45+ Healthy Dinner Ideas made from scratch including healthy dinner for kids, for weight loss, and affordable recipes for your budget.
Feeding your family healthy dinner is so important. Generally chicken and seafood are healthier meat choices or choose vegetarian recipes (especially those with lots of vegetables) to pack in the nutrients.
Healthy Dinner Ideas
I love the start of a New Year. I especially love the chance to reset my priorities and make resolutions for a better and more balanced year. Many people have weight loss goals and goals to feed their family Healthy Dinners. Having the right recipes in your healthy dinner arsenal is key to cooking healthy for your family, If you have a goal to cook healthier dinner for yourself and your family, this post is especially for you!
The Best Healthy Dinner Ideas on the List:
- Asian Style-Lettuce Wraps
- Taco Soup
- The Best Black Bean Burger
- One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Vegetables
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Spinach Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad with Teriyaki Vinaigrette
- Asian Chicken Stir Fry
- Skinny Chicken Divan
What should I eat for a healthy dinner?
A healthy dinner always focuses on vegetables. Vegetables are such a nutrient dense food that give you a huge bang for your buck in terms of the high amounts of vitamins and minerals and fiber they provide with a low calories count. As a general rule of thumb, a healthy dinner means half the plate is vegetables.
What should I eat for dinner to lose weight?
Nutrition and exercise are the keys for weight loss, however nutrition matters most! Some studies suggest the key to healthy weight loss is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. So eating a healthy dinner is essential to your weight loss success.
This list includes many healthy meals that can support you in your weight loss goals. But remember, at the end of the day, it’s calories in vs. calories out; so watch your portion size!
Autumn Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
This hearty soup is loaded with delicious fall flavors, vegetables and packed with protein from the garbanzo beans. The fennel and cumin are stand-outs in making the flavor of this soup amazing, and you will love how hearty and healthy it is!
“Loved this!! Just made it for the first time for the family – my two year old chowed down!! I added a little garlic – as we love garlic 🙂 It was a hit!!! Thanks for sharing!!”
Apple Pecan Salad
This is a healthy copycat of Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad. It’s made with bacon, chicken (optional), and light balsamic dressing. Check the post for tips on how to make your salad even healthier and stay fresh longer!
“Simple and great mix of flavors!”
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos recipe makes delicious chicken that can be used in tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, and more. I’ve also included instructions for making these chicken tacos in the instant pot. This is a healthy and easy recipe that is perfect for busy families who love their crockpot or instant pot.
“This is my go-to chicken taco recipe! I’ve been making it this way for months and everybody LOVES it. I feel like the Italian dressing is key because it just gives the chicken a tangy, wonderful flavor! “
Baked Salmon
All my best seasonings options and tips for buying and preparing salmon at home! Salmon is loaded with protein and all the good Omegas and it tastes amazing. This is perfect for a nice weekend family dinner paired with a salad.
“Great step-by-step tutorial!”
The Best Black Bean Burger
The BEST Black Bean Burger is much healthier than a beef hamburger and tastes great too! This is a healthy recipe that even my kids devour! Dozens of people have given this healthy dinner recipes 5 STARS!
“These were awesome!! The sauce is what really puts this recipe over the top. I made no changes and this will remain in my dinner rotation!”
Taco Soup
This easy and healthy Taco Soup recipe is one of my favorite dinner solutions when I want something healthy, quick, and tasty. And it’s a slow cooker or stovetop recipe that my family will LOVE!
“These were awesome!! The sauce is what really puts this recipe over the top. I made no changes and this will remain in my dinner rotation!”
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
If you love chicken salad and avocados you will go crazy for these AVOCADO CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS! They make a healthy and delicious dinner that I can’t get enough of.
“It sounded so simple that I was a little nervous to try it, but I have yet to have a bad recipe on your blog and this one is just as amazing! It is SO quick to put together and was the perfect picnic entree. My family loved how fresh and yummy this was! It will definitely be a summer stable.”
Chicken Shawarma Bowls
This Healthy Dinner Idea includes grains, veggies, protein, and a healthy sauce. Most of the elements of these Chicken Shawarma bowls can be prepared ahead of time, including marinating the chicken shawarma, chopping the vegetables and making the sauce, so that dinner is a breeze!
“I love your bowl recipes and this was no exception! They are always so well balanced and flavorful! I especially loved the flavor of the chicken shawarma and tzatziki sauce. Please keep them coming 🙂”
Southwest Quinoa Salad
This Southwest Quinoa Salad is packed with nutrients and not shy about flavor! Quinoa is protein-rich and has lots of fiber and iron. It’s also gluten-free which makes it a great choice for people with gluten intolerance or simply looking for a gluten-free quinoa recipe!
