The best collection of 65 Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas with simple ingredients and ready in 30ish minutes. If you need easy, quick healthy meals for dinner tonight that are comforting and delicious, you have come to the right place.
Dinnertime can be one of the toughest times of the day, but it doesn’t have to be with these 65 quick healthy dinners to the rescue! They are perfect for busy weeknights.
Hello. My name is Olena and I am a busy working mom of 2. I know your struggle, I can help you too!
I don’t like “What’s for dinner?” question too. During the last 12 years of running this website, I have put a lot of effort in testing and creating healthy easy dinner recipes you can feed your family.
Bookmark this link for “Shoot, what’s for dinner?” moments. When you don’t know what to make, but are hungry, tired and know that dinner needs to be ready soon.
These easy healthy recipes will rescue you!
This is the best collection of quick healthy dinner recipes on the web. Think one pot meals, quick stir fry and curry recipes, and everyone’s favorite hand held foods like tacos and quesadillas all packed with healthy ingredients and a ton of flavor.
You can even save or print some of your favorite quick healthy dinner ideas, so you always have easy access when you are running out of inspiration.
Quick Healthy Dinners that You Will Find Here
- Quick: Ready in 30 – 45 minutes.
- Simple: All these quick healthy dinners use simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Easy: I cut back on unnecessary steps and clean up with each single recipe. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
- Family approved: These 65 easy healthy dinner recipes are packed with fresh flavors your family will enjoy. Dinner table will be quiet 100%!
- Real food: The healthy dinner ideas you will discover here are made with balanced, nourishing and wholesome ingredients that your family will actually love!
- Make ahead or freezer friendly: Many healthy meals listed here are great for meal prep. Just check each post for directions on cooking in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Healthy Chicken Recipes
Healthy chicken dinners are our go-to with chicken breast being a favorite!
If you need complete healthy meal ideas for your cooked chicken, I usually serve it with a side of quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat or mashed potatoes, and a basic salad. Easy!
You may also love this list of healthy chicken recipes.
1. Baked Chicken Breast
This Oven Baked Chicken Breast is so easy to make with just 5 minutes of prep. Simple seasonings transform healthy chicken into a juicy and delicious healthy meal! Serve with a side of grain and salad.
2. Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Learn how to make the juiciest Air Fryer Chicken Breast in 25 minutes. It is easy, tender and bursting with flavor! It is one of the most popular easy healthy dinner ideas on our website.
I like to serve it with a tasty side like this sauteed butternut squash.
3. Healthy White Chicken Chili
Need quick healthy dinner entire family and even your kids’ friends love? This Healthy White Chicken Chili is the one. It is a true 30 minute meal made simply with chicken breast, white beans, corn, cumin and yogurt. Make on the stove or in your crockpot. A true crowd pleaser!
4. Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Mouthwatering 30 minute Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is made with a simple sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. It’s a restaurant quality weeknight dinner that will become your new favorite!
5. Chicken with Tomatoes and Garlic
One pan Chicken with Tomatoes combines tender chicken breast with sauteed juicy tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
6. Healthy Lemon Chicken
This Healthy Lemon Chicken is coated in almond flour, fried until crispy, then drizzled with the best lemon butter sauce. It is a delicious meal with many layers of flavors that is easy to make and yet looks impressive!
7. Cajun Chicken
This Cajun Chicken can be baked, pan fried or grilled. Lean chicken breast coated in easy homemade cajun seasoning for a healthy dinner with a lot of flavor. This simple recipe requires minimal effort and perfect for when you are in a dinner rut.
8. Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
30 Minute Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with chicken cooked in tasty savory sauce and loaded up on crispy lettuce leaves. This is one of the best healthy dinner ideas!
9. Healthy Chicken Alfredo
Enjoy this homemade Healthy Chicken Alfredo in under 30 minutes. This healthy meal is creamy, rich, and cheesy with just a fraction of the calories and fat in restaurant versions! Make it with whole wheat noodles and veggies for an instant family favorite!
10. Chicken Spinach Pasta
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta made with tender chicken, pasta, and fresh baby spinach! With a touch of pesto, this flavorful and comforting dinner recipe can be on the table in only 30 minutes.
11. Pesto Chicken Breast
This Pesto Chicken is juicy, delicious and is ready in 25 minutes. It’s a simple recipe that tastes amazing, goes well with most sides, and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Tacos & Burritos
Who doesn’t love anything tacos, quesadillas and burritos?! This type of quick healthy dinner is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Healthy meals that are loaded with veggies, protein and then wrapped in whole wheat or corn tortillas is a win in this mom’s book. Using brown rice adds complex carbs and using low sodium canned goods makes these healthy dinners super fast.
