17 Healthy Dinners That’ll Keep The Midnight Hangry At Bay

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17 Healthy Dinners That’ll Keep The Midnight Hangry At Bay

Healthy dinners aren’t just for those who enjoy eating kale and quinoa by candlelight. They’re also great for keeping those midnight munchies at bay. If you’ve ever woken up at 2 AM, ravenous and ready to raid the fridge, you know the struggle is real. These recipes are perfect for making sure you stay full and happy long after the sun goes down.

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Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fresh Corn Salad

A bowl of fresh salad featuring corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, mixed with herbs.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Let’s talk about this Fresh Corn Salad. It’s like the superhero of salads, loaded with fresh corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and just a sprinkle of crumbled cheese. Not only does it pack a crunch, but it’s also got that creamy avocado that everyone loves. It’s ready in about 40 minutes, which is pretty speedy if you ask me. And on those hot days when cooking near a stove feels like a workout? This salad has your back — it’s cool, filling, and everything you need to avoid those late-night fridge raids. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is not just another bowl of greens; it’s a full-on meal. You’ve got pre-cooked chicken tossed with croutons, fresh tomatoes, pasta, and that irresistible Caesar dressing. It’s a 25-minute miracle. And when you can’t face making anything complicated, this salad steps up. It’s light enough not to drag you down but filling enough to prevent any midnight kitchen escapades. It’s like your taste buds and your stomach made a pact to keep you healthy. This dish keeps it real with ingredients that fuel your body without filling it with junk.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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.

Here’s the scoop on the Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup: it’s smooth, creamy, and packs just enough spice to keep your taste buds happy. Sweet potatoes bring a mild sweetness, while red peppers add a slight kick. And let’s not forget the spices — a little cumin and paprika go a long way. Ready in no time, this soup is your best friend on a chilly evening. It’s light in calories but heavy on comfort, making it a great pick for those looking to keep their late-night snack attacks in check. And hey, who needs extra calories before bed? Not you, not when you’ve got this soup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Lemon Garlic Scallops are your shortcut to a fancy dinner without the stress. These babies are seared to perfection and bathed in a light lemon and garlic butter sauce. And they’re ready in under 30 minutes — can’t beat that. Pair them with some zucchini noodles or a side salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both low-carb and high on flavor. It’s a dish that makes you feel like a chef, even on your laziest day. Plus, it’s packed with protein and light on the stomach, so no worries about night-time munchies after this meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Think creamy cannellini beans, tender carrots, and just the right mix of herbs, all simmering together in a delicious broth. It’s ready in about 40 minutes and serves up much heartiness without any heavy feeling. This soup is like a cozy blanket for your stomach on a cool evening. And with its high fiber and low fat, it’s a meal that keeps you full and those pesky hunger pangs at bay. It’s practically made for those nights when you want to eat well but not wake up regretting it.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is all about keeping dinner quick and healthy. You’ve got plump shrimp, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all jazzed up with a heap of garlic and ready in just 25 minutes. It’s the sort of meal that you can throw together after a long day, knowing it will fill you up but not weigh you down. The flavors are rich, the ingredients are simple, and the result is a dinner that keeps you out of the snack drawer later. It’s perfect for when you need something quick, delicious and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs mix lean turkey with coconut’s creamy richness and curry spices’ kick. Served over cauliflower rice, they’re not just a dish but a statement against boring dinners. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend the night in the kitchen. It’s perfect for keeping those late-night cravings at bay; these meatballs are as health-conscious as they are delicious. Plus, who says you can’t have a bit of fun with your food? Not this recipe!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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.

