Here’s our list of 30 Healthy Dinner Ideas to get you through the week in a nutritious, satisfying way without sacrificing flavor. We’ve put together a variety of 30-minute meals, soups, sides, salads, snacks and more to make sure there are healthy, easy dinner ideas for every taste and situation.
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Healthy Dinner Ideas for Family
You may find your body telling you it needs something a little healthier than all of those delicious recipes full of butter, fat and sugar that you’ve been eating for months. But, it can be uninspiring to see a list of fast healthy dinner ideas that just sound ... well ... healthy!
We’re here to show you that being healthy does not have to be boring, time consuming or expensive. This handpicked list of 30 Healthy Dinner Ideas for family meals incorporates a little something for everyone - stir fry, grilled chicken, fajitas, chicken noodle soup, roasted potatoes and even a couple of healthier sweets too!
Tips for Finding Healthy Dinner Ideas that Taste Good
You might think that what sounds good for dinner and fast healthy dinner ideas are two very different things. And of course, sometimes they are. However, we’ve got a few tips to help you sift through all of the recipes and find healthy dinner ideas for family and friends that actually taste good!
- Start with what you like! If your family loves chicken, search for healthy chicken recipes. If you love stir fry, search for healthy stir fry. You get the idea.
- Find recipes that are grilled or oven-baked rather than fried. That’s a simple recipe adjustment that can make a huge difference while still tasting amazing.
- Find easy dinner ideas with few ingredients to make it quick, easy and delicious all at the same time. That way you are more apt to try making it again and again.
Healthy Dinner Ideas That Take 30 Minutes or Less
Don't let time restraints get in the way of adding easy healthy recipes for dinner. Here are a few fast, healthy dinner ideas that taste good. These easy dinner ideas are absolutely delicious and can be ready in just about as much time as it would take you to bake a frozen pizza!
1). Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts
These juicy Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts are quick and easy, full of flavor and only require about 5 minutes of prep. They taste great paired with grilled veggies, baked potatoes or a simple side salad.
2). Steak Fajitas
These fajitas are always a winner, whether it's a casual weeknight or a weekend get-together with friends. We keep ours classic, searing the beef on a hot iron skillet along with bell peppers and onions.
3). Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Baked chicken fajitas are a quick, easy and healthy dinner option. They are also a great way to get the kiddos to eat their vegetables!
4). Teriyaki Beef with Broccoli
This recipe is made with the most amazing beef teriyaki marinade, broccoli and red peppers. Serve with brown rice for a truly healthy meal.
5). Southwest Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs are the perfect addition to your grilling night. They're packed with flavor with just a little spice and sweetness.
6). Basil Chicken Stir Fry
This Basil Chicken Stir Fry recipe makes having your favorite Thai takeout food at home easy. It's quick, easy, inexpensive and tastes amazing.
7). Grilled California Chicken
You will love this easy chicken marinade that makes the best grilled chicken. Serve with avocado, tomatoes and a bit of Pepper Jack cheese to keep things interesting!
8). Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Another healthy classic that uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Serve with rice, on a salad or with a baked potato.
9). Easy 30 Minute Chili
This chili recipe can be made in 30 minutes but tastes like it's been cooking all day!
Healthy Soups for Dinner
You can pair any of these with one of our 30-Minute Healthy Dinner Ideas to create a complete, light healthy dinner menu. Or, enjoy any of these soups, salads and sides on their own for a light lunch.
10). Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
Roasted Acorn Squash Soup is a creamy, satisfying and healthy addition to any fall menu.
11). Skinny Vegetable Soup
Like the name suggests, this hearty homemade soup is naturally low in fat and calories but still packed full of flavor.
12). Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
If you don't have time to make chicken noodle soup from scratch, this simple and healthy Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a great option.
13). Turkey and Rice Soup
This yummy soup is filled with wild rice, turkey and delicious veggies.
More Healthy Dinner Recipes
14). Best Baked Potato
The Best Baked Potato has perfectly crispy skin and fluffy insides and uses just three ingredients!
15. Lettuce Wraps
These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are filled with flavorful marinated chicken and topped with a homemade peanut sauce and your favorite toppings. They make a delicious light lunch or tasty appetizer to go along with all sorts of Asian-inspired favorites.
16. Grilled Chicken Teriyaki
This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe is everyone's favorite year-round! It has a delicious teriyaki chicken marinade that can be made in advance and then it's grilled to perfection. We'll show you step-by-step how to make the best-grilled chicken teriyaki.
17. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are super simple to make and a healthy alternative to regular fried chicken. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and taste amazing with our homemade honey mustard sauce.
18. Southwest Crispy Chicken Salad
This hearty Southwest Salad with Crispy Chicken is a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and packed with texture. It’s topped with a creamy Southwest dressing that coats every last bite.
19. Asian Beef Kabobs
These Asian Beef Kabobs are chock full of grilled veggies and juicy steak flavored with delicious sesame, ginger, and garlic marinade. It's an easy beef kabob marinade recipe, perfect for your backyard barbecue feast.
20. Thai Chicken Salad
This loaded Thai Chicken Salad has fresh, crunchy veggies, delicious marinated chicken, and a simple homemade peanut sauce dressing. It’s the perfect healthy, filling, and flavorful lunch that is easy to make at home.
21. BBQ Chicken Salad
This easy BBQ Chicken Salad has a tangy barbecue ranch dressing and is packed with healthy, flavorful toppings. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is a great way to eat healthy while satisfying your craving for barbecue.
