23 Healthy Dinner Ideas That Dietitians Actually Cook

By Ghuman

Introduction

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or time consuming. With these 23 healthy dinner ideas, you can make delicious and nutritious meals in no time. All of these recipes have been approved by dietitians, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best nutrition possible. From easy one-pan dishes to hearty soups and salads, these recipes are sure to please everyone in the family. So get cooking and enjoy a healthy dinner tonight!

23 Healthy Dinner Ideas That Dietitians Actually Cook

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. Dietitians have come up with some delicious and nutritious dinner ideas that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From one-pan meals to sheet pan dinners, these recipes are easy to make and full of flavor.

1. Sheet Pan Fajitas

This one-pan meal is a great way to get your veggies in. Simply toss bell peppers, onions, and your favorite protein with some olive oil, chili powder, and cumin. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes and serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

2. Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

This healthy dinner is packed with protein and veggies. Simply season a piece of salmon with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toss some vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Serve the salmon and vegetables together for a complete meal.

3. Quinoa Bowls

Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber. Cook up a batch of quinoa and top with your favorite vegetables, beans, and a drizzle of olive oil. This meal is easy to customize and can be served hot or cold.

4. Veggie Burgers

Veggie burgers are a great way to get your protein without the meat. Look for veggie burgers that are made with beans, grains, and vegetables. Serve on a whole wheat bun with your favorite toppings.

5. Lentil Tacos

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein. Cook up a batch of lentils and season with taco seasoning. Serve in a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings. This meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

6. Baked Sweet Potato with Black Beans

This meal is easy to make and full of flavor. Simply bake a sweet potato in the oven until tender. Top with black beans, salsa, and your favorite toppings. This meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

7. Veggie Stir Fry

Stir fries are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply sauté your favorite vegetables in a pan with some olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

8. Baked Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

This meal is easy to make and full of flavor. Simply season a piece of chicken with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, toss some vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Serve the chicken and vegetables together for a complete meal.

9. Veggie Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply fill a whole wheat tortilla with your favorite vegetables and cheese. Cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Serve with salsa and guacamole for a complete meal.

10. Baked Tofu with Roasted Vegetables

Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein. Simply season a block of tofu with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, toss some vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Serve the tofu and vegetables together for a complete meal.

11. Veggie Pasta

Pasta is a great way to get your veggies in. Simply cook up a batch of whole wheat pasta and toss with your favorite vegetables and a light sauce. This meal is easy to customize and can be served hot or cold.

12. Baked Fish with Roasted Vegetables

This healthy dinner is packed with protein and veggies. Simply season a piece of fish with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toss some vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Serve the fish and vegetables together for a complete meal.

13. Veggie Burrito Bowls

Burrito bowls are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply fill a bowl with brown rice, black beans, and your favorite vegetables. Top with salsa, guacamole, and a drizzle of olive oil. This meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

14. Baked Tofu Nuggets

Tofu nuggets are a great way to get your protein without the meat. Simply cut a block of tofu into cubes and season with your favorite spices. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

15. Veggie Wraps

Wraps are a great way to get your veggies in. Simply fill a whole wheat wrap with your favorite vegetables and a light sauce. This meal is easy to customize and can be served hot or cold.

16. Baked Salmon with Quinoa

This healthy dinner is packed with protein and fiber. Simply season a piece of salmon with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook up a batch of quinoa and serve with the salmon for a complete meal.

17. Veggie Pizza

Pizza is a great way to get your veggies in. Simply top a whole wheat crust with your favorite vegetables and cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

18. Baked Chicken with Quinoa

This healthy dinner is packed with protein and fiber. Simply season a piece of chicken with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook up a batch of quinoa and serve with the chicken for a complete meal.

19. Veggie Lasagna

Lasagna is a great way to get your veggies in. Simply layer whole wheat lasagna noodles with your favorite vegetables and a light sauce. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the noodles are tender. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

20. Baked Fish with Quinoa

This healthy dinner is packed with protein and fiber. Simply season a piece of fish with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook up a batch of quinoa and serve with the fish for a complete meal.

21. Veggie Soup

Soup is a great way to get your veggies in. Simply sauté your favorite vegetables in a pot with some olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Add some broth and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

22. Baked Tofu with Quinoa

This healthy dinner is packed with protein and fiber. Simply season a block of tofu with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook up a batch of quinoa and serve with the tofu for a complete meal.

23. Veggie Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries

Veggie burgers are a great way to get your protein without the meat. Look for veggie burgers that are made with beans, grains, and vegetables. Serve on a whole wheat bun with your favorite toppings. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Arising with easy, fast, and wholesome dinner concepts is usually a enjoyable problem for some, and a dreaded activity for others. In the event you fall into the latter class, know that you just aren’t alone. Whereas many have their go-to wholesome dinners that they lean on, consuming the identical meals day in and time out can get previous in a short time.

