18 Easy, Healthy Dinner Ideas Your Whole Family Will Love

By Betty Gold
Updated February 04, 2020
Credit: Greg DuPree
Finally, an easy answer to the question, what should I make for dinner tonight? Oh, and all those busy nights to come are covered, too.

Here, we've rounded up 18 of our favorite healthy dinner recipes that your entire family will love. We've included the crowd-pleasing classics (think Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries and Spiced cod with Broccoli-Quinoa Pilaf), plus modern twists on delicious dishes like Cauliflower Rice “Risotto” With Beets, Eggplant-Mushroom Meatball Subs, and Roasted and Pickled Cauliflower Sandwiches With Romesco. 

RELATED: 35 Satisfying Vegetarian Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make
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Grilled California Fish Tacos

Credit: Greg DuPree

For an original take on taco night, try this delicious combination of grilled white fish, a whole half avocado per serving, pico de gallo, and grilled scallions. Swordfish, mahi mahi, halibut, snapper, or tilapia would all work swimmingly in this recipe. Pro tip: be sure to get your grill super hot before you start cooking the fish.

Get the recipe: Grilled California Fish Tacos

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Cauliflower Fried “Rice” with Ginger and Soy

Credit: David Malosh

Step away from the takeout menu, folks. To make this super healthy supper, you'll simply stir fry cauliflower rice with ginger and garlic, fold in lime juice, chile sauce, and other zesty flavorings. The result? A guilt-free version of an order-in favorite.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower Fried “Rice” with Ginger and Soy

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Cauliflower Tartine With Romesco Sauce

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Sick of sad desk lunches? Meet this delicious open-faced Roasted and Pickled Cauliflower Sandwich With Romesco. It looks high-maintenance but is super simple to make. Golden raisins and fresh parsley sweeten the delectable combo of Romesco and cauliflower, but feel free to use cilantro and chopped dates instead.

Get the recipe: Roasted and Pickled Cauliflower Sandwiches With Romesco

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Eggplant-Mushroom Meatball Sub

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

These Eggplant Mushroom Meatball Subs are so flavorful, your family members will wonder why they ever bothered with meatball sandwiches that actually contain meat.

Get the recipe: Eggplant-Mushroom Meatball Sub

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Cauliflower Rice “Risotto” With Beets

Credit: Grace Elkus

Here, we swapped real (aka white) rice for pulverized cauliflower, and we're never going back. This creamy, delicious beet and risotto recipe does double duty as a healthy weeknight staple even your kids will love. Oh, and the best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower Rice “Risotto” With Beets

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Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries

Credit: Gentl + Hyers

This recipe for Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries is a delicious side dish. Serve it with grilled salmon or sauteed chicken breasts and a crisp salad for a healthy meal the whole family will love.

Get the Recipe: Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf

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Soufflé Pancake With Miso Mushrooms

Credit: Greg DuPree

Here, you'll fold whipped egg whites into a savory pancake batter. The fully egg puffs up as it cooks, resulting in a buttery, crispy crust and a tender, fluffy center. The mushroom-bok choy mixture served on top is just as delightful.

Get the recipe: Soufflé Pancake With Miso Mushrooms

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Roasted Eggplant With Miso and Sesame Seeds

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

In this easy recipe for Roasted Eggplant With Miso and Sesame Seeds, the eggplants roast at high heat, making the outside skin crispy and the inside succulent. The umami-rich miso dressing gives it a salty-savory flavor that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve over a bed of cooked whole grains (like quinoa or farro) with lots of fresh herbs for an easy and impressive healthy dinner.

Get the recipe: Roasted Eggplant With Miso and Sesame Seeds

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Seared Tilapia With Watercress and Mango Salad

Credit: Quentin Bacon

This nutritious fish recipe gets its zing from the combination of lime juice, fresh ginger, crushed red pepper, and spicy watercress. Sweet mango and a hit of honey give it perfectly balanced flavor.

Get the recipe: Seared Tilapia With Watercress and Mango Salad

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Roasted Pork Chops and Butternut Squash With Kale

Credit: Sang An

Who says comfort food can't be healthy? Here, we paired pork chops with roasted butternut squash, kale, and fresh sage.

Get the recipe: Roasted Pork Chops and Butternut Squash With Kale

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Spiced Cod With Broccoli-Quinoa Pilaf

Credit: Sang An

Quinoa is a superstar “grain” (technically, it’s a seed) that provides as much protein as meat, but without the fat or cholesterol. Here, it’s dressed up with raisins, steamed broccoli, and chopped almonds.

Get the recipe: Spiced Cod With Broccoli-Quinoa Pilaf

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Chicken With White Beans and Tomatoes

Credit: Sang An

Fresh thyme and oregano infuse this dish with wonderful aromas and flavors. If you have leftovers, you can shred the meat and add to chicken broth for a delicious bean soup.

Get the recipe: Chicken With White Beans and Tomatoes

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Slow-Cooker Coffee-Braised Brisket With Potatoes and Carrots

Credit: Sang An

This well-priced cut of meat does best when cooked low and slow. Just don’t try to make it on the high setting or it may end up chewy and stringy.

Get the recipe: Slow-Cooker Coffee-Braised Brisket With Potatoes and Carrots

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Flaky Mushroom and Gruyère Tarts

Credit: Sang An

Sautéed meaty mushrooms and melted cheese make a mouthwatering topping for the crisp, airy puff pastry.

Get the recipe: Flaky Mushroom and Gruyère Tarts

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Spiced Lamb Chops With Chickpea and Carrot Sauté

Credit: Quentin Bacon

Sure it's hearty, but the chickpeas and carrots in this simple sauté add a heavy hit of fiber, protein, and vitamin A.

Get the recipe: Lamb Chops With Chickpea and Carrot Sauté

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Skillet-Poached Huevos Rancheros

Credit: Quentin Bacon

Serve this incredibly easy one-pot meal with flour tortillas for a delicious brunch or creative dinner.

Get the recipe: Skillet-Poached Huevos Rancheros

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 Sausages With Smashed Potatoes and Cornichons

Credit: Quentin Bacon

Mix the roughly mashed potatoes with onions, mustard, parsley, and chopped cornichons—tiny, tart pickles—to add vibrant flavor and texture.

Get the recipe: Sausages With Smashed Potatoes and Cornichons

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Orange Chicken With Bulgur Pilaf

Credit: Quentin Bacon

Bulgur—a nutty, nutritious grain—gets jazzed up with tomatoes, olives, scallions, and oregano.

Get the recipe: Orange Chicken With Bulgur Pilaf

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By Betty Gold