Not sure what to make for dinner tonight?
We've gathered several of our favorite fresh and balanced dinner recipes for busy weeknights: from protein-packed veggie bowls to slow cooker chicken staples. All of them feed at least two people — but can easily be scaled up for more. (Or for leftovers!)
While the chicken cooks through on the stovetop or grill, you'll mix together the easy salsa of avocado, tomatoes, jalapeño, and lime.
Recipe: Keto Chicken With Avocado Salsa
2. 10-Minute Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Asparagus
Everything cooks at the same time in one pan — so cleanup is a total breeze.
Recipe: Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Asparagus
It's no secret that we're huge fans of Trader Joe's — and this protein-packed veggie bowl clocks in at only about $5 per serving.
To boost protein and fiber, swap in high-protein pasta noodles. (Banza makes a great version.)
5. Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Stew
This is a true drop-and-go dinner — and you can never have too many in your arsenal.
Recipe: Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Stew
6. Black Bean-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Packed with protein and fiber, you can also load these up with your favorite toppings — like avocado, lime crema, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
7. Airfryer Glazed Chicken Thighs
The Airfryer does all the hard work here — giving the chicken a beautiful crisp without using much oil.
Recipe: Airfryer Glazed Chicken Thighs
8. Sausage & Veggie Foil Packets
Make these in the oven or grill, and mix and match the vegetables as you see fit. (You could also toss in baby potatoes!)
Recipe: Sausage & Veggie Foil Packets
9. Veggie-Packed Quesadillas
These work with whatever small vegetables you have on hand. You could also add black or refried beans for an extra boost of protein.
Recipe: Veggie-Packed Quesadillas
10. Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, and they're paired here with lean ground chicken or turkey, quinoa, and a bit of mozzarella.
Recipe: Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers
11. Roasted Chicken Thighs and Saucy Rosemary Beans
While the chicken roasts in the oven, you'll make the saucy, ultra-flavorful bean mixture on the stovetop. Toss in your favorite wilted green at the end — like spinach or baby kale — and you're good to go.
12. Oven-Baked Low Carb Zucchini Boats
This uses ground beef, but you could easily swap in ground chicken or turkey too.
Feel free to grate some fresh Parmesan over the top, and swap in spinach if you're not into kale. (Just reduce the cook time a little bit since spinach wilts faster.)
14. 10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp With Zucchini Noodles
To save even more time, start with grocery store zoodles.
Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp With Zucchini Noodles
You'll butterfly the chicken first, which is super easy: just slice down the middle of each piece — but not all the way through — then place the spinach and cheese inside.
16. Ground Turkey Taco Bowls
This recipe calls for white rice, but you can also use brown rice for a bit more fiber, or cauliflower rice if you're looking for fewer carbs.
Recipe: Ground Turkey Taco Bowls
17. Instant Pot Beef With Broccoli
With just a 10-minute cook time in the Instant Pot, this is faster (and tastier!) than ordering delivery.
Recipe: Instant Pot Beef With Broccoli