“I made this the other night with a few modifications. I didn’t have enough quinoa on hand so I used couscous and we added grilled chicken. It was delicious!”
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are another healthy dinner idea! A simple one pan dinner that includes seasoned chicken and vegetables roasted all on one pan and served in warm flour tortillas with your favorite toppings.
“These are amazing! My whole family loves them! Said they were the best fajitas they ever tasted! Thank you!”
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Healthy food has never tasted so AMAZING! These Thai chicken lettuce wraps are bursting with bold flavor and fresh ingredients. They can be enjoyed as a main dish or served as an appetizer.
“10 stars! Absolutely delicious, so much flavor! Loved everything about it, didn’t add yellow onion, only green! HEB had these great lettuce scoops, really sturdy and perfect for this recipe! Amazing!”
Grilled Fish Tacos
You just can’t go wrong with fresh, flavorful, and healthy Grilled Fish Tacos. These fish tacos are loaded with all the best toppings, including cabbage, pico de gallo and a simple homemade white sauce, or “crema”, and they can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
“First time making fish tacos and these are amazing! This recipe is a keeper for sure.”
BBQ Chicken Tacos
BBQ Chicken Tacos are one of my go-to healthy dinner ideas. Marinated bbq chicken is served in a warm tortilla topped with black beans, corn, onion, cilantro, avocado and a creamy cilantro lime sauce.
“Really a great and delicious recipe. Thanks for those instructions, my family just loved it I had already tried this with another way but because of your recipe its become delicious.”
Asian Style Lettuce Wraps
Healthy Asian-style Lettuce Wraps made ground chicken (or turkey), fresh chopped vegetables and a delicious stir-fry sauce, served in a cold and crisp lettuce leaf. I love this healthy dinner idea because even though lettuce takes the place of carbs, it still tastes amazing.
“These are a huge hit at our house. What’s not to love? They’re fast and easy to made, delicious, and everyone loves them.”
Cedar Plank Salmon
Cedar Plank Salmon with brown sugar and dijon glaze that you can cook on the grill or in the oven. This healthy dinner recipe is loaded with good omega 3’s and protein!
“This is Uh-Mazing! I had never heard of using a cedar plank to cook salmon before coming across this recipe. We were planning on making salmon over the weekend anyway so we got the cedar planks and decided to give it a try. It was delicious!! The planks added such a great flavor and we loved the mustard sauce. This just upped our salmon game, thank you!”
Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps that are better-than-take-out and made from scratch in less than 30 minutes! Grilled chicken smothered in the tastiest general-tso’s inspired sauce with crunchy cashews, spooned into a crisp green lettuce cup.
“I was stunned at how gorgeous these turned out!!! I made them on steamed pak choi and they were delicious!”
Skinny Chicken Divan
This delicious Chicken Divan casserole is made with rice, broccoli, chicken and a creamy curry sauce. It’s a healthier version of the traditional chicken divan casserole, and your family will LOVE it!
“This is one of our family’s favorite recipes (not the skinny version) – in fact, I was just talking to my mom about it and she’s making it for family dinner on Sunday. I’m gonna have to pass this version of it on to her! Thanks lady!”
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
The BEST chicken noodle soup you’ll ever make starts with a simple homemade chicken broth, and the option of making your own egg noodles!
“I made this yesterday and it was sooooo good! ”
Thai Quinoa Salad
Quinoa tossed with a medley of fresh, crunchy veggies and drizzled with a delicious peanut sauce. This healthy recipe packs in the whole grains and fiber!
“I made this for a family gathering this weekend (trying to bring something healthy to the table). It was the second time I made it and I really enjoy it.”
Chili Lime Chicken Wraps with Mando Avocado Salsa
Grilled and blackened Chili Lime Chicken topped with a fresh mango avocado salsa and served in a cheesy tortilla. A healthy dinner that your kids will love.
“I made these and we are obsessed now! Our new favorite meal–we’ve made them 4 times in the past 2 weeks!”
Quinoa Veggie Burger
These super filling, protein-packed quinoa veggie burgers are for EVERYBODY! This is a healthy dinner idea that my entire family loves! Made with quinoa and brown rice, and easily adaptable to mix in your favorite veggies.
“We LOVED these!! They held together so well and the texture was phenomenal. Absolutely delicious!! I doubled the batch and now we have a bunch in the freezer for easy lunches!!”
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Fajita Soup
This “dump it and forget it” Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Fajita Soup is loaded with crazy delicious flavor and one of the easiest healthy dinner ideas on the list.