12. Chicken Tostadas
These Mexican inspired 20 minute Chicken Tostadas are one of our reader favorite quick healthy dinner ideas. Made with crazy easy and crispy homemade baked tortilla shells, then topped with shredded chicken, black beans, avocado and crumbled cheese. It’s a quick delicious dinner with basic ingredients.
13. Shrimp Tacos
Another reader favorite healthy meal is this 15 Minute Shrimp Tacos Recipe! It makes easy weeknight meal or last minute entertaining a breeze. Spicy juicy shrimp topped with creamy cilantro lime slaw and wrapped in warm corn tortilla, these shrimp tacos have the best taste and texture. And so much flavor!
14. Healthy Fish Tacos
The Best Healthy Fish Tacos with spicy crispy battered fish, diced avocado, crunchy cabbage, and lime crema sauce. I promise, this quick healthy dinner is better than any food truck!
15. Ground Chicken Tacos
Healthy 30 minute Ground Chicken Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights! A low sodium sauce packed with southwest spices keeps meat moist, while fresh vegetables add flavor and all made in just one skillet.
16. Ground Turkey Tacos
These Ground Turkey Tacos are saucy, flavorful and oh so easy in 30 minutes. Even if you are more of a ground beef tacos family, everyone will ask you to make this recipe again and again! Add this recipe to your regular rotation of quick healthy dinners that don’t disappoint.
17. Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Make these Buffalo Chicken Tacos smothered in Frank’s red hot sauce and drizzled with homemade healthy blue cheese Greek yogurt sauce. This delicious meal is to die for!
18. Chicken Quesadilla
This cheesy Chicken Quesadilla is not only healthy, but easy to prepare! Flavorful chicken and veggies are stuffed into a tortilla then oven baked for a quick healthy meal that will be a new family favorite.
19. Vegetarian Quesadillas
Vegetarian Quesadilla with black beans, veggies and a moderate amount of cheese tucked inside a whole wheat tortilla and then baked. They are full of plant-based protein and cheesy goodness. You can even turn this into healthy freezer meal for busy weeknights. Definitely one of easy healthy dinners ideas to add to your meal prep routine.
20. Chicken Burrito
Chicken Burrito Recipe for busy people! Meal prep 17 chicken burritos in an hour in Instant Pot or on the stove, then freeze for later. Or turn this recipe into a chicken burrito bowl for quick healthy meals on busy weeknights.
It is not a true 30 minute meal but it is so good and one of the most popular quick healthy dinner ideas among our audience. So it’s worth mentioning.
Healthy Skillets
Skillets make the best healthy dinners! You throw everything together and adjust the taste as you go.
This type of healthy dinner recipe is so hard to screw up. Skillets are great for beginner cooks. And I also love that many can be made low carb with lots of veggies, but also can be served with a grain.
I like to use ceramic non-stick PFOA free skillets and prefer a larger 12″ wide with deep edges. My Green Pan has lasted well beyond 1-2 years. A dutch oven works well, too!
21. Tex Mex Chicken and Zucchini
One pan 30 minute Mexican Chicken and Zucchini Recipe with black beans, corn, tomatoes and melted cheese on top. Healthy meals like this simple recipe, require a bit of chopping but once you do it a few times, the prep will go very quick. Don’t be intimidated, give it a try!
22. Teriyaki Chicken and Cauliflower
This Teriyaki Chicken and Cauliflower combines tender chicken, crispy cauliflower, and sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce. When you don’t have dinner plans but have a head of cauliflower and a pack of chicken breasts or chicken thighs, you make this healthy dinner recipe.
23. Garlic Zucchini, Chicken and Corn
Garlic Chicken and Corn Recipe is a 20 minute low carb dinner that was inspired by my Ukrainian roots. Healthy, easy and one pan delicious corn chicken!
24. Healthy Mushroom Stroganoff
Meatless Healthy Mushroom Stroganoff is ready in 30 minutes! This hearty vegetarian recipe with mushrooms, pasta and creamy sauce is lower in calories and fat, carnivore approved and is one of the best comfort foods.
25. One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice
One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice is one of the best easy dinner ideas made with pantry staples. Rice and chicken breasts are simmered in salsa broth, then finished with gooey cheese and served with avocado.
26. Taco Skillet
Taco Skillet is everything you love about tacos in one pan and covers all food groups. Easy Mexican food you can make exactly the way your family likes it. Perfect for quick healthy dinners when you are super busy!
