Simple Easy to Cook Healthy Meals for Dinner

Ethan Calabrese

If you're anything like us, eating healthy is hardest at night. We've got our quick, healthy breakfasts, packed lunches, and snacks for work down, keeping us full and motivated all day long (our curried cashews have quelled many an afternoon hunger pang). But then we get home for dinner, and it's a whole other story. We know it's way easier to control your health when you do your own cooking, but lots of nights, it's just too easy to turn to frozen meals or takeout. Take inspiration from these healthy dinner recipes to keep your momentum going every night of the week—we believe in you!

We know health looks different to different people, so we've included options for every diet, like low carb, vegan, pescatarian, or gluten-free. We've also included meals for home cooks of all skill levels, so we've got you whether you're a master chef or a novice, whether your kitchen is full of gadgets or you're working with one bowl and one knife (we've ALL been there).

When it comes to eating "healthier", we're ALL about the swaps. Want to make your dinner low-carb? Lean on superheroes cauliflower, zucchini, and lettuce wraps to keep you satisfied, without the bread or noodles. Check out our loaded cauliflower bake, our Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps, our zucchini lattice lasagna, or our low-carb Big Macs for ideas to see how easy (and yummy!) it is to ditch the carbs. Looking for plant-based or vegetarian options? Swap out sausage for tempeh, like in our tempeh and broccoli rabe orecchiette; BBQ cauliflower for chicken, like in our vegan pizza; beans for ground beef, like in our vegetarian chili; or tofu for shrimp, like in our tofu stir-fry. Once you get on board with the alt protein options out there, we bet you won't even miss the meat. Speaking of, are you trying to avoid the red stuff? You can easily swap leaner ground meat in for beef, like in our baked turkey burgers or our slow-cooker turkey chili. Want to make a tiny change for your health? Try swapping brown rice in for white rice in any of your favorite meals. Our goddess and harvest bowls are served over the whole grain, and are all the better for it (and you will be too!).

Want some healthy inspiration for after the meal? Check out our top healthy cookies, our favorite fruit desserts, and our top vegan desserts too.

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Zucchini Lattice Lasagna

Yes, classic lasagna is delicious, but when we're craving something a tad less carb-heavy, we turn to this summery zucchini version. Pro tip: Zucchini releases a good amount of water, so we like to dab it with a paper towel when the lasagna is done cooking, and then broil until the cheese is bubbly and crispy. 😍

Get the Zucchini Lattice Lasagna recipe.

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Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken

If you throw chicken into a pan with salt and pepper and bake it for forever, of course it's going to be terrible. We know this sounds obvious, but it's what so many people trying to "eat healthy" do. On the other hand, when you add layers of bright and fresh flavors (like lemon pepper!), eating healthy can be extremely easy and delicious.

Get the Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken recipe.

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Buddha Bowl

The beauty about these bowls is that they're infinitely adaptable—you can roast just about any veggie, use any number of toppings, and it'll taste amazing in this recipe. The only thing we might insist you must keep on the bowl is the incredible peanut dressing. It's insanely delicious.

Get the Buddha Bowl recipe.

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Egg Roll Bowls

If you're a fan of crispy savory egg rolls, then you might consider this unwrapped version your dream healthy dinner. Without the need to wrap or fry, this veggie-packed meal comes together in well under an hour. Garnish with crispy raw scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and plenty of sriracha or chili oil.

Get the Egg Roll Bowls recipe.

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Tofu Stir-Fry

For best results, use extra-firm tofu that has been frozen so it can absorb flavors more readily, and simmer the tofu in salted water briefly to make it hardier and less likely to crumble when jostled in the pan.

Get the Tofu Stir-Fry recipe.

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"Skinny" Alfredo

A lightened-up version of our fettuccine Alfredo can you feel a little bit better about pasta nights. Skipping the heavy cream and using just a little bit of Greek yogurt still gives you a lusciously creamy sauce you'll love.

Get the "Skinny Alfredo" recipe.

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Air-Fryer Fish

We love the classic fish and chip combo and normally turn to our favorite beer battered fish when the craving hits. But frying can be messy and sometimes we'd like to skip that part—this air-fryer fish is the perfect substitute. It is every bit as crunchy and the fish stays perfectly flaky too.

