Healthy Dinners in 40 Minutes or Less (114 Quick and Easy Recipes)

A quick and healthy dinner? Yes, it's possible! These simple and healthy dishes for an easy, healthy dinner from our chefs are ready in no time.

Vegetable pasta with zucchini and whole grain noodles

Thanks to thinly sliced ​​zucchini and yellow squash, this pasta is rich in vegetables and colorful. The whole-grain pasta adds fiber.

Fried chicken breast fillet with herb and ginger sauce

This chicken dish with ginger, basil and mint is ready in just 25 minutes in one pan.

Baked tilapia fillet with honey-yogurt sauce

Giada seasons baked whitefish fillets with a simple creamy sauce. The dish takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, but it's so delicious it feels like you spent all day making it.

Whole grain fettuccine pasta with walnuts and arugula

When you're craving pasta, try Ellie's creamy fettuccine with crunchy walnuts—it's a diet-friendly dish.

Chicken breast and salad with radish and ginger

For a subtle main course, simmer chicken breasts in a flavorful broth with ginger, shallots, and sesame oil.

Baked salmon with grapefruit sauce

Ellie's baked salmon recipe uses grapefruit, shallots, and ginger to add bold flavor without adding excess fat and calories.

Egg salad in boats

With a slight twist, you can make a healthier version of traditional egg salad. Divide the mixture among lettuce leaves, top with vegetable sprouts, and roll up for finger food.

Pork tenderloin baked in spices

Lean meats get a rich flavor thanks to a simple spice blend.

Pasta with shrimp and zucchini ribbons

Medium-sized shrimp are ideal for this spaghetti with zucchini strips. For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp, double the tomatoes, and serve with a dollop of part-skim ricotta cheese.

Cauliflower Vegetable Porridge and Fried Shrimp (Whole30 Diet)

This healthy take on a classic Southern dish makes a great addition to any weekday menu. Hearty and delicious, it's rich in protein and fiber, and uses tender cauliflower instead of cornmeal.

Buddha's Bowl

Buddha bowls, or grain bowls, are a popular dish you should try! This balanced, healthy lunch or dinner is packed with colorful vegetables, grains, and protein, and it's ready in just 15 minutes.

Meatloaf patties

It turns out meatloaf can be a healthy (and very pretty) dish! This miniature meatloaf is made with a mixture of lean ground turkey and pork, and its compact shape allows for portion control.

Pancakes with chicken, cheese and asparagus

Fill store-bought crepes with shredded grilled chicken, ricotta, and herbs. Top with fresh asparagus and a light lemon sauce.

Pork stewed in mushroom sauce

Delicious pork with mushrooms in a mouth-watering Marsala sauce. Use pork tenderloin; its tender meat browns quickly and stays juicy. Cook the mushrooms separately in Marsala sauce, then stir in the pork pieces. The dish is infused with the rich aromas of roasted meat, mushrooms, wine, and spices. It cooks in just half an hour. Serve with polenta, grilled until golden brown. Store-bought polenta, sliced, or leftover hardened polenta from the day before, will work well.

Beef with vegetables stir-fry

"The best thing about stir-frying is that you can use any vegetables you like," says Trisha.

Rice with fried eggs and kimchi

For maximum flavor in this dish, which takes just 20 minutes to prepare, crack the yolk just before serving and mix it with the rice; its richness pairs well with the spicy kimchi.

Creamy fettuccine pasta

Flavorful roasted red peppers from a jar make a quick weeknight pasta dish. Whole-grain noodles are topped with crumbled feta.

Chicken kebab with green sauce

Make a summer pesto with the usual fresh herbs, basil, and parsley, but add something new: avocado! It makes the sauce extra smooth and enriches it with healthy fats.



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Tortellini with cheese in a light broth

Giada's warm, hearty soup requires just four ingredients—chicken broth, tortellini, black pepper, and parsley—and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Sesame Chicken with Broccoli Rice (Whole30 Diet)

This protein-rich chicken dish utilizes every part of the broccoli, from stem to florets. The stems are made into a low-carb "rice," and the florets are steamed.

Grilled shrimp in lettuce leaves with spicy mint sauce

Wrap grilled shrimp with green sauce in lettuce leaves for a crisp, refreshing appetizer.

Grilled salmon steak with edamame beans

Thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a great addition to healthy, low-fat meals. Add a burst of flavor by stuffing the fillet with a fresh herb mixture.

