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99+ Best Healthy Dinner Recipes for Weight Loss

On the hunt for some healthy dinner recipes that can assist with your weight loss? These delicious meals should do the trick!
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Just because you've been working all day doesn't mean you can't enjoy a healthy, delicious dinner. If you're looking to expand your weeknight rotation, you're bound to find one (or ten) of these healthy dinner recipes that speak to you. We've covered all your bases with chicken recipes, beef recipes, vegetarian recipes, and more, so no more frozen meals for you. These options are not just good for you, but they're so good that you'll most likely be licking the plate clean with each one that you try.

And for more, check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos

Four pork carnitas tacos on a plate
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

This recipe can roast on high for four hours, but for best results, let it roast on low for eight. The meat will be falling off by the time you start breaking it apart! Serve it with tortillas, limes, queso fresco (or cotija!) cheese, and, of course, some pickled red onions.

Get our recipe for Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos.

Crispy Cod With Sweet Potato Fries

crispy cod with sweet potato fries in a basket
Brie Passano

This cod recipe, made with sweet potato fries, is made by baking the fish and chips in the oven instead of dipping them into a deep fryer. We promise, after taking a bite into this crispy cod recipe, you won't even miss the deep-fried version.

Get our recipe for Crispy Cod With Sweet Potato Fries.

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Lamb Kofte Kebabs With Tahini Garlic Sauce

lamb kebabs on a plate with pomegranate seeds and fresh veggies
Shutterstock

Lamb kebabs are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Some would even consider it the Middle Eastern meatball! They usually have an aromatic spice blend, which is very specific to that part of the world. Plus, it's one of our favorite healthy dinner recipes to make.

Get our recipe for Lamb Kofte Kebabs With Tahini Garlic Sauce.

Crock-Pot Beef Ragu

Crock pot beef ragu recipe with pappardelle pasta and shaved parmesan
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Sick of the usual meat sauce and meatballs on a weeknight? Take your Italian cooking up a notch with this delectable beef ragu recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but this dump-and-go Crock-Pot recipe is perfect to prep and freeze for later!

Get our recipe for Crock-Pot Beef Ragu.

Chicken Ramen with Shiitake Mushrooms and Spinach

Paleo chicken ramen
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

A big bowl of ramen sounds like the perfect meal for a cold, rainy night, right? Well, if you're paleo, ordering a bowl of ramen isn't always an option. Nevertheless, a simple swap from noodles to zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles!) can easily solve that salty ramen craving.

Get our recipe for Chicken Ramen with Shiitake Mushrooms and Spinach.

Tomato Chicken Curry With Cauliflower Rice

Paleo tomato chicken curry recipe
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Looking for something on the spicier side? By using a jalapeño in the recipe, this chicken curry comes with a slight kick, but between the sweetness of the coconut milk and the acidity of the crushed tomatoes, this tomato chicken curry is the perfect healthy dinner recipe no matter what season you're in.

Get our recipe for Tomato Chicken Curry With Cauliflower Rice.

Bacon-Chile Burgers With Guacamole and Fresh Salsa

Paleo bacon chile burger
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Just because you're craving a burger doesn't mean you have to waste more than 1,000 calories on a basic sit-down restaurant or fast food order! While some popular chains do sell burgers with more than 1,000 calories, you can actually enjoy a delicious burger with bacon (yes, bacon!) for a mere 402 calories.

Get our recipe for Bacon-Chile Burgers With Guacamole and Fresh Salsa.

Fish Tacos with Tilapia and Avocado

Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

While most fish tacos are battered and fried (usually with a nice piece of cod), making fish tacos at home to be much easier than I anticipated. Because the fish I made for this recipe doesn't involve breading a fish fillet, you can save major calories and bulk up on some delicious toppings instead.

Get our recipe for Fish Tacos with Tilapia and Avocado.

BBQ Pork Shepherd's Pie With Sweet Potato Topping

Paleo bbq pork shepards pie
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

As if shepherd's pie wasn't already delicious enough, this barbecue spin is the perfect twist to the classic dish. This healthy dinner recipe uses a paleo-compliant barbecue sauce, as well as unsweetened plain almond milk, to cut down on extra calories, while still giving the dish a tangy, yet creamy, texture. Plus, the extra kale sneaks in even more nutrients into the meal.

Get our recipe for BBQ Pork Shepherd's Pie With Sweet Potato Topping.

Skillet Lamb Chops With Swiss Cheese Cauliflower Mash

Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Break out your cast-iron skillet, or use this opportunity to buy one—it's the key to getting a delicious sear on these medium-rare lamb chops. The chops take center stage with just a simple rub of rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. But the showstopper in this dish is the Swiss Cheese Cauliflower Mash. It's buttery, creamy, and decadent. You'll never miss mashed potatoes again!

Get our recipe for Skillet Lamb Chops With Swiss Cheese Cauliflower Mash.

