It’s no secret that cooking at home instead of dining out is the way to go when you want a healthy meal. By tracking the precise ingredients you consume, you can make more conscious decisions about exactly what you’re putting into your body.
However, we also understand that sometimes it’s more relaxing to spend the night on the couch instead of an hour in the kitchen. That’s why it’s so important to have a collection of quick, easy and healthy dinner recipes at your fingertips. Your wallet will feel the effects too, as eating in is almost always more cost effective than dining out.
Reap the benefits of cooking at home by giving these fast and tasty recipes a try.
Sunday Night: Blackened Fish Tacos
Tilapia is the perfect protein to use in fish tacos, owing to its firm texture and adaptable flavor. Depending on how creative you’re feeling come Sunday night, try your hand at homemade guacamole, salsa and even tortillas, but the beauty of this recipe is that everything you need can be bought ready to go from the super market, so it’s ideal for a relaxing end to your weekend.
Try the recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos from Regal Springs.
Monday Night: Baked Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
Requiring just three ingredients, this baked bean and cheese quesadilla is not only delicious, it’s also a huge time-saver. And don’t worry—they’re also good for you! Unlike its fast food counterparts, this quesadilla uses corn tortillas rather than flour—making them great for people with gluten intolerances. Also, the addition of beans means a hefty dose of protein. Serve them with a side salad, and this recipe is a great way to kick off the work week.
Try the recipe: Baked Bean and Cheese Quesadilla from the New York Times.
Tuesday Night: Lemon Rosemary Salmon
Salmon recipes typically call for lemon as a main ingredient since the two pair perfectly together. Plus, lemon offers a number of health benefits of its own, and is commonly used in the treatments of fever, throat infections, indigestion and more. Serve this dish on a bed of quinoa with some steamed asparagus to a seemingly-fancy but simple meal.
Try the recipe: Lemon Rosemary Salmon from All Recipes.
Wednesday Night: Quick and Easy White Bean Salad
For a boost of protein and healthy fats, try this Mediterranean-style white bean salad. It’s perfect for the hump day, as it’s quick and easy to prepare—in fact, you’ll be sitting down to dinner in just five minutes! Be sure to make extras though—this salad tastes even better the day after when the flavors have had more time to sink into the beans, making it a great choice for lunch on Thursday too.
Try the recipe: White Bean Salad from Simple Recipes.
Thursday Night: Pesto Red Pepper and Feta Stuffed Tilapia
Get a little fancy on your Thursday night with this delicious stuffed Tilapia fillet. This recipe requires a food processor if you choose to make your own pesto, but if you’re short on time, or lack the appropriate equipment, store bought pesto is a perfect alternative. Serve with a simple arugula salad and perhaps some brown rice—there’s so much flavor in the fish you might not even want a side!
Try the recipe: Pesto Red Pepper and Feta Stuffed Tilapia from Regal Springs.
Friday Night: Shredded Tofu and Shiitake Stir Fry
If you haven’t cooked tofu before, don’t be intimidated! This protein-packed meat alternative is a great addition to stir frys and curries, so it pays to get familiar with it. Shiitake mushrooms are also a wonderful addition to your diet as they are packed with nutrients, including all eight essential amino acids. This exotic recipe yields about four servings, so it’s great to share with friends to celebrate the beginning of your weekend.
Try the recipe: Shredded Tofu and Shiitake Stir Fry from the New York Times.
Saturday Night: Healthy Shrimp Pad Thai
You can’t go wrong with a delicious shrimp pad thai! Simple and tasty, pad thai is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and a great option for those who want to subtly incorporate a little more seafood into their diets. Shrimp is a great source of selenium, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. Plus, with a total cook time of only 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for those who don’t want to spend their whole weekend in the kitchen.
Try the recipe: Healthy Shrimp Pad Thai from Well Plated.
By regularly making ingredient substitutions—like swapping salt for herbs or butter for olive oil—you can have a very positive impact on your overall health. Take control of what’s on your plate and enjoy these quick, easy and healthy recipes, every week—just rinse the dishes and repeat!
Photo Credits: chuckstock / Shutterstock Inc., Regal Springs, Cooktoria, Regal Springs, Well Plated