If you're looking to make dinner time both easy and healthy, meal prepping is a game-changer. Not only does it save you time throughout the week, but it also ensures you're eating nutritious, balanced meals every day. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, or someone simply trying to make healthier choices, these easy, healthy dinner recipes are perfect for meal prep and will keep you on track.
Why Meal Prep is Essential for Healthy Dinners
Meal prepping involves preparing ingredients or full meals ahead of time so that they're ready to eat during the week. It helps reduce stress, minimize unhealthy last-minute food choices, and gives you more control over your meals. By dedicating just a couple of hours a week to meal prep, you'll save time, money, and most importantly, enjoy home-cooked, wholesome meals every day. But what dinner recipes are the best choice?
Easy and Healthy Dinner Recipes for Meal Prep
In this blog post we're going to share some of our best dinner recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare in advance for a stress-free week. But first, let's get into some time-saving cooking techniques.
Slow Cooking and One-Pot Cooking
Benefits of Embracing Slow-Cooked and One-Pot Dishes:
- Enhanced Flavors: Slow cooking allows spices and ingredients to develop deeper, more robust flavors.
- Nutrient Retention: Gentle cooking preserves the nutritional integrity of ingredients, ensuring wholesome meals.
- Convenience: With minimal hands-on time, these methods are perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to set it and forget it.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot reduces the number of dishes, making cleanup a breeze.
Featured Dinner Recipes
Here are some of our favorite dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. Bonus: These are perfect healthy meals for kids!
Vegan Kidney Bean Stew
This hearty stew combines kidney beans with a medley of winter vegetables, creating a filling and nutritious meal. The addition of cumin and garlic adds warmth and depth to the dish.
Ingredients:
- Dried kidney beans
- Winter squash
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Scallions
- Kombu sea vegetable
- Ground cumin
- Vegetable broth
- Kudzu (for thickening)
- Sea salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Soak and cook the kidney beans until tender.
- In a large pot, sauté garlic and scallions until fragrant.
- Add chopped winter squash, carrots, and celery; cook briefly.
- Incorporate the cooked beans, ground cumin, and vegetable broth.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Dissolve kudzu in water and stir into the stew to thicken.
- Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.
For the full recipe, check it out here!
Homemade Vegetable Broth
A foundational element for many slow-cooked dishes, this vegetable broth is rich in flavor and nutrients. Using a variety of vegetables and secret ingredients like sea vegetables and mushrooms, it serves as a versatile base for soups and stews.
Ingredients:
- Maitake mushrooms
- Celery stalks
- Burdock root
- Carrots
- Parsley
- Winter squash
- Fresh ginger root
- Onion
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaves
- Garlic
- Water
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour.
- Using a strainer - strain the solids, reserving the flavorful broth.
- Use immediately or store in a large mason jar for future use.
Discover the full recipe here!
Roasted Spaghetti Squash
For a low-carb alternative to pasta, roasted spaghetti squash offers a delightful texture and pairs well with various sauces. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that can be prepared in advance and incorporated into numerous meals.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti squash
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Onion granules
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
- Brush the interior with olive oil and season with sea salt, black pepper, and onion granules.
- Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40-50 minutes.
- Once tender, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands.
For detailed instructions, check it out here!
Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
These roasted potatoes and carrots are perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside! This easy recipe is a great addition to any meal and pairs well with your favorite mains. Healthy, satisfying, and so delicious!
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes and carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy this easy, healthy, and delicious roasted side dish!
💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, roast at 425°F (220°C) and give the veggies a light toss in the last 10 minutes!
For detailed instructions, check it out!
Shrimp Sheet Pan Dinner
This is a super easy, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes! Juicy shrimp, tender veggies, and the perfect seasoning make this a healthy, delicious, and fuss-free dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss shrimp and veggies with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Spread everything on the baking sheet in a single layer for even cooking.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and opaque, and veggies are tender.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this quick, healthy, and delicious sheet pan meal!
💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes!
For detailed instructions, check it out!
Niçoise Salad
This is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring tuna, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it the perfect light yet satisfying meal for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
- ½ cup green beans, blanched
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup baby potatoes, boiled and halved
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
- ¼ cup black olives
- 1 tbsp capers (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp honey (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad: On a large plate or bowl, arrange the mixed greens, green beans, cherry tomatoes, baby potatoes, egg slices, olives, and capers.
- Add the tuna: Flake the drained tuna over the salad.
- Drizzle with dressing and gently toss everything together.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, protein-packed, and satisfying Niçoise Salad!
💡 Pro Tip: Swap tuna for salmon or chickpeas for a plant-based twist!
For detailed instructions, check it out!
Tips for Successful Slow Cooking:
• Layer Your Flavors: Start with aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs. Sauté them first to deepen their flavor before adding your main ingredients. This layering sets a rich foundation for your dish.
• Mind Your Liquids: Use enough liquid to keep everything moist, but don’t overdo it. The goal is to create a simmer rather than a full boil, ensuring that the ingredients cook gently and evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Instant Pot: Give your ingredients space to cook. Overfilling your slow cooker can prevent heat from circulating properly, affecting the final result.
• Avoid Lifting the Lid: Each time you remove the lid, you lose heat and extend the cooking time. Trust the process and resist the temptation to check on your dish too frequently.
• Finish with Fresh Touches: Brighten up your slow-cooked dish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of citrus, or a drizzle of quality olive oil just before serving. This final step can really elevate the flavors.
• Plan for Timing: Slow cooking is forgiving, but timing matters. Overcooking can turn a tender dish into mush, so follow recipe guidelines closely and use a timer if needed.
By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating comforting, flavorful meals that make the most of the slow-cooking process.
More Dinner Recipes
- Vegan Irish Stew
A plant-based twist on a traditional favorite, this vegan Irish stew is loaded with tender root vegetables, beans, and robust herbs, offering the same warming comfort in a healthy, compassionate way. - Comforting Lentil Soup
Rich in protein and flavor, this lentil soup is a wholesome, hearty dish that’s ideal for chilly days. Its slow-cooked simplicity is sure to become a family favorite. - Mung Bean Soup
This hearty, one-pot mung bean soup is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Packed with protein-rich mung beans, seasonal vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, it's a comforting and nourishing dish that comes together effortlessly in a single pot.
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