Ever get tired of making the same five meals every week for your family? Are you always on the lookout for some healthy dinner ideas? If you’re short on time and need a quick fix, these easy meals are incredibly nutritious and a great way to feed a full family.
Healthy Dinner Ideas for Your Family
Want to wow your family with your cooking prowess? If you like to switch it up with fresh veggies and steak one day then homemade grilled vegetable pizza the next, the following 21 healthy dinner ideas are for you.
1. Asian Inspired Chicken Rice Bowl
Full of flavor and packed with nutrients, this easy-to-make dish is a quick fix for any weekday meal. Simply take supermarket conveniences like rotisserie chicken and coleslaw mix and whip them together for a fantastic meal that the entire family will fall in love with.
For this easy recipe, combine the following:
1 teaspoon of ginger root
1 package of ready to serve rice
2 cups of shredded chicken
2 cups did frozen thawed edamame
4 cups of coleslaw mix
¼ cup of rice vinegar
1 green onion
1 tablespoon of honey
2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
2. Lemon Dijon Pork
This pork recipe is one of the most low-effort meals that every family can use as a staple throughout the week and return to any time you need healthy dinner ideas. Full of bright flavors, it gets extra points for its easy cleanup time as well.
4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest
1 minced garlic clove
½ teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of canola oil
1 – 2 pounds of sweet potatoes
1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts
4 boneless pork chops
Coarsely ground pepper
3. Grilled Steak Fajitas
These steak fajitas are so good that they will impress family and friends, even though they’re easily made in a skillet or on the grill.
1 flank steak
1 onion
2 red bell peppers
1 jalapeño
1 teaspoon of chili powder
4 teaspoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of hot sauce
8 flour tortillas
4. Weeknight Chop Suey
With veggies in tow and fun chow mein noodles, this weeknight chop suey is just what the family ordered.
4 teaspoons of olive oil
1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon each of dried tarragon and dried basil
½ teaspoon of grated lemon zest
1-½ cups of chopped carrots
1 cup unsweetened pineapples
1 can of sliced water chestnuts
½ cup of chopped onions
1 tart medium apple
1 cup of cold water
3 tablespoons of low sodium teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
3 cups of brown rice
5. California Chicken Wraps
This fresh take on the bun-less chicken burger uses tortillas instead and offers a heart-healthy way to wrap up the evening. With a mix of zesty lemon and a delightful blend of Italian seasoning, you’ll never want to go back to the normal way of burger eating ever again.
1-½ pounds of skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup of vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of lime zest
1 teaspoon of cumin
¾ teaspoons of regain
¾ teaspoons of ancho chili powder
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of salt
8 – 12 flour tortillas
6. Corn Salad and Shrimp with Pesto
Harvest your summer bounty with this pesto garnish and corn salad made of fresh corn, basil, tomatoes, and avocado. Sprinkle in some shrimp to make this one of the tastiest healthy dinner ideas.
4 medium ears of corn
1/2 cup of basil
1/4 cup of oil
1-1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes
1/8 teaspoon of pepper
1 medium avocado
1 pound of uncooked shrimp
7. Grilled Pineapple with Chimichurri Chicken
Get a little tropical and grill up the pineapple alongside some macadamia nuts. Use some red Serrano pepper for a spicy kick.
½ a small, sweet red pepper
2 slices of pineapple
1 cup of cilantro leaves
1 cup of parsley
4 teaspoons of lime juice
¼ cup of canola oil
¼ cup of island teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger root
4 boneless chicken breasts
Hot couscous
2 green onions
¼ macadamia nuts
8. Spinach Quesadillas
One of the fastest healthy dinner ideas, these quesadillas are made easily with some cheese, spinach, and tortillas.
3 ounces of fresh baby spinach
4 green onions
1 small tomato
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
1 cup of shredded cheese
¼ cup of reduced-fat ricotta cheese
6 flour tortillas
Reduced-fat sour cream
9. Ginger Salmon and Green Beans
With salmon reigning as one of the quickest meals to make, this pairing is a healthy addition to your weekly meals.
¼ lemon juice
2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
3 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons of honey
1 teaspoon of salt
2 salmon fillets
1 medium lemon
¾ pounds of green beans
2 tablespoons of water
2 teaspoons of olive oil
½ cup of onion
3 garlic cloves
10. Egg Roll Inspired Stir Fry
Egg rolls for dinner? While the idea of having egg rolls for dinner certainly doesn’t seem healthy, the inner filling of egg rolls has always been far healthier than the outer wrapper.
1 pound of ground chicken
1-1/2 cups of sliced mushrooms
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger root
2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
1 package of coleslaw mix
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
3 cups of brown rice
½ cup of sweet-and-sour sauce
11. Herbed Balsamic Chicken
For another grill-ready meal, try this herbed balsamic chicken. Use fresh herbs for the best taste.
