17 Health-Conscious Dinners That Actually Taste Good

Photo of author

| Published:

17 Health-Conscious Dinners That Actually Taste Good

Craving health-conscious dinners that don’t taste like cardboard? You’re in luck! We’re serving up 17 dishes that pack a punch in the flavor department while keeping things on the lighter side. No sad salads or flavorless fish here — just real, good food that’ll have you patting yourself on the back for making such smart choices. These meals are the real deal for food lovers on a health kick.

Hearty vegetable soup with croutons and spinach.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Enjoy the taste of Tuscan garlic shrimp cooked with fresh tomatoes and spinach, ready in only 25 minutes. This dish can be served with cauliflower mash, vegetables, or zucchini noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce made of coconut milk, chicken stock, and spices. With Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and aromatis in the mix, this recipe highlights how a healthy meal doesn’t have to be bland.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Seared scallops garnished with chopped parsley in a black skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These lemon garlic scallops are a quick and healthy seafood option for any meal. Seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs, this dish creates a flavorful yet health-conscious meal. All it takes is 25 minutes and one pan. You can even add ground paprika for an extra kick if you wish!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a taste of Thai cuisine, try these coconut curry turkey meatballs. The meatballs are made with ground turkey, coconut flour and aminos, curry powder, and spices, while the sauce is made with coconut milk, curry paste, chicken broth, fish sauce, and golden monk fruit sweetener. Each ingredient contributes to a dish that’s just bursting with Thai flavors. This meal is also a healthy mix of vegetables and protein that you can whip up in only 25 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines butternut squash, cauliflower, bacon, spinach, and onions with a dressing made of dijon mustard and golden monk fruit sweetener. With ingredients primarily including vegetables, spices, and avocado oil, which is a healthy fat, it makes a nutritious yet delicious meal. You can whip this up in just over an hour with most of the work done by the oven.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Sausage Curry

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

Treat yourself to the rich flavors of sausage curry by combining your choice of sausage, spices, and vegetables. For those who enjoy a kick, adding garam masala will give the dish more heat. The best part about this recipe is how it uses coconut aminos as a healthier alternative to soy sauce, creating a dish with less sodium. Ready in 45 minutes, this curry pairs well with rice or naan bread.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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.

This sheet pan dinner features roasted sausages and colorful vegetables, ready in just 30 minutes. With its ingredients full of nutrients, this dish shows that quick, easy meals can also be flavorful and healthy. It’s a great choice for a busy night, ensuring a nutritious meal that your palate will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

This sweet potato and red pepper soup combines sweet potatoes and red peppers into a comforting dish. Ready in about an hour, this dish doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrients. The richness of the meal makes for a comforting lunch or dinner that can be complemented with whole-grain bread or a simple green salad for added balance.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

White Bean Soup

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

This creamy white bean soup combines spinach, carrots, celery, and whole white beans simmered in vegetable broth and pureed beans for a rich meal that’s ready in 40 minutes. The ingredients create a meal that’s full of nutrients and rich in fiber, and you can even enhance it by adding shredded chicken for more protein. Serve this soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a full meal that brings both comfort and nutrition to the table.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish features salmon fillets browned to perfection, then simmered with chopped bok choy in a spicy coconut milk curry sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this meal combines the luxurious texture of salmon with bold flavors for a filling dinner. Each serving is around 360 calories, making it both nourishing and indulgent. Serve this salmon curry over brown rice or quinoa for a complete, health-conscious meal.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

This hearty Zuppa Toscana soup, inspired by traditional Italian flavors, is tailored for a healthy diet by substituting potatoes with radishes. Made with bacon, Italian sausage, kale, and heavy cream, it is a comforting dish you can make in just about an hour. This low-carb soup is best paired with a side salad for a full meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or health.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Shawarma Kebabs

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

These shawarma-spiced kebabs are baked with cumin, coriander, and paprika, creating a protein-packed meal that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. Ready in under an hour, these kebabs can be paired with skewered vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a complete dinner. This dish is a great way to enjoy a bold and exciting dinner while keeping health in mind. Serve with tzatziki or hummus for an extra touch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Pollo Asado

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

With chicken in a mix of citrus juices and spices, Pollo Asado brings delicious flavors to the table while keeping nutrition in mind. This dish involves marinating chicken thighs in orange and lime juices infused with oregano, garlic, cayenne, and cumin, then grilling or baking them until fully cooked. Ready in an hour and 40 minutes, it’s a nutrient-rich meal that’s best paired with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad!
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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

Enjoy the deep, earthy flavors of wild rice and mushrooms in this rich soup. With a preparation time of just over an hour, this soup is a hearty, comforting meal that brings flavor and nutrition to any meal. For those seeking more protein, consider adding tofu, turkey, or chicken. Serve with crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the delicious milky broth.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom 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.

This slow cooker split pea soup is an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal, combining split peas, ham or turkey bacon, and a variety of vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. With the use of a slow cooker, this dish allows many flavors to meld perfectly, creating a healthy meal that’s rich in taste. It takes 4 hours and 15 minutes to make, but besides prepping the ingredients, all you really have to do is wait for the soup to finish cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Easy to make in one pan, this recipe smothers chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. You can make this meal in only 30 minutes, and it’s full of nutritious ingredients. Not only that, but the robust taste of sun-dried tomatoes combined with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ground thyme, and red pepper flakes also makes it a dish that’s far from the bland, healthy food you’re used to!
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

This one-pot meal combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a colorful medley of vegetables in a savory broth. This makes it a perfect choice for a delicious yet balanced dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s great for those who want to create a flavorful, nutritious meal in no time. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve with crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

This chicken salad puts a spicy spin on your mealtime, featuring protein-filled crispy bacon and shredded chicken tossed in fiery jalapeños. Ready in 2 hours, this dish puts flavor in a nutritious dish that’s good for your body. Not to mention, you can store it in the fridge for 2-3 days so you can have a delicious, healthy meal within your reach for your next few meals.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.