22. Cilantro Lime Chicken
This grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Breasts uses a simple marinade to make the most juicy, delicious chicken that we serve with fluffy Lime Quinoa and a Creamy Avocado Sauce drizzle. It's like a party in your mouth!
23. Southwest Stuffed Peppers
These easy Southwest Stuffed Peppers are filled to the brim with ground beef, rice, beans, corn, salsa and Mexican-inspired spices. They’re colorful, delicious, hearty, and can even be prepped ahead of time.
24. Chipotle Chicken
Learn the secret to making this copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe in no time. It's simple and just as delicious as the real thing. This is a grilled chipotle chicken recipe, perfect to be used in a big 'ol burritos, tacos, salads, and more.
25. Chicken Tacos
hese quick and easy Chicken Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters and anytime you need a taco fix. Slightly healthier than beef tacos, they’re full of tender, juicy marinated chicken, salsa, sour cream and more.
26. Chicken Salad Sandwiches
This classic Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe is full of tender rotisserie chicken, creamy dill dressing and crunchy apples and celery. Serve as a chicken salad croissant roll, sandwich bread or in a bowl with crackers for a simple make-ahead lunch.
27. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
These Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas couldn’t be simpler and are just as delicious as stovetop or grilled versions. Chicken breast is cooked along with bell peppers, onions and simple fajita seasoning for a dump-and-go Tex Mex fiesta the whole family will love.
28. Slow Cooker Burrito Bowls
This Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl tastes just like the real thing, only healthier, less expensive and made right at home. Burrito bowls are the perfect solution for simple lunches, meal prep and picky eaters.
29. Grilled Mediterranean Drumsticks
These Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are an easy, inexpensive, and healthy chicken recipe. They are easy to prepare and only take a few minutes to cook on the grill. It is made with an easy chicken marinade is so easy to make and leaves your grilled drumstick so moist and juicy.
30. Grilled Chicken Breast Salad with Pesto Ranch Dressing
This simple salad recipe includes a delicious pesto ranch dressing and a simple grilled chicken marinade to go along with avocados, tomatoes, lettuce and cheese. Eat as a light lunch or serve as a side dish to just about anything.
This salad is crunchy, creamy and cool - just what you crave on a warm summer day! It's loaded with fresh veggies, and lightly coated in a tangy homemade Italian lemon vinaigrette, and perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Healthy Side Dishes
15). Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
17). Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a simple, healthy and naturally gluten-free side dish that even kids will enjoy because they are never mushy and taste great.
18). Homemade Rice Pilaf
You'll love this one-pot rice side dish made from both white rice and orzo, and cooked in chicken broth, fresh herbs and veggies.
19). Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
This tastes just like the real thing! Add to tacos, burritos salads and more.
20). Rosemary and Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes
This is a simple oven-roasted fingerling potato side dish with minimal ingredients but plenty of flavor. It's the perfect side to serve with any other Healthy Dinner Ideas.
21). Roasted Sweet Potato with Lime and Chipotle
These sweet potatoes are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, chewy and healthy. Serve them with just about anything!
Healthy Snack Recipes
These light and healthy snack ideas range from one-bite appetizers and dips to slightly sweet treats. They are all great for both kids and adults and are meant to be eaten between meals or served as appetizers - think after-school snacks and game day appetizers.
22). Chia Oatmeal Energy Balls
Energy balls are easy to make, packed with protein and a super convenient snack for any time of the day. Plus, we sneak in enough fun ingredients to make sure the kiddos love them!
23). Coconut Peanut Butter Power Balls
These Coconut Peanut Butter Power Balls are full of healthy fat and protein. They also make a perfect snack for families on the go.
24). Wedge Salad Kabobs
These little Wedge Salad Kabobs are the most fun way to enjoy this delicious salad, one small bite at a time! Plus, they are super cute!
25). Easy Bruschetta with Fresh Tomato and Basil
During the summer, this fresh garden bruschetta can't be beat. It's made from fresh tomatoes and basil, olive oil, vinegar and served on toasted bread.
26). Italian Mini Kabobs
These Italian Mini Kabobs are a quick and easy no-bake appetizer that is perfect for all sorts of occasions.
27). Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
This healthy alternative to fried wings is just as crispy and delicious, and sure to become a family favorite.
28). Guacamole
Homemade guacamole just can't be beat. It's healthy, satisfying, naturally gluten-free and so simple to throw together.
29). Homemade Salsa
Another healthy family favorite is this Homemade Salsa. If you don't want to serve with chips, it also tastes great with fresh veggies.
30). Berry Salad with Citrus Glaze
Made with fresh berries, tossed in a simple orange glaze, this is the perfect simple side dish or light dessert for your next summer BBQ or potluck.
More Easy Dinner Ideas that Are Healthy and Delicious
- Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Chicken Tacos
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
- Baked Lemon Chicken
- More Healthy Chicken Recipes
- More Easy Weeknight Meals
If you’ve tried these recipes, please rate them and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you. It helps me, and other readers too! If you love Pinterest, feel free to leave a comment and photo there too. Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!
This handpicked list of 30 Healthy Dinner Ideas incorporates a little something for everyone - stir fry, grilled chicken, fajitas, chicken noodle soup, roasted potatoes and even a couple of healthy sweets!
Liz
We've been in a dinner rut lately so this list was so helpful! It gave me so many good ideas!
Katie
I could see myself making and eating all of these! Can't wait to try them with my family.