As an alternative of turning to take-out dinners or heating up a wholesome frozen dinner, check out considered one of these dietitian-recommended wholesome meals on for dimension. Beneath are 24 wholesome dinner concepts, really useful by dietitians—as a result of we are able to all use a little bit inspiration within the kitchen as of late.

Learn on, and for extra on wholesome consuming, do not miss 7 Healthiest Meals to Eat Proper Now.

Healthy quinoa lunch bowl with chicken as protein avocado as fat and vegetables broccoli and spinach and beans
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“I really like something you’ll be able to pull collectively in a single bowl that is simple, quick, wholesome, and scrumptious. Begin with a complete grain like farro or quinoa, add some darkish greens like spinach plus no less than a cup of veggies (roasted, grilled, or uncooked), after which your selection of protein (beans, fish, or tofu are our favourite). End with a scrumptious sauce and a few enjoyable toppings like avocado, nuts, or dried fruit. It is enjoyable to combine up completely different flavors and you should utilize this formulation for nearly any delicacies!” – Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, registered dietitian and proprietor of Sarah Gold Vitamin.

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chicken and vegetables
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“Shopping for a store-bought rotisserie hen is the reply to your prayers when it is advisable get a wholesome dinner on the desk in a fast minute! All that’s left so that you can do if you get house is warmth and serve along with your favourite vegetable and/or a leafy inexperienced salad this nutrient-packed protein most important entrée.” – Barbara Baron, RDN, a New York-based registered dietitian centered on household meals

veggie salsa omelet
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“Make a veggie omelet or just scramble a number of eggs along with your favourite greens readily available. Serve with a pancake or waffle—a superbly balanced meal with 3 of the 5 meals teams in your plate!” – Barron

Teriyaki chicken stir fry peppers spinach
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“Convey Asian flavors to pasta night time by tossing a field of cooked, whole-grain pasta along with your favourite stir-fried protein (hen, pork tenderloin, lean beef or shrimp), veggies and bottled, lower-sodium teriyaki sauce. You possibly can use quite a lot of recent veggies which are cooked in a skillet with the protein, or go together with a frozen, steamable stir-fry combine to save lots of time. Through the use of this straightforward formulation and swapping in several proteins, sauces and veggies…you’ll be able to take pleasure in a brand new stir-fry pasta night time each week!” – Beth Stark, RDN, LDN, registered dietitian nutritionist, recipe developer and culinary diet communications advisor primarily based in PA. Talking of frozen meals, simply be sure you’re avoiding these 12 Frozen Dinners to At all times Depart on Grocery Retailer Cabinets.

Pesto pasta
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“Skip the crimson sauce for a change and gown up cooked, whole-grain pasta with jarred basil pesto, multi-colored grape tomatoes, a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of recent lemon juice. Since it is a plant-forward dish, this whole dinner comes collectively very quickly and probably the most cooking effort it’s a must to put in is boiling the water.” – Stark

tofu lettuce wraps
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“These are excellent as a result of they’re loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and taste. On common, Individuals solely get 50% of their every day fiber consumption.” (Associated: 9 Warning Indicators You are Not Consuming Sufficient Fiber)

“Fiber performs a key function in coronary heart well being and digestive well being. One easy approach to bump up the fiber with out utilizing a complement is by utilizing Fiber One cereal as a secret ingredient in my recipe for the crunch issue as an alternative of fried noodles. A ⅔ cup of Fiber one cereal gives 18 grams of fiber.

For the recipe, merely saute onions, ginger, garlic, crumbled tofu with seasonings. Serve it in lettuce together with a beneficiant topping of Fiber one cereal. It is a fast and straightforward meal that everybody within the household will take pleasure in. I really like serving the tofu combination in a big bowl with a platter of lettuce leaves, bowls of Fiber one cereal and soy/chili sauce for extra taste. This fashion, everybody can fill their wraps as they like and revel in a household type meal. To spherical out the meal you’ll be able to take pleasure in it with soup and a few recent fruit for dessert.” – Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and creator of My Indian Desk: Fast & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes

chicken casserole
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“Though this meal cooks for about 45 minutes, all the prep takes lower than ten. Mix skinless hen thighs, peeled and diced root greens like potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsnips in a casserole dish. (For a good faster meal, use a bag of frozen veggies as an alternative.) Pour a can of low-sodium cream of mushroom or celery soup on high. Season with floor pepper and stir earlier than baking at 375°F. As an additional gourmand contact, you’ll be able to garnish with a inexperienced herb on high like parsley or inexperienced onion as soon as it is pulled out of the oven.” – Colleen Wysocki-Woods, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and proprietor of www.EdibleEdits.com

grilled cheese tomato soup
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The previous basic combo will get a makeover by utilizing complete grain bread and actual cheddar cheese as an alternative of the processed slices. I like to recommend pairing it with some low sodium tomato soup for a nostalgic and easy dinner the entire household will take pleasure in. To boost your sandwich, strive completely different combos like swiss cheese and sliced pears or provolone cheese with mango chutney.

