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90 Healthy Dinner Ideas That Your Family Will *Actually* Enjoy - AOL

90 Healthy Dinner Ideas for Your Family Will Dickey

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Eating healthier isn't always easy to do—especially if you're feeding a hungry family! Ree Drummond herself embarked on a weight loss journey that led to a new way of eating, and she quickly realized that it's not just possible, but enjoyable, too! The first step is to arm yourself with these healthy dinner recipes.

So, what makes for a healthy dinner? The answer can be different depending on the person. Some might opt for a low-calorie meal, while others prefer a menu packed with lean protein or even a vegetarian dinner. The important thing to remember is that the nutritious dinner ideas you'll find here are still every bit as satisfying as the more indulgent recipes you know and love—they're just tweaked a bit to ensure you and your family are getting the fuel needed to power through the week ahead.

Here, you'll find tons of quick and easy healthy dinners, plus lightened-up versions of your family's favorite foods. Think: homemade meatballs made with ground turkey, crispy pork chops made in an air fryer, and tacos transformed into a fresh salad. These ideas really run the gamut like a simple salmon recipe and a fun twist on pizza night involving a new crust made with a creative cauliflower recipe. There are also healthy ground beef recipes, grilled chicken dinners, and easy nourishing soups for every night of the week that your family will actually enjoy!

Caprese Chicken

If you love the classic Italian combo of basil, mozzarella, and tomato, turn it into a skillet meal with chicken breast cutlets. Get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes!

Get Ree's Caprese Chicken recipe.

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C.W. Newell

Salmon with Olive Caper Relish

A briny, zesty, and bright relish really makes baked salmon fillets pop. All you need to do is serve it with a simple side like coucous to complete the meal.

Get Ree's Salmon with Olive Caper Relish recipe.

Ryan Liebe

Veggie Fajitas

Fajitas typically feature peppers and onions, but this veggie version adds mushrooms, yellow squash, and zucchini to the mix for a filling dinner idea. You won't miss the meat!

Get Ree's Veggie Fajitas recipe.

C.W. Newell

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Think of these spaghetti squash boats as nachos without the chips. Ground turkey spiced with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, cheese, and all the fixings get piled on top.

Get the Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe.

C.W. Newell

Creamy Chicken and Corn Chili

It's not the chicken or the corn that makes this dish extra creamy. Nope, it's adding a little bit of cream cheese at the end that gives it that extra boost.

Get Ree's Creamy Chicken and Corn Chili recipe.

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Ryan Liebe

Salmon Tacos

Fish tacos typically feature fried fillets, but you can also bake salmon for a lighter take. You'll still get a ton of flavor when served with the street corn-inspired slaw.

Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.

C.W. Newell

Cauliflower Chili

Nope, you don't need meat to make a hearty, filling chili. Ree's take on a vegetarian version is chockfull of beans, cauliflower, and mushrooms. Top it with fresh cilantro and chopped avocado.

Get Ree's Cauliflower Chili recipe.

Ryan Liebe

Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is one of the most versatile meats you can make. It goes with practically any side dish, and you can use leftovers in endless recipes for the rest of the week.

Get Ree's Roast Chicken recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Cabbage Salad

Cabbage, arugula, green onions, apples, parsley, pecans: This crunchy salad has a lot of healthy and flavorful ingredients. It would pair perfectly with any protein to make a full meal. You can make it ahead of time, too!

Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Stuffed Eggplant

Get your protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pretty, edible vessel! This Moroccan-inspired meal is loaded with spices for a level of flavor that's unmatched.

Get the Stuffed Eggplant recipe.

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Antonis Achilleos

Mango Chicken Salad

No boring ol' salad here! A bed of mixed greens gets topped with grilled chicken, onion, avocado, red peppers, and mango slices. Then it's all tossed with a sweet and spicy mango dressing.

Get Ree's Mango Chicken Salad recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Oven Baked Pork Chops

Oven baking pork chops with tangy BBQ glaze gives them crispy edges and juicy interiors. Serve them over a warm slaw sides get all your veggies for the meal, too!

