30 Healthy Dinner Recipes

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5 from 98 votes
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These 30 healthy dinner recipes will ensure you never run out of healthy options to feed your family. From effortless weeknight dinners to make-ahead casseroles fit for a crowd, the options are limitless. 

steak salad.

I know from experience how easy it can be to get caught up in routine and find yourself making the same dinners repeatedly. It’s even harder when you’re trying to come up with healthy recipes.

So, to make sense of the countless dinner recipes I’ve created, I decided to combine them to create a complete list of the over 30 best healthy recipes for dinner. 

Table of Contents
  1. Tips for planning a healthy dinner
  2. Healthy chicken dinner recipes
  3. Healthy beef dinners
  4. Light and healthy seafood dinners
  5. Healthy vegetarian dinners
  6. Gluten-free dinner recipes
  7. Low carb healthy dinners
  8. Frequently asked questions
  9. Full list of recipes
  10. Healthy Dinner Recipes: Healthy Orange Chicken (Recipe Card)

Tips for planning a healthy dinner

meet arman

We’re all creatures of habit, so breaking out of our dinner rut and trying new things can be hard. Here are some of the tips I’ve found most helpful when trying to come up with tasty (and healthy) dinner ideas:

  • Make a plan. The last thing you want to do when you’re hungry is debate over what to have for dinner. Planning a week of recipes ahead of time makes it easy and eliminates decision fatigue. 
  • Pick a theme. Instead of making 7 unique dinner recipes every week, pick a theme and batch-cook ingredients to save time throughout the week.
  • Take advantage of freezer-friendly meals. Make double batches of freezer-friendly dinners like spaghetti squash casserole. When you’re short on time or don’t feel like running to the store, you can just unwrap it and pop it in the oven.

Healthy chicken dinner recipes

Chicken is a go-to protein in our house since it’s naturally lean and versatile. Here are some of our (and your) favorite healthy dinner recipes using chicken. 

  • Asian chicken salad– This hearty salad is filled with fresh Asian flavors and crispy chicken tenders in an almond butter dressing. 
  • Air fryer whole chicken– Effortlessly cook an entire chicken in less than an hour and with way less oil than other cooking methods. 
  • Pollo guisado– Comfort food at its finest, this Puerto Rican chicken stew is made with tender chicken thighs, hearty potatoes, and green olives in a light aromatic broth. 
  • Baked chicken tenderloins– Juicy baked chicken ready and on the table in 30 minutes. 
  • Avocado chicken salad– Chunks of chicken breast tossed in creamy avocado, corn, and bacon in a zesty lime dressing.
  • Grilled chicken wings– I’ll never say no to a plate of chicken wings, especially when they’re grilled to perfection. 
  • Sheet pan chicken and veggies– Juicy chicken breast baked in the oven with an assortment of veggies. This is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. 
  • Bacon wrapped chicken breast– Juicy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, you can never go wrong with this epic combo.
sheet pan chicken and veggies.

Healthy beef dinners

Beef can be a surprisingly healthy protein choice if you know what you’re looking for. Stick to lean ground beef or naturally lean steak cuts like sirloin steak or skirt steak.

  • No bean chili– Warm, hearty, and comforting, this bean-free chili is made with juicy ground beef and the perfect balance of seasonings. 
  • Grilled marinated flank steak– A naturally lean cut of meat, we marinate this flank steak in an addictive honey and soy sauce marinade. 
  • Healthy meatloaf– Made with a handful of wholesome ingredients, this is the perfect healthy version of hearty meatloaf. 
  • Lasagna with cottage cheese– Transform traditional lasagna into this protein-rich version with cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Each serving packs 35 grams of protein!
  • Steak salad– A hearty salad with mixed greens and sirloin steak tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. 
flank steak.

Light and healthy seafood dinners

Whenever I’m on a health kick, I always find myself making a lot of seafood dishes. Not only is it naturally lean and high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s a no-fuss ingredient that cooks quickly. 

