Eating clean and home-cooked meals has many benefits for your family’s health and well-being. However, coming up with new recipes each week can take time and effort. This article will provide you with 5 easy and nutritious clean eating dinner recipes that your whole family is sure to enjoy. Each recipe includes simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or are easy to find at the grocery store. The recipes have been written using simple instructions and language so they are easy for anyone to attempt.
Recipe # 01; Chicken Taco Bowls:
This chicken taco bowl recipe is a family-friendly crowd-pleaser. Full of lean protein and vegetables, it will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
A) Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro for topping
- Salsa for serving
B) Instructions:
- Place the chicken pieces in a plastic storage bag or bowl. Add the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and shake to coat the chicken.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned. Stir and continue cooking for 5-7 more minutes until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- To assemble the bowls, place the shredded lettuce in the bottom of serving bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, grape tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with salsa for each person to add as desired.
This recipe comes together quickly for a complete and satisfying meal. The different toppings allow everyone to customize their bowl to their liking. You can also use leftover chicken or other proteins to make tasty variations.
Recipe # 02; Pasta Primavera:
This vegetable-packed pasta primavera is full of vibrant colors and flavors. It’s a light yet satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
A) Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 small yellow squash, sliced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
B) Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, and carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are tender but still bright in color, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the peas, diced tomatoes, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture and toss to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes more to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
This recipe shows that healthy dinners don’t have to be complicated or boring. Best of all, it uses a variety of in-season vegetables that are packed with nutrients.
Recipe # 03; Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies:
This easy sheet pan recipe is a healthy weeknight favorite. It requires minimal hands-on time and cleanup.
A) Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
B) Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with dill, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange the vegetable mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the salmon fillet pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes with a fork, and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy!
This makes for easy cleanup since everything bakes together on one sheet. Plus, you can mix and match different vegetables based on your family’s preferences.
Recipe # 04; Slow Cooker Chili
This homey chili is perfect for those chilly nights. It cooks slowly all day, infusing maximum flavor.
A) Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream
B) Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer meat to a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Add the diced onion, beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on Low heat setting for 6-8 hours, or High for 3-4 hours.
- Ladle chili into bowls and serve warm. Top with desired toppings like cheese, onions, and sour cream. Enjoy!
The long, slow cooking process allows the chili to develop rich, complex flavors. Toppings allow for personalization to suit individual family members’ tastes.
Recipe # 05; Baked Salmon with Green Beans and Potatoes:
This complete, balanced meal requires minimal prep and cleanup for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 8 ounces small red potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- On a baking sheet, combine the green beans and quartered potatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange in a single layer.
- Place the salmon fillet pieces on top of the bean and potato mixture. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes with a fork and vegetables are tender.
- Remove from oven and drizzle the salmon with lemon juice. Sprinkle with thyme.
- Serve warm. Enjoy this complete meal in one pan!
This simple dish is full of flavor yet requires minimal work. It provides protein, healthy fats and a variety of nutrients for the whole family. Clean-up is also a breeze since everything bakes together on one sheet pan.
Final Words:
In conclusion, these five clean-eating dinner recipes are easy, nutritious, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. They use pantry-friendly ingredients that can easily be modified to suit personal tastes. Best of all, none require a lot of time or effort to prepare. With options like chicken taco bowls, pasta primavera, and sheet pan salmon, your family will never be bored with these quick and healthy weeknight meals. With minimal fuss, you can provide home-cooked comfort foods that support good health and wellness.