Get Ree's Oven Baked Pork Chops recipe.

Ryan Liebe

Sheet Pan Chicken with Butternut Squash and Cauliflower

Get the flavors of fall on one simple sheet pan with sprinkles of cumin, coriander, and even a little cinnamon. It comes together in less than an hour and there's way less clean up after you're done.

Get Ree's Sheet Pan Chicken with Butternut Squash and Cauliflower recipe.

Ryan Liebe

Cracker-Crusted Cod with Green Beans

Get a crispy exterior without frying! Simply coat cod filets in crushed buttery crackers and seasoning and bake them in the oven. Roasted green beans are the perfect easy side.

Get Ree's Cracker-Crusted Cod with Green Beans recipe.

Ryan Liebe

Stuffed Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is super flavorful on it's own. But stuff it with sausage, rice, and kale filling and you get a healthy, hearty, and delicious dinner.

Get the Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe.

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C.W. Newell

Turkey Meatballs

This lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs is just as tasty as the original. They're packed with moisture and lots of flavor. Plus, they can be tossed in marinara or served up with a dipping sauce.

Get Ree's Turkey Meatballs recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Southwestern Salad

This refreshing salad is chockfull of mix-ins like black beans, cheese, avocado, and veggies. You can also top it off with grilled chicken or shrimp for even more protein.

Get the Southwestern Salad recipe.

Will Dickey

Garlic Shrimp

Eating healthy doesn't need to be boring! Just look that this garlicky shrimp for example. It's succulent and saucy and on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls

These grain bowls are packed with healthy ingredients, like quinoa, avocado, roasted salmon, and veggies. But it's the herby green goddess dressing that'll have you coming back for seconds.

Get Ree's Green Goddess Salmon Grain Bowls recipe.

Ryan Liebe

BLT Turkey Burgers

Life is all about little indulgences like these lean turkey burgers made with bits of crispy bacon! They're perfectly balanced out by fresh veggies, avocado slices, and sweet potato fries on the side.

Get Ree's BLT Turkey Burgers recipe.

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Antonis Achilleos

Eggplant Lasagna

Swap the noodles for slices of eggplant in this comforting casserole dish. Thanks to the meaty sauce and melty cheese, we promise your family won't miss a thing!

Get the Eggplant Lasagna recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Air Fryer Falafel

Falafel is typically made with chickpeas so it's a great source of protein for vegetarians (but non vegetarians will love it, too!). Making them in the air fryer ensures you get crispy falafel every time without having to deal with a pot of oil.

Get the Air Fryer Falafel recipe.

C.W. Newell

Tabbouleh

This fresh Mediterranean salad is all about the fragrant herbs! It makes for a healthy side dish to just about any course, salmon, chicken, shrimp, or steak.

Get the Tabbouleh recipe.

C.W. Newell

Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

This fun twist on spaghetti and meatballs swaps the noodles for spiralized zucchini. They're tossed in lemon zest and lemon juice for plenty of bright flavor.

Get Ree's Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Grilled Chicken Marinade

Grilling chicken is an easy way to get a healthy dinner on the table, but if you want to ensure juicy chicken every time, then you'll need a good marinade. This flavorful one includes soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, lemon juice, mustard, and thyme.

Get the Grilled Chicken Marinade recipe.

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Nicole Dubois

Turkey Meatloaf

This comforting childhood classic gets a lightened-up twist with lean ground turkey and sautéed mushrooms. It's super moist and perfect for serving alongside your favorite veggies.

Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.

Will Dickey

Chile-Lime Steak Salad

If your family isn't interested in giving up red meat, you can still enjoy a steak dinner served over a healthy salad. It's refreshing, crisp, and little bit spicy.

Get Ree's Chile-Lime Steak Salad recipe.

Ryan Liebe

BBQ Salmon with Cucumber Salad

Don't let eating healthy stop you from enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ. This dish uses flaky salmon as the main protein with a homemade barbecue sauce that doesn't have any unwanted additives.

Get Ree's BBQ Salmon with Cucumber Salad recipe.

