13 Simple Meals That Make Healthy Eating a Breeze

Why do healthy meals often seem more complicated than indulgent ones? These recipes show that eating well can be easy and flavorful. And the best part? They're all made with five ingredients or fewer. To make each meal complete, we've paired them with a nutritious side dish. Keep reading for delicious, easy meals you can prepare this week.

Artichoke & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

grapefruit

Chicken is simmered in a flavorful blend of tomatoes, pesto, and artichokes in this quick and healthy recipe, requiring just 10 minutes of prep. Pair it with cauliflower rice for a well-rounded meal. Reviewer lsvilar says, "This is a fantastic and simple dinner to prepare."

Spicy Lime Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp with parsley served over white rice in an orange bowl

France C

Cajun seasoning and lime juice take simple grilled shrimp to the next level. Pair this with lemon basmati rice for a zesty, refreshing summer dish.

Spaghetti Squash with Pine Nuts, Sage, and Romano Cheese

Alejandro Garcia

"I could easily eat a whole bowl of this," says reviewer naples34102. Swap out traditional high-carb pasta for this flavorful spaghetti made with pine nuts, Pecorino Romano cheese, and fresh sage. Add chicken or baked tofu to make it a complete meal.

Spinach-Stuffed Flounder with Mushrooms and Feta

dakota kelly

"Incredible but true... this dish is low in fat," says recipe creator dakota kelly. Flounder is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach, mushrooms, and feta for a healthy, no-fuss main course. Serve with some oven-roasted asparagus for the perfect meal.

Grilled Jalapeno Tuna Steaks

Molly

Enjoy a healthy boost of protein and heart-healthy fats with these ahi tuna steaks marinated in a tangy blend of lime juice, jalapeños, and garlic. Pair them with Japanese-style sesame green beans for a perfectly balanced meal.

Parchment Baked Salmon

Parchment Baked Salmon | Photo by Deb C.

Wrapping salmon in parchment paper is an excellent way to retain moisture and flavor. As reviewer Bibi puts it, "Don’t hesitate to bake salmon in parchment. It’s a great method to keep your pricey fish from drying out if it’s in the oven for a minute too long." Pair it with a curried cashew, pear, and grape salad for a complete meal.

Ultra Easy Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Gayle

Fire up the grill and enjoy these skewers packed with bell peppers, onions, chicken, and juicy pineapple chunks. Reviewer kvcooking says, "So simple, yet the flavor combination is fantastic!" Start with a side of spicy mango salsa and tortilla chips for a tropical feast.

Honey Key Lime Grilled Chicken

larkspur

The secret to this simple recipe is key lime juice. If fresh key limes aren’t available, bottled juice works just as well. Reviewer PIXIE3 says, "It was easy to make and delicious. The trick is to marinate the chicken for at least an hour or two. The key lime flavor is subtle yet amazing. Everyone wanted more." This dish makes a perfect, flavorful meal when served with heirloom tomato salad with rosemary.

Kale and Chicken Stir-Fry

CookingWithShelia

This quick stir-fry combines everyday "superfoods"—kale, sweet potatoes, garlic, and peppers—with lean, skinless chicken breast and a touch of peanut sauce. "This recipe offers plenty of flexibility to add any vegetables you like, so feel free to make it your own," says CookingWithShelia. Pair it with no-fuss perfect baked brown rice for a complete meal.

Portobello Mushroom Caps and Veggies

Three portobello mushroom caps topped with sautéed veggies, served on a red platter

Chef Mo

Trade in pricier, high-calorie steak for a satisfying portobello "steak" topped with onions and bell peppers. Reviewer LIAMSMAMA says, "The flavor was amazing; it was filling yet healthy." Serve it with kale with caramelized onions for a veggie-packed, flavorful meal.

Cod with Lemon, Garlic, and Chives

This simple herb and citrus combo is the perfect way to elevate any fish dish. Reviewer Momof3 says, "This was super easy to make, and no cleanup made it a winner for me!" Pair it with spicy baked sweet potato fries for an added kick.

Simple Mexican Quinoa

France C

Give plain quinoa a twist by adding frozen corn and black beans. It’s as simple as that! For a complete meal, top it with this three-ingredient chicken taco filling.

Kadai Chicken

Chicken with Red Peppers and Tomatoes Served Over Quinoa

Buckwheat Queen

Chicken breasts are cooked with red chile peppers and tomatoes for a flavorful yet easy dish. Serve it over your choice of grains like quinoa or farro for a balanced meal. Reviewer Buckwheat Queen says, "I love simple recipes like this. It’s just as delicious as it is easy. I served it over quinoa."