Coconut-Breaded Shrimp with Spicy Pineapple Sauce (Whole30)

Eating healthy doesn't mean giving up delicious dishes like coconut-crusted shrimp. With this ingenious recipe, you can confidently enjoy shrimp with a wonderful sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Thai Vegetable Curry Noodles with Chicken (Whole30 Diet)

This vegetable-rich chicken dish packs a vibrant palette of flavors with red curry paste, almond butter, and cashews.

Shrimp in a light sauce

Traditionally, shrimp is cooked with plenty of butter. However, this version uses chicken broth, and Kalamata olives add an extra touch of flavor.

Pan-fried salmon and salad with apples and dates

This dish looks sophisticated, but it's simple enough for a light weeknight dinner. The salmon cooks in the pan in under 10 minutes, while the crisp kale salad soaks up the flavors. Top it off with a whole-grain bun, and dinner is ready.

Shrimp in lemon-garlic sauce with corn porridge

This hearty dish doesn't rely heavily on butter. But don't worry about the flavor: the lemon and garlic add a piquant flavor to the shrimp.

Grilled chicken thighs in a garlic-ginger marinade

Save time on picnic day by marinating chicken the night before in a mixture of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and orange juice.

Stir-fry with shrimp

Ree's quick shrimp dish features plenty of summer ingredients—corn, zucchini, grape tomatoes, and fresh basil. It can be served on its own or with rice or pasta.

Spicy Pork and Sweet Potato Stew

Spicy, smoked chipotle peppers and chili powder give this quick, meaty stew a deep, rich flavor. To save time and reduce fat in the oil, only the pork is browned, and the onions, tomatoes, garlic, and peppers are pureed for the broth.

Baked Salmon with Maple Glaze

This dish, made with just five ingredients (not counting salt and pepper), is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Brush each salmon fillet with a mustard-maple sauce and bake until done. The whole process takes just 20 minutes.

Oven-baked chicken breasts with lemon-mint sauce

Nutritious kale and sweet corn are rich in vitamin A. Pepper Jack cheese adds a bright tang and also holds the chicken filling together. If you don't like spicy food, try Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese—the filling will be smooth and not too hot.

Salmon with salad

Looking for a light dinner? This salmon dish couldn't be easier. Season the fish with salt and pepper and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Top with a simple parsley-almond salsa.

Spicy shrimp in beer in foil

Chipotle sauce and cumin combine with beer, butter, and lime for a simple, healthy dish that comes together in no time. Before grilling, place the ingredients in foil packets to retain all the juices; the resulting sauce is perfect with rice.

Asian Chicken and Quinoa Salad

This delicious and colorful salad is a great way to introduce whole grains into your kids' diet.

Salmon with lemon, capers and rosemary, baked in foil

Giada coats tender salmon fillets with a rich, briny mixture of lemon slices, capers, and Marsala wine. Baked in foil packets, the fish remains moist and silky.

Bone-in pork chop with spicy orange glaze

Maple syrup, concentrated orange juice, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce combine to create a sweet and savory glaze for lean bone-in pork chops. Ellie removes the chipotle seeds before making the glaze—this ensures a rich, yet not overly spicy, flavor.

Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp and Herbs

Balance your carbs with shrimp: A dozen shrimp have only 85 calories and are also rich in protein and selenium, a powerful antioxidant.

Grilled salmon with a sweet and spicy crust

Ellie's salmon fillet recipe cooks in 17 minutes and contains 280 calories per serving. Save time in the kitchen with a simple spice blend of chili powder, cumin, and light brown sugar—it adds bold flavor without the added fat.

Shrimp in lemon sauce with orzo pasta and arugula

Giada combines fresh lemon flavor with orzo pasta and shrimp in one dish. It's easy to make on a weeknight, but so delicious, you'll definitely want to serve it to guests.

Teriyaki Chicken with Bok Choy

Serve the Cornish game hens with bok choy and grapefruit slices. The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin sauce, ginger, and chili pepper in the marinade perfectly complements the sweet and tart grapefruit.

Cauliflower Vegetable Rice with Fried Shrimp

Sarah Lynn makes a healthy version of the popular dish using shredded cauliflower, vegetables, egg and sesame oil.

Vietnamese pork cutlets with ginger rice

A simple marinade of lemongrass, fish sauce, shallots, and soy sauce gives these all-natural pork cutlets a vibrant Vietnamese flavor.

My big, hearty Greek burgers

You won't find your typical patties, which are sometimes considered healthy, in these Ellie burgers. The spinach and feta cheese filling makes the burger juicy and filling, especially when paired with the lemon-dill yogurt sauce.