Ryan Liebe

Ratatouille

One of the best ways to eat healthier is to add some color to your table and this vegetable-based recipe will help you do just that! It has layers of eggplant, zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes all artful arranged in a casserole dish.

Get the Ratatouille recipe.

C.W. Newell

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

This quick-cooking chicken recipe will make weeknights a breeze. The lean chicken breast seasoned with lemon pepper, paprika and dried thyme stays nice and juicy thanks to the Instant Pot.

Get the Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe.

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Will Dickey

Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls

The sweet and spicy sauce for these tasty salmon rice bowls combines soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a bit of sriracha. So you know it isn't lacking flavor! Serve it with creamy avocado and crunchy cucumbers for even more freshness.

Get Ree's Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Eat the rainbow with these colorful vegetable skewers. Serve them alongside your favorite cookout foods or use them as a topper for a hearty salad bowl. Just don't forget the balsamic dressing!

Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.

C.W. Newell

Panko-Crusted Pork Chops

These oven-baked pork chops have an extra crispy panko breadcrumb crust that tastes delicious alongside the smooth and creamy carrot mash. That's right: even the side dish for this pork recipe is healthy!

Get Ree's Panko-Crusted Pork Chops recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Coconut Shrimp Curry

You only need 20 minutes to whip up this shrimp curry recipe. It uses pantry ingredients like canned coconut milk, honey, and yellow curry powder to impart big, bold flavors.

Get Ree's Coconut Shrimp Curry recipe.

Will Dickey

Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs

This chicken recipe has a zesty marinade made with lemon, parsley, basil, and garlic. You can make it the night before to get a head start on your easy dinner.

Get Ree's Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs recipe.

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Antonis Achilleos

Caprese Frittata

This recipe makes breakfast-for-dinner a healthy choice! The protein-packed egg dish is bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes and melty mozzarella cheese. Then, it's topped with store-bought pesto for an easy pop of flavor.

Get Ree's Caprese Frittata recipe.

David Malosh

Grill-Fried Chicken

Fried chicken lovers, this one's for you! The crunchy buttermilk-brined chicken has a magically crisp coating that's made without any deep frying. All you need is your trusty grill.

Get the Grill-Fried Chicken recipe.

C.W. Newell

Curried Chickpea Loaded Potatoes

These comforting stuffed potatoes are completely vegetarian and packed with protein thanks to the curried chickpea topping. To make things even lighter, it skips the sour cream for a Greek yogurt sauce instead.

Get Ree's Curried Chickpea Loaded Potatoes recipe.

Antonis Achilleos

Cabbage Soup

Cabbage isn't just full of vitamins, but it's also a great source of healthy fiber! Pair it with hearty white beans and a flavor-packed broth and you'll have a nutritious soup that anyone would love.

Get the Cabbage Soup recipe.

Will Dickey

Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry

A stir-fry that's loaded with fresh veggies is one of the easiest weeknight dinners you can make. Even with the homemade stir-fry sauce, the whole dish comes together in just 40 minutes.

Get Ree's Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry recipe.

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Ryan Liebe

Air Fryer Salmon

Don't let a busy work week stop you from eating healthy. This recipe for making salmon in the air fryer only takes 10 minutes. Serve it up with a quick side salad and rice or brown rice depending on your preferences.

Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Have fun with your dinner by making a healthier twist on pizza tonight! This crust is made with cauliflower so it's lower in carbs, but just as delicious.

Get the Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Chickpea Salad

Fresh veggies shine bright in this colorful salad. The chickpeas are a good source of protein, but if you're looking for more, you can serve it up with grilled chicken or fish.

Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Coconut Chicken Curry

Healthy and comforting? Yes, please! The warm flavors of curry meet creamy coconut broth in this easy chicken dinner.

Get the Coconut Chicken Curry recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious and packed with fiber so they're perfect for a healthy side dish. But you can also make them a meal in itself by topping them with your favorite chili.

Get the Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.

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Will Dickey

Harvest Bowl

This is the type of grain bowl we love to eat—one that's filled to the brim with lots of tasty mix-ins. Here, you'll find chicken, veggies, wild rice, along with apples and nuts.