“This was fabulous! My entire family, even my “pickier-eater” son, loved it. I am looking forward to trying more of your recipes.”
Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta
Better than takeout Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta – The perfect easy and healthy dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor and uses simple pantry ingredients with sautéed veggies, chicken and a creamy Thai peanut sauce.
“This is going to go on our regular monthly rotation! Healthy and delicious!”
One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Vegetables
This easy and delicious One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Vegetables includes tender breaded chicken tenders and fresh seasonal vegetables all roasted on just one pan. An easy and healthy dinner recipe your entire family will love!
“This is one of our favorite recipes, we make it all the time! It is simple, healthy, and delicious!”
Korean Bulgogi Bowl
Korean Bulgogi Bowls are marinated pork served over kimchi fried rice with leafy greens and a fried egg on top. This healthy recipe is packed with flavor and absolutely delicious!
“My husband and I love a Korean restaurant near by and we love their bulgogi. This is my first time attempting to make a Korean dish myself – I was a little nervous. The recipe was so easy to follow and delicious! Thanks!”
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
These Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps make the perfect light lunch or dinner. They are great for serving at parties too!
“Chicken, tuna, egg, chickpea, etc. salads are SO good in lettuce wraps! I also really love them in red cabbage “wraps!””
One Pan Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice
One Pan Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice is a simple 30-minute meal the whole family will love! Plus, it’s made in one pan, making clean-up a cinch! To make it even healthier, serve it with a side of your favorite roasted vegetables!
“This is one of my favorite go-to meals, the lemon basil rice is so yummy that I usually double that part of the recipe!”
One-Pan Skinny Chicken Alfredo
One-Pan Skinny Chicken Alfredo Pasta has all of the yummy flavors of traditional Alfredo, without all the calories! Plus, it’s made in ONE PAN–super easy, and even easier clean-up.
“This dish is one of my all time favorites. I love it. Thanks for sharing the recipe!!”
Easy Homemade Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice is full of fresh and bold flavor. This is my favorite type of fried rice that takes just 5 minutes to make! For a healthier version, use brown rice!
“OMG these were sooo good! I love kimchi and wanted to try this recipe. I’m so glad I did! Thanks for sharing!”
Ham Fried Rice
Better than take-out Ham Fried Rice Recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to make! For a healthier version, use brown rice!
“Just the best recipe ever, as is! This is now a #1 favorite for me.”
Fresh Spring Rolls
These Fresh Spring Rolls are even better than you’d find at a restaurant, and they’re incredibly easy and healthy! Served with a delicious homemade peanut sauce, these rolls are perfect for a fresh and light lunch, dinner or appetizer.
“Thank you for this fabulous recipe and especially the directions! If I’d known how easy they are to make, I would have made them a long time ago! They’re so expensive in the grocery store but they’re easy, even more fresh and delicious made at home and way less expensive. I am so happy to discover this. Thank you!!”
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Easy and delicious healthy Roasted Tomato Soup, just like my favorite soup from Panera!
“We had this soup for lunch today. I have other recipes for this soup but the fact that you mentioned Panera intrigued me. We, too, like their soups, & we were not disappointed by your version. I must admit I added another two tablespoons of butter at the end. Hope you don’t mind. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you.”
Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili
Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili has easily becomes a new favorite chili recipe! It’s bursting with bold, spicy flavor, and only takes 30-minutes to make!
“This is a favorite at our house. I have made it a few times but thought I would comment. Thanks!”
Spinach Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad with Teriyaki Vinaigrette
Serve this spinach chicken bowtie pasta salad as a main dish or a delicious side! It’s a healthy dinner recipe that is a definite crowd-pleaser.
“Super delicious and healthy. My husband had 3 helpings and still wanted more! And he hates pasta! 😀”
Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Loin
Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Pork Loin served with cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes. This slow cooker pork is the BEST easy dinner.
“Kids love love love it! They want it for their birthday. And the Pork! So flavorful. Thanks!”
Asian Chicken Stir Fry
Skinny Asian Chicken Stir-Fry with Honey Roasted Cashews is an easy, healthy, flavorful meal packed with protein and veggies and served over brown rice.
Coconut Curry Chicken and Veggie Bowls
Coconut Curry Chicken and Veggie Bowls made with coconut rice, roasted autumn vegetables, and a delicious sweet curry sauce.
“This recipe is one of our all-time FAVORITES. I never would have thought to put these things all in one bowl but it comes together beautifully. One of the best! Thank you so much for sharing!”
