10+ Healthy Dinner Recipes to Make Weeknights Easy and Delicious

Finding healthy dinner recipes can make sticking to good nutrition feel way more doable. Healthy dinners use balanced ingredients that help you feel good, but don’t take forever to throw together.

You don’t have to give up taste or variety just because you want something healthy. With the right recipes, you can whip up dinners that fit your life and actually make you feel pretty great.

1) Garlic Shrimp with Chorizo and Rice Cooker

You can make a healthy, tasty dinner right in your rice cooker. This recipe brings together juicy shrimp and spicy chorizo for a meal that’s simple but packed with flavor.

Garlic and bell pepper add freshness and a pop of color. Cooking everything together in the rice cooker saves you time and makes cleanup easy.

The smoky chorizo mixes with the shrimp, and the rice soaks up all those good juices. It’s hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces cooked chorizo, chopped
• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Put chorizo, shrimp, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the rice cooker.
2. Rinse the rice and add it with 1 ¾ cups water.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then stir it all up.
4. Cook on the regular setting until the rice is done (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Stir gently and serve.

Give this easy, protein-packed recipe a shot. For more details, check the recipe at Punchfork.

2) Baked Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs

Baked spaghetti squash with meatballs makes a cozy, healthy dinner. The squash steps in for pasta, so you get a lighter meal that still feels filling.

Just bake the squash until it’s tender. Mix the strands with meatballs and your favorite marinara.

Using store-bought meatballs keeps things quick. The cheese on top melts and browns, giving you that classic, satisfying finish.

You can even bake the meatballs right inside the squash halves. It looks fun and keeps everything warm.

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 pound ground meat or pre-cooked meatballs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Bake cut side down for 40 minutes, until tender.
4. Cook meatballs if needed, or warm up pre-cooked ones.
5. Scrape squash strands into a bowl and mix with marinara sauce.
6. Combine squash, sauce, and meatballs in a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle cheese over everything and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3) Honey Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

Honey chipotle shrimp tacos bring big flavor to a healthy dinner. The shrimp get tossed in a sweet, smoky sauce with a little heat.

They’re juicy and cook up fast. Serve them in warm tortillas with lime slaw or whatever toppings you love.

Cotija cheese and avocado take these tacos up a notch. It’s a mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy that’s just right for a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers)
• Salt, to taste
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Lime slaw or shredded cabbage
• Lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix honey and adobo sauce in a bowl.
2. Add shrimp, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat.
3. Cook shrimp in a hot skillet over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry pan or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Build your tacos with shrimp, cheese, slaw, and a squeeze of lime.

For the full recipe, check out How Sweet Eats.

4) Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken

If you’re bored with regular Caesar salads, try this Caesar slaw with crispy chicken. Swap out lettuce for a crunchier mix of cabbage and kale.

The slaw gets tossed in a Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, so it’s creamy but lighter. Crispy chicken on top adds that satisfying crunch and plenty of protein.

You can use cutlets or strips, baked or fried—whatever works for you. It’s a quick, healthy dinner that feels a little fancy.

Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup kale, thinly sliced
• 2 chicken cutlets or 1 lb chicken strips
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 anchovies (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or neutral oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss cabbage and kale in a big bowl.
2. Whisk Greek yogurt, garlic, anchovies, Parmesan, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
3. Mix the slaw with the dressing until coated.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high (about 350°F / 175°C).
5. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
6. Serve chicken on top of the slaw.

Get more inspiration from this Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken recipe.

5) Pork, Pepper and Rice Noodle Soup

This soup is a cozy way to get a healthy dinner on the table. You’ll get savory ground pork, bright bell peppers, and tender rice noodles in a light broth.

It cooks up in about 40 minutes, so it’s doable even on a busy night. The crunchy veggies balance out the soft noodles, and the broth has a nice little tang.

If you want, you can add mushrooms or carrots. It’s a flexible recipe and comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 6 ounces rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot over medium.
2. Add pork and cook until browned.
3. Toss in mushrooms, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add rice noodles and cook until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy hot.

Check out the full recipe here.

6) Vegetable and Chicken Stir Fry

A vegetable and chicken stir fry is the kind of healthy dinner you can make any night. Chicken gives you lean protein, while fresh veggies bring vitamins and crunch.

It’s easy to swap in whatever vegetables you have. The sauce is simple—usually just soy sauce, honey, and a bit of sesame oil.

You’ll cook everything fast over high heat, which keeps the veggies crisp and the chicken juicy. Serve with rice or noodles if you want something more filling.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C).
2. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Set chicken aside.
4. Add garlic and veggies to the pan, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Return chicken to the pan.
6. Mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, then pour over everything.
7. Stir for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
8. Serve with rice or noodles.

7) Mediterranean Chickpea and Quinoa Salad

This salad is a fresh, healthy dinner you can feel good about. Quinoa and chickpeas make it filling and full of protein.

Lemon, garlic, and crisp veggies keep it bright and lively. Olives, red onion, and feta bring a salty, tangy bite.

It’s easy to make and works as a light meal or a hearty side. Serve it chilled or at room temp—whatever you’re in the mood for.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 Persian cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa with cold water. Cook quinoa in 2 cups water until fluffy, about 15 minutes. Let it cool.
2. In a big bowl, mix quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta.
3. Whisk garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss it all together.
5. Top with parsley if you want. Serve chilled or at room temp.

You can find more tips for this dish at Mediterranean Chickpea and Quinoa Salad.

8) Frittata with Bell Peppers and Tomato

This frittata comes together fast, and you only need one pan. Bell peppers and tomatoes bring a burst of color and a fresh, juicy bite.

I love how easy it is—just sauté some veggies, pour in eggs and cheese, and let it finish in the oven. The whole thing feels effortless.

Start by softening bell peppers and tomatoes in your skillet. Pour in beaten eggs mixed with cheese right over the top.

Let it cook on the stove for a couple of minutes, then slide it into the oven. Everything finishes cooking evenly, and you get that perfect texture.

You can toss in whatever herbs or cheese you like. It’s a smart way to use up produce and whip up a balanced meal without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
3. Add bell pepper and tomato; cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Beat eggs with cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour egg mixture over veggies in the skillet.
6. Cook on stove for 2-3 minutes until edges start to set.
7. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until set.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

9) Shakshuka with Spinach and Feta

Shakshuka with spinach and feta is one of those meals that feels both cozy and lively. It’s quick, hearty, and full of flavor.

You’ll simmer tomatoes, peppers, and onion, then add spinach and let it wilt. Crack eggs into the sauce and let them poach gently.

Feta adds a salty, creamy bite that works so well with the veggies. I find it’s perfect for dinner, but honestly, I’d eat it for brunch too.

Curious for more details or a slightly different spin? Check out Spinach and Feta Shakshuka.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Make 4 small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into each well.
7. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes until eggs are set to your liking.
8. Sprinkle with feta cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.

10) Air Fryer Salmon with Asparagus

If you’ve got an air fryer, salmon and asparagus make a ridiculously easy dinner. Salmon cooks up tender, while the asparagus turns crisp and a little sweet.

You’ll need just a handful of ingredients. In less than 20 minutes, dinner’s on the table.

Cooking both together means less cleanup, which I’m always happy about. Add lemon, garlic, or herbs if you want to jazz things up.

The air fryer keeps things light—no heavy oils needed. It’s a solid pick for a weeknight when you want something healthy but can’t be bothered with a pile of dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Put the salmon and asparagus in the air fryer basket.

4. Cook everything for 12-15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily, and the asparagus will get nice and crispy.

5. Top with fresh lemon slices before serving.

You can check out a similar recipe for air fryer salmon and asparagus here.