Healthy Dinner Recipes: Easy Healthy Meal Ideas for Family Dinner

11/28/20236 min read

Finding delicious and healthy family dinner recipes can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we've curated a collection of easy healthy dinner ideas for family that are not only nutritious and easy to prepare but are satisfying meals for the whole family. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply looking for new dinner party ideas, we've got you covered.

Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas

1. Low-carb Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts

  • 2 cloves garlic minced

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice

Ingredients:

  • 2 10-oz bags of frozen cauliflower rice

  • 1 lime, juiced

  • 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Fajitas seasoning

Ingredients:

  • 1 red bell pepper

  • 1 green bell pepper

  • ½ white onion, diced

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp pepper

  • 2 tbs pavocado oil

Mild Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 2 roma tomatoes, diced

  • ¼ white onion, diced

  • 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp jalapeno diced or half of a jalapeno diced

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Guacamole

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados

  • ¼ cup diced red onion

  • 1 tbsp diced cilantro

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp lime juice (you can add more if you’d like)

Instructions:

  1. Start by heating up your riced cauliflower. If you are using frozen cauliflower, make sure to remove it from the plastic bag before microwaving for 4 minutes, then drain all of your liquid.

  2. In a pan, add 1 teaspoon of avocado or olive oil and your cauliflower rice. Cook for 3-4 minutes, and you’ll see the water cook off and you’re left with fluffy cauliflower rice. Turn off your heat and add your lime, cilantro and a pinch of salt.

  3. Next, cook your chicken. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of oil into your pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side on medium-high heat.

  4. You’ll make your fajitas next. Add another 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil and cook your bell peppers and onions for about 3-4 minutes

  5. Now, make your guacamole and pico de gallo!

  6. You can now assemble your bowl however you wish. You can add additional toppings, like shredded cheese and sour cream.

2. Low carb Fish Taco Bowls

For a fresh and vibrant dinner party option, one option is fish taco bowls. These bowls feature crispy fish, a creamy and spicy slaw, and a drizzle of spicy crema. The sweetness from diced mango and the creaminess from cool avocado perfectly complement the flavorful fish, making this dish a must-have for any summer gathering.

Ingredients:

  • Fish - You can use frozen cod fillets, they are easy to bake

  • Homemade or store bought taco seasonin

  • Riced cauliflower, flavored with lime

  • Spicy Coleslaw

  • Sliced avocados

  • Fish Taco Sauce - a flavorful sour cream-based sauce sprinkled on top of the fish tacos.

Instructions:

1. Make coleslaw and cauliflower rice.

To make spicy coleslaw, fill a large mixing bowl halfway with coleslaw mix. Toss in with diced red pepper and chopped cilantro. Combine the ranch dressing, honey, Sriracha, vinegar, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Pour over the mixture and stir to cover.

2. Season and bake the fish. Brush four frozen fish fillets with melted butter and taco seasoning and bake for 25 minutes in the oven.

3. Prepare the Fish Taco Sauce. While the frozen fish fillets bake, make the fish taco sauce in a small bowl. When finished, place in the refrigerator.

4. Put together the bowl. Half a cup of spicy coleslaw and half a cup of cauliflower rice should be added to each bowl. Drizzle with sauce and top with baked fish fillets and avocado slices. Before serving, sprinkle with a little cilantro.

Vegan and Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

1. Tofu Stir-Fry

Looking for a protein-packed meal that's quick and easy to make? Try our Tofu Stir-Fry recipe. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. To get the most effective outcome, use extra-firm tofu that was previously frozen and briefly boiled in salted water to make it harder and less inclined to crumble. The tofu will absorb flavors more readily, resulting in a scrumptious stir-fry that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

You can use your favorite vegetables for this dish; my personal choice is onions, garlic, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Also, you can use as much tofu as you wish. The tofu should be pressed before cooking to become crispy, and cornstarch will be used for coating them.

To prepare the sauce, combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce with 4 tablespoons of vegetable broth and 2 tablespoons of honey.

Place the tofu in a large mixing basin and cut it into half-inch pieces. Season with soy sauce before coating in cornstarch.

Cook the tofu in a nonstick skillet or wok for a few minutes without moving it, then repeat on the other side.

Remove the tofu from the skillet and sauté the vegetables until tender.

Cook for a few minutes, then add the tofu and sauce in the pan and continue cooking for a few minutes.

2. Cabbage Parmesan

Looking for a unique and delicious way to enjoy cabbage? Try this Cabbage Parmesan recipe. This dish takes the classic pairing of cabbage and parmesan to new heights. The cabbage is lightly sautéed until tender, then sprinkled with parmesan cheese. The result is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs well with any main course.

Ingredients

  • 4 1-inch-thick slices green cabbage, from the center of 1 large head

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs, preferably whole wheat

  • 1 teaspoon seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¾ cup garlic and tomato sauce

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Place racks in the oven (the upper and lower thirds) and preheat to 425°F. Spray some cooking spray on a big rimmed baking sheet.

  2. Place the cabbages you have cut like steak on the baking sheet that has been prepared. Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and roast on the lower rack until tender, 35 to 40 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, combine Parmesan, seasoning, garlic powder and the remaining oil in a bowl.

  4. Remove the foil from the cabbage steaks and flip them over. Sprinkle with the above mixture equally.

  5. Bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven; increase oven temperature to broil.

  6. Spread 3 tablespoons marinara over each cabbage steak; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella. Broil on the upper rack until browned and bubbling, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Walnut Broccoli Stir-Fry

If you're looking for a meatless alternative to the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry, give this Walnut Broccoli Stir-Fry a try. Walnuts are lightly caramelized with sugar and sesame, creating a slightly candied and meat-like texture. This stir-fry, prepared with crisp broccoli florets, is a filling and nutritious dinner that will leave you feeling energized.

Ingredients

  • 2 chopped onions

  • 2 chopped carrots

  • Oil 2 tbsp

  • Your favorite mushrooms, 1 cup

  • Walnuts 1⁄2cup

  • Water 1 cup

  • 1 coarsely chopped broccoli

  • Cornstarch dissolved in water 1 tbsp

  • Water (cold) 2 tbsp

  • Soy Sauce 3 tbsp

  • salt and pepper

4. Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta

Relish a creamy and savory pasta meal with our Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta recipe. This dish features a homemade vegan cream made from quick-soaked cashews, which adds richness to the robust sauce of sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste.

To prepare the sauce, in a bowl, add the cashews and cover with water for about 2 hours. Drain and thoroughly rinse.

Combine the soaked cashews, water, garlic, and salt in a food processor or blender. Puree until completely smooth. Thin with more water to achieve the required consistency.

The result is a complex and satisfying sauce that rivals even the most dairy-filled varieties. Whether you're vegan or not, this pasta is sure to please.

Instructions:

• In a wok or big saucepan, sauté onions and carrots with oil until the onions are soft.

• Stir in mushrooms, broccoli, and nuts for one or two minutes.

Cover with a lid and cook for a few minutes, or until the broccoli is brilliant green. Avoid overcooking.

• To thicken the sauce, add soy sauce, salt & pepper, and cornstarch mixed in cold water.

Serve with whole-grain noodles or brown rice. For the low carb version use riced cauliflower instead.

Conclusion

With these healthy dinner recipes, you can nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds without compromising flavor or nutrition. Whether you're looking for quick and easy options, vegan or vegetarian dishes, or dinner party ideas, there's something here for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to cook delicious and nutritious meals for your family and guests.