Fried potatoes with salmon

Replace fatty meats with salmon in this potato and vegetable dish. It's perfect for both breakfast and dinner.

Kale and Apple Salad

Kale, rich in antioxidants, is especially beneficial when eaten raw. Thin strips of kale are softened with a light lemon dressing and tossed with a savory-sweet mixture of apple, dates, almonds, and cheese. A touch of pecorino cheese adds a pleasant depth of flavor to this nutritious salad.

Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner with Salmon

A healthy and simple dinner for two, rich in protein and fiber, can be made in one baking sheet. Roast the vegetables first, then add the salmon fillet rubbed with barbecue spices, and all the ingredients will be ready at the same time.

Asian Chicken Burgers

Upgrade a simple chicken burger with bold flavors using carrots, ginger, hoisin sauce, and spicy garlic chili sauce. Serve with pickled onions and mushrooms on a toasted bun.

Cauliflower vegetable porridge with shrimp fried in garlic sauce

Cauliflower with cheese and butter replaces cornmeal in this delicious dinner—healthy vegetables and shrimp in one dish.

Maple-Braised Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower and Cranberries

A simple marinade of soy sauce and maple syrup turns salmon fillets into a wonderful dinner, complemented by a side of cauliflower.

Shrimp with couscous and yogurt-hummus sauce

This quick shrimp dish is packed with whole grains, protein, and vegetables. (Tip: While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the couscous.)

Fried Zucchini and Spinach Wraps

Use store-bought hummus, whole-grain flatbreads, and a selection of crunchy vegetables to create a delicious and convenient dinner.

Fried hake in spices with chilled bean salad

Chef and athlete Eddie Jackson prepares a light and filling fish dish, rich in protein, using hake and beans. Using store-bought canned beans, the dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes.

Quesadilla with ham and apples

For a quick and filling meal, fill whole-grain tortillas with unsalted ham and Swiss cheese. Apple slices add sweetness, and mustard adds a tangy note.

Oven-baked chicken thighs with dill couscous

Instead of chicken breast, use skinless, boneless chicken thighs: the meat will remain juicy and flavorful. Grape tomatoes soften under the heat, adding extra juiciness to the chicken. Lemon, dill, and oregano add a Greek flair to this dish.

Pan-fried chicken with mushroom sauce

This dish, featuring low-calorie fried mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, is hearty and healthy. A touch of butter in the sauce adds a creamy texture and richness.

Baked salmon in soy glaze with cucumber and avocado salad

Coat salmon fillets with a simple soy glaze and serve with a fresh cucumber and avocado salad for an elegant Asian-inspired dish that's ready in 25 minutes.

Whole grain pasta with chicken and herbs

Cook skinless chicken breasts with garlic, tomatoes, and arugula as a sauce for whole-wheat pasta. Save some of the pasta cooking water; you can add it to the sauce to thin it out.

Salad with chicken, spinach and grapes

Brown rice provides a hearty, nutty base for this salad and pairs beautifully with sweet grapes and fresh herbs. Using frozen rice, the dish is ready in under 15 minutes. The creamy dressing can be quickly made in a blender.

Coconut-breaded shrimp with tropical rice

Coconut-breaded shrimp are perfect with light, tropical-flavored rice.

Fried chicken with tomato and cucumber salad

Replace starchy side dishes with this invigorating tomato and cucumber salad. A simple lemon-dill dressing complements the chicken without adding unnecessary fat and sugar.

Pork loin with pineapple salsa

A vibrant pineapple salsa with ginger and Chinese 5-spice makes this pork loin dinner truly special.

Cauliflower Vegetable Porridge and Fried Shrimp (Whole30 Diet)

This healthy take on a classic Southern dish makes a great addition to any weekday menu. Hearty and delicious, it's rich in protein and fiber, and uses tender cauliflower instead of cornmeal.

Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Instead of ordering delivery from a Chinese restaurant, try a hearty and healthy stir-fry. This dish is made with tender chicken breast, asparagus, and a flavorful trio of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, without the added fat or salt.

Pizza with tricolor salad

Ellie saves time by using store-bought whole-wheat pizza dough. For a less greasy pizza, use low-fat mozzarella and ricotta.

Tuna, avocado, and orange sandwich with coleslaw

When you're craving sandwiches, try this low-calorie recipe: toasted white bread topped with protein-rich tuna salad and avocado slices. Orange slices are seasoned with a five-spice blend, which complements and subtly changes the flavor, adding a warm, spicy note.