27. Caprese Chicken and Zucchini
Caprese Chicken and Zucchini cooked in fresh tomato sauce, with melted buffalo mozzarella cheese on top and garnished with basil. Serve on its own for easy low carb weeknight dinner or with spaghetti as a complete healthy meal for your family.
28. Low Carb Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
This Low Carb Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet with pesto is delicious 30 minute one pot meal. Minimum ingredients and effort with maximum flavor, makes this one of the most favorite easy healthy dinner ideas on iFoodReal.
29. Healthy Pasta with Pesto
Turn that craving for carbs into a yummy pasta dish with this Healthy Pasta recipe! Ready in just over 30 minutes this pasta dinner recipe is bursting with flavor from pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli and Parmesan cheese.
30. Tex Mex Sweet Potatoes Skillet
One of my personal favorite quick healthy dinner ideas is this Sweet Potato Skillet. It is loaded with seasoned potatoes, beans, peppers, and corn, simmered in juicy diced tomatoes, finished with a squirt of lime juice, and melted cheese.
I like to garnish with avocado, salsa, and sour cream or yogurt but you can also add your other favorites!
Quick Stir Fries and Curries
I don’t know about you but our family loves curry and stir fry. They make for perfect healthy dinner ideas because they are usually loaded with crisp veggies which makes them super wholesome. Especially, when you make a homemade stir fry sauce to cook it in.
For proper consistency homemade thick stir fry sauce use cornstarch and do not cover when cooking. This makes veggies leak their juices and the dish watery. Spices like curry powder, chili powder, and cumin need to be fresh for the most flavor.
You can eat stir fry on its own for a low carb meal or with a side dish that is full of complex carbohydrates. Quick easy healthy meals are possible!
31. Healthy Chicken Stir Fry
This Healthy Chicken Stir Fry is loaded with veggies and chicken coated in easy sweet and savory sauce. It is one of the best quick healthy dinners that everyone will love!
32. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Korean inspired Ground Beef and Rice Bowl are full of vegetables and Asian flavored sauce, then served over hearty brown rice or go low carb with cauliflower rice. This weeknight healthy dinner recipe is customizable and will have your family going for seconds!
33. Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Low carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice is made with ground turkey, lots of veggies and simple seasonings. It is easy, flavorful and filling. I am loving this recipe for a weeknight dinner!
34. Salmon Stir Fry
20 minute Salmon Stir Fry is low carb meal made with chunks of juicy salmon, crisp green beans, and earthy mushrooms. Then coated in flavors such as lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. This dish is perfect candidate for quick healthy dinner ideas.
35. Thai Chicken Curry
Enjoy this creamy, rich, and aromatic Thai Chicken Curry at home with just one pan, simple ingredients, and in under 30 minutes. It’s great for a simple, flavorful mid-week meal or to impress guests!
36. Yellow Chicken Curry
This Yellow Chicken Curry will be the best you have ever tried. Once you try the juicy pieces of chicken simmering in a robust and flavorful sauce made with coconut milk, yellow curry powder, and other aromatics, you’ll see why!
37. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a simple 30 minute healthy meal made so easy with lean chicken breast and crispy tender broccoli. Then coated in a sweet and tangy sauce your whole family will love! Perfect for easy healthy weeknight dinners!
38. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower Fried Rice is tasty low carb dish even your kids will think it is real fried rice. You can keep it vegetarian or add your favorite protein. It is one of my boys’ favorites on this list of easy dinner ideas. And I love how much veggies they are eating in one sitting.
39. Peanut Chicken Soba Noodles
Peanut Chicken Soba Noodles with bell peppers, kale and delicious sauce. Another true 30 minute meal your family will actually eat.
40. Beef Stir Fry
This Beef Stir Fry is loaded with juicy beef and crispy vegetables coated in a easy and healthy sauce. It’s an easy meal of a restaurant-quality!
41. Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry
This Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry is easy, healthy, low carb, and combines your choice of mixed vegetables with a simple, aromatic honey garlic sauce! This recipe proves healthy dinners can be easy.
42. Healthy Beef and Broccoli
Easy to make Healthy Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is veggie packed with tender slices of beef then coated in a low sodium, low sugar flavorful sticky sauce. This is one of the healthy dinner ideas to make when you are craving your favorite Asian takeout. You just skip it and save money.
43. Healthy Orange Chicken
Healthy Orange Chicken is loaded with classic flavors of sweet and sticky orange sauce. Of course, as promised it comes together in 30 minutes. Serve with some brown rice and steamed broccoli. Delish!
One Pot Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas
These one pot and sheet pan dinners prove that healthy dinner ideas can be flavorful without washing 3 pots!
