Quick and Healthy Dinners for Busy Nights

Trying to figure out what you’re going to cook on a busy weeknight can be incredibly stressful, especially if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet plan like the Whole30 diet or the low-carb diet (like me!). But it does not have to be that way. These healthy dinners are super simple to make and use ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores or farmer’s markets, so you don’t have to spend hours shopping around town or get takeout just because you don’t know what else to eat!

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

1. In a large pan or skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add 1⁄4 cup thinly sliced ginger, 1 chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste). Cook until the onions are translucent. Add 3 cups of broccoli that has been cut into bite-size pieces and cook stirring occasionally until it is bright green. Add 8oz of shredded chicken that has been cooked beforehand, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar. Stir together and let simmer for 4-5 minutes then serve in bowls!

Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

This is a great dinner to make when you have guests coming over, or if you need to get something on the table fast. This recipe can be cooked in under 30 minutes. Here's what you'll need: -1 pound of pasta -1 tablespoon of olive oil -2 tablespoons of pesto sauce -1 teaspoon of dried basil -Salt and pepper to taste -4 thin slices of whole wheat bread (you could use any type) -8 ounces of chicken breast (cut into strips) -4 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. While that's cooking, take four pieces from your bread loaf and toast them in a pan with olive oil on medium heat until they're golden brown. Set those aside. In the same pan, cook your chicken strips on medium-high heat. Add pesto sauce and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it and add it to the pan with all of these ingredients as well as 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Serve this dish by topping it off with a slice of toasted bread sprinkled with some more shredded cheese.

Sauteed Tofu with Spinach

This is a super simple recipe, but it's so yummy. I use this recipe all the time when I'm in a hurry and want something healthy. You can also put any vegetables you have on hand in there to make it more interesting. If you don't have spinach, try kale or broccoli instead! For this dish, you will need: 

-3 tbsp soy sauce. 

-1 tbsp rice wine vinegar. 

-2 tsp sesame oil. 

-1 tsp honey (or brown sugar). 

-1/4 cup vegetable stock (or water).

-8 oz package of tofu (pressed) cut into 1 cube -2 cups fresh spinach leaves -1 large onion, chopped finely.

-sesame seeds to garnish Directions: Sautee onion with a little bit of olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Add spinach and cook until wilted down (about 2 minutes). Add in tofu and saute for about 2 minutes. Mix soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), vegetable stock (or water), and pour over the tofu mixture while still cooking. Cook until liquid has been absorbed by ingredients (~ 2-3 minutes). Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Salmon, Black Bean, Corn Salad

This dish is easy to make, with just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It's hearty enough to serve as the main course, but can also be served as a side dish. Cook the corn kernels until they're just tender, then add everything else. Serve over quinoa or rice.

Olive oil 1⁄4 cup Salt and pepper to taste 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1⁄4 cup fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon honey 2 cups cooked corn kernels 2 avocados, pitted and sliced (optional) 1/2 cup chopped cilantro Corn tortilla chips (optional) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In an ovenproof skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and salt and pepper. Add black beans and cook for 5 minutes stirring often. Add lime juice and honey, and cook for 2 minutes more stirring constantly. Remove from heat once the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in corn kernels; transfer to ovenproof skillet or 9-inch pie plate sprayed with cooking spray if needed. Bake 8 minutes until heated through, checking every minute after 6 minutes of baking time. Top with avocado slices (if using), cilantro, and tortilla chips if desired before serving warm on a bed of rice or quinoa if desired.

Tuna Steaks with Avocado Cream Sauce

1) Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tuna steaks, and cook each side for 3 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the pan and let cool. 2) In a food processor or blender combine avocado, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth. Serve as a sauce with the tuna steaks or as a dip with tortilla chips. Steamed Spinach: In a pot with water, bring to boil over high heat. Add spinach and steam for about 5 minutes. Top with your favorite sauces such as tomato sauce, pesto, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, etc. For an additional healthy punch, top with chickpeas or black beans. Another option is using different types of beans instead of fish and serving them with quinoa. For some zing, add diced green chilies or jalapeno peppers to give the dish a little kick. Adding vegetables will also make this dish healthier by adding extra vitamins and minerals that your body needs every day! The best part about these dishes is that they only take 30 minutes so you can still have time to relax and enjoy life while eating healthy.