Butter-Baked Salmon and Asparagus

keto butter baked salmon with asparagus on the side horizontal
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Need more healthy dinner recipes that involve fish? Then you're going to love this one! Salmon and asparagus are always great together grilled, but this baked salmon recipe is even more appropriate for keto diet followers because it adds more delicious fat to the omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in salmon. The hint of lemon in the mayo-based topping is delicious on the asparagus, too.

Get our recipe for Butter-Baked Salmon and Asparagus.

Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli

shrimp and broccoli with cauliflower rice sprinkled with sesame seeds green onions and sriracha
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Don't like salmon? How about shrimp healthy dinner recipes? This Instant Pot shrimp and broccoli recipe is the perfect recipe to whip up on a busy weeknight. Served on rice, or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb, this recipe is one that you're going to want to make again and again.

Get our recipe for Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli.

Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe

wendy's copycat chili in three bowls on a marble counter with cheese and sour cream
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Thanks to a clear list of ingredients on the Wendy's website, it was easy to put together this recipe. According to the list, Wendy's chili has a chili base, tomatoes, chili beans, pink beans, kidney beans, onions, celery, green peppers, ground beef, chili pepper, garlic powder, and spices. While the recipe also has sugar and modified corn starch in it, we knew that you can have a delicious chili without either of those additives, so we didn't bother adding them to my version.

Get our recipe for Copycat Wendy's Chili Recipe.

Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crock pot chicken noodle soup with bread on a table.
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold day, does it? Especially if it can be cooked with minimal effort! This Crock-Pot chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect meal to warm up a crowd on a winter day.

Get our recipe for Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup.

Pumpkin Pad Thai

Bowl of pumpkin pad thai with peanuts ready to be eaten
Blaine Moats

If you want to make it an even lighter, lower-carb version of pad Thai with pumpkin, you can forego the rice noodles altogether, and replace them with spaghetti squash. Want to make it vegan? Just leave out the chicken.

Get our recipe for Pumpkin Pad Thai.

Slow Cooker Maple-Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

maple balsamic chicken and vegetables on a white plate
Jason Donnelly

The standard chicken, potatoes, and vegetable dinner can get old quickly, but that's why it's essential to find tasty, healthy ways to spice up this basic meal. Enter our balsamic chicken recipe that we guarantee your tastebuds will thank you for, because of the combination of flavors that are in this dish.

Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Maple-Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables.

RELATED: Easy, healthy, 350-calorie recipe ideas you can make at home.

Grilled Pizza Burger

pizza burger on wooden tray with marinara sauce
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

A burger on a list of healthy dinner recipes? Yes, we have them! This recipe takes what you love about pizza—the tomato sauce, the mozzarella, and the seasonings like oregano—and adds them to a juicy turkey burger. Bursting with flavor, as well as fiber, this meal is way more nutritious than the average pizza slice.

Get our recipe for Grilled Pizza Burger.

One-Skillet Taco Pasta

one skillet taco pasta with spoon, cotija cheese, and sliced avocado
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Sure, traditional pasta is great. But have you tried taco pasta? This easy recipe takes all of the things you love about tacos—seasonings, spice, and yes, cheese—and converts them into a pasta format. Taco Tuesday is about to take on a whole new meaning.

Get our recipe for One-Skillet Taco Pasta.

Butternut Squash Pasta Salad

Butternut squash pasta salad
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

If you're looking for easy, healthy dinner recipes, but you're tired of lettuce-based salads, this butternut squash pasta salad recipe will be a game-changer. Like other Mason jar salads, this recipe can be made in advance, and it's packed full of nutritious veggies.

Get our recipe for Butternut Squash Pasta Salad.

Fried Rice Cups

Fried rice cups
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Craving some Chinese food, but don't feel like spending the money? Before splurging on some pork fried rice and egg rolls again, why not try making some delicious fried rice at home? This fried rice cups recipe will make perfect portions of fried rice, while keeping that calorie count nice and low!

Get our recipe for Fried Rice Cups.

Chicken Taco With Roasted Red Peppers

Chicken red pepper taco recipe on a plate
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

This chicken taco recipe is made with roasted red pepper, making it a sweeter taco than you normally associate tacos to be. Between the roasted red bell pepper and sweet corn salsa, you'll find yourself enjoying a satisfying sweet and salty experience when biting into one of these.

Get our recipe for Chicken Taco With Roasted Red Peppers.

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Salsa Verde

Grilled mahi mahi with salsa verde
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Confusingly enough, both Mexicans and Italians have their own salsa verde, and both are ridiculously good condiments that can be used in a staggering number of dishes. This, the Italian version, is based on parsley, anchovies, capers, and lemon juice, a bright herbal punch that pairs especially well with the smoke and char of a grill.

Get our recipe for Grilled Mahi Mahi with Salsa Verde.