With one pan cooking it’s important to figure out the right combination of foods, so pasta doesn’t get mushy or meat not fully cooked. Below, are all tried and true healthy one pot meal wonders.
I own two 6 quart Lodge dutch ovens and they are worth every penny. They last forever, are affordable and cook food evenly and very-very nicely. A must for a healthy cook! Keep in mind that dark baking sheets cook faster, too.
Browse our best collection with over 45 healthy Instant Pot recipes for major one pot cooking inspiration.
44. Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas with tender juicy slices of beef, onions and bell peppers cooked together on a sheet pan for a quick healthy dinner. Easy and always a hit with the entire family!
45. Healthy Mac and Cheese
Healthy Mac and Cheese swaps out copious amounts of heavy dairy for lightened up version. A dish that is still creamy and comforting, but with a portion of the fat and calories! Even better, it requires only one pot and 15 minutes to prepare.
46. Chicken Stew
This quick and easy Ukrainian one pot Chicken Stew is made with chicken, potatoes, and carrots simmered in a deliciously seasoned broth and garnished with fresh herbs. Enjoy with crusty bread for a savory comfort meal!
47. Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
Roasted chicken thighs and potatoes, carrots and onion tossed with simple spices, garlic and olive oil. Then baked until chicken is juicy with crispy skin and onions are roasted. Delicious quick dinner I learnt to make from my mom.
48. Tuscan Chicken Pasta
One pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is creamy, cheesy, and garlicky. It is packed with Tuscan flavors with the addition of spinach, garlic, and chicken swimming in sun-dried tomato cream sauce! This is one of the true 30 minute healthy meals.
49. One Pot Chicken and Quinoa
One Pot Chicken and Quinoa is loaded with broccoli, wholesome quinoa, juicy chicken and delicious flavours. Nothing is “boring” about this healthy meal and it’s perfect balance of carbs, protein and fiber.
50. Easy Spaghetti Recipe
Quick 10 minute Easy Spaghetti Recipe with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano and Parmesan. It’s a million dollar spaghetti on a budget and one of the best quick healthy dinners in the world!
51. One Pan Chicken and Potatoes
Easy to make One Pan Chicken and Potatoes with tomatoes, garlic, and oregano and ready in 35 minutes. Finding easy healthy dinner ideas that your entire family will love actually can be hard. If that’s your case, this one is it!
52. One Pot Chili Mac
This super healthy One Pot Chili Mac Recipe with beer, beans, pasta, olives, spices and cheese ready in 30ish minutes. A vegetarian dish with a vegan option that doesn’t skimp on the saucy cheesy goodness!
53. Ground Turkey and Broccoli Pasta
One pot Ground Turkey and Broccoli Pasta made with turkey, broccoli, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. A healthy dinner ready in 30 minutes!
54. Skillet Enchiladas
Skillet Enchiladas ready with juicy ground beef simmered in a healthy enchilada sauce then loaded with hearty beans and corn, and topped with just enough cheese to be hearty without weighing you down!
Ground Turkey Recipes
It is true that turkey can be dry. But rest assured, I have included only the juiciest healthy dinner ideas for your pack of ground turkey.
It can be an acquired taste but mixing this lean poultry with vegetables or into chili or soup, is a great way to introduce your taste buds to it!
For more turkey inspiration, feel free to browse our collection of 45 ground turkey recipes.
55. Turkey Meatballs
Baked healthy Turkey Meatballs are a crowd pleasing appetizer and main dish favorite. Swap out fatty ground beef and try this delicious recipe made without breadcrumbs. It is one of the easiest quick healthy dinners on this list.
56. Healthy Turkey Burgers
Need an easy healthy recipe for dinner tonight? These juicy and flavorful Healthy Turkey Burgers are made with 5 simple ingredients. Sumptuously moist, smack-your-lips and the best turkey burger recipe on the web! You might also enjoy these favorite healthy burger recipes!
57. Mexican Meatballs
Juicy baked Mexican Turkey Meatballs are easy to make in three simple steps. They can be served as a healthy appetizer, in soup or as part of a main!
58. Turkey Sliders
Turkey Sliders with bacon, cheese and traditional fixings, everyone will love these wrapped in lettuce mini burgers! It is one of most flavourful quick healthy dinner ideas.
59. Thai Meatballs
These Thai Turkey Meatballs with coconut milk, red curry paste and zucchini instead of breadcrumbs will get rave reviews from everyone!
Healthy Salmon Recipes
Salmon is a treat because of its price but is a part of our healthy eating lifestyle because it contains healthy fats.
