30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (2024)

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byArman Liew

published on Jan 01, 2024

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5from 98 votes

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These 30+ healthy dinner recipes will ensure you never run out of healthy options to feed your family. From effortless weeknight dinners to make-ahead casseroles fit for a crowd, the options are limitless.

30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (2)

I know from experience how easy it can be to get caught up in routine and find yourself making the same dinners repeatedly. It’s even harder when you’re trying to come up with healthy recipes.

So, to make sense of the countless dinner recipes I’ve created, I decided to combine them to create a complete list of the over 30 best healthy recipes for dinner.

Table of Contents
  1. Tips for planning a healthy dinner
  2. Healthy chicken dinner recipes
  3. Healthy beef dinners
  4. Light and healthy seafood dinners
  5. Healthy vegetarian dinners
  6. Gluten-free dinner recipes
  7. Lower carb healthy dinners
  8. More healthy recipe collections
  9. Frequently Asked Questions
  10. 30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Recipe Card)

Tips for planning a healthy dinner

We’re all creatures of habit, so breaking out of our dinner rut and trying new things can be hard. Here are some of the tips I’ve found most helpful when trying to come up with tasty (and healthy) dinner ideas:

  • Make a plan. The last thing you want to do when you’re hungry is debate over what to have for dinner. Planning a week of recipes ahead of time makes it easy and eliminates decision fatigue.
  • Pick a theme. Instead of making 7 unique dinner recipes every week, pick a theme and batch-cook ingredients to save time throughout the week.
  • Take advantage of freezer-friendly meals. Make double batches of freezer-friendly dinners like spaghetti squash casserole. When you’re short on time or don’t feel like running to the store, you can just unwrap it and pop it in the oven.

Healthy chicken dinner recipes

Chicken is a go-to protein in our house since it’s naturally lean and versatile. Here are some of our (and your) favorite healthy dinner recipes using chicken.

  • Asian chicken salad– This hearty salad is filled with fresh Asian flavors and crispy chicken tenders in an almond butter dressing.
  • Air fryer whole chicken– Effortlessly cook an entire chicken in less than an hour and with way less oil than other cooking methods.
  • Pollo guisado– Comfort food at its finest, this Puerto Rican chicken stew is made with tender chicken thighs, hearty potatoes, and green olives in a light aromatic broth.
  • Baked chicken tenderloin– Juicy baked chicken ready and on the table in 30 minutes.
  • Avocado chicken salad– Chunks of chicken breast tossed in creamy avocado, corn, and bacon in a zesty lime dressing.
  • Grilled chicken wings– I’ll never say no to a plate of chicken wings, especially when they’re grilled to perfection.
  • Sheet pan chicken and veggies– Juicy chicken breast baked in the oven with an assortment of veggies. This is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
  • Bacon wrapped chicken– Juicy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, you can never go wrong with this epic combo.
30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (3)

Healthy beef dinners

Beef can be a surprisingly healthy protein choice if you know what you’re looking for. Stick to lean ground beef or naturally lean steak cuts like sirloin or flank steak.

  • No bean chili– Warm, hearty, and comforting, this bean-free chili is made with juicy ground beef and the perfect balance of seasonings.
  • Grilled marinated flank steak– A naturally lean cut of meat, we marinate this flank steak in an addictive honey and soy sauce marinade.
  • Healthy meatloaf– Made with a handful of wholesome ingredients, this is the perfect healthy version of hearty meatloaf.
  • Lasagna with cottage cheese– Transform traditional lasagna into this protein-rich version with cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Each serving packs 35 grams of protein!
  • Steak salad– A hearty salad with mixed greens and sirloin steak tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (4)

Light and healthy seafood dinners

Whenever I’m on a health kick, I always find myself making a lot of seafood dishes. Not only is it naturally lean and high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s a no-fuss ingredient that cooks quickly.

  • Air fryer salmon (Or air fryer tilapia)- A weeknight favorite. Tender, flaky salmon cooked in just 6 minutes. Serve it with orzo salad or roasted brussels sprouts.
  • Shrimp fajitas– Seasoned and marinated shrimp served with tender peppers and onions and piled high on tortillas with fresh toppings.
  • Grilled haddock– Naturally buttery and flavorful, this grilled haddock comes together with just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes or less.
  • Branzino– AKA European bass, branzino is a widely popular Mediterranean dish that’s surprisingly easy to cook, low-fat, and incredibly flavorful.
  • Fried octopus– Crispy on the outside, perfectly chewy in the middle, it’s such a winning seafood dish.
  • Ahi tuna– Perfectly seared and ready in minutes, this is a summertime staple in my home.
  • Seafood soup– Hearty, cozy, and super filling.
30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (5)

Healthy vegetarian dinners

I’m a big fan of Meatless Mondays, so we always tend to have at least one or two vegan dinners per week. Each of these recipes is plant-based, full of flavor, and most are gluten-free as well.

