30 Healthy Dinner Recipes

These are our top 30 fan-favorite healthy dinner recipes!

What does a healthy dinner look like? Just about everybody has a different definition. So rather than focus on low-carb,ย  vegan, keto, no-sugar, Whole 30, low sodium, low fatโ€“or a dozen other categories of nutritionโ€“letโ€™s pay attention to the recipes that are generally healthy overall. Theyโ€™ve got plenty of fresh veggies, simple meats, and pure ingredients. If you follow one of the many nutrition plans (like I just mentioned), you may have to skip a few of theseโ€“and if youโ€™re on any of the keto/low carb/low sodium/vegan approaches, youโ€™re probably very accustomed to scrutinizing ingredient lists already. The recipe collection below focuses on healthy dinner recipes that include seafood, chicken, soups, and vegetarian options. Thatโ€™s a great starting point for healthy meal choices! Read on and youโ€™ll see what I mean.

Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes

Eating healthy meals doesnโ€™t have to be complicated! After all, veggies and meats are pretty healthy, so why add fussy, unhealthy things to them? Keep them simple and youโ€™ll keep them healthy. We have sheet pan recipes, as well as some of your favorites using chicken, turkey, and quinoa. These healthy dinner recipes have received five-star reviews on our siteโ€“try them and see what everyoneโ€™s raving about!

Overhead image of 5 healthy dinner recipes!

1.ย One-Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies

Oneโ€“Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies is loaded with nutritious and good-for-you ingredients. This dish makes for a ย filling, simple, and nutritious meal.

One reader said: โ€œThis was so delicious!! I made it on Sunday for my meal-prepped lunches for the week and added some veggie pasta with it instead of rice. So so yummy, I loved it every day and kept me so full!โ€

2.ย Turkey Meatloaf

This Turkey Meatloaf recipe is made with ground turkey, plenty of veggies, and a delicious tangy glaze. These mini meatloaves are so easy to make and packed with good-for-you healthy ingredients.ย 

One reader said: โ€œJust tried these tonightโ€“very tasty! I put zucchini in there as well!โ€

3.ย Quick Chicken Curry

Quick Chicken Curry is ready in a hurry โ€” weโ€™re using all the shortcuts to keep things as simple as possible while still delivering loads of flavor.ย 

One reader said: โ€œThis is one of my all-time favorite recipes! I kid you not, we make it at least once a week! Itโ€™s so yummy and so dang easy! Keep up the good work with these recipes! Weโ€™ve never had something from your site we havenโ€™t loved!โ€

4.ย Quinoa Fried Rice

Quinoa Fried Rice can be ready in about 30 minutes. Itโ€™s such aย nutritious and easy meal for any night.

One reader said: โ€œThe best fried rice dish ever! And so easy to make. Itโ€™s the perfect weeknight dinnerโ€

5.ย Chopped Chicken Salad

Chopped Chicken Salad employs all kinds of shortcuts to have a nutritious and hearty salad on the dinner table in a hurry!ย 

One reader said: โ€œSo healthy, quick, easy, and delicious!!โ€

Healthy Recipes For Two

Cooking for two presents challenges, especially if you donโ€™t want lots and lots of leftovers. These healthy dinner recipes for two give delicious results that are sized for just two people.

Images of quick dishes for two people

6.ย Vegetarian Gyros

You wonโ€™t miss the meat in these Vegetarian Gyros!ย This easy, weeknight meal can be ready in about 30 minutes or less if youโ€™ve got an air fryer!ย 

One reader said: โ€œThank you for the awesome recipe. Made a lovely lunch!โ€

7.ย One-Pan Healthy Chicken and Veggies

A sheet pan dinner with chicken, tons of veggies, an easy seasoning mix, and cheese! Healthy, hearty, easy to make, and so delicious!

One reader said: โ€œI made this last week, and couldnโ€™t wait to make it again tonight. It may be the tastiest meal Iโ€™ve ever cooked!โ€

8.ย Honey Mustard Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Weโ€™re pulling out the air fryer to make this ridiculously easy Honey Mustard Chicken Sausage and Veggies! Chicken sausage, carrots, and broccoli are tossed with herbs, and air fried.ย 

One reader said: โ€œMade this for my husband and I. I used our local Lupoโ€™s chicken Italian sausage and also added some asparagus to the vegetable mix. We absolutely loved this recipe!! Definitely a keeper.โ€

9.ย Thai Quinoa Salad

This crunchy, flavor-packed Thai Quinoa Salad is loaded with good-for-you ingredients: crisp veggies, sweet mango, fresh herbs, and a medley of greens. This simple salad is tossed with a peanut dressing that takes minutes to whip together in the blender.