Get the Harvest Bowl recipe.

Danielle Daly

Cauliflower Steak

These veggie "steaks" are a fun way to add something healthy to the dinner table. Lemon-pepper seasoning gives them a bright kick, but you can also top them with a drizzle of pesto!

Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Something as creamy and flavorful as this butternut squash soup feels utterly indulgent, but it's surprisingly healthy, too! Swapping heavy cream for coconut milk even makes it vegan-friendly!

Get the Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup recipe.

Will Dickey

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Add these lean ground chicken meatballs to your list of healthy game day foods. The buffalo sauce is packed with spicy flavor and the cool cucumber salad makes it a feast for the senses.

Get Ree's Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe.

David Malosh

Veggie Burger

You won't believe how good this veggie and grain-packed patty is for dinner. We're not saying you have to give up meat, but we are saying you should give this a try!

Get the Veggie Burger recipe.

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Caitlin Bensel

Stuffed Zucchini

The filling for these zucchini boats is made with ground sausage so it's hearty enough to keep you fueled up during the week. Plus, it's a great way to use up a surplus of zucchini.

Get the Stuffed Zucchini recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Here's another way to turn cauliflower into a weeknight dinner: make it into fried rice! The riced cauliflower is a lower carb alternative that's so simple to make!

Get Ree's Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.

David Malosh

Easy Taco Salad

Here's a fun twist on taco Tuesday: make it a taco salad instead! The big bowl of greens is loaded with ground beef and your favorite taco toppings for a healthier take on tacos.

Get the Easy Taco Salad recipe.

Will Dickey

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Not all healthy recipes need to be salads! This slow cooker chili made with lean ground turkey is cozy, comforting and perfect for a healthy winter recipe.

Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe.

Will Dickey

Greek Salad with Chicken

Add a hearty protein like grilled chicken to this classic Greek salad and it becomes a meal in itself. It's refreshing, filling, and just dang good.

Get Ree's Greek Salad with Chicken recipe.

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con poulos

Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry with Zucchini Noodles

If you've never tried zucchini noodles before, prepare to be amazed! The spiralized zucchini looks just like noodles and it makes the perfect low-carb base for this shrimp stir fry.

Get Ree's Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry with Zucchini Noodles recipe.

Ryan Dausch

Baked Salmon

You can't go wrong with baked salmon. Serve it up with cauliflower rice, leafy greens, or your favorite vegetable side dish.

Get the Baked Salmon recipe.

Will Dickey

Homemade Chicken Burgers

Ground chicken gets a bad rap for being bland, but that's not the case with these homemade chicken burgers! They're packed with sour cream for moisture and topped with buffalo sauce for plenty of flavor.

Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.

Will Dickey

Turkey Swedish Meatballs with Cauliflower Mash

With just two simple swaps, you'll have a lightened up meal in no time. First, the meatballs are made with lean ground turkey, then the potatoes are subbed out for low-carb cauliflower.

Get Ree's Turkey Swedish Meatballs with Cauliflower Mash recipe.

Ralph Smith

Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

You can find pre-cut zucchini noodles in many grocery stores these days, but you can also make your own by shaving zucchini with a vegetable peeler into ribbons.

Get Ree's Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles recipe.

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Ryan Dausch

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Whether it's a backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner, grilled shrimp is a quick and easy dinner solution. They're seasoned simply with lemon juice and garlic so they can be served with any healthy side dish.

Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.

Will Dickey

Black Bean Burger

Don't tell Ladd, but Ree loves this meatless burger recipe! It's hearty, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes!

Get Ree's Black Bean Burger recipe.

Danielle Daly

Blackened Salmon with Edamame Succotash

This sheet pan salmon is seasoned with paprika, oregano, cayenne, garlic, and onion powder so it's packed with flavor. Add an easy succotash made with frozen edamame and corn and dinner is served.

Get Ree's Blackened Salmon with Edamame Succotash recipe.