Warm salad with beef and pickled peppercorns

This steak and salad pairing is wonderful: juicy pieces of meat and a plethora of vegetables. A delicate peppery dressing completes the dish.

Chicken with artichokes in lemon sauce

Artichokes make a quick and filling dinner with chicken. Simmer them for a few minutes to make them juicy and infuse them with the wine, onion, and garlic sauce.

Pizza with butternut squash and gorgonzola cheese

No marinara sauce required: Ellie Krieger tops the crust with butternut squash, gorgonzola, red onion, sage, and walnuts.

Beef steak with Pizzaiola sauce

Lean sirloin steak is simmered until tender in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce—a healthy dinner ready in minutes.

Grilled chicken with red onion sauce

For a sweet-and-savory flavor, Rachael Ray coats juicy chicken pieces in a mixture of brown sugar, honey mustard, allspice, and curry, then grills the meat.

Crab salad with avocado and croutons

Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture to this low-calorie salad, while avocado adds healthy fats.

Salmon with tomatoes, baked in foil

When baked in foil, the fish is infused with lemon juice and herbal flavors, while the dish remains lean.

Fried cod with lentils in 25 minutes

Using canned lentils instead of raw ones saves at least 30 minutes. Simmer them with bacon and red wine to bring out the natural flavor; celery slices are added at the very end for a fresh, crunchy note. Lentils make a wonderful side dish with a meaty cod fillet.

Mexican soup with rice and chicken

Leftover store-bought rotisserie chicken makes a quick and delicious stew.

Orecchiette pasta with rapini pesto

When you're craving pesto pasta, try this recipe from Anne Burrell. To reduce the amount of oil, she adds ricotta cheese to the sauce, then stirs in rapini, toasted walnuts, and a little Parmesan.

Beef steak with mustard sauce and potatoes

Enjoy the classic steak and potatoes combination with this lighter version. Oven-baked fries are lower in calories, and lean flank steak, trimmed of excess fat, provides protein.

Grilled Steak and Green Beans with Tomatoes and Chimichurri Sauce

Serve the steak, cut into bite-sized pieces, with hearty grilled green beans and tomatoes.

Whole wheat spaghetti with lemon, basil and salmon

Giada prefers whole-grain spaghetti, which has a subtle nutty flavor. For a light, healthy meal, she pairs it with fresh vegetables and fish, seasoned with lemon and herbs.

Spicy Swiss chard soup

This warm, hearty soup is quick to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients. Simmer Swiss chard in a savory, cumin-infused broth, then top with eggs, Greek yogurt, and crispy pita chips.

Beef Stroganoff in a Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker makes it easy to prepare weeknight dishes that typically take a long time to simmer. This lean beef stroganoff is a true protein powerhouse.

Vegetarian burgers with mushrooms

Adding mushrooms to vegetable patties will make them extra juicy; due to their delicate texture, they're best cooked in a pan rather than on the grill.

Arabic sandwiches with chicken falafel and coleslaw

Store-bought falafel mix provides a wonderful crust for the chicken and pairs beautifully with a spicy hummus-based dip.

Salmon with broccoli

Salmon is a great source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and it tastes wonderful on a bed of vitamin C-rich broccoli. This colorful, low-calorie dish, garnished with red pepper flakes and fresh cilantro, cooks in under 20 minutes.

Corn Grits with Bacon and Beans

For a filling and healthy dinner that doesn't take long, make this creamy corn porridge with bell peppers, onions, kale, and black-eyed beans. Use skim milk for a lower-calorie meal.

Tilapia with steamed asparagus and mint

Gremolata, a blend of mint, lemon zest and garlic, adds a fresh flavor to fried fish.

Spring salad with chicken and potatoes

Store-bought grilled chicken is the secret ingredient to a hearty salad that takes 20 minutes to prepare.

Sweet Potatoes with Pancetta, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Rapini

Sweet potatoes are stuffed with garlicky vegetables and pancetta, then topped with a light ricotta-Parmesan sauce with a hint of nutmeg.

Brown rice with chicken and vegetables

This dish is rich in flavor, quick, and healthy. Store-bought grilled chicken, brown rice, and trimmed green beans make dinner ready in under 30 minutes. A blend of vibrant spices and toasted nuts adds a warm Moroccan flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.

Chicken fingers with steamed broccoli

Serve this kid-friendly dish with steamed broccoli; each serving is only 330 calories. Ketchup with curry powder makes a quick and easy dipping sauce.

Grilled chicken breasts with warm salad

Kale baked with potatoes, tomatoes and Parmesan is the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken.