One reader said: โ€œTook for a birthday potluck at work. Everybody loved it and wanted the recipe.โ€

10.ย Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This Chickpea Salad Sandwich is loaded with a creamy chickpea filling that includes lots of fresh veggies and herbs. Pile it on some toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and onion for a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal.

One reader said: โ€œI could hug you! This recipe was amazing! Iโ€™ve been a vegetarian for a year & a half & have been looking for a recipe to replace my traditional chicken salad sandwich. This does the trick for me. The combination of flavors & textures was perfect. It was easy to put together too. Thank you.โ€

Healthy Chicken Dinner Recipes

Most of us consider chicken to be a healthy ingredient. Itโ€™s what you add WITH the chicken that can turn the recipe into an unhealthy one. These healthy dinner recipes use nutritious and tasty ingredients to create chicken dinners you can be proud to serve. Lettuce wraps, stir-fries, chicken salad, fajitas, and burrito bowls: who could ask for more?

Images of 5 different healthy chicken dinner recipes

11.ย Rotisserie Chicken Stir-Fry

This simple Rotisserie Chicken Stir-Fry uses a few store-bought shortcuts to minimize chopping and prep time. Add a simple, but flavor-packed stir-fry sauce and enjoy dinner on the table in about 20 minutes!

One reader said: โ€œTastes great and it was the fastest dish yet that I have made out of all. Thanks again!โ€œ

12.ย Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Flavorful Chicken Lettuce Wraps with ground chicken, tons of veggies, and a delicious sauce to coat it all!

One reader said: โ€œLove these! Such a delicious, easy and healthy option for dinner or lunch!โ€œ

13. Grilled Fajita Chicken

The BEST fajitaย marinade for grilled chicken breasts or thighs. Serve grilled chicken with your favorite fajita toppings!

One reader said: โ€œChelsea, thank you so much for this fajita recipe, I made it last night for dinner and it was outstanding! The flavors in the marinade are fantastic. I will be making this again soon!โ€œ

14.ย Healthy Chicken Salad

With over 100 rave reviews, Healthy Chicken Salad is made with shredded chicken, crisp celery, dried sweet cranberries, juicy grapes, and crunchy sliced almonds. Itโ€™s coated in a mayo-less three-ingredient dressing.

One reader said: โ€œA new favorite and perfect way to get my pregnancy craving fix of chicken salad! And double plus for quick lunches!โ€œ

15.ย Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken Burrito Bowls made with taco-seasoned chicken, cilantro-lime rice, salsa, guacamole, corn, beans, and a delicious creamy cilantro sauce.ย 

One reader said: โ€œI made it for a meal, not individual meal prep. It was deliciousโ€“ especially the dressing!!โ€œ

Healthy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

Just because a recipe is vegetarian doesnโ€™t necessarily mean itโ€™s healthy. These ones are, though! They combine familiar favorite flavors with healthy cooking techniques, and you end up with delicious healthy dinner recipes that are meat-free and full of flavor.

5 images of different vegetarian dishes

16.ย Vegetarian Sushi Bowls

Quell your sushi cravings without any meat! Vegetarian Sushi Bowls start with sushi rice and are topped with ripe avocado, shelled edamame, carrot ribbons, chopped mangoes, and crisp cucumbers. Add in some seaweed sheets and a creamy sriracha mayo as the perfect finishing touch!

One reader said: โ€œThis is honestly my go-to dish! Itโ€™s a total crowd pleaser and fits everyoneโ€™s dietary needs! Itโ€™s so yummy and delicious! Thanks for sharing!โ€œ

17.ย Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

These easy Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps are brimming with coconut rice and roasted veggies, then are topped with a green onion vinaigrette.ย 

One reader said: โ€œSo, so, so good!! We enjoyed it so much we are making it again this week!โ€œ

18.ย Lentil Curry

Lentil Curry is packed with protein, lentils, and seasoned veggies that have been simmered in fire-roasted crushed tomatoes and creamy coconut milk.

One reader said: โ€œIโ€™m usually just a lurker on food blogs but I have to say THANK YOU so much for this recipe. Iโ€™ve made it three times since you posted it, and itโ€™s the first healthy meal I cook that I find myself craving. The zing of the lemon zest is delightful.โ€œ

19.ย Hummus Wraps (With Chickpeas!)

Theseย Hummus Wrapsย can be ready in under 30 minutes and start with tasty, crisp chickpeas, loads of fresh veggies, and smooth hummus-topped tortillas.

One reader said: โ€œHi I canโ€™t wait to try this recipe. I am looking for healthy lunch ideas!โ€œ

20.ย Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

This nourishing Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl is served over quinoa with black beans and an herby cilantro and parsley sauce.