Asian Beef Noodle Soup

Asian beef noodle soup
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The slow-cooker soup here takes a rich ginger and soy-spiked broth with chunks of fork-tender beef, a tangle of springy noodles, and—for a fresh, high note to pair with the dark, brooding ones—a pile of fresh bok choy. This is no appetizer soup; this is a full-on meal.

Get our recipe for Asian Beef Noodle Soup.

Scallops With Chimichurri

Paleo scallops with chimichurri
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In this meal, you get to pour your chimichurri on scallops (and just so you know, we think scallops are the most underrated of all seafood). They're incredibly lean, but with a sweet, meaty taste that makes them feel indulgent. Plus, they cook effortlessly in about 5 minutes.

Get our recipe for Scallops With Chimichurri.

Orange Chicken

bowls of homemade orange chicken with chopsticks
Brie Passano

Are you having a craving for your favorite Chinese takeout dish? Dreaming of chicken dunked in that deliciously sweet orange sauce? Thanks to this recipe, you don't have to wait for the delivery person to enjoy some orange chicken right at home! Plus, this version slashes the calorie count of your usual orange chicken takeout.

Get our recipe for Orange Chicken.

Shredded BBQ-Rubbed Pork Shoulder With Creamy Slaw

keto shredded pork shoulder in a white bowl
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

When we mention this keto-friendly BBQ-flavored slow cooker pork recipe, barbecue purists might scoff at us. But we can't worry about that: We have day jobs, hungry kids to feed, and no barbecue pit in the backyard. We know smoke is the key to breaking down the fat that adds flavor and moisture to the pork butt or shoulder, but we found a way to get similar flavors and texture by using bone broth and a slow cooker.

Get our recipe for Shredded BBQ-Rubbed Pork Shoulder With Creamy Slaw Recipe.

Blackened Fish Sandwich With Avocado and Cabbage

Paleo blackened fish sandwich
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Our fish sandwich replaces processed patties with fresh tilapia fillets, frying with blackening, and tartar sauce with creamy avocado and crunchy cabbage. You won't miss the mystery meat alternative you're used to, as this blackened fish sandwich packs a punch.

Get our recipe for Blackened Fish Sandwich With Avocado and Cabbage.

Turkey Bolognese with Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Paleo turkey bolognese
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Looking for a low-carb dish that packs in the protein and is paleo-friendly? This scrumptious turkey bolognese with garlic spaghetti squash fits the bill. So if you're looking for more healthy dinner recipes using spaghetti squash, you're going to want to save this one for later.

Get our recipe for Turkey Bolognese with Garlic Spaghetti Squash.

Pan Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce

pan burgers fried egg special sauce
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

There's nothing quite like taking a bite out of a juicy burger, and while the idea of firing up the grill might seem daunting, you don't actually have to cook a burger that way. Instead, you can pan fry your patty for an easy way to satisfy your burger craving.

Get our recipe for Pan Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce.

Chicken Under a Brick

Chicken under a brick
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Whoever first placed brick to backbone was smart enough to recognize that the extra weight helped press the bird evenly—and forcefully—against the grill, which translates into a juicier bird with a crisper skin—a win-win in our book.

Get our recipe for Chicken Under a Brick.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Pineapple Salsa

Pork tenderloin with grilled pineapple salsa
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Chicken breast may still be king of the American meat market, but pork tenderloin is no less worthy of the crown. Besides being nearly as lean as white meat chicken (a 3-ounce portion of cooked pork tenderloin has only 3 grams of fat), pork also boasts an impressive array of nutrients, including more than a third of a day's dose of selenium, a trace mineral shown to be effective in cancer prevention.

Get our recipe for Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Pineapple Salsa.

Crock-Pot Italian Meatballs

Crock pot Italian meatballs with spaghetti
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Can you ever go wrong with a spaghetti and meatball dinner? If you're looking for a meal to serve a crowd, throwing together a large crock-pot of Italian meatballs is one of the easiest tricks of the trade.

Get our recipe for Crock-Pot Italian Meatballs.

Garam Masala Chicken Skewers with Fire-Roasted Jalapeno Dip

garam masala chicken skewers with dip on wood serving board
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

If you're entertaining guests who are following special diets, this simple recipe should fit their needs, too (as long as they aren't vegetarian). There's no breading on the chicken, so it's safe for gluten-free guests to partake in this tasty app. And if your guests do eat gluten? The Greek yogurt-based dip would be perfect for pita dipping, too.

Get our recipe for Garam Masala Chicken Skewers with Fire-Roasted Jalapeno Dip.

Open-Face Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich With Chipotle Mayo

open face hot ham cheese chipotle mayo
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

An open-face sandwich is an easy way to cut back on calories because there is only one slice of bread involved, so you can still satisfy your sandwich craving.

Get our recipe for Open-Face Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich With Chipotle Mayo.

Slow Cooker Turkey Cassoulet

slow cooked turkey cassoulet in white bowls
Jason Donnelly

Turkey is often restricted to only be the star of the meal at Thanksgiving, but you can—and should!—eat it all year round. That's why we made it the focal point of our cassoulet recipe.

Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Turkey Cassoulet.

Shrimp Scampi Linguine Pasta

Garlic shrimp scampi recipe with linguine on a marble counter with squeezed lemon
Kiersten Hickman / Eat This, Not That!

Usually this dish is served with pasta, but if you don't want it, this recipe is delicious on its own! You could always make this shrimp scampi recipe with some roasted vegetables. Also, that shrimp scampi sauce is so delectable, a fresh loaf of crusty bread would be perfect for dipping! All you have to do is skip making the pasta in the instructions.

Get our recipe for Shrimp Scampi Linguine Pasta.

Grilled Steak with Red Wine Butter

grilled steak topped with red wine butter next to steak fries
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Thanks to this healthy dinner recipe, you get a steak and a slab of spiked butter for a quarter of the cost and over 500 less calories than that of a similar dish you would order at Outback Steakhouse. Eating in looks good on you, so go ahead and dig on into this grilled steak recipe!

Get our recipe for Grilled Steak with Red Wine Butter.

Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

slow cooker beef goulash in a white serving dish
Jason Donnelly

Now, you might be thinking that a goulash—which is a meat and veggies stew—would require a lot of time, but our recipe is made for your slow cooker. All you have to do is combine all of the ingredients into it, and let the time-saving appliance work its magic while you do whatever it is you need to do. It's that easy!

Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Goulash.

Baked Turkey Wings

Two baked turkey wings on a plate ready to eat
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

We all know that wings are best when crispy, so we put together the best crispy baked turkey wings recipe. Not only that, but you can get them crispy by cooking them right in the oven! No deep frying necessary.

Get our recipe for Baked Turkey Wings.

Smoked Salmon and Boursin Cheese Frittata

smoked salmon boursin frittata
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Can frittatas be considered as healthy dinner recipes? Why not! This recipe is not only easy to make and ready in just a few minutes, but also allow you to step outside a basic frittata dish, too, with the creative addition of the salmon and Boursin cheese.

Get our recipe for Smoked Salmon and Boursin Cheese Frittata.

Chipotle Shrimp Quesadilla

Chipotle shrimp quesadilla
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This quesadilla is plenty cheesy, but the abundance of spicy shrimp and caramelized vegetables teamed with the shattering crust of the tortilla means we can cut fat without sacrificing flavor in this recipe.

Get our recipe for Chipotle Shrimp Quesadilla.

Chicken Piccata

chicken piccata
Shutterstock

With this recipe, you can have a chicken dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. Not to mention, you'll be using classic Italian ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. That's our idea of the perfect healthy weeknight dinner!

Get our recipe for Chicken Piccata.

Asian-Inspired Tuna Burger With Wasabi Mayo

Asian tuna burgers with wasabi mayo
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

A firm, meaty fish like tuna is prime picking for the burger treatment, and we love making tuna burgers for a protein-packed meal. All it takes is a quick pulse in the food processor or even just a bit of fine chopping.

Get our recipe for Asian-Inspired Tuna Burger With Wasabi Mayo.

Steak Nachos

Steak nachos
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Why restrict nachos as an appetizer when it can easily be on your list of healthy dinner recipes? This recipe uses a spicy cheese sauce (which actually saves calories), a healthy amount of salsa, and plenty of fixings to deliver a high-flavor, low-calorie plate of goodness.

Get our recipe for Steak Nachos.

Turkey BLT Salad

Turkey blt salad
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Bacon, lettuce, and tomato may be the finest combination ever introduced to sliced bread (sorry, PB&J…but you are a close second), but that doesn't mean you need a sandwich to make this cozy relationship work. By turning the bread into crunchy croutons and the lettuce into the base of a salad, you minimize the refined carbs and maximize the healthiest part of the equation.

Get our recipe for Turkey BLT Salad.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Healthy turkey sloppy joes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

It's amazing that multiple companies make a living selling packets, boxes, and cans of sloppy joe mix, many of them loaded with funky preservatives and fillers that even chemists would have a difficult time deciphering. But thanks to our easy turkey sloppy joes, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table in about 15 minutes. This certainly has the potential to become one of your family's favorite healthy dinner recipes.

Get our recipe for Turkey Sloppy Joes.

Shrimp Taco Recipe with Pickled Onions

Close up of shrimp tacos
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Are you looking to make a twist to your usual Taco Tuesday? Switch up the usual ground beef taco combinations and try making a different type of fish taco with this shrimp taco recipe instead! You can make this entire meal in less than 30 minutes, with the cook time only taking you about five or 10 minutes!

Get our recipe for Shrimp Taco Recipe with Pickled Onions.

Jalapeño Cheeseburger

Jalapeno cheeseburger
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This jalapeño cheeseburger recipe packs a bite for you spice lovers, while still staying lean thanks to a few smart swaps (like using lean sirloin and olive oil mayonnaise), which cut calories dramatically. This is a restaurant-worthy burger you can actually perfect right in your own kitchen.