Let’s talk about keeping dinner straightforward but good: the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just toss some sausages, broccoli, peppers, and zucchini in a pan and let the oven do the work. About 30 minutes later, you’ve got a meal that’s big on taste and low on dishes — a win-win in any kitchen. It’s the perfect choice for those evenings when even turning on a stove feels like too much. This dish keeps you out of the kitchen and in front of your favorite evening chill-out spot, all while keeping those pesky late-night hunger pangs in check.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

A bowl filled with a quinoa salad that includes chickpeas, chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs, presented on a light-colored surface.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When your body screams for something nutritious but your brain wants flavor, the Quinoa Chickpea Salad is the answer. This salad throws together quinoa, chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumbers, and red onions with a zingy lemon-garlic dressing. It’s quick to whip up and is packed with fiber and protein to keep you full and focused. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this dish shows you don’t need heavy food to feel satisfied. It’s the hero for anyone looking to keep it light and fight off the night-time munchies without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Pollo Asado

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

Pollo Asado is more than just grilled chicken; it’s a flavor fiesta. Marinated in a mix of orange and lime juices with cilantro, garlic, cumin, and onion, it packs a serious punch while keeping things light and healthy. Grill it up in under an hour and serve with a side of veggies or over rice. It’s the perfect meal for those nights when you want great flavor without the heaviness of a typical dinner. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll have time to relax after dinner instead of plotting how to dodge those midnight snacks.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad takes all the beloved flavors of jalapeño poppers — like spicy peppers, creamy dressing, and hearty chicken — and turns them into a filling and thrilling salad. Who knew that eating your greens is so much fun? This recipe is simple, taking just 20 minutes to prepare, and it’s packed with protein to keep you full well into the evening. It’s perfect for days when you want big flavor without a big time commitment or calorie count. This salad is a great reminder that your kitchen isn’t just a meal factory but a place for a little adventure.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Keto Zuppa Toscana has your back if you’re on keto and missing the hearty comfort of a good soup. Packed with Italian sausage, bacon, radishes, kale, garlic, and sage, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Despite its rich flavor, it’s surprisingly keto-friendly and ready in 30 minutes. Great for those cold nights when you need something filling but healthy, this soup lets you enjoy without the carb overload. It’s proof that sticking to your dietary goals doesn’t mean skimping on flavor or comfort. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you’re too tired to cook but not too tired to eat well.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a breeze to make, and you’re just 30 minutes away from a delicious dinner. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy sauce that gets its rich flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Low in calories yet high in protein, it’s the kind of meal that won’t leave you raiding the fridge later. It’s also dairy-free if you skip the cheese, making it adaptable for different diets — a smart choice to keep those midnight snacks at bay.
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.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is like a comforting hug in a bowl, ready in just 40 minutes. It’s a nutrient-packed meal that covers all your bases, loaded with veggies like onions, carrots, and celery, plus cheese tortellini and shredded chicken. This soup is filling and heartwarming without piling on the calories. It’s a seamless mix of convenience and nutrition, perfect for those chilly evenings when cooking feels like too much work. Keeping you full and content, it’s a solid pick for fending off those pesky night-time cravings — because nobody likes to go to bed hungry.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry combines hearty sausages with a colorful array of veggies, all simmered in a mildly spiced creamy curry sauce. Ready in about 45 minutes, this dish is a testament to the power of throwing everything in one pan and calling it a day. It’s filling, has spice, and is surprisingly simple to make. The veggies and lean sausages have plenty of nutrients, making it a balanced meal that’s perfect for keeping you satisfied until breakfast. No one enjoys the midnight munchies; this curry is like your delicious shield against them.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are your shortcut to a flavor-packed dinner without the hassle. With spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika, these kebabs marinate quickly and grill up in just 30 minutes. They’re not only easy to make but are also a lean way to enjoy a protein-rich meal that won’t weigh you down. Great for an evening when you want something different but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. They keep things light and prevent those late-night fridge raids. And hey, if you can turn your backyard into a gourmet getaway, why not? Grill up, eat up, and keep those hungry nights at bay.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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.

Dive into Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon for a comfort dish that’s simple and nourishing. This combo of sweet butternut squash, hearty cauliflower, and crispy bacon roasts up in just 30 minutes. It’s a colorful, flavorful mix low in carbs but high in satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a side or a standalone meal, it’s versatile and packed with nutrients. It’s the kind of dinner that keeps you full and far from the kitchen late at night. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that requires minimal cleanup?
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

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