Are you looking for some easy, healthy dinner recipes?
Sick of your standard weeknight meals?
Do you feel like there’s not enough time in the day to cook?
Look no further!
The legwork has been done for you! This is a comprehensive list of tried and tested delicious, easy, healthy dinner recipes that you can make in under 30 minutes.
Be sure to bookmark or pin this page so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick healthy dinner idea.
19 Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes- Under 30 Minutes to Prepare and Cook
You will not only find some really quick and healthy meals.
But every easy healthy dinner recipe has the time it takes, how many calories per serving and the ingredients.
This means if you need a meal right now you can find a recipe with the ingredients you have in the house and whip up a meal within the next 30 minutes.
1) Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
These Mexican inspired quesadillas are unbelievably easy to make and take just 15 minutes! You need just 7 ingredients for this recipe which is always a bonus. They are full of goodness and make a very tasty lunch or quick dinner. They are meat-free, which is my preference, but you can add anything you want to these quesadillas to suit your taste.
How long will it take? 15 minutes
How many calories? 330 Cals per serving
What will you need?
- Black beans,
- Sweetcorn,
- Salsa,
- Seasoning,
- Cilantro,
- Cheese,
- Wraps.
Click here for the recipe Dashing Dish
2) BBQ Lentil Burgers with Ranch Dressing
A healthy, veggie alternative to beef burgers. Perfect for weekend barbecues and weeknight dinners alike. These burgers combine delicious seasoning and spices with filling lentils for a flavoursome dish for all the family.
Time: 20 mins (prep) 30 mins (cook)
Calories: 367
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Dried parsley
- Brown rice
- BBQ sauce
- Egg
- Whole grain panko or GF breadcrumbs
- Whole wheat buns
- Ranch dip
- lettuce tomato, (optional toppings)
Find the full recipe on Shaw’s Simple Swaps
3) Skinny Thai Green Chicken Curry
Craving your favourite Thai takeaway? Give this a go instead. Flavoursome, quick, easy and satisfying. This skinny Thai curry is just 500 calories per serving including rice. A fantastic alternative to your go-to takeaway and very easy. You can always substitute the chicken for tofu or vegetables of your choice if you want to go veggie.
How long will it take? 20 minutes
How many calories? 500 Cals (with rice) 220 (without rice)
What will you need?
- Chicken breasts,
- Broccoli,
- Vegetable stock,
- Coconut milk,
- Skinny Thai curry paste,
- Mangetout,
- Cornflour cornstarch,
- Cilantro,
- Lime wedges,
- Boiled rice,
- Coriander.
Click here for the full recipe Kitchen Sanctuary
4) Salmon Tacos
Packed full of veggies and bursting with flavour. These tacos can be made in a record time of 23 minutes! The salmon provides protein and omega 3 and goes perfectly with the spices and seasoning in this dish. You won’t be disappointed!
Time: 23 mins = 10 mins (prep) + 13 mins (cook)
Calories: 260
Ingredients:
- Salmon
- Avocado oil
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- 4 – 6 tortillas
- Corn
- Avocado
- Purple cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Sweet onion
- Garlic cloves
- Jalapeno
- Lime
- Salt & pepper
- Cumin
- Cilantro
Find the full recipe on The Toasted Pine Nut
5) Spicy Eggplant and Minced Pork
Who knew there were so many creative ways to use eggplant?! Eggplant is packed full of vitamins, aids digestive health and tastes amazing! Especially when paired with minced pork for this quick and healthy dinner recipe.
Time: 25 mins
Calories: 485
Ingredients:
- Eggplant
- Crushed pork rinds
- Olive oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Beef stock
- Tamari
- Cooking wine *
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Garlic, minced
- Ground pork
- Xanthan gum
- Scallions, to garnish
- Sesame Seeds, to garnish
Find the full recipe on Ruled.me
6) 5-Ingredient Chili
This Chilli is our go-to weeknight dinner when we are in a rush and want something quick and filling. Again this can be made ahead of time and frozen or separated into batches for lunch. The beans provide a huge dose of fibre and the ground turkey is a great low-fat source of protein.
Time: 25 min
Calories: 249
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey
- White onion
- Cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles
- Cans of beans, (black beans, kidney beans, a combo, or whatever you like)
- Chilli powder
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, cilantro, etc.
Find the full recipe on Gimme Some Oven.