Pasta bows with minced meat and beans

Thanks to whole-grain pasta, ground chicken, and white beans, Ellie manages to fit a whopping 30 grams of protein into one serving of pasta. Escarole adds fiber and a crunchy texture.

Arctic char with fried mushrooms

The fish cooks in just about 6 minutes, and the simple onion-mushroom sauce and arugula salad add a variety of textures and flavors to the dish.

Tacos with fried pork, cabbage and pineapple

Combine sweet and savory: serve juicy grilled pork tacos with pineapple chunks. The sweet fruit perfectly complements the heat of the chili powder in the dry rub.

Meat and tomato flatbread with avocado sauce

Try this Mexican-inspired steak for a quick yet healthy main course. The recipe features steak slices, a simple avocado-cilantro sauce, a tomato and hearts of palm salad, and wheat tortillas; the whole dish is ready in 30 minutes.

Salmon burger with curry and shallot and apple relish, braised in wine

Add some healthy salmon to your menu with these easy burgers. Served on toasted potato buns, the patties are made with a flavorful blend of salmon fillet, sweet apples, and sliced ​​shallots.

Pork loin braised with apple cider and garnished with mashed potatoes and sour milk

This dish is quite easy to prepare for a large crowd. New potatoes, garlic, and buttermilk make for a flavorful side dish without the added fat.

Thick soup with kale, celery and beans

Frozen beans and Swiss chard make this vegetarian dinner a breeze to prepare. Soy sauce and smoked paprika provide the deep flavor typical of stews.

Chili with two types of beans

This chili's rich flavor makes it seem like it's been simmering for hours. But with canned beans and tomatoes, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Serve with fiber-rich brown rice.

10-Minute Bean Soup with Cheese Toasts

Add sprigs of rosemary and thyme to chicken broth for just a few minutes to add a vibrant flavor to this creamy bean soup. Toast is toasted over a flame (not butter) and served open-faced with a topping of juicy sliced ​​tomatoes.

Natural turkey cutlets with pearl barley salad

This balanced dinner of turkey cutlets, barley, and Brussels sprouts is packed with all the good stuff: protein, vegetables, and whole grains.

Moroccan Grilled Tilapia with Eggplant

Versatile and affordable, tilapia gets a Moroccan twist with couscous, eggplant, and pesto.

Lazy Sandwich – Sloppy Joe's

These diner-style meat sandwiches have a familiar flavor from childhood, but they're lean enough to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Turkey steak with mashed potatoes and orange sauce

Chicken broth, honey, mustard, orange juice, and a touch of cream combine to create a flavorful sauce for lean turkey cutlets. The citrus flavor complements the sweet potato puree beautifully.

Spaghetti with tilapia in spicy tomato sauce

Garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes infuse the tomato sauce with rich flavor. Tilapia is a great source of protein, and multigrain spaghetti adds fiber. Even better, the pasta is ready in just 35 minutes.

Rolls with ham, cheese and apple

These hearty rolls are a hit with kids and adults alike; they're filled with lean ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, apple, honey mustard, and dill.

Chicken and Peanut Stir-Fry

This recipe will become your favorite for those times when you're craving something delicious and easy. Stir-fried chicken and tender cabbage get a sweet and salty flavor from soy sauce and rice vinegar. Fresh peeled ginger adds a tangy kick, and roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture.

Vegetable noodle soup

This soup is equally good for lunch and dinner; hearty and warming, it's perfect for rainy weather.

Chicken Fajitas on a Baking Sheet

This protein-packed fajita uses a foil-lined baking sheet and a top-heat oven for a healthy weeknight meal that doesn't require much cleanup.

Pasta puttanesca

The beauty of this classic Italian pasta is that it can be made quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, like spaghetti, canned tomatoes, garlic, anchovy paste, and red pepper flakes.

Shrimp and Snow Pea Salad

For a super-quick salad with an Asian twist, Ellie uses pre-cooked shrimp. Make a sesame dressing, then add radishes, green onions, and fresh snow peas.

Beef with sweet potato in a fragrant broth

Make a broth by adding richly flavored ingredients like oyster sauce, teriyaki, fresh ginger, and brown sugar. Simmer the vegetables in the broth and then serve with thinly sliced ​​grilled steak.

Pork tenderloin with stewed cabbage and apples

Pork tenderloin is inexpensive and quick to prepare. Cut it into steaks and serve with cabbage and apples, cooked in a flavorful, juicy mixture.

Asian noodles with tofu

Make a warming Asian soup with tofu, udon noodles and greens in under 20 minutes.





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