Get our recipe for the Jalapeño Cheeseburger.

Caprese Sandwich

Caprese sandwich
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This recipe requires absolutely no effort, save for about 2 minutes of slicing and 2 minutes of toasting. Plus, it morphs easily into other dishes. Not in the mood for a sandwich? Ditch the bread and eat this as a salad for one of the easiest healthy dinner recipes you've ever made.

Get our recipe for the Caprese Sandwich.

Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Cheesy turkey meatloaf muffins
Waterbury Publicatons, Inc.

If meatloaf was a family dinner staple growing up, then this recipe will transcend you right back to your childhood. But unlike the usual meatloaf that you make, this particular recipe splits up the meat mixture into tiny meatloaf muffins—baked right in your muffin tin!

Get our recipe for Cheesy Turkey Meatloaf Muffins.

Grilled Cheese With Sautéed Mushrooms

Grilled cheese with sauteed mushrooms
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

A better grilled cheese needs substance, something to turn it from a high-calorie snack into a low-calorie meal, hence the mushrooms and the pile of caramelized onions here. Mushrooms and Swiss are close buddies, so out goes the processed American cheese.

Get our recipe for Grilled Cheese With Sautéed Mushrooms.

Grilled Vegetable Wrap With Balsamic Mayo

Healthy grilled vegetable wrap
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This wrap makes for an easy and delicious lunch or dinner that's ready in record time. Plus, thanks to the cheese and hearty amount of vegetables, you'll still get a big boost of protein to keep you feeling satiated.

Get our recipe for Grilled Vegetable Wrap With Balsamic Mayo.

Slow Cooker Green Chile Pork Soup

green chile pork soup and bread
Jason Donnelly

Cozying up to a warm bowl of soup is never a bad idea, but the problem with many canned, store-bought soups is that they are astronomically high in sodium. Thanks to this soup, one of our easiest healthy dinner recipes, you can enjoy a filling soup low in calories that will give you 25 grams of protein and six grams of fiber.

Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Green Chile Pork Soup.

Italian Tuna Melt

Healthy italian tuna melt
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This recipe is fast and easy, and the ingredients are tasty, yet affordable, and they are even nonperishable, so you can keep extras on hand as a go-to during a particularly packed or stressful day, and your waistline won't suffer a bit.

Get our recipe for Italian Tuna Melt.

Chicken Scaloppine

Paleo chicken scaloppine
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Our lighter, more authentic version wraps chicken and sage in a layer of prosciutto, which then becomes a crispy skin that keeps the chicken moist while it sautés. A splash of wine and chicken stock directly into the cooking pan becomes your 2-minute sauce. Just the latest proof of why simpler is so often better.

Get our recipe for Chicken Scaloppine.

Mac and Cheese

Healthy mac and cheese
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Mac and cheese may not seem like one of our healthy dinner recipes, but thanks to our take on it, you can enjoy this indulgent meal for under 400 calories a serving.

Get our recipe for Mac and Cheese.

Spicy-Sweet Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Sandwich

Paleo grilled chicken pineapple sandwich
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Not even the relatively healthy genre of grilled chicken sandwiches is a safe bet when you seek sustenance away from home. Our sandwich is a spicy-sweet combination of teriyaki-glazed chicken, juicy grilled pineapple, and fiery jalapeños—a chicken sandwich to end all fatty chicken sandwiches.

Get our recipe for Spicy-Sweet Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Sandwich.

Grilled Caesar Salad

Low-calorie grilled caesar salad
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This recipe transforms the high-calorie dressing into a lighter vinaigrette and adds substance, flavor, and nutrition in the form of sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Think of this as the Caesar salad, reimagined.

Get our recipe for Grilled Caesar Salad.

Baked Ziti

Healthy baked ziti
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Lighten up a classic dish thanks to our healthier version of baked ziti! You can easily make it at home, and it won't weigh you down. This is home-cooked comfort food at its finest.

Get our recipe for Baked Ziti.

Chicken Mole Enchiladas

Low-calorie chicken mole enchiladas
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

These enchiladas are not only easier to make than the Americanized versions served in most restaurants, but they're also tastier and contain just 30 percent of the calories.

Get our recipe for Chicken Mole Enchiladas.

Takeout-Level Chicken Fried Rice

Healthy chicken fried rice
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Our recipe turns fried rice on its head, relying on a ton of fresh vegetables, considerably less rice, and a bit of oil for crisping it up.

Get our recipe for Takeout-Level Chicken Fried Rice.

Chicken Fajita Burrito

Healthy chicken fajita burrito
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This burrito is American in spirit, which is to say it's hearty and generously filled, but without the caloric excesses found at Chipotle Mexican Grill, Baja Fresh, and the country's other burrito barons. We've not only made this recipe so that it will save you in calories, but it's also quick and easy to make, so it'll save you time, too.

