This list of healthy dinner ideas is great for meal prepping and eating clean. It’s filled with all types of salads, soup recipes, side dishes and more. The ultimate list to jump start your New Year with nutritious dishes!
As soon as the New Year approaches, I’m always on the hunt for healthy dinner ideas to enjoy throughout the week. There’s something about starting the year off with clean eating and nutritious recipes that feels SO good. I love to get organized and meal prep at the beginning of the week. It’s so helpful and makes it much easier to stay on track…especially with a busy schedule.
Making a Meal Plan
With this list of 50+ healthy dinner ideas, you’ll find lots of delicious and flavorful recipes that make the perfect quick healthy dinner. Whether you’re looking for salads, low carb dinners, soup recipes, side dishes, easy pasta recipes and more…there are plenty of recipes to choose from. There are even different types of cuisines too…like healthy Mexican food and Chinese food.
One of the hardest things I find about eating healthy, however, comes down to time. It is so easy to order in after a long day and no time to cook. To combat this, I like to plan everything in advance and have it ready to go no matter how little time I have. Here are a few things I keep in mind when getting ready for the week ahead.
Plan early and accordingly. I typically find my recipes I want to make the week ahead on Saturday, so I can do my shopping that day or early Sunday morning. I pick recipes I know I will have time to make. For instance, I wouldn’t make something that took hours on a night that we have plans right up until 5:00 PM.
Vary the meals. I like to choose a variety of flavors and textures throughout the week to keep everyone interested. For instance, I wouldn’t make soup every night. From this list, I would choose one from each category, being aware to switch up the protein.
Consider leftovers. A big family may not have to worry, but it is always a good idea to think about how you will use the leftovers. Have them for lunch? Freeze them? Sometimes I will double the batch of something, just so I can freeze it for a later date.
Prep ahead. Weeknights get busy, so I find it incredibly helpful to do as much of the prep work I can on Sunday. If I can chop, cook, or assemble ahead of time, I will.
Salads
Sometimes you just need a big salad that’s filled with lots of veggies and protein! I love to eat a hearty salad for dinner, and these recipes fit the bill perfectly. Have fun playing with the ingredients and see what salad makes you feel your best.
BBQ Chicken Salad. Does it get any better than fresh greens, BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, tortilla strips and a delicious cilantro lime dressing? Nope.
Taco Salad. Just 20 minutes to a delightfully delicious and flexible salad that tastes just like a taco.
Cobb Salad. This is the perfect way to use any leftover chicken and comes together in a snap.
Chicken Taco Salad. Revamp Taco Tuesday with this healthier spin on the classic.
Chicken Fajita Salad. Pull together this flavorful and hearty salad in less than 20 minutes.
Steak Salad. Fire up the grill for the ultimate dinner salad in a jiffy.
Wedge Salad. Add your favorite toppings to turn this traditional side dish into a meal.
Italian Salad. This is like all of my favorite antipasto flavors in one bite.
Mediterranean Salad. Chocked full of greens, protein, and flavor, this salad hits all the right notes.
Vegetarian Salads
This list of healthy salads is so versatile…you’re bound to find a recipe that you’d enjoy! You’ll find both sweet and savory salads with delicious toppings like strawberries, avocados, chickpeas, feta, pistachios and more. So flavorful and delicious!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. I can’t get enough of this wholesome salad loaded with fresh veggies, herbs, and lots and lots of flavor.
Buddha Bowls. This no fuss and super nutritious dinner is flexible enough to add whatever ingredients!
Soups
I’m a big fan of soup recipes…they’re easy, comforting, filling and are great healthy easy dinner ideas! There are lots of healthy soups that are so flavorful and don’t taste like ‘skinny’ recipes. Plus I love that you can throw in any veggies and meats that you have on hand and easily whip something up. Be sure to check out this list of soup recipes below…they won’t disappoint!
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Made in just one pot, this soup comes together in less than 30 minutes.