One reader said: โ€œThis was amazing! My husband, who thinks every meal is better with meat, raved about it. The chimichurri made the entire dish pop!! Will definitely make it again.โ€œ

Healthy Soup Recipes

Serve up some soup and enjoy warm, comforting meals. Might as well make them healthy as well! Make them vegetarian or meaty, brimming with vegetables and delicious broth. We have Chicken Tortilla, Cauliflower, Curry, White Bean and Kale, and Chicken Vegetable Soup. What does that old commercial say? Soup is good food! And soup makes the best comforting healthy dinner recipes!

Images of different healthy soup dinner recipes

21.ย Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup has loads of hidden veggies, tender shredded chicken, and plenty of plant-based protein in the form of quinoa and beans!ย 

One reader said: โ€œGOODNESS! This is delish and so simple, my whole family loved this (including 3- and 5- year-old boys!). I just threw the jalapeรฑo in whole and removed it once it was finished cooking to avoid any spice bites for the kiddos. Thanks for a new favorite!โ€œ

22.ย Cauliflower Soup

This hearty, vegetable-loaded Cauliflower Soup is rich, thick, and creamy! With tender bites of cauliflower and a luxuriously flavorful soup base, even your kids will be hooked on veggies!

One reader said: โ€œThis is a new family favorite! Itโ€™s just starting to get cold here and this soup will be on regular rotation!โ€œ

23.ย Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup

This creamy, comforting, hearty, and nutritious Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup is loaded with good-for-you ingredients like chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and kale. Itโ€™s also dairy-free and vegan!

One reader said: โ€œThis soup is to die for!!! The cilantro and lime on top are a must in my opinion. I made it for Thanksgiving and Iโ€™m going to make it again today! The leftovers were even better than the day of.โ€œ

24.ย White Bean and Kale Soup

This vegetarian White Bean and Kale Soup is hearty and packed with plant-based protein. You canย alsoย add in some shredded, cooked chicken if desired.

One reader said: โ€œThis is the first recipe of yours that I made, Chelsea, and itโ€™s the one that inspired my current love of healthy cooking. I had never even tried quinoa or kale before making this recipe, nor had I made a soup (or really anything) from scratch. We make this recipe constantly for guests now and love how easy it is. Thank you for inspiring my obsession with healthy recipes!โ€œ

25.ย Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Vegetable Soup is a healthy meal loaded with shredded chicken, butternut squash, carrots, onion, garlic, and potatoes. ย 

One reader said: โ€œI made this yesterday and it was delicious!! Thank you so much for the healthy and flavorful recipe! Iโ€™m excited to try some more recipes from your site.โ€œ

Healthy Seafood Recipes

Seafood is a perfect beginning to healthy dinner recipes because itโ€™s naturally healthy. Jazz it up with some great seasonings and youโ€™ll be swimming in compliments, so to speak. Tilapia, shrimp, or tuna: take your pick!

Images of 5 seafood dishes

26.ย Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowls

Spicy shrimp with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, avocado, and a creamy cilantro lime sauce. These Cilantro-Lime Shrimp bowls are bound to be a family favorite!

One reader said: โ€œThis is one of the top 5 recipes Iโ€™ve tried of yours. SO good and SO easy. Perfect amount of spice and flavor.โ€

27.ย Blackened Tilapia with a Pineapple Salsa

Pan-seared Blackened Tilapia with delicious and simple pineapple salsa.

One reader said: โ€œI donโ€™t like fish but decided Iโ€™d try a fish recipe once a week to try new food. I LOVED this! Iโ€™ll definitely be making it again!โ€

28.ย Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is made with fresh lemon, garlic, and butter in about 20 minutes or less! This simple meal is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

One reader said: โ€œThis was very tasty! My 12-year-old son commented how much he enjoyed this meal. The flavors are excellent! Super delicious! Thanks!โ€

29.ย Tuna Stack

These simple Tuna Stacks are an explosion of flavor! We use some simple tricks to makeย these stacks come together so nicely!

One reader said: โ€œI made this last night and it was delicious. My husband hates mango with a passion and said he wouldnโ€™t eat it. I made him take a bite and he instantly changed his mind. Itโ€™s his new favorite. This is going on our weekly menu. Thanks for the recipe!โ€

30.ย Tuna Salad Wrap

A quick, easy, and nutritious Tuna Salad Wrap with creamy-sriracha tuna and lots of crunchy veggies all wrapped in a tortilla!

One reader said: โ€œMade these and they were wonderful! My husband says that they are definitely a โ€œmake-againโ€ meal as they were fun, tasty, and healthy. I used half the amount of suggested sriracha, afraid that it would be too spicy for us, but I think next time I will try the full suggested amount, as halving it didnโ€™t make it spicy at all.โ€

Bonus Recipes!

Healthy desserts to go with your dinners:

Healthy breakfasts to start your day:

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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1 Comment

  1. Jennifer Logullo says:

    Thank you for these great ideas!