30 Cheap Healthy Dinner Ideas to Make in 20 Minutes

While some people have said it can be nuked, that takes more than 10 minutes in most microwaves. But quinoa flakes, which are similar to oats but are a complete protein, can be ready in a flash. Forget flavored oatmeal packets and go au naturel with this oatmeal that’s reminiscent of a cobbler.

Sesame-Crusted Tuna Rice Bowls

It’s made in one pot and steamed to perfection, but best of all, it’s so generous. The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but feel free to sub with thighs, or skin-on whole breasts to stay closer to the Chinese origination of the dish. Let Sohla El-Waylly’s take on a “spoon salad” — that is, a salad you can eat with a spoon — change your perspective. Full of exciting textures from raw broccoli, pecans, dried cranberries and Cheddar, it’s a fast, filling way add a bright, punchy spot to your day. Don’t be tempted to parboil or cook the broccoli since the raw crunch goes perfectly with the other ingredients.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Sprinkled with cotija and cilantro, and served with warm tortillas these are a fabulously easy meal. Earthy mushrooms are the savory stars of this creamy, pungent, satisfying Hungarian mushroom soup. Cauliflower gnocchi with bruschetta sauce and sausage is a low-carb supper that bursts with bright, bold flavors and comes together in under ten minutes. A smoky-sweet dry rub ensures that this grilled pork tenderloin comes off the coals with a gorgeous crust. Sliced up and served with a bowl of chimichurri—you’ll be hearing raves for days.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Plus, it’s perfect for a quick, on-the-go healthy breakfast. Keep it on hand and just cook up the amount you need when you’re ready for a hot breakfast. One serving of the warm cereal contains six unimeal reviews consumer reports grams of fiber—almost a quarter of your daily quota. The rice is cooked in a rich, perfectly seasoned tomato broth with smoky, savory Italian sausage. It boasts creamy, perfectly spiced sweet potatoes layered with crisp pecan oat topping. Tender beans, fluffy rice, and nutritious veggies are all baked to perfection in a savory sauce.

Minute Shrimp Fajitas Sheet Pan Dinner

Many of these simple healthy recipes are naturally low carb (my personal way of eating), but I recognize that not everyone eats this way and that’s okay. Feel free to add starchy sides (potatoes, rice, or whole grains) or fruit as you see fit! I think the important thing is that we should all be eating more “real https://recipes.heart.org/en/ food” — and this applies whether you want healthy recipes for kids or for adults. Sesame noodles become a satisfying meal with lean chicken and tons of veggies in this quick, healthy noodle recipe. Be sure to rinse the spaghetti until it’s cold, then give it a good shake in the colander until it’s well drained. Swap 5 cups of raw zucchini, carrot or other veggie “noodles” for the cooked pasta.

• I top this one with a luscious cashew cream sauce and flavorful veggies like tomatoes, jalapeños, broccoli, and corn.
• My favorite kinds of healthy meals for dinner are those with liberal (but simple) spices and seasonings, healthy fats, plenty of protein, and an abundance of vegetables.
• A delicious dinner for one, this noodle bowl has all the flavors of your fave quick-cook noodle cups but none of the icky additives.
• It’s an ideal recipe if you’re looking for simple, healthy lunch ideas.
• Made without breadcrumbs, they’re keto, Whole30, paleo, gluten free and dairy free!
• Some of my go-to favorites include Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (one of my most popular recipes), Hamburger Helper, and my daughter’s favorite, Picadillo.

Healthy Meals You Can Make in 30 Minutes

Because it cooks so quickly, shrimp is the perfect protein for busy evenings. Season it with paprika, cumin, cayenne, and cinnamon (yes, cinnamon — it adds warmth) for maximum flavor, and sauté it in butter for just minutes. Jazz up a can of black bean soup with your favorite nacho toppings, such as cheese, avocado and fresh tomatoes. A bit of smoked paprika adds a bold flavor kick, but you can swap in any warm spices you prefer, such as cumin or chili powder. Look for a soup that contains no more than 450 mg of sodium per serving.

Juicy tomatoes, ciabatta and thinly sliced onion form the heart of this refreshing salad. Creamy burrata adds richness, while high-quality canned tuna packed in oil brings savory depth. The oil from the tuna can is used to dress the salad, infusing it with extra flavor and tying all the ingredients together. This bang bang chicken salad is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with crisp chopped bell pepper, carrots and scallions.

Lemon Herb Chicken with Snap Pea Salad

By using grape tomatoes, prewashed spinach and prepared pesto, we eliminate all prep work, making this 15-minute Caprese-inspired ravioli the ideal weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for 500-calorie dinners or quick low-calorie breakfast ideas, this collection of low-calorie meals will include something (delicious!) for you. After all, reducing your calorie intake doesn’t necessarily mean you’re required to sacrifice your favorite foods. From high-protein dishes like chicken fajitas and steak to cozy pastas and veggie-packed soups, these recipes make it easy to eat healthy.

Appliance Cooking

The mascarpone cheese adds a richness to the spinach pasta that’s unexpected—especially in a healthy pasta recipe. The secret to this easy omelet recipe is choosing a really great goat cheese. Luckily most supermarkets have great chevre—Vermont Creamery and Laura Chenel are straightforward varieties you’re likely to find.

Cod Fish Tacos

This pickled beet, arugula and goat cheese sandwich is peppery with creamy notes from the goat cheese and sweet and tangy undertones from the pickled beets. Chopped walnuts add nuttiness and crunch to this easy sandwich. Cauliflower has invaded kitchens everywhere, and has gone way beyond just roasted.

Tandoori Chicken

Combine it with your favorite protein and some vegetables for an easy fried “rice.” Fry up a cup of chopped onion and garlic before cooking the chicken to deepen the savory flavor. Sweet potatoes work great in this recipe as their sweetness balances out the savoriness of chicken and they’re mind-blowingly scrumptious when roasted in an oven. Depending on your microwave, you might want to pop your sweet potatoes in for less or more than 10 minutes. Start monitoring your taters after about three minutes in if you want to avert a hot mess. The combination of red wine, tomatoes, and broth combine for a naturally sweet and umami-rich sauce you’ll want to drown your chicken in.