Slow Cooker Chili Verde Soup
Chile Verde Soup you can make in the slow cooker or on the stove! Such an easy and delicious soup. My family rates it 10/10!
“My husband is not the biggest soup fan but I wanted to try this recipe so I made it anyways. He said it was the best soup he’s had! Thanks so much!”
Chicken Gyros
Chicken Gyros include delicious marinated chicken, grilled and layered on a pita with yogurt sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cucumber. This fresh and healthy meal idea is one of our family favorites!
“Made these for dinner tonight and they did not disappoint. I particularly loved the yogurt sauce. Will make again for sure!”
Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowls
These delicious Caribbean Jerk Chicken Bowls start with a layer of coconut rice and red beans topped with jerk seasoned chicken, mangos, mashed avocado, and a sweet and spicy pineapple sauce.
“Love this recipe! I have made it several times! I always double the pineapple sauce, too good not to have a ton. 🙂”
Spring Roll Bowls
All of the flavor you love from fresh spring rolls, transformed into delicious Spring Roll Bowls with Sweet Chili Peanut Sauce. This healthy dinner packs in the vegetables!
“So good! A great mix of heat and peanut flavors. The herbs made the dish so flavorful. Loved the cool ingredients such as mango and cucumber also. Great dish, now that I know how to make it 🙂”
BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken and Veggie Bowl
BBQ Ranch Gilled Chicken and Veggie Bowls served over black bean rice with delicious grilled veggies, marinated and grilled chicken, and a delicious Hidden Valley® Honey BBQ Ranch® Dressing.
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad loaded with spinach, mandarin oranges, craisins, almonds, and parmesan cheese, tossed together with a light and healthy creamy citrus dressing.
“This looks so good! perfect summertime lunch idea. Will try this soon!”
Pasta Primavera
This simple PASTA PRIMAVERA is bright, fresh, healthy, and ready on your table in 20 minutes. A simple and healthy dinner recipe.
“This is one of my weeknight favorites. So simple and oh so yummy! Even my picky son likes it.”
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
These Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki Bowls could be my all-time FAVORITE summer meal! The bowls start with a layer of coconut rice, topped with grilled pineapple, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Then, we add grilled teriyaki chicken and an extra drizzle of homemade teriyaki sauce over the top of everything. This healthy dinner recipe is one rice bowl that is sure to be your new favorite dinner!
“This is divine! Even made with sautéed toppings (we don’t own a grill), it was a total winner. I could eat that rice and that teriyaki sauce for every meal! I’m actually saving the sauce recipe separately because it’s the best teriyaki balance of sweet/tangy I’ve ever had.”
Honey-Lime Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowls
These Honey-lime chipotle chicken fajita bowls belong on a restaurant menu! An all-in-one-meal with chicken, veggies, and rice, that’s bursting with bold flavor and all the good stuff.
“This is delicious! Will be putting in regular rotation from now on! Yumm”
One Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables
One Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables is a super easy sheet pan dinner with chicken pieces smeared in herb butter and roasted with your favorite vegetables. One pan, minimal prep, easy clean-up, and a healthy dinner that will please the whole family.
“Just gave this one a go! It was a success!! My husband loved it! He said he will take some to lunch tomorrow, which means he reallly really loved it. My 7-year-old said this chicken is so yummy mommy. “
Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
You really won’t miss the meat in these flavorful, filling, and healthy Instant Pot Lentil Tacos! Ready in 20 minutes, and easily adaptable to use ingredients and toppings you already have, this vegetarian instant pot recipe is a WINNER.
“Five stars due to how easy this is and it’s pretty darn good. And this is coming from a family that is heavy meat eaters and looking for vegetarian alternatives. Toppings and seasoning are key (which is the case more meat tacos). Better texture than black bean tacos we’ve been making for years”
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mohit verma says
YES to all the easy-peasy dinners! I want to add pretty much every single one of these winners to my menu! Pretty much nothing beats a simple weeknight dinner. Brb, gonna go make ALL of these!
James Elizaworth says
To be honest these recipes are to easy too make. Love that chicken paste salad! Look so delicious, soon i will try that!
Jenn says
Could you please explain to my why on earth that would be a problem?
Elaine R. Meyer says
I am very excited to try all of these! They look beautiful & tasty & healthy! Thanks a lot for sharing these healthy dinner recipes with us!!
ruchi rai says
thamks for it
Lauren Allen says
I have tried several of these. Our families favorites include the jerk chicken bowls, the coconut curry chicken bowls, and ALL of the lettuce wrap recipes!!! Thanks so MUCH!!
James Alex says
I will surely try all these ! Thanks for such great ideas.