GHAZALLE BADIOZAMANI

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Swap out the tortillas for refreshing lettuce cups instead. It's a fun and healthy way to eat tacos for dinner.

Get Ree's Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe.

Ryan Dausch

Air Fryer Pork Chops

An air fryer is a great investment if you're trying to eat healthier. It makes the crispiest crust on these weeknight pork chops without a ton of work.

Get the Air Fryer Pork Chops recipe.

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Will Dickey

Vegetable Soup

Colorful veggies and a savory tomato broth keep this soup from feeling bland. It'll become a family favorite in no time.

Get the Vegetable Soup recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Grilled Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-mahi is a flaky white fish that's surprising easy to grill. Serve it up with brown rice, salad, or a mango salsa for even more tropical flavor.

Get the Grilled Mahi-Mahi recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

Ginger Shrimp Salad

No grill? No problem. Even if you want to make this salad in the winter months, you can get a nice char on the shrimp by cooking it beneath your broiler.

Get Ree's Ginger Shrimp Salad recipe.

Ryan Dausch

Kale Salad with Salmon

A sticky-sweet glaze and tasty vinaigrette make this salmon a winner. Pro tip: Use a jar to combine the dressing ingredients quickly and efficiently.

Get Ree's Kale Salad with Salmon recipe.

Ralph Smith

Quinoa and Mushroom-Stuffed Acorn Squash

No need to rummage around for a bowl. This hearty squash doubles as one! It's also incredibly flavorful and loaded with texture.

Get Ree's Quinoa and Mushroom-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.

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Ralph Smith

Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl

Salmon is anything but ordinary—especially when it's served on top of a grain bowl as delicious as this one. And get this: You can get the entire bowl on your table in just 30 minutes.

Get Ree's Mediterranean Salmon-Veggie Grain Bowl recipe.

con poulos

Ultimate Winter Salad

Just because you're opting for a healthier meal doesn't mean you can't indulge a little. The candied pecans in this healthy, wintery salad make it a veritable treat.

Get the Ultimate Winter Salad recipe.

Perry's Plate/The Pioneer Woman

Tex-Mex Grain Bowls

Quinoa is a great base for grain bowls. This particular recipe keeps things interesting with a variety of toppings, including beans, avocado, jalapeños, and Cotija cheese.

Get Ree's Tex-Mex Grain Bowls recipe.

Ryan Dausch

Kale Citrus Salad

Make the most of citrus season with this simple salad that will stand out on your dinner table. Thanks to the addition of a few jalapeños, it's got a surprising kick to it too.

Get Ree's Kale Citrus Salad recipe.

The Pioneer Woman

Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Corn on the cob is fabulous all on its own. But cut off the kernels, add a slew of other interesting flavors, and mix with a bright cilantro vinaigrette, and you've got yourself an even more wonderful back-pocket recipe.

Get Ree's Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.

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Ralph Smith

Light and Fluffy Quinoa with Herbs

Herbaceous and fragrant, it's no surprise that this salad tastes so refreshing. The recipe will also teach you how to cook quinoa to the perfect fluffiness.

Get the Light and Fluffy Quinoa with Herbs recipe.

Heather Christo/The Pioneer Woman

Spicy Jalapeno Cilantro Cauliflower Rice

Think cauliflower's boring? Think again. This garlicky, green onion-topped dish will have you falling in love with the unassuming veggie all over again (or for the first time).

Get the Spicy Jalapeno Cilantro Cauliflower Rice recipe.

Perry's Plate/The Pioneer Woman

Roasted Vegetable Minestrone

A scrumptious broth, a generous helping of parm, and tons of yummy vegetables make this soup the perfect fall or winter weeknight meal.

Get Ree's Roasted Vegetable Minestrone recipe.

The Pioneer Woman

Chicken Fajita Salad Bowls

All the fajita fixings you love so much in one bowl.. Sans the guilt? Sounds too good to be true—but with this recipe, it's not.

Get the Chicken Fajita Salad Bowls recipe.

