluten-free versions.

What can I use as a substitute for tofu in the stir-fry?

You can use chicken, shrimp, or tempeh as a substitute for tofu.

Are these recipes kid-friendly?

Yes! Many of these dishes, such as shrimp tacos and stuffed peppers, are family-friendly and can be adjusted to suit kids' tastes.