If you’re following a low carb diet like keto, atkins or paleo, these low carb dinners are great to add to your menu! You won’t even miss the carbs in these healthy dinner recipes…they are packed with flavor and are so delicious. My personal favorite is the Balsamic Chicken and Veggies recipe. It’s made in just one pan and takes only 5 ingredients. So easy!
Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies. Feel free to customize this to your liking, from the chicken, the veggies, and the seasonings!
Sheet Pan Salmon Dinner. The entire meal comes together in less than 1 hour and only requires one pan to do it.
Pesto Chicken. TWO ingredients to a really flavorful and filling dish.
Balsamic Glazed Salmon. Made on the stovetop in less than 15 minutes, this is a weeknight dinner dream.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats. These are filled with seasoned Italian sausage and marinara sauce and topped with cheese. Delicious!
Mexican Food
I could eat Mexican food every day! It’s my favorite cuisine and seriously never gets old. And if you give me healthy Mexican food, I love it even more! These healthy dinner ideas don’t skimp on that great Mexican flavor, but have a few healthy swaps that makes these recipes guilt-free. You can’t go wrong with any of these Mexican recipes!
I love Chinese food, but ordering take out is usually not the healthiest. That’s why I love to make healthy Chinese food at home, where I can make simple swaps and know exactly what I’m putting into my dishes. Still so much flavor, but on the lighter side!
PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps. Make this easy takeout recipe in just 20 minutes in the comfort of your own home.
Egg Roll in a Bowl. You’re going to love this healthy, low carb dinner idea that’s loaded with flavor.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl. This is so much better (and better for you) than the take-out version!
Chicken Stir Fry. Serve over rice or noodles for the ultimate take-out style dish.
There are all types of healthy side dishes that can be easily whipped up to serve alongside your dinner. My favorite is baked veggies…they get perfectly crispy and caramelized in the oven. You can bake all types of healthy side dishes with vegetables…like baked zucchini fries, sweet potato fries, parmesan broccoli, roasted carrots and more. Delicious!
Baked Sweet Potato. Loaded with fiber and antioxidants and are a great source of healthy carbs, sweet potatoes are a fantastic alternative to a potato.
Grilled Vegetables. The flavor of the grill adds such a wonderful flavor to any veggie.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi. You can buy gnocchi in the pasta section of your store and save a ton of time.
The Full List
Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the healthy dinner recipes mentioned above.
Roasted Vegetables
Delicious baked vegetables coated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and flavorful spices. Perfectly crispy and roasted to perfection. These oven roasted veggies are always on repeat!
These baked sweet potato fries are so easy to make, taste absolutely delicious and will disappear fast! Learn all the best tips to make these healthy, crispy and full of flavor fries at home.
These copycat PF Chang's lettuce wraps taste just like the real deal! Make this easy takeout recipe in just 20 minutes in the comfort of your own home.
Topped with a delicious teriyaki sauce and served with steamed vegetables, this baked teriyaki chicken bowl is a yummy dinner recipe that tastes better than the take-out!
This chicken stir fry is an easy 30-minute meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's loaded with fresh veggies and coated in a delicious stir-fry sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for the ultimate take-out style dish!
Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is one of my favorite crockpot chicken recipes that's quick, flavorful and absolutely delicious. It comes out perfectly tender every time!
These baked zucchini fries are loaded with flavor and a crispy parmesan topping. They make the perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, they're healthy too!
These one pot sweet potato bowls are an easy vegetarian meal option that's ready in just 30 minutes! Loaded with diced sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, rice and seasonings, this delicious dinner packs a punch of flavor.
Easy instant pot chicken taco bowls that take just 5 minutes of prep. A family favorite meal idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. Just simply dump and go!
Mexican chicken fajita bowls made with rice, seasoned chicken, fajita veggies, beans and pico de gallo. An easy lunch or dinner that's healthy and packed with flavor!
This crockpot salsa chicken takes just 2 simple ingredients and is one of the easiest recipes ever! Perfect on salads, bowls, tacos, burritos and more.