7) Pea and Ricotta Pappardelle
You really can’t go wrong with pasta! This recipe is simple, quick, healthy and under 500 calories per serving! YUM! The flavours in this pasta dish are to die for. It’s hard to believe it is so easy.
How long will it take? 20 mins
How many calories? 430 Cals
What will you need?
- Pappardelle Pasta,
- Frozen Peas,
- Lemon zest,
- Ricotta Cheese,
- Salt and Pepper,
- Chives.
Click here for the full recipe Women’s Health
8) One-Pot Pasta
Want to eat healthily but don’t want the washing up? Look no further than this one-pot pasta dish. Easy ingredients, easy method and delicious! This is extremely quick to make and who doesn’t love pasta?!
Time: 20 mins
Calories: 464
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Andouille sausage
- Large onion
- Grape tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan
Find the full recipe on Damn Delicious.
9) 3-Ingredient Salmon
Literally. Three. Ingredients. Possibly the easiest recipe I have ever come across. It’s tasty, packed full of protein and healthy goodness, and quick. Nothing more to say, give it a go!
Time: 20 mins
Calories: 236
Ingredients:
- Salmon
- Lemon
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Find the full recipe on The Healthy Maven
10) Harissa and Citrus Baked Salmon
This is one of the best easy healthy dinner recipes out there! Salmon is ALWAYS a good idea, packed full of protein and Omega 3. It is so good for you and so versatile. This recipe combines the punchy flavour of Harissa with fresh citrus to create a tasty dinner for all the family. Not to mention, it’s pretty easy too!
Time: 20 mins
Calories: 307
Ingredients:
- Salmon filet
- Harissa
- Orange
- Lemon
- Green onions (optional)
- Salt & Pepper
Find the full recipe on Sweet Phi.
11) Easy Pork Chops with Sweet and Sour Glaze
Eating healthy and delicious food doesn’t have to be hard. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple it really is. The glaze on these chops is to die for. You will love it!
Time: 20 mins
Calories: 362
Ingredients:
- Pork chops
- Salt and pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Dried oregano
- Garlic
- Dried basil
- Dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Find the full recipe on Damn Delicious
12) Spicy Asian Zucchini Noodles
This recipe is life-changing! So quick, so easy and so healthy. It will satisfy your noodle cravings without the starchy carbs and keep you on track with healthy eating.
Time: 15 mins
Calories: 260
Ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Red cabbage
- Sugar snap peas
- Green onions
- Cilantro leaves
- Almond butter
- Avocado oil (or olive oil) Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne, to taste
- Coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- Lime
Find the full recipe on The Real Food Dietitians
13) Blackened Salmon
Salmon again?! It is just so versatile! This pan-fried salmon uses a dry spice rub to give it that ‘blackened’ look. Add any sides you want to bulk it up, broccoli and green beans are a favourite of ours!
Time: 15 mins
Calories: 238
Ingredients:
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Dark brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- Chilli powder
- Salmon fillet
- Olive oil
- Lime
- Parsley
Find the full recipe on Jessica Gavin
14) Gnocchi Skillet with Chicken Sausage & Tomatoes
This Italian inspired dish is super tasty. Perfect for summer evenings. The fresh taste of the tomatoes and basil make this dish a real winner. Again super simple and delish!
Time: 10-15 mins
Calories: 235
Ingredients:
- Gnocchi
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken sausage
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
Find the full recipe on The Kitchn.
15) Maple-Soy Glazed Salmon
This glaze is so tasty. Maple and soy complement the salmon perfectly and it is so easy and quick to make. Cook up some brown rice and green beans to accompany your salmon and you have a delicious dinner.
Time: 15 mins
Calories: 227
Ingredients:
- Skinless salmon fillets
- Maple syrup
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ground black pepper
- Green onions (optional)
Find the full recipe on Cooking Classy.
16) 12-Minute Peanut Noodles
This is one of the tastiest meals you can make in less than 15 minutes. Another one of the best easy healthy dinner recipes for a mid-week treat. If you love a stir fry dish then this recipe is perfect for you! So fresh and so easy to make, you can thank me later…
Time: 12 mins
Calories: 380
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat pasta
- Sugar snap peas
- Red bell pepper
- Mushrooms
- Cilantro
- Rice vinegar
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
Find the full recipe on One Ingredient Chef.
17) 5-Ingredient Easy White Chicken Chili
Using just 5 ingredients, this chicken chilli is packed full of flavours. Perfect as the nights draw in and the weather gets cooler. The beans and chicken provide all the protein you need and you can spice it up a bit by adding salsa and optional toppings.
