17 Healthy Dinners For When You're Not Sure What To Cook

Dinner is solved.

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!)

1. Keto Chicken With Avocado Salsa

gimmedelicious.com

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

gimmedelicious.com

Everything cooks at the same time in one pan — so cleanup is a total breeze.

Recipe: Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Asparagus

3. Trader Joe's Vegetarian Power Bowl

Joe Lingeman, thekitchn.com

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.

Recipe: Trader Joe's Vegetarian Power Bowl

4. Whole Wheat Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes & Basil

cooknourishbliss.com

To boost protein and fiber, swap in high-protein pasta noodles. (Banza makes a great version.)

Recipe: Whole Wheat Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes & Basil

5. Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken Stew

realfoodwholelife.com

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

foodwithfeeling.com

Packed with protein and fiber, you can also load these up with your favorite toppings — like avocado, lime crema, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.

Recipe: Black Bean-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

7. Airfryer Glazed Chicken Thighs

skinnytaste.com

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

hungryhobby.net

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

gimmesomeoven.com

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

wrytoasteats.com

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

thedaleyplate.com

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.

Recipe: Roasted Chicken Thighs and Saucy Rosemary Beans

12. Oven-Baked Low Carb Zucchini Boats

gimmedelicious.com

This uses ground beef, but you could easily swap in ground chicken or turkey too.

Recipe: Oven-Baked Stuffed Zucchini Boats

13. Sundried Tomato, Kale, and White Bean Skillet

budgetbytes.com

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.)

Recipe: Sundried Tomato, Kale, and White Bean Skillet

14. 10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp With Zucchini Noodles

eatwell101.com

To save even more time, start with grocery store zoodles.

Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp With Zucchini Noodles

15. Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken

eatwell101.com

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.

Recipe: Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken

16. Ground Turkey Taco Bowls

girlgonegourmet.com

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

therecipecritic.com

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