Get our recipe for Chicken Fajita Burritos.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Paleo pulled pork sandwich
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

There's no need to waste your entire daily caloric budget for the day with one sandwich! Enjoy our healthier take on the pulled pork sandwich with just 430 calories per serving.

Get our recipe for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Chicken in Red Wine

Slow cooker chicken in red wine
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Coq au vin, as it's known in France, is one of the world's great dishes and all it takes to create it is a whole chicken, half a bottle of wine, and a few vegetables. A slow cooker makes matters even easier, but a good old-fashioned pot will do, too for this classic chicken in red wine recipe.

Get our recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken in Red Wine.

Asian Chicken Meatballs

Paleo asian chicken meatballs
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

These chicken meatballs are inspired by street-corner grills in Vietnam and Thailand, where ginger, garlic, and chiles reign supreme. With those bold flavors, plus the char of a hot charcoal grill, you won't need a fat-heavy mix of meat, or even a pile of spaghetti, to make an outstanding dinner with this chicken meatballs recipe.

Get our recipe for Asian Chicken Meatballs.

3-Cheese Ravioli with Cherry Tomatoes

Vegetarian 3 cheese ravioli with cherry tomatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Here, in this ravioli recipe, you get the depth and nuance of creamy ricotta, smoky mozzarella, and salty, sharp Parmesan, plus a sauce that would make anything taste great for just 510 calories.

Get our recipe for 3-Cheese Ravioli with Cherry Tomatoes.

Classic Beef Tacos

beef taco recipe
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

While there are many different types of taco combinations to make, nothing can truly beat the classic combination of a beef taco. This beef taco recipe is the exact type of thing you would imagine when planning for Taco Tuesday, or better yet when you make a quick order over at Taco Bell.

Get our recipe for Classic Beef Tacos.

Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon With Roasted Asparagus

Low-calorie honey-mustard salmon with roasted asparagus
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Many Americans view fresh fish as restaurant fare, food best left to professionals to skillfully prepare. But when you leave the fish cooking to "professionals" at places like Outback, Friday's, and Applebee's, your hopes of a healthy dinner may be sunk. Why blow the cash and the heavy caloric toll on a meal you can prepare healthy dinner recipes in less time than it takes to order out?

Get our recipe for Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon With Roasted Asparagus.

Chili-Mango Chicken Stir-Fry

Paleo chili-mango chicken
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Using healthier oils and a hearty serving of sugar snap peas, this dish is a perfect balance that will leave your palate feeling warmed and satisfied, with a caloric intake that will leave you feeling healthy and renewed.

Get our recipe for Chili-Mango Chicken Stir-Fry.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Sandwich

healthy buffalo chicken and blue cheese sandwich
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In this healthier buffalo chicken sandwich recipe, we stay true to the flavors people love by basting the chicken in hot sauce and butter after grilling, topping with a yogurt-based blue cheese sauce—but manage to do what no one else out there has done yet: make Buffalo chicken into one of the most mouth-watering healthy dinner recipes.

Get our recipe for the Grilled Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Sandwich.

Miso-Glazed Scallops

Clean lean miso marinated scallops
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Pureed fermented soybeans might not sound like good eats, but miso is one of the culinary world's greatest flavor enhancers. The credit goes to miso's huge dose of umami that it contributes to soups, dressings, and marinades. You'll find a variety of miso pastes in the refrigerator section of upscale grocers such as Whole Foods.

Get our recipe for Miso-Glazed Scallops.

Coffee-Rubbed Steak

Paleo coffee-rubbed steak
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Coffee and steak might seem like an unlikely partnership, but the flavor of beef is actually heightened by the robust notes of java. This coffee-rubbed steak dish would be perfect with grilled vegetables and a side of black or pinto beans, or heat up a few corn tortillas and pass them out so everyone can make their own little tacos.

Get our recipe for Coffee-Rubbed Steak.

Low-Calorie Chicago Hot Dog

Low-calorie chicago dog
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Chicagoans take hot dogs pretty seriously. So seriously, in fact, that the actual order in which you apply the ingredients is of paramount importance (at least as they tell it). The fact that they come so loaded with produce ("run through the garden," as they say) means that what could be a snack for some quickly turns into a surprisingly reasonable meal.

Get our recipe for the Low-Calorie Chicago Hot Dog.

Low-Calorie, Low-Carb Jambalaya

Jambalaya (with paleo & gluten-free option)
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Spice up your list of healthy dinner recipes with this low-calorie jambalaya! By decreasing the rice ratio (or even swapping out with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative) and increasing the produce and protein, this jambalaya recipe cuts the calories and carbs dramatically.

Get our recipe for Low-Calorie, Low-Carb Jambalaya.

Vegetarian-Friendly Stuffed Tomatoes

Vegetarian stuffed tomatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

With this recipe for vegetarian-friendly stuffed tomatoes, you'll spend just 2 minutes of your time doing the necessary prep work and only 20 minutes of actual cooking before you turn standard normal tomatoes into something memorable: sweet, creamy, crunchy, and imbued with faint whispers of garlic and fresh basil.