  • Air fryer salmon (Or air fryer tilapia)- A weeknight favorite. Tender, flaky salmon cooked in just 6 minutes. Serve it with balsamic glazed brussels sprouts
  • Shrimp fajitas– Seasoned and marinated shrimp served with tender peppers and onions and piled high on tortillas with fresh toppings. 
  • Grilled haddock– Naturally buttery and flavorful, this grilled haddock comes together with just four ingredients in 10 minutes or less. 
  • Branzino– AKA European bass, branzino is a widely popular Mediterranean dish that’s surprisingly easy to cook, low-fat, and incredibly flavorful. 
  • Fried octopus– Crispy on the outside, perfectly chewy in the middle, it’s such a winning seafood dish.
  • Seared ahi tuna– Perfectly seared and ready in minutes, this is a summertime staple in my home.
  • Seafood soup– Hearty, cozy, and super filling.
  • Baked flounder– This white fish is tender and flaky and perfect for those who aren’t big fans of fish.
air fryer salmon.

Healthy vegetarian dinners

I’m a big fan of Meatless Mondays, so we always tend to have at least one or two vegan dinners per week. Each of these recipes is plant-based and full of flavor, and most are gluten-free as well. 

  • Cauliflower steaks– Swap the butter for olive oil and you’ve got hearty, tender cauliflower steaks with plenty of serving options. 
  • BBQ tofu– 2 simple ingredients are all that’s needed to make this versatile tofu recipe. Multiple cooking options are included. 
  • Channa masala– Craving curry flavors? It doesn’t get better than this aromatic one-pot Indian-inspired dish. 
  • Tuscan white bean soup– Turn a can of white beans into a super flavorful soup with just one pot and 30 minutes.
Tuscan white bean soup.

Gluten-free dinner recipes

Being gluten-free can be tricky, but if you focus on all the things you can eat, you’ll realize the options are endless. 

  • Venison roast– A warm, hearty roast made with naturally lean venison and tender veggies. 
  • Buttercup squash soup– Roasted buttercup squash blends into a creamy, savory, caramelized soup. 
  • Ground turkey soup– Who knew ground turkey could taste this good? All you need is ground turkey, bacon, veggies, and coconut milk to make it extra creamy. 
  • Cauliflower pizza– The healthy version of everyone’s favorite takeout, made with a chewy cauliflower crust and your favorite pizza toppings. 
roasted venison with root vegetables.

Low carb healthy dinners

Going low-carb doesn’t have to be boring. These dinner recipes keep things interesting and help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. 

  • Eggplant lasagna– Swap the pasta for tender eggplant slices, and you’ve got a low-carb, high-protein dinner in 45 minutes.
  • Zucchini boats– As much as I love using leftover zucchini to make healthy zucchini bread, I have to admit these zucchini boats are a great low-carb dinner idea.  
  • Sous vide pork chops– Fried pork chops are great, but they’re not very healthy. This recipe makes for equally juicy and succulent pork chops with less oil. No sous vide required. 
  • Lamb kabobs– Savory marinated lamb grilled until slightly charred on the outside yet juicy on the inside, along with an assortment of rainbow peppers and onions. 
lamb kabobs.

Frequently asked questions

What should I eat for dinner to lose weight?

A calorie-controlled dinner (ideally under 400 calories) that is high in protein and fiber is a fantastic dinner option for those following a weight-loss diet. All the recipes in this post have less than 400 calories per serving and are well-balanced.

What should two people eat?

These healthy dinner recipes make four servings. This is great for two people, as there are two extra portions to enjoy later this week. Alternatively, you can halve all the recipes.

Full list of recipes

To make things super easy for you, I’ve included picture cards for all the recipes, including their cook time and key features. Click on any of them to go directly to that recipe.