Get the Air-Fryer Fish recipe.

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Italian Sausage Stuffed Zucchini

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Falafel Chickpea Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

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Air Fryer Pork Chops

Most of the time, we don't get very excited over pork chops. Often overdone, they come out dry, sad, and flavorless. Cooking them in an air fryer changes all that! Due to the intense heat circulation that happens, the outside crisps slightly while the inside stays nice and juicy.

Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe.

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Vegan Seared "Scallops" with Succotash

In a dish that brings summer vibes to the table no matter the season, king trumpet mushrooms mirror the sweet, delicate flavor of sea scallops. Nestled into a colorful and crisp corn and snap pea succotash, this date-night-worthy dinner is sure to impress.

Get the Vegan Seared "Scallops" with Succotash recipe.

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Spicy Salmon Bowl

There is something magical about grain bowls. All of the components are great on their own, and once they're tossed together, they somehow become even better.

Get the Spicy Salmon Bowl recipe.

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Blackened Tilapia

Even seafood haters can get behind this blackened tilapia. The mild-tasting fish gets a delicious flavor-packed spice rub from brown sugar, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Serve the fish topped with a super-easy avocado salsa—or don't. It's delicious enough on its own.

Get the Blackened Tilapia recipe.

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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

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Baked Salmon

This healthy baked fish is the best way to feed a crowd. There's no skillet cooking at all—everything is oven-baked in foil, making prep and cleanup a breeze. We believe it might just be one of the best salmon recipes...ever.

Get the Baked Salmon recipe.

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Burrito Zucchini Boats

You won't miss the tortilla in these stuffed zucchinis. They've got everything you love about your favorite burrito—black beans, corn, CHEESE—minus the carbs!

Get the Zucchini Burrito Boats recipe.

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Baked Turkey Burgers

Turkey burgers can have the reputation of being dry and bland. But that will never be the case with these baked turkey burgers. Even without the oil, they're packed with flavor thanks to soy sauce, garlic, green onion, and shallots.

Get the Baked Turkey Burgers recipe.

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Vegan Meatballs

Few foods satisfy like a hearty bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Even if you're avoiding meat, now you TOO can enjoy this comfort food! These chickpea-based meatballs pack tons of flavor, come together quickly, and provide a good amount of protein and fiber.

Get the Vegan Meatballs recipe.

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Bruschetta Grilled Chicken

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Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

A longtime favorite of Delish readers, this savory-sweet salmon never disappoints. Hot tip: Let the fillets cook undisturbed for a few minutes. That, and super high heat is how you get that delicious crust here.

Get the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe.

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Taco Tomatoes

We're all for a genius low-carb hack—and these tomatoes totally deliver. We had never thought to stuff them with taco meat, cheese, and sour cream, but we'll do anything in the name of ditching a tortilla for a low-carb meal. You can change up the fillings for cheeseburger tomatoes, too.

Get the Taco Tomatoes recipe.

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Black Bean Burger

Finding alternatives to meat can be hard, but we think these burgers really nail it. The secret? Stop trying to make them taste like beef, and focus on the flavor!

Get the Black Bean Burger recipe.

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This recipe is based on gołąbki, a Polish dish in which parboiled cabbage leaves encase a minced meat filling of either pork or beef with onions and rice. What we love most is that the meat and the rice cook in the cabbage itself, meaning less work for you!

Get the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe.

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Primavera Stuffed Chicken

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Salmon Tacos

The first thing you might think of when you hear the words "fish tacos" are probably Baja-style tacos filled with crispy fried fish. But tacos can be made with all manner of marine life, from shrimp to salmon! These tacos are cinch to make and are fresh, zesty, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.

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Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette

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Stuffed Acorn Squash

All our favorite fall flavors come together in this surprisingly easy and super flavorful stuffed acorn squash. The kale adds a heartiness that only a good cruciferous green can provide, and it pairs perfectly with the tender, sweet flesh of the squash. Yum!

Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.

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Source: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g3733/healthy-dinner-recipes/

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