Get our recipe for Vegetarian-Friendly Stuffed Tomatoes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu With Honey Mustard

Gluten-free chicken cordon cleu with honey mustard
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

If honey mustard feels a bit like gilding the lily, it is, but at 350 calories for the whole dish, why not? Plus, we've made this healthy dinner recipe gluten-free by simply swapping out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Get our recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu With Honey Mustard.

Vegetarian Mushroom Burger With Mozzarella Cheese

Vegetarian mushroom melts
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

We don't mess around with fake patties in this mushroom burger recipe. Instead, we go straight for a meaty portobello cap, rubbed in olive oil and balsamic, and topped with a crown of melted mozz.

Get our recipe for Vegetarian Mushroom Burger With Mozzarella Cheese.

Teriyaki Pork Chops With Sautéed Apples

Paleo teriyaki pork chop with apple
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

These teriyaki pork chops are one of the easiest healthy dinner recipes to throw together on any given busy Tuesday night, but they're seemingly fancy enough to serve to dinner guests on a special Saturday.

Get our recipe for Teriyaki Pork Chops With Sautéed Apples.

Healthy Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes, and Prosciutto Pizza

Healthy pizza with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and prosciutto
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This pie is based on a prosciutto arugula pizza once eaten at a trattoria high above the ocean in the impossibly scenic village of Positano, which clings to the cliffs above Italy's Amalfi Coast. Though you'll have a tough time re-creating the setting, this combination of ingredients flirts with those magical flavors.

Get our recipe for Healthy Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes, and Prosciutto Pizza.

Moroccan-Inspired Quinoa Pilaf and Salmon

Paleo moroccan salmon with quinoa
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This sweet and savory combination of spices could be rubbed on chicken or pork, but it takes especially well to the (healthy) fattiness of the salmon. The quinoa pilaf is a healthy, complex, and textured grain that gives this recipe a hearty, filling feel, too. It might become your new favorite salmon pairing!

Get our recipe for Moroccan-Inspired Quinoa Pilaf and Salmon.

Margarita Chicken

Paleo margarita chicken 
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Our version of margarita chicken, a meal that you can have on the table in 20 minutes, contains all the same bells and whistles (Cheese! Salsa! Sizzle!), minus all the added calories and dollars spent on eating at a restaurant.

Get our recipe for Margarita Chicken.

Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 instant pot chicken zoodle soup
Posie Brien/Eat This, Not That!

Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially during the cold weather months. We've made our special light version by swapping in zucchini noodles for regular noodles, which makes this recipe gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30-approved.

Get our recipe for Chicken Zoodle Soup.

Sheet-Pan Vegan Sausage and Vegetables

vegan sausage sheet pan
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

When it comes to plant-based sausages, there are lots of options on the market. Just like with any other grocery item, your best bet is to look for a nutrition label with a short ingredient list of recognizable foods. Make sure the sausage contains a decent amount of protein, and if there's some fiber in there, that's an added bonus. Stay away from plant 'meats' that are predominantly made up of carbohydrates.

Get our recipe for Sheet-Pan Vegan Sausage and Vegetables.

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

cooked lemon chicken inside an Instant Pot
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Cooked in chicken broth with a touch of fresh lemon juice, this Instant Pot lemon chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful protein to add to your dinner plate. Pair it with some easy sides like roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.

Get our recipe for Instant Pot Lemon Chicken.

Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops

air fryer breaded pork chop 1
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

How do you make crispy breaded pork chops in a health-conscious way? Using an air fryer, of course! It will cut down on prep and cooking time as well as a substantial amount of calories and fat. Because the pork chop isn't fried in oil, it doesn't feel heavy and fatty like the one you're frying in pan.

Get our recipe for Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops.

5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

sheet pan bbq chicken dinner on a marble counter
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

While this combination is one of our favorites, you really could try any combination that you desire. Not a fan of broccoli? Try adding some asparagus spears, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. Don't like sweet potato? Roast up some regular potato bits, or even some chickpeas or cauliflower florets!

Get our recipe for 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner.

Keto Smoky Paprika Roast Chicken With Savory Green Beans

keto roast chicken on cooling rack with stringbeans
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

This dish delivers a satisfying old-world flavor, reminiscent of a time when fat was used to flavor everything. The green beans are so savory from the butter and cottage bacon, you'll hope you've made enough for a second night of leftovers.

Get our recipe for Keto Smoky Paprika Roast Chicken With Savory Green Beans.

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

chicken tikka masala with naan bread
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Letting the meat marinate in a yogurt sauce before cooking it will soften the chicken, which pairs well with the creamy tikka masala. Toast up naan to go with it, or for a low-carb version, simply serve this Instant Pot chicken tikka masala with cauliflower rice.

Get our recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala.

