When a busy weeknight schedule keeps you from feeling like you can have a healthy meal on the table, reach for these 10 Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas. With having 30-minute meals at your fingertips, you’ll be able to whip up a healthy and delicious dinner no matter what your schedule throws at you.
Originally posted on February 5, 2019. Updated on April 30, 2020.
These healthy dinner ideas are delicious and family-friendly.
Before you order takeout or reach for another less-than-healthy dinner option or even order everyone to “fend for themselves,” we want you to know you’ve got options!
We’ve rounded up 10 healthy dinner ideas that are easy to make at home, family-friendly, and ensure that you’re all able to sit down and spend time with your loved ones while enjoying a nutritious meal – any night of the week. To make it even more doable, we’ve also chosen 30 minutes meals that include prep-ahead tips that can even be done a day or two in advance. We hope you find this list of dinner ideas helpful and inspire you to get cooking!
The benefits of cooking at home and eating dinner as a family
Cooking more meals at home is one of the absolute best ways to live a healthy lifestyle. According to a study of more than 9,000 people published in Public Health Nutrition cooking meals at home was associated with weight loss, eating fewer calories and fat, and eating more nutritious foods.
And though health is one of the number one reasons we aim to help people enjoy more home-cooked meals, we know it’s only one of the many benefits of getting into the kitchen.
Research shows that people who cook at home versus those who eat mostly take-out or restaurant meals
- Take in an average of 13 pounds less sugar per year
- Eat 4 pounds less fat per year
- Have significantly highers scores on the Healthy Eating Index
- Eat from a wider variety of food groups, gaining more nutrients
- Eat smaller portions
- Spend up to 80% less on the cost of each meal
- Have healthier, happier, and smarter kids
- Have better family relationships
With all those benefits, plus an arsenal of delicious and fast weeknight recipes, we say it’s time to get cooking!
Enjoy these 30-minute weeknight dinner ideas
BBQ Meatloaf Muffins with Sweet Potato Topping
BBQ Meatloaf Muffins with Sweet Potato Topping arealmost too cute to eat. These little meatloaf muffins may look gourmet, but they’ll be cooked and on the table in just 30 minutes! Healthy dinner ideas never looked so good.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
Love egg rolls? This Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe incorporates all the flavors from delicious egg rolls into a one-dish meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and is chock full of veggies! Looking for a nutritionally balanced, gluten-free, or Whole 30 Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe? This is it!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
One-Dish Chicken Fajita Bake
Feeling tempted to dine-out for dinner? Enjoy all the sizzle and flavor of a restaurant in the comfort of your own home with our One-Dish Chicken Fajita Bake! With an ingredient list of chicken, peppers, and onions and a handful of spices, you can’t beat this quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Skillet Sweet and Sour Chicken
Bring the family back to the table for this Whole30-friendly Skillet Sweet and Sour Chicken that’s sure to please! Made with pineapple, bell peppers, sweet onions, tender chicken, and a homemade sauce (easier than you think!) this skillet meal is packed with nutrients and flavor. Easily prepped ahead of time for a quick dinner idea.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Zucchini Turkey Meatballs
Italian Turkey Zucchini Meatballs are oven-baked and come together with just a few simple ingredients. They make for a quick weeknight meal and are meal prep and freezer-friendly! In addition, they’re a great way to enjoy zucchini in a savory way and a fun way to sneak more veggies into your diet! Enjoy them as is or toss them in your favorite marinara to serve with pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Get a delicious meal on the table in less than 30 minutes with these Pork Lettuce Wraps. They’re quick and flavorful and made all in one skillet. Cooked ground pork, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and water chestnuts are simmered in a flavorful yet simple homemade sauce and tucked into a crisp lettuce leaf. You can also serve these ‘bowl-style’ over cooked rice or cauliflower rice for another healthy dinner idea.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Orange-Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
This quick and easy stir fry is so easy to adapt to what you’ve got on hand and what your family likes – and when you do the chopping ahead of time, you’re just 15 minutes away from a delicious and satisfying meal. A simple ingredient list yet plenty of flavor, this Orange-Ginger Chicken Stir Fry is sure to be a hit with the family.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Stovetop Sloppy Joes
Easy Stovetop Sloppy Joes are perfect for weeknight meals, feeding a hungry crew or meal prepping. These hearty and filling sloppy joes with sweet potato buns make for the perfect weeknight dinner recipe. Made with just 7 ingredients, no added sugars, and ready in record time (30 minutes!), these sloppy joes are begging to be made!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Easy Tuna Cakes
Put food on the table in less than 30 minutes with these fast-and-easy tuna burgers. A Whole30-friendly recipe that’s healthy and delicious and one that everyone will love!Canned tuna gets a facelift with these Easy Tuna Cakes that are high in protein and made with just a few ingredients that you may even have on hand. Remember the Roasted Red Pepper Mayo made with only 3 ingredients, it’s so delicious!
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
Quinoa Spinach Turkey Burgers with Goat Cheese
These Quinoa Spinach Turkey Burgers with Goat Cheese aren’t your average burger. They don’t need a bunch of toppings to make them shine because they’re already so good just as they are. They’re even better atop a bed of greens tossed with extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook ’em up, you’ll have a jazzed up burger night ready in stellar time!
Gluten Free | Egg Free | Nut Free
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