A delicious taco bowl loaded with cilantro lime rice, seasoned chicken, black beans and corn. Easily made in the slow cooker and dinner is ready when you are!
A fresh and flavorful Mexican salad recipe surrounded by fresh vegetables, tortilla strips and topped with a homemade dressing. Easy to make and even more delicious to eat!
This southwest quinoa salad makes a delicious and flavorful side dish or main meal. You can feel great about eating this healthy, protein-packed salad all summer long!
Perfectly roasted butternut squash that's tender, caramelized and full of fall flavors! Makes a great side dish and can be added to salads, pasta, soups and more.
Perfectly caramelized glazed carrots that are crispy and have a hint of sweetness. Require only 3 simple ingredients and can be made on the stove, oven or crockpot!
Perfectly tender, flavorful and fresh green beans that make an amazing side dish recipe. Learn how to cook them 2 ways – sautéed or roasted in the oven.
Flavorful roasted spaghetti squash boats topped with a hearty meat sauce. This delicious stuffed spaghetti squash is a healthy, low carb version of an Italian classic.
Juicy and tender seared chicken topped with a flavorful homemade bruschetta made with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This bruschetta chicken is an easy and delicious dinner recipe that has the perfect combination of flavors.
Crispy, bibb lettuce topped with shredded buffalo chicken, tomatoes, avocado, red onion and a drizzle of ranch dressing. These easy buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are packed with flavor in every bite!
Make this burger in a bowl as light or as loaded as you'd like! It's a healthy gluten-free, low-carb, whole 30 alternative to a traditional hamburger. It's perfect for lunch on the go or a light dinner at home!
This easy recipe for grilled salmon is one of the best ways to enjoy this delightfully tender fillet of fish! With a simple seasoning and just 20 minutes, the results are flaky, flavorful, and beautifully charred!
This sheet pan salmon dinner is an ENTIRE meal made in under 1 hour with the easiest cleanup. It's complete with juicy salmon, tender-crispy asparagus, and perfectly seasoned potatoes. Sheet pan dinners are the best types of meals for busy weekdays!
This sheet pan chicken and veggies is just one of my favorite sheet pan healthy dinner ideas that come together so quickly and effortlessly. Charred roasted veggies, tender pieces of chicken, seasoned with delicate herbs and spices!
This pesto chicken is made with just 2 ingredients! Juicy grilled chicken breast and a beautiful, flavorful, creamy pesto sauce. Enjoy this family-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free dinner in under 20 minutes!
Balsamic glazed salmon is made quickly and easily on the stove top in under 15 minutes. With a lovely outer sear, and a tender flaky fillet, the balsamic glaze is the perfect way to top off the perfect piece of fish!
How to make a delicious and easy taco salad recipe that is ready in just 20 minutes! Filled with chopped greens, seasoned ground beef, rice, corn, beans, tomatoes and your favorite salad dressing, it's a flavorful dinner that whole family will love.
This Asian chicken salad is everything you want in a salad recipe…fresh, light, crunchy and delicious. It's super flavorful and is loaded with all your favorite toppings!
A delicious cobb salad that's fresh, flavorful and full of your favorite toppings! Makes the perfect lunch or dinner any day of the week. This recipe is a staple at our house.
A hearty chopped salad tossed with fresh greens, BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, tortilla strips and a delicious cilantro lime dressing. My absolute favorite salad!
This Mediterranean salad with creamy balsamic dressing is full of greens, protein and flavor! Comes together super quickly and tastes so fresh and delicious. Plus it's healthier than most restaurants, too!
This mandarin orange salad is fresh, sweet and loaded with flavor. It is topped with an amazing homemade orange salad dressing that you can't live without!
Shredded chicken taco salad loaded with lettuce, black beans, grilled corn, avocado, tomatoes and bell peppers. Topped with a creamy salsa ranch dressing. Simple, flavorful and delicious!
A light and refreshing strawberry spinach salad filled with fresh strawberries, almonds, feta and greens. Top with poppy seed dressing to make the perfect summer salad recipe!
