Eating a balanced and healthy dinner is essential for everyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, preparing such meals can be daunting, especially after a long day.
That’s why we have curated a list of 42 easy lean dinner recipes that will keep you satisfied. These recipes are not only easy to make but also delicious.
They are perfect for anyone short on time or trying to eat healthier while still enjoying their meals.
42 Easy Lean Dinner Recipes
1. Baked Chicken Parmesan
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place four boneless chicken breasts on the sheet and spread tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Salmon with Green Beans and Tomatoes
Heat some oil in a skillet and sauté sliced shallots until they soften. Add green beans, cherry tomatoes, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cook the veggies for a few minutes, then add salmon fillets and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked.
3. Greek Chicken Bowls
Start by cooking brown rice and letting it cool. Then, divide it into bowls. Add cooked chicken breast, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce on top.
4. Zucchini Lasagna
Thinly slice some zucchinis, then layer them in a baking dish. Fill the dish with marinara, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until everything is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
In a large non-stick skillet, heat some oil until hot.
Add sliced turkey breast and stir-fry for a few minutes, or until it starts to brown. Add in various chopped vegetables and a soy sauce-based seasoning, like ginger or garlic powder.
6. Greek Turkey Burgers
Mix ground turkey, chopped onion, spices such as garlic powder and oregano, and feta cheese in a bowl. Form this mixture into patties and cook on the stovetop or grill them.
7. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Finely chop 1 head of cauliflower until it looks like rice.
Cook it in a skillet with sesame oil, ginger, garlic, scallions, and any other veggies you like. In a separate pan, scramble an egg or two and mix it into the cauliflower.
8. Chicken Skewers
Cut chicken breasts into long, thin strips. Season them with garlic, olive oil, and your favorite mix of seasonings. Slide the chicken onto skewers and grill for 10–15 minutes, flipping them occasionally.
9. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
Heat a pot of tomato soup on medium heat. While it’s heating up, prepare a grilled cheese sandwich using whole-grain bread and sliced cheese.
10. Taco Salad
Cook ground turkey with your favorite Mexican seasoning. Add in black beans, lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and other toppings you desire. Serve in a salad bowl.
11. Tomato and Mozzarella Loaded Salad
Slice cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Add in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a handful of arugula leaves. Serve in a large salad bowl.
12. Shrimp Scampi
Boil spaghetti until al dente. In a separate skillet, heat some olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes on medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
Toss spaghetti and shrimp together before garnishing with fresh lemon juice, parsley, and black pepper.
13. Sheet Pan Fajitas
Combine sliced bell peppers and onions with chicken breast slices, lime juice, oil, chili powder, cumin, and some other seasoning you like.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until the peppers are soft and chicken is fully cooked.
14. Deconstructed Egg Rolls
Stir-fry sliced cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ground pork or turkey together. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and soy sauce.
15. Grilled Chicken Kebobs
Skewer bite-sized chicken chunks, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices. Brush with olive oil and season with dried oregano, basil, and rosemary.
16. Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce
Cut a spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds.
Bake it in the oven, cut-side down, for about 45 minutes. Brown some ground beef and add it to a pot with tomato sauce, simmering until hot. Serve with spaghetti squash.
17. Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Beat eggs in a bowl with milk, cheese, and seasonings. Add in spinach and sautéed mushrooms. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set.
18. Turkey Chili
Brown ground turkey with chili seasoning, diced onion, and chopped bell pepper.
Add in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and a splash of hot sauce. Simmer for 30–40 minutes or until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
19. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cut off the tops of bell peppers and scrape out the seeds.
Mix ground beef with cooked rice, cheese, tomato sauce, and seasoning before stuffing the peppers with the mixture. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the filling is cooked.
20. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
Sauté a variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas in a wok with tofu and a flavorful stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
21. Shrimp Pineapple Salsa
Shrimp Pineapple Salsa is a delightful tropical dish that combines succulent shrimp with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh pineapple salsa.
The juicy pineapple chunks complement the tender shrimp, creating a refreshing and vibrant culinary experience that’s perfect for summer gatherings or light, flavorful meals.
22. Broiled Salmon with Yogurt Sauce
Put salmon fillets in a baking sheet, brush them with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and any of your favorite herbs.
Broil for 8 minutes. Serve with yogurt sauce, made by mixing together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and chopped dill.
23. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and olive oil, then grill them to perfection.
24. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Cook whole-grain spaghetti and toss it in a simple yet delicious sauce made from sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
25. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices, then bake until the peppers are tender.
26. Tofu and Veggie Thai Green Curry
Simmer tofu and a variety of vegetables in a green curry sauce made from coconut milk, green curry paste, and lemongrass, then serve over brown rice.
27. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and garlic, then bake until the chicken is cooked through.
28. Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Make a hearty and nutritious soup by simmering lentils with a variety of vegetables and seasonings.
29. Turkey and Vegetable Lettuce Wraps
Sauté ground turkey with diced vegetables and seasonings, then serve the mixture in lettuce leaves for a light and satisfying meal.
30. Baked Lemon Herb Cod
Season cod fillets with lemon, herbs, and a touch of olive oil, then bake until the fish is flaky and flavorful.
31. Eggplant Parmesan
Create a healthier version of this classic Italian dish by baking breaded and sliced eggplant, then layering it with marinara sauce and cheese.
32. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Cook chickpeas and spinach in a flavorful tomato-based curry sauce with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Serve over brown rice.
33. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Quinoa
Marinate portobello mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and herbs, then grill them and serve over a bed of quinoa.
34. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Halve acorn squash, roast them, and fill with a mixture of cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts for a comforting meal.
35. Tuna and White Bean Salad
Combine canned tuna, white beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with a simple vinaigrette for a protein-packed salad.
36. Broccoli and Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes
Bake russet potatoes and fill them with steamed broccoli and grated cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
37. Ratatouille
Create this classic French vegetable stew by simmering eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes with garlic and herbs.
38. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Make a filling taco by topping whole-grain tortillas with roasted sweet potato cubes, black beans, salsa, and avocado slices.
39. Mediterranean Grilled Veggie Platter
Grill an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
40. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad
Combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, and red onion with a lemon herb dressing for a light and nutritious salad.
41. Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
Grill or bake salmon fillets and serve them over brown rice with steamed broccoli and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
42. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuff mushroom caps with a mixture of sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and garlic, then bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot and cheesy.
Final Thoughts,
Preparing healthy dinners doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these 42 easy lean dinner recipes, you can make delicious meals that will keep you satisfied without spending hours in the kitchen.
From grilled chicken skewers to deconstructed egg rolls, these recipes are simple to make and require everyday ingredients.
So why not try a few of these tonight? You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to eat healthier and feel better with just a few tweaks to your diet!
