• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Carefree Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
      • Cheese
      • Dips
    • Breakfast
      • Breakfast Casseroles
      • Eggs
      • French Toast
      • Muffins
      • Sweet Rolls
      • Quick Breads
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dish
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pasta
      • Pizza
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
    • Sides
      • Potatoes
      • Rice
      • Veggies
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Cakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • No-Bake
      • Pies
      • Flavored Popcorn
    • Breads
    • Sauces & Condiments
    • Drinks
  • Videos
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Box
  • Videos
  • Gift Guide 2020
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » 30-Minute Meals

    30 Healthy Dinner Ideas

    By Jill Baird · Published April 21, 2023 · 2 Comments

    healthy dinner recipes, best healthy dinner recipes, easy healthy dinner recipe ideas.

    Sharing is caring!

    141 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    A collection of healthy recipes

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Healthy Dinner Ideas for Family
    • Healthy Dinner Ideas That Take 30 Minutes or Less
    • Healthy Soups for Dinner
    • More Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Side Dishes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • More Easy Dinner Ideas that Are Healthy and Delicious

    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!  

    An example of a healthy dinner idea - baked chicken on a white serving platter garnished with fresh herbs.

    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.

    Grilled garlic parmesan chicken sliced in half.

    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.

    Steak fajitas sliced on a white plate along with veggies, avocado and lime.

    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!

    Sheet Pan Chili Lime Chicken and 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.

    Beef and Broccoli Teriyaki with a sweet homemade teriyaki glaze

    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.

    Southwest Chicken Kabobs on a white plate.

    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.

    thai chicken stir fry on rice

    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!

    grilled california chicken on a white plate, topped with tomatoes, cheese and fresh herbs.

    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.

    Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken topped with bacon and green onions.

    9). Easy 30 Minute Chili

    This chili recipe can be made in 30 minutes but tastes like it's been cooking all day!

    Beef and bean chili in a large dutch oven

    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.

    Roasted squash soup in a bowl garnished with sour cream and fresh herbs.

    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.

    Skinny Vegetable soup in a bowl topped with sour cream and scallions.

    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.

    homemade chicken noodle soup with pea and carrots in a large pot

    13). Turkey and Rice Soup

    This yummy soup is filled with wild rice, turkey and delicious veggies.

    turkey wild rice soup in a bowl

    More Healthy Dinner Recipes

    14). Best Baked Potato

    The Best Baked Potato has perfectly crispy skin and fluffy insides and uses just three ingredients!

    baked potatoes split open on a serving dish. quick easy healthy dinner ideas.

    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.

    lettuce wrap recipe, chicken lettuce wrap.  dinner ideas healthy.

    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. 

    grilled teriyaki chicken recipe cooked and cut into strips, ready to eat

    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.

    cropped-Chicken-Tenders, simple easy dinner,  dinner Pinterest, Pinterest recipes.

    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.

    southwest crispy chicken salad recipe,  quick and easy dinner ideas ,  quick easy dinner.

    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.

    beef shish kabobs cooked after a marinade for beef kabobs. and on a plate, marinade for shish kabobs, beef shish kabob.  quick healthy dinner.

    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.

    Thai chicken salad with peanut dressing, quick easy healthy dinner ideas, quick easy dinner ideas .

    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.

    bbq chicken Salad ingredients are grilled chicken, loads of veggies and plenty of tangy BBQ ranch dressing, quick and easy healthy dinner ideas.

    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!

    healthy recipes for dinner, healthy dinner ideas.

    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.

    Southwest stuffed peppers recipe, easy healthy recipes.

    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.

    copycat chipotle chicken recipe, chipotle chicken copycat. easy and healthy recipes.

    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.

    how to make the best c with chicken thigh tacos. healthy easy dinner ideas.

    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.

    chicken salad sandwiches, chicken salad croissant, healthy quick dinners.

    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.

    slow cooker chicken fajitas recipe,  easy healthy dinners.

    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.

    how to make slow cooker chicken burrito bowls for dinner.  easy healthy dinner ideas.

    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.

    Mediterranean grilled chicken on a white plate, chicken drumstick marinade for bbq, mediterranean chicken legs on the grill, easy dinner ideas.

    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.

    Healthy grilled chicken salad in a bowl with a side of pesto ranch. quick healthy dinner ideas.

    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

    Cucumber, tomato salad in a glass serving bowl.

    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.

    Roasted Brussels sprouts in a serving dish.

    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.

    Rice pilaf in a pot.

    19). Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

    This tastes just like the real thing!  Add to tacos, burritos salads and more.

    cilantro lime rice in a white bowl.

    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.

    Rosemary and Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes on a baking sheet.

    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!

    oven roasted sweet potato with chilotle and lime

    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!

    Chia power balls in a glass baking dish.

    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.

    Coconut Peanut Butter Power Balls in a baking dish.

    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!

    Wedge Salad Kabobs on a serving plate.

    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.

    Tomato and basil bruschetta lined up on a serving platter.

    26). Italian Mini Kabobs

    These Italian Mini Kabobs are a quick and easy no-bake appetizer that is perfect for all sorts of occasions.

    Italian mini kabobs with toothpicks on a serving platter.

    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.

    Buffalo chicken wings with a side bowl of ranch.

    28). Guacamole

    Homemade guacamole just can't be beat.  It's healthy, satisfying, naturally gluten-free and so simple to throw together.

    Avocadoes, red onion and tomatoes in a bowl ready to make guacamole.

    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.

    fresh salsa ingredients in a serving bowl with chips and avocado

    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.

    Berry salad in a white bowl garnished with mint leaves.

    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!!

    Pinterest pin for healthy recipes, berry salad, steak fajitas, and basil chicken stir fry.

    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!

    « Lemon Oreos
    Easy Caprese Chicken »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liz

      April 06, 2021 at 12:07 pm

      We've been in a dinner rut lately so this list was so helpful! It gave me so many good ideas!

      Reply
    2. Katie

      April 06, 2021 at 10:56 am

      I could see myself making and eating all of these! Can't wait to try them with my family.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Jill.

    I love sharing my love of food with you and helping you find easy solutions for all of your family's meals and delicious treats.

    Learn More

    Let's Be Friends!

    • Facebook
    • Instragram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Most Popular Posts

    • Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • milk Chocolate fondue recipe with white chocolate hearts in a fondue pot, how to make chocolate fondue. best chocolate fondue recipe.
      Chocolate Fondue
    • Candy Bar Cookies
    • winter fruit salad with fruit glaze, fruit salad winter.
      Winter Fruit Salad
    • peanut butter blossom cookies on parchement paper
      Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies
    • cheesy ranch potatoes on a baking sheet, cheesy bacon potatoes recipe
      Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
    • white chocolate dipped gingersnap cookies
      Soft Gingersnap Cookies
    • holiday punch recipe with cranberries and citrus
      Holiday Punch

    Explore More Recipes

    Footer

    About The Carefree Kitchen

    The Carefree Kitchen is where I get to share my love of food with you! Every recipe is tested and approved by my family and friends. These recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and delicious!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer • Terms and Conditions

    141 shares