Healthy chicken dinners

Asian chicken salad recipe.
Main Course
Asian Chicken Salad
My family adores this Asian chicken salad. It features breaded chicken over a crisp and fresh salad tossed with the most incredible Asian dressing. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 4 votes
air fryer whole chicken recipe.
Main Course
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
My air fryer whole chicken is crispy, juicy, and delicious. It’s a fast and easy way to cook an entire chook! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.
50 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 36 votes
pollo guisado recipe.
Main Course
Pollo Guisado
My authentic Puerto Rican pollo guisado recipe transforms your basic chicken stew into something incredible! It's hearty and packed with flavor, and the chicken falls off the bone! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 5 votes
baked chicken tenderloins recipe.
Main Course
Baked Chicken Tenderloins
These juicy baked chicken tenderloins are fabulous for easy weeknight dinners. They are perfectly seasoned, easy to make, healthy, and always a hit! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
25 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 219 votes
avocado chicken salad recipe.
Main Course
Avocado Chicken Salad
This flavorful avocado chicken salad recipe combines grilled chicken, avocado, corn, and bacon in one zesty main or side dish. I love how creamy it is without mayonnaise! Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
Check out this recipe
5 from 32 votes
grilled chicken wings recipe.
Main Course
Grilled Chicken Wings
My recipe for grilled chicken wings is truly crispy on the outside with juicy meat in the middle. They cook up in less than 25 minutes. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 5 votes
sheet pan chicken and veggies recipe.
Main Course
Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies
This sheet pan chicken and veggies recipe yields juicy and tender chicken and perfectly roasted vegetables in under 30 minutes. It's my family's favorite weeknight dinner. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes
bacon wrapped chicken recipe.
Main Course
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast
This recipe features perfectly cooked bacon wrapped chicken breast with a caramelized crispy top and a juicy, tender center. Simply elegant, this cooks in less than 30 minutes.
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes

Healthy Beef Dinners

no bean chili recipe.
Main Course
Easy No Bean Chili
My no bean chili recipe is a wonderfully beefy and hearty family meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Bonus: the leftovers taste even better the next day! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
25 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 23 votes
flank steak recipe.
Main Course
Flank Steak Recipe
Say hello to marinated and grilled flank steak! This budget-friendly piece of meat is perfect on its own or used in a plethora of dishes.
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 2 votes
healthy meatloaf recipe.
Main Course
BEST Healthy Meatloaf
Made with a handful of wholesome ingredients, this healthy meatloaf recipe is lighter than the classic, yet still juicy and tender. It’s always a hit for easy family dinners!
45 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 64 votes
lasagna recipe with cottage cheese.
Main Course
Lasagna With Cottage Cheese
This lasagna with cottage cheese is a lighter twist on the classic without sacrificing any flavor! It's hearty, creamy, protein-packed, and cheesy. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 94 votes
steak salad recipe.
Main Course
Steak Salad Recipe
This steak salad recipe comes together in under 15 minutes. The steak is juicy and tender and the salad is packed with flavor. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 4 votes

Healthy seafood dinners

air fryer salmon recipe.
Main Course
6-Minute Air Fryer Salmon
Air fryer salmon is the BEST way to cook salmon that turns out tender and flaky every single time!. It's ready in just 6 minutes. Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
6 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 226 votes
air fryer tilapia recipe.
Main Course
Air Fryer Tilapia
My air fryer tilapia is a quick, easy, and delicious dinner idea that comes together in less than 10 minutes! Healthy, tender, and flavorful. Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
7 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 1098 votes
shrimp fajitas recipe.
Main Course
Shrimp Fajitas
These shrimp fajitas are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and cook up in 10 minutes. It tastes even better than any Mexican restaurant! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 5 votes
grilled haddock recipe.
Main Course
Grilled Haddock
My quick grilled haddock recipe is lightly seasoned but yields the most buttery, tender, and flaky fish ever. Ready in under 10 minutes. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
6 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 13 votes
branzino recipe.
Main Course
Perfect Roasted Branzino
Simple and elegant, this roasted branzino recipe is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to cook this delicate fish to perfection.
29 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 33 votes
fried octopus recipe.
Main Course
Fried Octopus
Chewy on the inside and with a crispy breading on the outside, my fried octopus recipe is too good to pass up! It's the perfect appetizer or light entree. Watch how I make this in my kitchen in the video below!
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote
ahi tuna recipe.
Main Course
6-Minute Seared Ahi Tuna
Turn to these seared ahi tuna steaks when you want to bring the fine dining experience into your own kitchen. It’s an incredibly impressive, yet easy recipe that’s ready in just 6 minutes! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.
3 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 6 votes
seafood soup recipe.
Main Course
Seafood Soup Recipe
My seafood soup is a quick and comforting one-pot recipe! Every spoonful features a medley of seafood in a creamy and flavorful tomato base. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
25 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 18 votes
baked flounder recipe.
Main Course
Baked Flounder
My baked flounder recipe is topped with a gorgeous garlic butter sauce and yields the most tender and flaky fish ever. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
12 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 1 vote