Buttered Side Up/The Pioneer Woman

Quinoa with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella

Caprese salad lovers, this one's for you. Mimic the tastes of the classic dish in a red quinoa salad that keeps beautifully for up to three days in the fridge.

Get Ree's Quinoa with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella recipe.

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The Pioneer Woman

Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry

If you don't have any limes at home, just drizzle a bit of vinegar on top of this dish to give it the same acidic bite.

Get the Spicy Cauliflower Stir-Fry recipe.

The Pioneer Woman

Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Kale

If you haven't yet tried spaghetti squash, now's the time. This simple, filling ingredient will have you forgetting all about the pasta it's named after.

Get Ree's Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Kale recipe.

The Pioneer Woman

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7 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas And 7 Days Of Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

Eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated or boring. With a little planning and creativity, you can make meal prep fun, easy and, most importantly, delicious. Whether you're looking to fuel your body with nutrient-dense meals or exploring a vegetarian lifestyle, planning a week's worth of meals can transform your eating habits.

Why meal prep matters

Meal prep is an essential tool for anyone trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. It allows you to plan out your meals, ensuring you stick to your nutritional goals and make healthier choices even when life gets hectic. When you know what you'll be eating each day, you save time, reduce stress and avoid the temptation to grab takeout or eat unhealthy snacks. By planning ahead, you also save money and reduce food waste since you'll only buy what you need.

The benefits of a vegetarian diet

Adopting a vegetarian diet has proven benefits for health and wellness. By focusing on plant-based foods, you're consuming meals rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants while reducing the risks of heart disease, hypertension and obesity. Vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds can provide all the nutrients you need for energy, muscle recovery and general well-being. These benefits make vegetarian meal prep a smart choice, whether you want to eat healthier, add more plant-based meals to your diet or simply enjoy diverse flavors.

7 healthy meal prep ideas

Mason jar salads

Mason jar salads are a versatile and fun way to prepare meals in advance. Start by layering your dressing at the bottom, followed by grains or proteins like chickpeas or quinoa, and then stack vegetables on top. Leafy greens go last to keep them fresh and crisp. With options like Greek salad, Caesar salad and roasted vegetable salads, the possibilities are endless.

Overnight oats for breakfast

Start your day with a healthy, grab-and-go breakfast by prepping overnight oats. Mix rolled oats with almond milk or yogurt, and add toppings like fruits, nuts and seeds. For a sweet twist, try adding a touch of honey or maple syrup. Flavors like banana-chocolate, apple-cinnamon and mixed berry are all great options to keep breakfast exciting throughout the week.

Stir-fried vegetables with tofu or tempeh

Stir-fries are an easy and quick meal prep idea that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Stir-fry colorful veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and snap peas with tofu or tempeh for a protein boost. Pair it with brown rice or quinoa, and add sauces like soy, teriyaki or peanut for variety.

Chickpea and quinoa bowls

Chickpea and quinoa bowls are filling, protein-packed and perfect for meal prep. Cook your quinoa and chickpeas in advance, then mix with roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers. Add your favorite sauce or dressing to enhance the flavors. These bowls are customizable with fresh herbs, nuts or seeds as toppings.

Stuffed bell peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are both tasty and visually appealing. Fill bell peppers with a mixture of black beans, brown rice, corn, tomatoes and spices. Top with a sprinkle of cheese (or a vegan alternative) before baking. Store them in airtight containers, and they make a great reheatable meal for a few days.

Hummus and veggie snack packs

Snacking can often lead to unhealthy choices, but prepping hummus and veggie snack packs makes it easy to choose something nutritious. Divide hummus into small containers and serve with sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. This snack is not only convenient but packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats.

Sweet potato and lentil patties

Sweet potato and lentil patties are flavorful, filling and easy to prepare in bulk. Mash cooked sweet potatoes with lentils, breadcrumbs and seasonings before forming them into patties. Bake or pan-fry until golden, then store them in the fridge. These patties are great for adding to salads, sandwiches or grain bowls.