These healthy seafood recipes are ready in under 30 minutes and are an excellent choice for easy healthy dinner ideas.
Serve them with whole grains and a side of veggies instead of salad for a change!
60. Thai Salmon
Thai Salmon with easy homemade Thai sweet chili sauce cooked until caramelized on top and juicy inside. The best salmon recipe ever and perfect for quick healthy dinners!
61. Air Fryer Salmon and Brussel Sprouts
Delicious Air Fryer Salmon and Brussel Sprouts in 20 minutes! Perfectly cooked salmon is tender and flaky in the middle and with crisp edges outside. When paired with nutritious veggies it becomes one of the best healthy meals for dinner. For example, like tonight.
62. Honey Garlic Salmon
Honey Garlic Salmon is 20 minute protein-packed main dish that comes together in one pan with simple ingredients and is crazy good! Serve it with a whole grain and your favorite side dishes for a balanced meal.
63. Baked Teriyaki Salmon
Flavorful Baked Teriyaki Salmon is glazed with a healthy homemade teriyaki sauce then oven baked in 30 minutes to flaky perfection. Leftovers are good in salads or grain bowls the next day.
64. Lime Ginger Salmon
Lime Ginger Salmon marinated in honey, lime juice and ginger, and then quickly broiled to perfection.
65. Baked Salmon in Foil
Baked Salmon in Foil with 10 minute prep comes out juicy and flaky with finger licking garlic butter and fresh herb seasoning. It is one of the most impressive and easy healthy dinner ideas you will ever make!
More Healthy Easy Recipes to Try
- 45 healthy breakfasts
- 52 healthy salad recipes
- 35 healthy soup recipes
- 30 quinoa recipes
- 30 healthy zucchini recipes
65 Quick and Easy Healthy Dinner Ideas: Chicken Tostadas
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas or tostada shells
- 3 medium tomatoes diced
- 4 medium avocados diced
- 3 tbsp red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 15 oz can low sodium black beans drained and rinsed
- 3 cups shredded chicken like rotisserie or chicken breast
- 1/2 cup feta or Cotija cheese crumbled
- Cooking spray I use Misto
Instructions
Bake tostada shells:
- Line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat and place tortillas in a single layer. Spray both sides of the tortillas with cooking spray and a sprinkle of salt. Bake at 400 degrees F for 6 minutes per side.
Make guacamole salsa:
- Mix tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt and lime juice.
Assemble tostadas:
- Top each shell with guacamole salsa, beans, chicken and cheese.
Video
Notes
- I like making my own tostada shells, but you can use pre-made.
- You can substitute refried beans for black beans.
- In this recipe, adjust the amount of salt in the guacamole salsa to taste. Add more or less depending on the salt content in the homemade chicken, canned beans or store-bought tostada shells.
Really helpful
So thank you 🥰
Glad you found it helpful, hope you got some new dinner ideas to try!
Thank you soooo much for healthy recipes plz share more recipes, Thank you once again
So happy I found these delicious recipes. A newbie to clean eats at 67. Doing it on recommendation to reduce inflammation in sinus. My UK grandma made a wilted green salad, can you healthy that one up, hers had bacon dripping ughhh.
So glad you found the site and are enjoying it! While there is not a wilted salad recipe on the site, browse our favorite salad recipes to find a few you like – 45 Healthy Salad Recipes. Enjoy!
Hi Olena
I am happy for u learning about food. It is my passion.
I am looking for the grandmother recipes. The whole some food preparation n simple nutritious meals u grew up on.
I cannot eat the processed products. I grow my own veggies n herbs n try to cook old recipes for my health.
If u have any of ur grandma’s recipes I would love to try them.
Thankyou
Shirley
Hi Shirley, you can find many of those recipes that have been adapted on the blog! Ukrainian Borscht, Chicken Noodle Soup, Lettuce Salad with Tomato and Cucumber and Ukrainian Vinegar Coleslaw just to name a few 🙂 Enjoy!
This looks SO gooood!! I came across your post when looking for a light meal to take to a friend & her husband bc she’s recovering from surgery. Do you think this would travel well if I put the toppings in a casserole dish and then cut the tostadas as chips for them to use to scoop the toppings out?
Yes, that is a great idea and how thoughtful of you to take it to a friend. I am sure she will be perked up by both seeing you and meal!
Thank you for these healthy recipes they are very much appreciated ☺️👍. I was in need of some ground turkey recipes & new chicken recipes. They are lifesavers for me.
My pleasure, Sharon!
Awesome recipes
Thanks so much and glad you are enjoying!