Healthy Dinner Recipes
Dinner is one of the most exciting meals of the day. While breakfast and lunch are often eaten while you’re at work or on the go, making a healthy dinner provides the opportunity for you to unwind and nourish your body. If you’re stuck in a dinner rut, try to mentally transition how you view this meal. Shifting to thinking about dinner as a chance for you to flex your creativity and balance your nutritional needs can inject new energy into your evening routine.
To ensure you get the nutrition you need, focus on whole grains, lean protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods provide the nutrients your body needs to repair tissues and maintain health. Their high protein and fiber content will keep you full until the morning. Adding a piece of fruit for a healthy dessert is a great way to end your meal (and your day) on a nutritious note. Try the following dinner recipes for a nutritionally complete meal, and feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables to make the dish your own:
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad Recipe {gluten-free}
Tabbouleh is a Mediterranean classic with variations eaten all across the Middle East. Bring these flavors into your home in an exciting new way with this simple recipe. Quinoa provides a twist compared to the typical bulgur wheat base to this salad while fresh herbs add a refreshing element.
Ingredients: Quinoa, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh parsley, fresh mint, black pepper, salt.
Total Time: 40 minutes
| Yield: 4 servings
Farro Vegetable Salad Recipe
Farro is very ancient grain that has made a lot of modern converts. Farro contains 7 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving, meaning that it fills you up without adding a lot of calories. This salad includes feta cheese, black olives and sundried tomatoes for an added Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients: Organic farro, sun dried tomatoes, frozen corn (thawed), scallions, black olives, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, salt, fresh dill, fresh mint, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar.
Total Time: 1 hour
| Yield: 6 servings
Broccoli Quinoa Salad Recipe {gluten-free}
When minced with a food processor, broccoli forms a rice-like consistency that makes a great salad base. Mixing this with quinoa, cucumber, and tomatoes adds protein and fiber to your meal. Not only do pumpkin seeds provide crunch, but they are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, fiber, and magnesium.
Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, raw pumpkin seeds, sea salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard (optional), vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup.
Total Time: 1 hour
| Yield: 8 servings
Farro Risotto with Mushrooms Recipe
The nuttiness of protein-rich farro plays well against the earthy richness of mushrooms in this twist on a classic risotto. Garlic, basil and cheese add to the rich, full flavor of the dish to create a plate that the whole family will enjoy as a supper staple!
Ingredients: Organic pearled farro, sliced mushrooms, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, frozen peas, salt, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, hot water.
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
| Yield: 6 servings
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Recipe {gluten-free}
These stuffed peppers feel indulgent without overturning your nutritional balance. Cooking quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth adds great flavor to the stuffing material, while the broiling process brings the peppers to the perfect point of smoky softness. Adding feta cheese makes these stuffed peppers feel special, although they’re fast enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: Quinoa, green bell peppers, canned lentils, fresh spinach, feta cheese, frozen corn (thawed), salt, black pepper.
Total Time: 40 minutes
| Yield: 6 servings (8 half-peppers)
Veggie Quinoa Casserole Recipe {gluten-free, vegan}
Classic casseroles are often packed with cream and other unhealthy sources of fat. Lighten things up with this vegetable packed casserole. Made with tofu and colorful vegetables, the casserole contains the perfect blend of spices to satisfy your palate.
Ingredients: Quinoa, extra firm tofu, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, salt.
Total Time: 35 minutes
| Yield: 4 - 5 servings
Kale Quinoa Salad Recipe
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse. This leafy green vegetable contains vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin K in addition to essential minerals that keep your body running smoothly. Adding protein-rich quinoa and hard boiled eggs to a base of kale makes this a hearty dinner that you’ll enjoy, night after night.
Ingredients: Quinoa, fresh baby kale, purple cabbage, carrots, fresh dill, boiled eggs, rice wine, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper.
Total Time: 25 minutes
| Yield: 8 servings
Buckwheat Salad Recipe
Buckwheat is a hearty seed that supplies heft to help keep you full. Cranberries and tomatoes add a sweet and tart taste combination that is met brilliantly by the tangy vinaigrette dressing. Additionally, while the salad supplies the nutrients you need, it manages to do so while remaining totally vegan!
Ingredients: Mixed greens, buckwheat, tomatoes, onion, raw pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, salt, black pepper.
Total Time: 15 minutes
| Yield: 5 servings