½ cup of balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of basil
1 tablespoon of chives
2 teaspoons of lemon zest
1 garlic clove
23/4 teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of pepper
6 boneless chicken thighs
12. Meatball and Spaghetti Supper
We all love those one-skillet dishes. While spaghetti and meatballs is a fan favorite, you’ve never seen it made this simple before.
12 ounces of frozen turkey meatballs
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 can of tomatoes
½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
1 can of cannellini beans
1 can of water-packed artichoke hearts
4 ounces of uncooked spaghetti
1 can of chicken broth
1/4 cup of fresh parsley
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Grated Parmesan cheese
13. Mediterranean Orzo and Pork
Make this one-bowl meal easily with a pack of your favorite orzo and some fresh veggies and pork.
1-1/2 pounds of pot tenderloin
1 teaspoon of coarsely ground pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 quarts of water
1-¼ cups of orzo
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 package of fresh baby spinach
1 cup of grape tomatoes
¾ cup of crumbled feta cheese
14. Feta-Dill Chicken Burgers
Chicken burgers are a healthier way to give burger lovers what they want. With the addition of feta-dill, these burgers are super saucy and incredibly delicious.
1 large egg
1 large shallot
2 tablespoons of crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons of fresh dill
3 garlic cloves
¼ teaspoons of salt
¼ teaspoon of pepper
1 pound of ground chicken
½ cup of feta cheese
2 tablespoons of canola oil
4 hamburger buns
Refrigerated Tzatziki sauce
15. Chicken Thighs with Spinach & Shallots
Tender and moist chicken is always an option with this recipe. Paired with a creamy spinach dish, this meal is a welcome dish packed on any night of the week.
6 boneless chicken thighs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1-½ teaspoon olive oil
4 shallots
1 cup of white wine
1 package of fresh spinach
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream
16. Fresh Tomato and Corn Fettuccine
While fettuccine usually gets paired with chicken and Alfredo sauce, this recipe really does the pasta justice by serving it up with the freshest garden produce. Toss up this heart-healthy meal for you and your family by mixing in fresh corn, tomatoes, and your favorite herbs.
8 ounces of uncooked of fettuccine
2 medium ears of corn
2 tablespoons of olive oil
½ cup of chopped red pepper
4 green onions
2 medium tomatoes
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of pepper
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
17. Spinach and Beef Lo Mein
There’s nothing quite like a stir-fry to make quick work of dinner during the week. Mixed with your favorite veggies, this meal will become another go to during the week.
¼ cup of hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of water
2 teaspoons of sesame oil
2 garlic cloves
¼ teaspoon of crushed pepper flakes
1 pound of beef to round steak
6 ounces of uncooked spaghetti
4 teaspoons of canola oil
1 can sliced water chestnuts
2 green onions
1 package of spinach
1 chili pepper
18. Bruschetta Steak
Craving a quick steak in the middle of the week? With this bruschetta, you’ll love this savory dish, especially when it’s topped with herbs and tomatoes fresh from the garden.
3 medium tomatoes
3 tablespoons of fresh basil
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of fresh oregano
1 garlic clove
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1 beef flat iron steak
Grated Parmesan cheese
19. Honey-Garlic Sauce and Pork Chops
The garlic and honey sauce will make you come back for seconds and thirds of this savory meal. Paired with your choice of vegetables, this meal is one of the best healthy dinner ideas that is too good not to become a family favorite.
3 medium tomatoes
3 tablespoons each of fresh basil and fresh parsley
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of fresh oregano
1 garlic clove
¾ teaspoon of salt
1 beef flat iron top
¼ teaspoon pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese
20. Homemade Veggie Pizza
Grilled and filled with fresh-from-the-garden vegetables, this pizza is a beautiful way to bring any family together.
1 medium onion
1 large red pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 small zucchini
1 small summer squash
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of pepper
1 12-inch pizza crust
3 tablespoons of roasted minced garlic
2 cups of shredded cheese
1 cup of fresh basil
21. De-Constructed Pizza
Create this pizza in your slow cooker. With some pasta and ground beef, pepperoni, and cheese, this savory meal is one that your family can’t resist.
8 ounces of rigatoni
¾ pound of ground beef
½ cup of chopped onion
1 can of pizza sauce
1 small can of cream-of-mushroom soup
2 cups of shredded cheese
1 package of pepperoni
Chopped basil or arugula for garnish
Final Thoughts on Healthy Dinner Ideas
Bring the family together with a few of these creative dinner ideas. These fast and fun recipes are easy enough to put together, regardless of how busy your schedule may be.
These healthy dinner ideas are sure to be loved by your family, whatever day you choose to make them. Keep these 21 recipes in mind to make your life a little easier in the coming weeks.