10+ Healthy Delish Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Healthy eating can be enjoyable and satisfying. With a variety of flavors and ingredients, you can create meals that not only taste great but also nourish your body. Delicious healthy recipes provide a wonderful way to achieve your health goals without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re looking for quick meals, vegan options, or hearty dishes, there are plenty of recipes that cater to your needs. By trying out these healthy delish recipes, you can explore new cooking techniques and ingredients that enhance your culinary skills while promoting a balanced diet.
Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs
Avocado toast with poached eggs is a tasty and healthy meal you can enjoy any time of the day. It combines creamy avocado with perfectly poached eggs on your favorite bread.
To start, you’ll want to choose a good quality bread. Sourdough or multigrain works well. Toast it until it’s golden and crisp.
Next, mash your avocado and spread it generously over the toast. Adding a pinch of salt and pepper can enhance the flavor.
For the poached eggs, bring water to a gentle simmer. Crack the eggs into the water and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes for a soft yolk or 5 to 6 minutes for a firmer yolk.
Once cooked, gently remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and place them on the avocado toast. This dish provides healthy fats and protein, making it a great choice to fuel your day.
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough or multigrain)
- Sea salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Toast the bread until golden.
- Mash the avocado and spread it on the toast.
- In simmering water, poach the eggs for 3-6 minutes.
- Place the poached eggs on the avocado toast. Enjoy!
2) Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
A quinoa and black bean salad is a tasty and healthy dish you can easily make. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it filling and nutritious.
To start, cook your quinoa according to package instructions. Usually, you’ll want to rinse it first and then boil it in water. A good ratio is 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of water.
While the quinoa cooks, chop fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. You can also add corn for extra sweetness.
Once the quinoa is done, let it cool slightly. Then, mix it with the chopped veggies and black beans. A zesty dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, and spices adds bright flavor.
This salad is great for meal prep because it stays fresh for a few days. You can serve it cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- Boil water in a pot; add quinoa.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Let quinoa cool.
- Chop veggies and combine with black beans in a bowl.
- Add cooled quinoa.
- Mix lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad and stir gently.
3) Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Baked salmon with asparagus is a tasty and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare. The combination of flaky salmon and tender asparagus creates a delightful meal. Plus, it cooks quickly!
You can start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place salmon fillets and asparagus on the sheet, then drizzle them with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for flavor.
Bake everything in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Your salmon should be flaky and the asparagus tender. This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place salmon and asparagus on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is flaky.
4) Chia Seed Pudding with Berries
Chia seed pudding is a simple and delicious treat. It’s packed with nutrients and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Adding berries boosts the flavor and gives you extra vitamins.
To make this pudding, combine 1/4 cup of chia seeds with 1 cup of your favorite non-dairy milk. You can use almond milk or coconut milk. Let it sit for about 2-3 hours or overnight in the fridge.
In the morning, stir the mixture well. Then, add your choice of fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries. You can also drizzle some honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
Enjoy your chia pudding cold. It’s a refreshing way to start your day or a perfect afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Combine chia seeds and non-dairy milk in a jar or bowl.
- Stir well and cover.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Stir again, then mix in fresh berries and sweetener if desired.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
5) Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
Sweet potato and chickpea curry is a vibrant and nutritious dish. It is packed with flavor and is very easy to make. You can enjoy it as a main course or a hearty side.
To make this curry, you will need sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a mix of spices. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the chickpeas. You can also add coconut milk for creaminess.
Serve this curry over rice or with naan for a complete meal. It’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cumin and curry powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Add the sweet potato and chickpeas; mix well.
- Pour in coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper; garnish with cilantro before serving.
6) Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a tasty and healthy dish you can easily make at home. The bright flavor of lemon combined with fresh herbs makes this chicken dish refreshing and delicious.
You’ll need simple ingredients like chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep for your lunches.
To prepare, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in really well.
Grilling the chicken gives it a nice char and keeps it juicy inside. Serve it with a side of veggies or a salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
7) Kale and Spinach Smoothie
A kale and spinach smoothie is a tasty way to boost your health. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals that can energize your day. Plus, it’s quick to make!
You can sip it for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of greens like kale and spinach gives you a nice nutrient punch without a strong veggie taste. You can add fruits like bananas or mangoes for sweetness.
Try this smoothie with Greek yogurt for creaminess and peanut butter for added protein. It’s balanced and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup kale (fibrous ribs removed)
- 1 banana
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 cup milk (or a milk alternative)
Cooking Instructions
- Add milk to the blender.
- Add spinach and kale.
- Blend on low until smooth.
- Add banana, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter.
- Blend again on high until creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
8) Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are a delicious and healthy side dish. The combination of the sprouts’ natural flavors with the sweet tang of balsamic vinegar makes this recipe a favorite.
To begin, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Next, trim the Brussels sprouts and place them on a large baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat.
Now, roast the Brussels sprouts for about 20-25 minutes. Stir them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once they are tender and caramelized, remove them from the oven.
Finally, drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor before serving. Enjoy this tasty dish with your favorite meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Trim Brussels sprouts and place on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
9) Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a fun and healthy twist on pasta. They are easy to make and pair perfectly with flavorful pesto. This dish is light, fresh, and great for a quick meal.
To start, spiralize your zucchini using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. The noodles should be long and thin. Toss them with your favorite pesto until they’re well coated. You can use store-bought or make your own.
Cooking the zoodles is simple. You can sauté them in a pan for just a few minutes until they are tender. Be careful not to overcook them, or they may become mushy.
This dish is not just delicious, but also gluten-free and low in calories. It’s a great choice for a nutritious meal any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles.
- Toss zoodles with pesto until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Sauté zoodles for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and serve.
10) Oatmeal with Almond Butter and Banana
Oatmeal with almond butter and banana is a delicious and healthy breakfast choice. It’s quick to prepare and gives you energy for the day ahead. You can enjoy it warm or let it cool for a refreshing twist.
To make this dish, you need rolled oats, almond butter, ripe banana, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Cook the oats in almond milk or water until they’re soft. Then, stir in almond butter until it’s well mixed. Finally, slice the banana on top for a sweet finish.
This breakfast is filling and provides healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. You’ll feel satisfied and ready to tackle your day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups almond milk or water
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 ripe banana
- Pinch of salt
- Dash of cinnamon (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, bring almond milk or water to a boil.
- Add rolled oats and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Then, stir in almond butter.
- Finally, slice banana and place it on top before serving.