Time: 15 mins
Calories: 460
Ingredients
- Chicken stock
- Chicken
- Great Northern beans
- Salsa verde
- Cumin
- optional toppings: avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, crumbled tortilla chips
Find the full recipe on Gimme Some Oven
18) Spicy Tuna Rolls
With a prep time of 5 minutes, there are no excuses for not giving this recipe a go! These tuna rolls are low fat, high in protein and super easy. They make a great lunch, appetizer, dinner or canape and despite how easy they are, they look super professional!
Time: 5mins
Calories: 20 per roll
Ingredients:
- Cucumber
- 1 can of tuna
- Garlic powder
- Salt & Pepper
- Avocado
- Mayo
- Sriracha
Find the full recipe on Hey Keto Mama
19) Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These delicious stuffed potatoes are so easy to make and ridiculously tasty. A great mid-week recipe. Fast, healthy, delicious and only 227 calories per serving. What have you got to lose? Give them a try…
How long will it take? 20 mins
How many calories? 227 Cals
What will you need?
- Sweet Potatoes,
- Olive Oil,
- Cumin,
- Salt and Pepper,
- Ground Turkey,
- Garlic,
- Chili Powder,
- Oregano,
- Paprika,
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes,
- Cheese,
- Parsley
Click here for the full recipe Cookin Canuck
Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes Summary
There you have it… 17 easy healthy dinner recipes!
That’s 17 nights of delicious dinners ready to go.
Give them a try and let us know what your favourites are…
Drop a comment below!
P.S. Be sure to bookmark or pin this page so you can come back to it whenever you need any easy healthy dinner recipes!
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unbelievably easy and fast is exactly what I like got recipes. I also love that they are so healthy and suitable for the weekend when you an spare the extra 15 minutes to cook up something healthy and nutritious. Avoiding the fast good and our health bodies will be happy for it. Thanks to these great recipe ideas. Nice work you did here.
Thanks for that Jake! I hope you enjoy the recipes
Wow! this is actually worth reading and this can really help substitute for taking smoothies every night. I like the fact that you have shared so many alternatives that I feel like I might actually need to restructure my diet table. However, this is good and the first that I will try out is the Skinny Thai Green Chicken Curry. I like taking curry a lot so this seems like an alternative too.
That’s one of our favourites too! Glad you enjoyed it, hope you enjoy your curry!
Hi Sarah
Those are 19 good looking dishes that anybody who is not a vegan and vegetarian would like to prepare and eat. I enjoy cooking and am keen to extend my range of dishes. Any meals that are healthy and easy to produce is such a godsend, as often I do not have time to produce a full meal that takes hours. I like how you list all the ingredients as this makes shopping much more easier, as long as they are widely available in the supermarket. Calories are only part of the picture but it would be good to know how much fat, carbohydrates and proteins each meal contains. Is this information available?
Thanks
Antonio
Hey Antonio, so glad you enjoyed these easy healthy dinner recipes.
You are so right about calories only being half the picture, the majority of recipes that you see above you can find out the macro breakdown inside the full recipe link. However, if you’re looking for more information on this you can check out some of our keto articles. There’s a whole range of recipes with the macro breakdown so you can see exactly what you are putting in your body.
I hope that helps
Some of the meals on this list are very easy to come across especially their ingredients but who would have though that most of them literally are these healthy and also takes that much less time to be well prepared and ready to be served. Wow! saying I’m impressed is an understatement. This post has been bookmarked already so I can always reference it when trying new meals out.
Glad to hear you like it, Shelley, that means a lot! We have a whole list of bookmarked recipes so we can find them another time (Pinterest is great for that too!)
Nothing worse than finding a great dinner recipe then not being able to find it again!!
For real, most of these meals are literally fast to prepare and also easy to prepare with less ingredients and unimaginably, they all carry very healthy amounts of calories. I love cooking a lot an surely I have used a lot o the ingredients for almost all the meals but I just do not have all of these combinations on my menu. I just elaborated well today and I will look forward to trying out as many as possible soon. Thanks
Hey Bella, glad you enjoyed them! We always try to do our best to find the simplest and tastiest dinner recipes out there!
One of the really frustrating things we have found is when you find an amazing recipe and then click on to read more… only to find out you haven’t got all the ingredients for tonight. Hopefully, this will help people not waste time like this and prepare for their next grocery shop!