EASY fajita salad recipe that's ready in just 20 minutes or less. Packed with flavorful seasoned chicken, fajita veggies, diced tomatoes, avocado and fresh green salsa.
Strawberry, pistachio, and burrata salad with a poppyseed dressing…super fresh, flavorful and satisfying! This strawberry salad has the most perfect combination of flavors and will become your new favorite!
A fresh and delicious salad made with lettuce, grilled corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, avocado and tender sliced steak. Then topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing.
A classic wedge salad recipe is a deliciously simple wedge of crisp iceberg lettuce topped with a creamy tangy blue cheese dressing, sprinkled with crispy smoky bacon or your choice of garnish. A light salad rich in flavor and texture is the perfect side dish for any meal!
Make this delicious Mediterranean quinoa salad in minutes! A vibrant, fresh, and highly nutritious salad combining bold flavors, crunchy textures, and wholesome ingredients all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette!
This sweet potato salad recipe is both colorful and crave-worthy! It's a bowl full of sweet and savory flavors and textures made with kale, roasted sweet potatoes, avocados, pecans, feta, and cranberries, tossed in a homemade balsamic glaze.
Buddha bowls make eating the rainbow so much easier! All the healthy and delicious things coming together in minutes makes this the perfect healthy lunch or dinner idea!
Stuffed zucchini boats are made with a filling of seasoned Italian sausage and marinara sauce topped with cheese and baked until perfectly golden brown!
This crockpot cabbage soup is not only delicious and flavorful but chock full of vegetables with lots of fiber and is very satisfying. All you need to do is dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
This healthy turkey chili recipe is hearty and delicious with plenty of flavor! Can easily be made in the slow cooker as well. Nothing beats a comforting bowl of chili!
This homemade vegetable beef soup is easy to make with ground beef and nutritious veggies simmered in a flavorful tomato based broth. It's hearty, healthy, and the perfect comfort food to enjoy during winter!
Creamy cauliflower soup filled with juicy roasted vegetables, crisp bacon and topped with parmesan cheese. So comforting and full of flavor. This is a soup that you can feel good about eating!
Paleo, gluten-free and Whole30 friendly! An easy crock pot soup recipe that takes just 5 minutes of prep. This Mexican chicken soup is packed with veggies and is healthy and delicious!
This creamy sweet potato soup is a hearty, easy main dish perfect for chilly weather. Made with sweet potatoes and warming spices, this delicious vegetarian recipe is comforting and irresistible.
This pasta e fagioli is an easy Olive Garden copycat that's perfect on a cold winter day. It's loaded with fresh veggies, beans, ground beef, seasonings and ditalini pasta. Super hearty and delicious!
This easy chicken and rice soup is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal loaded with tender vegetables, chicken and a flavorful broth that the whole family will love! Makes the perfect soup recipe for chilly weather!
This chicken tortilla soup recipe is made in ONE pot in 30 minutes. Always a crowd pleaser and tastes great loaded with cheese, avocado and tortilla chips.
Chicken vegetable soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that is slow-cooked and ready for you at the end of a long day. Fall apart chicken, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth is filling and satisfying comfort soup at its best!
Thanks for sharing these!! They all look so tasty & are perfect, as this new year comes & I try to eat healthy!
Bookmarking AND PINNING! So many great ideas!!!
Thanks Kellie!
Love this motherload of healthy delicious meal ideas!
This is an awesome roundup!! Love how healthy they all are
thank You for the recipes, were helpfuly at home..!
Thanks SO much for including my Salmon and my Shrimp!! This is an incredible roundup!
Just had weight loss surgery looking for good healthy recipes please and thank:•}
I just stumbled upon these recipes and pinned so many of them! I’m a newlywed of only about a week and a half, so I’m excited to try these out on my new husband :)
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
I hope you like them! Congratulations on your marriage!
Can I receive Daily emails please?
Hi Rachael! There is a link on the blog to subscribe with you email. Then you will receive the emails with recipes and crafts! :)