shrimp vegetable stir fry
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Maintaining peeled and deveined shrimp on-hand within the freezer is essential for busy weekdays. Whenever you want a wholesome dinner concept, defrost some shrimp and prepare dinner them up with some recent or frozen veggies. High with some teriyaki sauce and serve over a mattress of 90-second brown rice. Serve with orange slices on the aspect.

bison burger
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If a hamburger is what you crave, sneak in some further antioxidants and fiber by making a blended burger. Utilizing half floor beef and half chopped mushrooms, a blended burger tastes similar to the actual factor however with fewer energy and extra plant-based diet. I like to recommend serving on a complete grain bun for much more fiber, and air-fried candy potato fries on the aspect.

chicken fajitas
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Merely prepare dinner some hen strips or fish with some recent grapefruit juice, chili powder, and garlic together with sliced onion and bell peppers. Serve with whole-grain tortillas, sliced avocado, and every other fajita topping you’re keen on.

salmon cakes
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Utilizing canned salmon blended with an egg, parsley, garlic powder, and a few breadcrumbs, kind right into a cake-like form and pan fry with some olive oil. Serve over a mattress of lettuce and different veggies. Want a purpose to do this wholesome dinner concept? Take a look at What Occurs To Your Physique When You Eat Salmon.

chili shredded cheese
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Toss canned beans right into a pot with canned tomatoes, chili seasoning, cooked onions, garlic, and a can of beer. Let it prepare dinner and simmer till it reaches the specified consistency. Serve with a sprinkle of grated cheese and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

nachos
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Sure, dietitians eat nachos, too! Simply make sure that they’re loaded. Utilizing baked tortilla chips as a base, high with refried beans, sliced olives, sliced and cooked veggies, and grated cheese. Bake till cheese is melted, and high with guacamole, salsa, and plain Greek yogurt.

Baked Salmon on Oven Tray
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Sheet pan dinners are an exquisite resolution as a result of they solely require clean-up of 1 pan! Utilizing salmon filets marinated in honey and Dijon mustard, place on a pan with cleaned and trimmed asparagus. Bake for quarter-hour, and serve with brown rice.

Tortilla soup
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“This tortilla soup may be made in quarter-hour and is of course gluten free. Utilizing substances like vegetable broth, frozen corn, and canned black beans, this soup is an absolute crowd pleaser and provides a lift of necessary vitamins.” – E.A. Stewart, RDN, MBA a San Diego-based registered dietitian

pasta and meatballs
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As an alternative of the basic dish, use chickpea pasta as an alternative of conventional noodles and use lentils rather than beef. You’ll get a lift of fiber and plant-based proteins whereas nonetheless getting the identical satisfaction that you just get from the basic recipe. For some pasta choices, try The ten Greatest Excessive Protein Pasta Manufacturers at Your Grocery Retailer.

chicken drumsticks
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Marinate hen drumsticks in Italian dressing and dip them in a mix of crushed walnuts and breadcrumbs together with some seasoning. Air fry till cooked by means of and revel in a crunchy dish that goes effectively with a cooked veggie and air fried fries on the aspect.

egg salad
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Scoop out the within of tomatoes and stuff them with a lighter egg salad made with Greek yogurt, mayo made with avocado oil, and chopped celery and radishes for a low-carb and no-fuss dish.

Cauliflower pizza crust
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Dietitians love pizza too, and utilizing a store-bought cauliflower crust permits for a wholesome base for a do-it-yourself choice. High a frozen cauliflower pizza crust with jarred pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and quite a lot of veggies for a simple pizza night time that’s yummier and more healthy than supply.

avocado toast tomato
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“Sprouting grains can enhance antioxidant content material together with vitamin E and gives a decrease glycemic response. Including the smashed avocado makes this fast meal further satisfying and filling for hours.” – registered dietitian Hailey Crean, MS, RD, CDCES.

salmon salad
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“That is usually a go-to meal once I did not plan forward however want a meal with some endurance. I mix canned salmon, Greek yogurt, diced celery, onion, capers, and dill and high on toast or crackers. Canned salmon is a pantry staple with an extended shelf-life and presents supply of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.” – Crean

avocado egg salad toast
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“I make this combo for breakfast or lunch and it is at all times good. It is only a hard-boiled egg, half a smashed avocado, dill and a few salt and pepper seasoning. The fiber, fats, and protein combine is satisfying for hours and it is tremendous fast to throw collectively, particularly you probably have the hardboiled eggs readily available.” – Crean

Talking of eggs, have you learnt the 17 Stunning Facet Results Of Consuming Eggs Each Day?