Easy, Healthy Dinner Recipes to Simplify Your Weeknight Meals
/Dinner doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious and nutritious. With a few simple ingredients, you can create vibrant, flavorful meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Today, I'm sharing some easy, healthy dinner recipes that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Plus, we’ll include a few tips and ideas for building on these recipes to keep your meals fresh and exciting!
Enjoy Easy, Healthy Dinner Recipes
1. MEDITERRANEAN SHRIMP QUINOA BOWL
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
1 small cucumber, roughly chopped
1 medium tomato, roughly chopped
1/4 cup red onion, roughly chopped
8-12 ounces grilled shrimp
2 tablespoons olive oil
2-4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Divide the quinoa, chickpeas, olives, cucumber, tomato, and red onion evenly between two bowls.
Add the grilled shrimp to each bowl.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over each bowl.
Sprinkle with feta cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: ~430
Protein: ~32g
Fat: ~18g
Carbs: ~40g
2. MEXICAN-INSPIRED FRESH BOWL
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
1 small cucumber, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 medium avocado, chopped
1 cup cooked brown rice
8-12 ounces grilled chicken breast, seasoned with fajita seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Sea salt to taste
Instructions:
Divide the cucumber, red onion, tomato, avocado, and brown rice evenly between two bowls.
Top each bowl with grilled chicken.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon over each bowl.
Sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: ~450
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~20g
Carbs: ~35g
3. ASIAN-INSPIRED VEGGIE STIR FRY
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small carrot, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup snap peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
8 ounces firm tofu or chicken breast, cubed and cooked
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrot, broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Mix in the soy sauce and honey. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Divide the cooked rice between two bowls, top with the stir-fried vegetables and tofu or chicken.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: ~380
Protein: ~22g
Fat: ~12g
Carbs: ~50g
Tips and Ideas for Easy Dinner Recipes
Batch Cooking Grains: Cook a large batch of grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro at the start of the week. Store them in the fridge to use as a base for quick bowls.
Prep Your Protein: Grill or bake chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu ahead of time to have a variety of proteins ready to go for your meals.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to any of these bowls. Roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli are great options.
Use Dressings Wisely: Light dressings like olive oil with lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or a simple vinaigrette can enhance flavor without adding too many calories.
Keep It Fresh: Mix up your meals by changing the seasoning or sauce. Adding different herbs, spices, or sauces can completely change the flavor profile.
These easy dinner recipes are just a starting point! Get creative with what you have in your pantry or fridge. Building healthy, delicious dinners doesn't have to be difficult—just mix and match your favorite ingredients, and you'll have a nutritious meal in minutes.
sAY HELLO TO EASY MEALS ALREADY DONE FOR YOU
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One pot, one pan meal guide
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