Pesto Chicken

keto pesto chicken
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

This is a picture-perfect keto diet meal: chicken breasts topped with mozzarella cheese and pesto sauce. Pesto, made from basil, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts adds rich, satiating, heart-healthy unsaturated fats to the dinner.

Get our recipe for Pesto Chicken.

Paleo Thai Beef Stir-Fry

Paleo spread stir fry
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

With just under 400 calories a serving, this delectable stir-fry is perfect for paleo people and low-carb followers alike!

Get our recipe for Paleo Thai Beef Stir-Fry.

Tandoori Chicken Skewers With Spicy Cucumber Raita

tandoori chicken skewers with lemon slices on pita
Shutterstock

Looking for recipes to make on the grill that aren't hamburgers and hot dogs? You're in luck! This delicious tandoori chicken skewer recipe is about to be your favorite new food to grill.

Get our recipe for Tandoori Chicken Skewers With Spicy Cucumber Raita.

Roast Pork Loin Recipe, Porchetta-Style With Lemony White Beans

Paleo roast pork loin with white beans
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The Italian take on the pig is the opposite: They embrace and use the whole animal in a variety of ingenious and economizing ways. And none is more dramatic than porchetta, a whole suckling pig stuffed with fennel and herbs and roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We've ditched the whole pig but applied the same flavor-packed treatment to our favorite cut: the lean, meaty loin.

Get our recipe for Roast Pork Loin Recipe, Porchetta-Style With Lemony White Beans.

90-Minute Roasted Turkey With Orange-Cranberry Relish

Paleo 90 minute roasted turkey with orange cranberry relish
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Turkey doesn't have to only be served on Thanksgiving! Enjoy it any night of the week, or serve it to friends at your next dinner party with some of these healthy side dishes.

Get our recipe for 90-Minute Roasted Turkey With Orange-Cranberry Relish.

Crisp Cornmeal Catfish With Corn Salsa

Healthy cornmeal catfish with corn salsa
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Think you won't find a crunchy fish when searching for healthy dinner recipes? Think again! This catfish recipe mimics the satisfying crunch of a fried fillet and the corn salsa provides more flavor than you'd ever find in a coat of soybean oil.

Get our recipe for Crisp Cornmeal Catfish With Corn Salsa.

Chicken Adobo

Paleo chicken adobo
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Chicken adobo is a staple of the Philippines, a dish so delicious and simple that it's a wonder it's not a weekday standard in houses across America. The key is to reduce the sauce down to a syrup thick enough to cling to the chicken and infuse your meal with a huge jolt of savory garlic-soy flavor.

Thai-Inspired Red Curry Pork Kebab

Healthy red curry pork kebab
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

These red curry pork kebabs have plenty of both, all punched up with an addictive Thai coconut milk curry sauce that you'll find yourself dipping everything in. Pineapple chunks would be a welcome addition here, too.

Get our recipe for Thai-Inspired Red Curry Pork Kebab.

Stuffed Chicken

Paleo stuffed chicken
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The cheesy restaurant chicken dish (one likely to involve bacon and ranch dressing as well) will ruin any shot you have at a good day of eating. Apply those same appealing flavors at home to crispy stuffed chicken breast, though, and you'll escape unscathed.

Get our recipe for Stuffed Chicken.

Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe

Healthy orecchiette broccoli rabe
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This classic combines slightly bitter, peppery broccoli rabe (or, if you can't find rabe, regular broccoli) and lean crumbled sausage with orecchiette, little ear-shaped pasta shells that cup the sauce beautifully.

Get our recipe for Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe.

Duck Breast With Balsamic

Paleo crispy duck breast in balsamic
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Duck breast may seem complicated to make, but trust us, it's one of the easiest healthy dinner recipes you can make. All it takes is a hot pan and a bit of salt and pepper to cook up a moist, juicy duck breast that will rival any supermarket steak you might have instead. Seven ingredients and 15 minutes yield a dish chefs train 2 years to learn to prepare.

Get our recipe for Duck Breast With Balsamic.

Grilled Lamb Gyros

Paleo grilled lamb gyros
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This gyro packs a flavorful punch, but packs less calories with it. Stuffed with antioxidant-rich Greek-style yogurt, tomatoes, hummus, lamb and, of course, topped with hot sauce.

Get our recipe for Grilled Lamb Gyros.

Blackened Tilapia With Garlic-Lime Butter

Blackened tilapia with garlic line butter
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Truth be told, the flavored butter here is the icing on the cake in this blackened tilapia recipe; if you have a great fresh piece of fish, just coat it with a bit of blackening spice, follow the cooking instructions, and maybe squeeze a lemon over the top.

Get our recipe for Blackened Tilapia With Garlic-Lime Butter.

Basque Chicken

Healthy basque chicken
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

his dish combines some of the great flavors of northern Spain—smoked paprika, sweet peppers, piquant chorizo in a slow-cooked stew that could warm even the most frigid of souls.

Get our recipe for Basque Chicken.

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