7 days of vegetarian dinner recipes

Day 1: Mediterranean stuffed zucchini boats

Start your week with Mediterranean flavors. Halve zucchinis and scoop out the center, then stuff them with a mixture of cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Bake until tender, and top with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice before serving.

Day 2: Chickpea curry with coconut rice

This aromatic chickpea curry is full of bold flavors. Saute onions, garlic and ginger, then add canned tomatoes, coconut milk and chickpeas. Season with curry powder, cumin and coriander. Simmer until thickened, and serve with fluffy coconut rice on the side.

Day 3: Mushroom and spinach stir-fry

A quick and savory stir-fry is perfect for busy evenings. Cook mushrooms, spinach and tofu in a soy-ginger sauce, and serve over brown rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions for added flavor and crunch.

Day 4: Cauliflower tacos with avocado lime sauce

Tacos don't always have to include meat! Roast cauliflower florets with chili powder, cumin and paprika until crispy. Serve in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, fresh cilantro and a creamy avocado-lime sauce. These tacos are refreshing and full of flavor.

Day 5: Lentil and vegetable shepherd's pie

A vegetarian twist on a classic comfort food. Cook lentils with carrots, peas, corn and a tomato-based sauce. Top with mashed potatoes (you can make them with olive oil or butter), and bake until the top is golden brown. This dish is filling, hearty and perfect for a cozy evening.

Day 6: Caprese stuffed portobello mushrooms

For an easy and delicious dinner, stuff large portobello mushrooms with tomatoes, mozzarella (or vegan cheese) and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and bake until the cheese is melted. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Day 7: Vegetable paella

A vibrant and colorful Spanish-inspired dish to end the week. Saute bell peppers, peas, green beans and artichokes in a large skillet. Add rice, vegetable broth, saffron and smoked paprika, and cook until the rice is tender. This one-pan meal is not only beautiful but also packed with flavor and nutrients.

Tips for successful meal prep

Use airtight containers: Investing in quality, airtight containers keeps your meals fresh and reduces spoilage.

Schedule time for prep: Dedicate a day or a few hours to prepare your meals for the week. Sundays are popular meal prep days, but choose what works best for your schedule.

Mix and match ingredients: Use versatile ingredients that can be used in different meals. For example, roasted veggies can be added to salads, stir-fries or grain bowls.

Prep in batches: Cook grains, proteins and vegetables in large batches to use throughout the week.

Embrace freezing: Some meals, like soups, stews and casseroles, freeze well and can be saved for later use.

Keep it simple: Start with simple recipes and build up as you gain confidence. Meal prepping doesn't need to be complicated to be effective.

Stay organized: Write down your meal plan and grocery list to stay on track and avoid last-minute trips to the store.

Meal prepping healthy, vegetarian dishes can bring variety, convenience and nourishment to your week. From mason jar salads to stuffed mushrooms, these seven meal prep ideas and seven days of vegetarian dinner recipes make it easy to maintain a nutritious and enjoyable diet. With a bit of planning, you'll find that eating healthy, plant-based meals is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Start your meal prep journey today, and transform your dinner time with flavors, balance and wellness in every bite.

This story was created using AI technology.

Delicious Healthy Dinner Ideas That Will Actually Fill You Up - Yahoo

You started your day with a quick breakfast and ordered a salad for lunch. Now, it's 6 p.M., and you're hungry but still crazed with a list of to-dos — plus your family still needs to be fed. Instead of takeout, try one of these healthy dinner recipes. Each recipe is under 500 calories and loaded with all the good stuff — plus, most are ready in less than 35 minutes.

Serving a dinner that's good for you (and the whole fam!) doesn't mean that it has to be completely lacking in flavor. We've put a bunch of delicious ingredients into these quick, easy, nutritious meals. From a simple, healthy salad to a fresh, five-ingredient pasta dinner, you'll have a meal on the table that actually tastes good. There are so many ways to craft a healthy meal on a budget too, and these dinners will be easy on the wallet while being tasty and fresh.

Look no further for a recipe that will satisfy all of your dinner cravings. From soup to burgers to pasta, these ideas prove you can have it all.

Danielle Occhiogrosso

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