Vegetarian Dinners

cauliflower steak recipe.
Main Course
Cauliflower Steak Recipe
These roasted cauliflower steaks are crispy and tender and dressed with a luscious, smoky butter. I love how satisfying and healthy they are. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 128 votes
bbq tofu recipe.
Main Course
BBQ Tofu
My family adores this 2 ingredient BBQ tofu. It yields crispy and fluffy tofu every single time. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
6 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 4 votes
chana masala recipe.
Main Course
Chana Masala
My one-pot chana masala recipe combines tender chickpeas in an aromatic and curry-spiced tomato sauce. It’s a 30-minute vegetarian dish that’s protein-packed! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
20 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 9 votes
tuscan white bean soup recipe.
Main Course
Tuscan White Bean Soup
My Tuscan white bean soup is loaded with tender beans and veggies in a rich and creamy broth. It's made in one pot and cook up in under 30 minutes! Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
25 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 1102 votes

Gluten Free Dinners

roasted venison recipe.
Main Course
Venison Roast
Learn how to cook a juicy, hearty venison roast with tender pan-roasted veggies. It’s easy, flavorful, and comes with a tried-and-true oven and slow cooker option! Watch the video below to see how I make this in my kitchen.
6 hours
Check out this recipe
5 from 12 votes
buttercup squash soup recipe.
Main Course
Buttercup Squash Soup
Learn how to make creamy, hearty buttercup squash soup. It’s easy to make, healthy, and full of flavor!
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 14 votes
ground turkey soup recipe.
Main Course
Ground Turkey Soup
My ground turkey soup packs in veggies, spices, and aromatics and yields a healthy and healthy soup that warms you right up. It's so easy to make and keeps you full and satisfied. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
30 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 130 votes
cauliflower crust pizza recipe.
Main Course
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
My cauliflower crust pizza is a guilt-free and healthy way to enjoy pizza in under 15 minutes. The crust is perfectly chewy and holds its shape perfectly. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 78 votes

Low Carb Dinner Recipes

eggplant lasagna recipe.
Main Course
Eggplant Lasagna
My recipe for eggplant lasagna combines tender eggplant slices with a rich meat sauce and layers of melty cheese. Naturally low in carbs and gluten-free. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
40 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 95 votes
zucchini boats recipe.
Main Course
Zucchini Boats
These cheesy stuffed zucchini boats make a quick, easy, and healthy dinner. I love how versatile they are. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
15 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 89 votes
sous vide pork chops recipe.
Main Course
Sous Vide Pork Chops Recipe
Cooked to perfection, this sous vide pork chops recipe features tender and juicy meat with the most beautiful charred crust. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
59 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 4 votes
lamb skewers recipe.
Main Course
Lamb Kabobs
Learn how to make restaurant-style lamb kabobs at home using this simple recipe. Made with a smashing marinade, lamb pieces have a beautiful char on the outside, are juicy on the inside, and overall, utterly delicious! 
10 minutes
Check out this recipe
5 from 12 votes
Healthy Dinner Ideas

Healthy Dinner Recipes: Healthy Orange Chicken

5 from 98 votes
This healthy orange chicken makes the best healthy dinner that takes minutes. It's packed with protein, low in fat, and tastes like takeout.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 4 small chicken breast fillets skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 small onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Add the oil into a non-stick pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, garlic, and ginger and cook for a minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink.
  • Remove the chicken from the pan. Add the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar and cornstarch. Let everything simmer for several minutes, before adding the chicken back in. Cook for a further two minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and serve the chicken over brown rice or noodles.

Notes

TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to one week.
TO FREEZE: Place the cooled dish in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
TO REHEAT: Microwave in 30-second spurts until warm or in a non-stick pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 25gFat: 7gSodium: 674mgPotassium: 514mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 8g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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