17 Really Good Dinners To Change Your Mind About Health-Conscious Eating

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17 Really Good Dinners To Change Your Mind About Health-Conscious Eating

Really good dinners don’t have to be complicated or packed with unhealthy ingredients to be enjoyable. These 17 dinners are here to prove that meals focused on health can also be packed with flavor and easy to make. We’re talking about dishes that are perfect for those evenings when you want something great but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one or a whole family, these recipes are designed to impress without the stress.

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

In FDL library.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These turkey meatballs feature mouthwatering coconut curry flavor and are ready in just 30 minutes. They’re a great way to shake up your weeknight dinners with something that’s not only easy but also leans on the healthier side. Throw them on top of some rice or alongside some veggies for a complete meal. They’re also great for saving and reheating, making your meal prep a breeze. This recipe aims to prove that you really can have flavorful, health-conscious meals without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe brings shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk together for a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to get on the table in just 30 minutes. It’s nutrient-dense, high in protein, and made without dairy. The combination makes every bite memorable and proves that quick dishes can still be impressive. It’s a fantastic choice for a weeknight but special enough for guests, easily paired with pasta or slices of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Plus, it’s a dish that makes for great leftovers, so you can enjoy the flavors again.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White bean soup, ready in 40 minutes in just one pot, is a straightforward and nourishing option for any dinner. It blends the creaminess of white beans with the flavors of various vegetables, creating a soup that’s both light and filling. It’s an excellent way to get a good dose of fiber and veggies in your diet so you know that you’re making a smart choice for a wholesome meal. Pair it with a slice of your favorite bread for a complete, cozy meal ideal for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

In FDL library.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a dish that combines salmon, coconut milk, and bok choy in a one-pan meal that’s done in 30 minutes. It’s easy and fills you up without weighing you down. Pair it with rice or quinoa to soak up all that great sauce. This dish is also perfect for leftovers, keeping its flavor for tomorrow’s lunch (or for up to 3 days when you store it in an airtight container). It’s a go-to for anyone wanting to keep dinner simple and nutritious without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet potato and red pepper soup is a one-pot meal that combines the creaminess of sweet potatoes with red pepper. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight or relax and enjoy making over the weekend, ready in just about an hour. This soup is comforting and creamy, perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s not only comforting but also adds a pop of color and nutrition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This hearty wild rice mushroom soup is rich in flavor, thanks to the nutty notes of the wild rice and the earthiness of mushrooms. It’s a dish where everything cooks together, saving time and infusing the soup with deep flavors. Ready in steps that allow you to multitask, this soup is both practical and surprisingly filling. It’s a perfect meal for when you need something warming and filling, and it pairs excellently with a piece of toasted bread or a light salad on the side.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted sweet potatoes and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon, roasting them together to create a filling and nutrient-dense meal or side. It’s seasoned and tossed in a homemade dressing, then finished with a dollop of sour cream. It’s an easy way to pack in the veggies and enjoy the complementary flavors of the ingredients. Great as a side or a standalone meal, it’s a versatile option that’s as nutritious as it is easy to make, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Sausage Curry

A skillet filled with carrots and sausages.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This sausage curry is a one-pan meal that combines sausages with the creamy, spicy flavors of homemade curry sauce. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner with the family. Serve it over rice or with naan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a straightforward, comforting meal that adds a bit of excitement to your dinner lineup, proving that quick and easy can also mean something that is really flavorful and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado features chicken thighs marinated in a mix of cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice, creating a dish bursting with flavor. Whether you choose to grill it, use a grill pan, or bake it in the oven, the result is always juicy and aromatic chicken. It’s simple to prepare and serves as a fantastic main dish that pairs well with rice, beans, or a fresh salad. This recipe is a testament to how easy it is to bring vibrant flavors to the dinner table, making it a go-to for family meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These lemon garlic scallops are a quick way to make any night feel a bit more special. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re not just quick; they’re also packed with flavor. Pair them with a simple side, like steamed vegetables or a light salad, for a meal that feels indulgent without the heavy lifting. Even better, they fit into a health-conscious eating plan, making them a smart choice for an at-home date night.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner is the epitome of convenience and flavor combined. You can have it ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a no-hassle family dinner. It’s filled with perfectly roasted sausage and a variety of vegetables, all cooked together to bring out their best flavors. Serve it as is for a complete meal that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to get a nutritious dinner on the table without spending your evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is a one-pan skillet dish that you can whip up quickly for a weeknight meal. The chicken cooks in a creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor. It pairs beautifully with pasta or a side of roasted veggies. This dish always stands out in our meal rotation for how surprisingly easy it is to put together and the way it turns simple ingredients into something special. Plus, the leftovers taste great, giving you another meal to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe mixes the kick of jalapeño poppers with chicken salad, making it super easy to throw together. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need something quick but want to get in a high-protein meal. You can make it in advance, and it stores really well in an airtight container. Eat it on its own or scoop it onto some greens or into a lettuce wrap. It’s dairy-free, straightforward, keeps well, and shows that quick meals can also be good for you.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This take on Zuppa Toscana swaps out potatoes for radishes, making it friendly for those watching their carb intake without losing the heartiness of the original. It’s ready in about an hour, making it a good pick for when you want a comforting soup that’s also kind to your eating goals. This soup is packed with flavor, and even if you’re not eating low-carb, you’ll find it a hearty and enjoyable meal. It’s a warm, comforting choice that’s perfect for any soup lover looking for something new to try.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken tortellini soup is a quick, one-pot meal that comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a nutritious and comforting weeknight dinner. It’s filled with tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and veggies, all simmered together in a delicious broth. This soup is an easy way to bring a balanced and hearty meal to the table, perfect for those nights when you want something both comforting and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow cooker split pea soup is as easy as it gets, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fuss-free meal. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic, simmering away to create a thick, hearty soup. It’s a great way to come home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal that’s both comforting, nutritious, and provides a solid dose of fiber. This soup is a staple for cold days or when you just want to make something really simple, and it’s just as good for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma kebabs are your ticket to an easy, oven-baked dinner that’s full of flavor. They’re simple to prepare, marinated to perfection, and baked to bring out the rich flavors of shawarma seasoning. Plus, they’re high in protein and really filling. Serve them up with some rice, a salad, or tucked into pita bread for a meal that’s both casual and brimming with taste. This recipe is a straightforward way to add some variety to your dinner routine, offering a meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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