  • Cauliflower steaks– Swap the butter for olive oil and you’ve got hearty, tender cauliflower steaks with plenty of serving options.
  • Vegan chili– On days when you need to cozy up with a warming, flavorful meal, this hearty vegan chili is for you.
  • BBQ tofu– 2 simple ingredients are all that’s needed to make this versatile tofu recipe. Multiple cooking options are included.
  • Channa masala– Craving curry flavors? It doesn’t get better than this aromatic one-pot Indian-inspired dish.
  • Tuscan white bean soup– Turn a can of white beans into a super flavorful soup with just one pot and 30 minutes.
30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (6)

Gluten-free dinner recipes

Being gluten-free can be tricky, but if you focus on all the things you can eat, you’ll realize the options are endless.

  • Venison roast– A warm, hearty roast made with naturally lean venison and tender veggies.
  • Buttercup squash soup– Roasted buttercup squash blends into a creamy, savory, caramelized soup.
  • Ground turkey soup– Who knew ground turkey could taste this good? All you need is ground turkey, bacon, veggies, and coconut milk to make it extra creamy.
  • Cauliflower pizza– The healthy version of everyone’s favorite takeout, made with a chewy cauliflower crust and your favorite pizza toppings.
30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (7)

Lower carb healthy dinners

Going low-carb doesn’t have to be boring. These dinner recipes keep things interesting and help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.

  • Eggplant lasagna– Swap the pasta for tender eggplant slices, and you’ve got a low-carb, high-protein dinner in 45 minutes.
  • Zucchini boats– As much as I love using leftover zucchini to make healthy zucchini bread, I have to admit these zucchini boats are a great low-carb dinner idea.
  • Sous vide pork chops– Fried pork chops are great, but they’re not very healthy. This recipe makes for equally juicy and succulent pork chops with less oil. No sous vide required.
  • Lamb kabobs– Savory marinated lamb grilled until slightly charred on the outside yet juicy on the inside, along with an assortment of rainbow peppers and onions.
30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (8)

More healthy recipe collections

  • Healthy chicken breast recipes
  • Healthy chicken thigh recipes
  • Healthy ground beef recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a healthy dinner?

A healthy dinner is one that is a combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It should keep you satisfied until the next morning, with no excess snacking or dessert.

What should I eat for dinner to lose weight?

A calorie-controlled dinner (ideally under 400 calories) that is high in protein and fiber is a fantastic dinner option for those following a weight-loss diet. All the recipes in this post have less than 400 calories per serving and are well balanced.

What should two people eat?

These healthy dinner recipes make four servings. This is great for two people, as there are two extra portions to enjoy later this week. Alternatively, you can halve all the recipes.

30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (9)

30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes

5 from 98 votes

These 30+ healthy dinner ideas will ensure you never run out of healthy options to feed your family. From effortless weeknight dinners to make-ahead casseroles fit for a crowd, the options are limitless.This takeout style chicken is a great dinner to start with.

Servings: 4 servings

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 5 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  • 4 small chicken breast fillets skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 small onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

  • Add the oil into a non-stick pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, garlic, and ginger and cook for a minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink.

  • Remove the chicken from the pan. Add the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar and cornstarch. Let everything simmer for several minutes, before adding the chicken back in. Cook for a further two minutes.

  • Remove the pan from the heat and serve the chicken over brown rice or noodles.

Notes

TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to one week.

TO FREEZE: Place the cooled dish in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to two months.

TO REHEAT: Microwave in 30-second spurts until warm or in a non-stick pan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 25gFat: 7gSodium: 674mgPotassium: 514mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 8g

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

30+ Healthy Dinner Recipes (Under 30 Minutes) (2024)

FAQs

What takes 30 minutes to cook? ›

30-minute meal recipes
  • Mustard-stuffed chicken. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  • Air-fryer fish tacos. This is a premium piece of content available to registered users. ...
  • Coconut fish curry. ...
  • Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) ...
  • Air-fryer sweetcorn fritters. ...
  • 30 minute chicken & tarragon pasta. ...
  • Thai prawn noodles. ...
  • Pork noodle stir-fry.

What is the 30 minute diet? ›

Part of its appeal is how uncomplicated this diet is. It involves eating 30 grams of protein during the first 30 minutes of your day before completing 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise.

