Posted By: Stella Pike | February 13, 2023
Are you looking for some healthy and simple dinner ideas? You’ve come to the right place!
In this blog post, I’ll share 6 of my go-to recipes for healthy and delicious dinners that are easy to make. From stuffed sweet potatoes to veggie-loaded frittatas, there’s something for everyone.
So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or something a little more special, be sure to check out these recipes. You’ll be glad you did!
When it comes to preparing a healthy and delicious dinner at home, stuffed sweet potatoes are a great option. They’re easy to make, and you can stuff them with a variety of healthy ingredients.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also low in calories and fat. When stuffed with healthy ingredients, they make a filling and satisfying meal.
There are many ways to stuff a sweet potato. You can use cooked chicken or turkey, canned salmon or tuna, beans, or vegetables. For a vegetarian option, you can stuff them with sautéed mushrooms or onions, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
To make stuffed sweet potatoes, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. This will help them cook evenly.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until they’re soft all the way through.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before stuffing them. Then, add your desired filling and enjoy!
A dinner salad is the perfect way to get your daily dose of veggies while enjoying a delicious, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s an easy way to eat healthy in real life!
There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a dinner salad. To start, you’ll need a base of greens such as spinach, arugula, or Romaine lettuce. Then, add in your favorite toppings like diced chicken or hard-boiled eggs for protein, fresh fruits or vegetables for flavor and crunch, and a light dressing for a finishing touch.
Not sure what to include in your salad? Here are some of my go-to ingredients:
Baby spinach leaves: Baby spinach is packed with nutrients and has a milder flavor than other types of greens, making it ideal for salads.
Diced chicken: Chicken is a great source of lean protein that will help keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
Hard-boiled eggs: Eggs are another excellent source of protein and also contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Plus, they add a nice creamy texture to salads.
Cherry tomatoes: Tomatoes are bursting with flavor and offer a lovely pop of color in any salad. I like to use cherry tomatoes because they’re small and easy to eat.
Carrots: Carrots are rich in fiber and antioxidants, and they add a lovely sweetness to salads. They’re also crunchy, which makes them fun to eat!
Fresh fruit: Fresh fruit is a great way to add natural sweetness and flavor to your salad. I often include grapes, berries, or diced apples in my salads.
Light dressing: A light dressing ties all the ingredients together and makes the salad more enjoyable to eat. I prefer vinaigrettes made with olive oil and vinegar, but you can use any type of dressing you like. Just be sure to go easy on the dressing – too much can make the salad taste heavy and unhealthy.
A grain bowl is a simple, healthy, and filling meal that can be easily customized to your liking. To make a grain bowl, start with a base of cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or farro. Then, add in your favorite toppings like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or fish, fresh herbs, and a light dressing. Grain bowls are a great way to use up leftovers and can be made ahead of time for an easy weekday lunch or dinner.
Soups are a great way to get in a lot of nutrients in one meal. They are also easy to make and can be made ahead of time. One-pot soups are even easier to make because they require less cleanup. To make a one-pot soup, simply sauté your vegetables in a large pot or Dutch oven, add in your protein and any other ingredients, and then let everything simmer until it is cooked through. You can then ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
Some of my favorite one-pot soups include:
Chicken and vegetable soup: This soup is packed with protein and nutrients. To make it, simply sauté some chopped chicken breasts and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then, add in chicken broth and let everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through. You can then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Beef and bean chili: This chili is hearty and filling. To make it, sauté some chopped beef chuck roast and onions in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then, add in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let the chili simmer until the beef is cooked through. You can then season it with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chili with shredded cheese on top or on the side for dipping.
Minestrone soup: This classic Italian soup is loaded with vegetables and fiber. To make it, sauté some chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and zucchini in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then add in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, white beans, green beans, spinach leaves, pasta shells, chicken broth, and basil leaves. Let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked through. You can then season it with salt and pepper to taste before serving
When it comes to simple, healthy dinners, pasta is always a good option. And while traditional pasta made with white flour can be loaded with empty calories, brown rice pasta is a healthier alternative that is just as delicious.
Brown rice pasta is made with whole grain brown rice and is a good source of fiber and nutrients. It also has a lower glycemic index than traditional white pasta, which means it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
To make a healthy and filling brown rice pasta dish, start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté some vegetables like garlic, onion, and mushrooms in olive oil. Add in your protein of choice – I like to use grilled chicken or shrimp – and then toss everything with the cooked pasta and a light dressing.
You can also add in some fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Brown rice pasta dishes are easy to make ahead of time and are perfect for weekday lunches or dinners.
Frittatas are a great way to get a healthy, protein-packed meal on the table quickly. They can be made ahead of time and are perfect for weekday breakfasts or lunches. To make a veggie loaded frittata, simply sauté your favorite vegetables in a large skillet. I like to use mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and spinach. Once the veggies are cooked, add in some beaten eggs and let everything cook until the eggs are set. You can then slice the frittata into pieces and enjoy.
If you’re looking for a little something extra, you can top your frittata with some shredded cheese or diced avocado. Both of these toppings will add some additional protein and healthy fats to your meal. Frittatas are also a great way to use up any veggies you have leftover in your fridge. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations.
You don’t need complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen to prepare a healthy and satisfying dinner.
In addition to being nutritious, the recipes listed above are also easy to prepare.
Next time you have trouble coming up with dinner ideas, try one of the recipes.