What is a 5 10 30 meal? ›

5 Cuisines, 10 Full Meals, 30 Total Ingredients!

How to cook dinner in 30 minutes? ›

  1. Easy 30 Minute Meals. Taco Salad. Pizza Quesadillas. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Hawaiian Meatballs. ...
  2. Kid Friendly 30 Minute Meals. Air Fryer Pizza. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Instant Pot Spaghetti. Ham Fried Rice. ...
  3. Air Fryer Recipes. Air Fryer Meatballs. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese. Air Fryer Pizza.

What is the 30-30-30 rule? ›

The 30-30-30 rule is simple. It involves eating 30 grams of protein within the first 30 minutes after you wake up, which is then followed by 30 minutes of exercise. You can eat whatever else you want with your breakfast, but the 30 grams of protein is key.

What is the 4 10 30 method? ›

❤️4 strength training workouts per week. ❤️30 grams of protein for breakfast lunch and dinner. ❤️10k steps day.

What is the 30/30/30 rule in weight loss? ›

The 30-30-30 diet involves eating 30g of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, and then completing 30 minutes of low intensity exercise. This method first appeared in Tim Ferriss' book The 4-Hour Body in 2010 but was recently popularized by nutritionist and wellness podcaster Gary Brecka.

What is the #1 healthiest food? ›

Top 10 Foods for Health
  1. Water. Drink 8 to 12 cups of water daily.
  2. Dark green vegetables. Eat dark green vegetables at least three to four times a week. ...
  3. Whole grains. Eat whole grains sat least two or three times daily. ...
  4. Beans and lentils. Try to eat a bean-based meal at least once a week. ...
  5. Fish. ...
  6. Berries. ...
  7. Winter squash. ...
  8. Soy.

What is the unhealthiest dinner? ›

Worst Restaurant Meals
  • Ham and Cheese Omelet. 1/15. The Count: Approximately 512 calories, 37 grams of fat, 1,277 milligrams of sodium. ...
  • Chicken and Waffles. 2/15. ...
  • Bacon Double Cheeseburger. 3/15. ...
  • Baby Back Ribs (Full Rack) 4/15. ...
  • Chicken Alfredo. 5/15. ...
  • Pepperoni Stromboli. 6/15. ...
  • General Tso's Chicken. 7/15. ...
  • Beef Chimichangas. 8/15.
Mar 16, 2024

What is the healthiest meat to eat? ›

But to break it down in terms of meats only, and which is the healthiest, here's our list featuring the best:
  • Top overall: Lean cuts. ...
  • Lean cuts of Pork: ...
  • Healthiest: Skinless Turkey Meat. ...
  • Healthiest: Skinless Chicken Breast. ...
  • Healthiest: Flank, strip steak, and 95% lean ground beef. ...
  • Sources:

What to eat when you are sick of everything? ›

What to Cook When You're Tired of Everything: 40 Easy Recipes to Get You Out of a Dinner Rut
  • 15-Minute Herb-Crumbed Fish. ...
  • Hot Honey Chicken Thighs. ...
  • Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas. ...
  • 50-50 Buttered Noodles and Greens. ...
  • Teriyaki Salmon Bowls. ...
  • Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich. ...
  • Slow Cooker Green Chicken Chili.
Jun 20, 2022

What food takes a long time to cook? ›

If you have extra time to kill and are looking for a special, intensive recipe to try, here's some inspiration.
  • Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Ravioli in Tomato Cream Sauce. ...
  • Homemade Udon Noodles. ...
  • Simple Challah Bread. ...
  • Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew. ...
  • Pork Carnitas. ...
  • Easy Homemade Pizza Dough. ...
  • Homemade Bagels.
Apr 23, 2020

What takes 20 minutes to cook? ›

This post is all about my Tasty Meals that only take 20 Minutes to prepare.
  • #1 Air Fryer Salmon (15 Minutes ONLY!)
  • #2 Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice.
  • #3 Creamy Miso Ramen (20 Minutes ONLY!)
  • #4 Soy Glazed Chicken (20 Minutes ONLY!)
  • #5 Chinese Steamed Eggs – 20 Minutes ONLY!
  • #6 Spicy Garlic Noodle (10 Minutes Only!)
Jun 21, 2022

What dish takes longest to cook? ›

What food dish takes the longest amount of time to prepare? Miso soup It takes six months to make miso. It takes five months to make katsuobushi for the broth. Of course, if you have miso and dried bonito, you can make miso soup in 10 minutes.…

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