With a little planning and determination, you can totally eat healthier this year…without resorting to boring salad every night. (Seriously, that sounds miserable.) These 65 clean-eating dinner recipes are here to kick-start your healthy eating habit without making you feel deprived. Our faves include spaghetti squash with mushroom marinara sauce, keto sheet pan chicken and rainbow veggies and cauliflower fried rice, for starters. (Did we mention a lot of them are big-batch recipes? We smell leftovers!)
65 Clean-Eating Dinner Recipes (That Taste Dirty)
New year, new menu
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Published Nov 30, 2023
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Meet the Expert
Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, founded Nutritious Life and Nutritious Life Studio, which give individuals the opportunity to get certified for jobs in the health and wellness industry online. She has authored four best-selling books and is regularly featured on national television programs like The Today Show, Good Morning America and The Rachael Ray Show for her nutrition expertise.
What Is Clean Eating?
Words like “clean” can be really confusing when making food choices, because they don’t always mean the same thing to the same person (or brand). But if you ask us, clean eating means choosing whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible, a sentiment echoed by Glassman. She encourages us to choose “naturally nutrient-dense foods,” adding that clean eating “is mostly plant-based by default.” Think vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains and unprocessed meat, poultry and dairy. (It’s a lot like the Mediterranean diet, TBH.)
1. Gluten-Free Cauliflower Gnocchi Pomodoro
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, vegetarian, high protein
Your kitchen may not be clean after making this veg-packed gnocchi from scratch, but at least your dinner will be. This hearty dish is gluten free and vegetarian, and because it serves six, you can host a pasta-loving group with ease.
2. Vegan Slow-Cooker Detox Coconut Soup
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, slow cooker recipe, <500 calories
Yep, you can be lazy and healthy. This slow cooker soup takes minimal effort and offers tons of creaminess, plus bright veggies. Buying fresh herbs over dried is crucial here.
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, keto, low sugar
This luscious curry is bursting with flavor and plenty of add-ins. Enjoy it with cauliflower rice or a base of cooked ancient grains. If it's too spicy for your palate, add an extra splash of coconut milk.
5. 30-Minute One-Pot Cheater’s Bouillabaisse
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, one pot
Hello, gorgeous. All you need is a small pot to make this French-style seafood stew. Serve it with crispy bread and your favorite bottle of white wine.
6. Keto Sheet-Pan Chicken and Rainbow Veggies
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, keto, beginner-friendly
So easy, so healthy and so beautiful. Add some color to a drab evening with this clean-eating go-to that will leave you with minimal dirty dishes. Top with hot sauce if you're craving some spice.
7. Veggie Niçoise Salad with Red Curry Green Beans
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, make ahead, high fiber
Hello, meal prep. Spice up the classic Niçoise salad with curry paste–covered green beans. Throw some tuna, salmon or tofu on top if you want extra protein.
8. Radicchio, Lentil and Apple Salad with Vegan Cashew Dressing
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free, crowd-pleaser
So decadent, you wouldn’t think it counts as a salad, but it totally does. Memorize this cashew dressing recipe, because you’ll want to slather it on everything.
9. Spicy Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <500 calories, low sugar
It’s cauliflower steak night! Serve a sizable hunk of this roasted veg on top of salad, cooked greens or whole grains to round out your dinner.
10. Pesto Zoodles
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <500 calories, gluten free
These delightful zoodles are the answer to your carb cravings (especially when you load them with sauce and cheese). Keep them vegan or add some meatballs for a protein boost.
11. Shrimp with Cauliflower ‘Grits’ and Arugula
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, low carb, high protein
Cauliflower keeps this classic Southern dish low in carbs, and it’s perhaps even more delicious than the original version. Just leave yourself time to devein the shrimp (or buy them pre-cleaned).
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, dairy free, gluten free
Roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic and onion adds so many layers of flavor to this super simple soup. And you know what goes great with tomato soup? Grilled cheese.
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <500 calories, vegetarian
Prepare to be deceived (and impressed) by veggies. Get creative with the ones you use, too—not everything called for in the recipe is crucial, especially if you'd rather swap them for other ingredients...or whatever is withering away in your crisper drawer.
14. Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, high protein, gluten free
There may be no dinner as elegant as an impeccably roasted chicken. And once you eat it, you’ll have plenty of leftovers to add to salads and use for sandwiches. Win-win.
15. Zucchini Noodle Pad See Ew
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, high protein, kid-friendly
Thinly slicing a whole zucchini with a vegetable peeler creates long, ribbon-like noodles that rival the real thing. Your favorite Thai restaurant is going to miss seeing you after you master this recipe.
16. Baked Sesame Ginger Salmon in Parchment
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, high protein, dairy free
So much flavor in one little paper packet. (Plus, no dirty dishes.) Add sauteed bell peppers for some extra color and sliced chiles for heat.
17. Low-Carb Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, keto, low carb
This keto-friendly stir fry is super quick to prep, and you can easily make it with freezer and pantry ingredients. Throw in some gochujang to spice things up.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, vegetarian, <500 calories
So photogenic, so tasty—and remarkably healthy to boot. Queue up Ratatouille to watch while you eat it, natch. Serve with pasta, a baguette or with nothing at all.
19. Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Butternut squash, parsnips and sweet potatoes—plus plenty of cheese—make for a comforting, lightened-up casserole. The recipe calls for Gruyère, but other cheeses work as well if you feel like substituting. This would be a delightful holiday casserole to bring to gatherings.
20. Eggplant Pizza
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, gluten free, vegetarian
Low-carb, gluten-free and totally delicious, eggplant is truly the ideal sub for traditional crust. Allow your guests to choose their toppings to make it a true pizza party.
21. Rainbow Collard Wraps with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, gluten free
Eat the rainbow (and actually enjoy your meal) on the dreariest of weeknights. The peanut butter-based sauce is divine, but feel free to swap with another nut butter or sunflower butter if peanuts are a no-no.
22. Alison Roman’s Swordfish with Crushed Olives and Oregano
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
It’s kind of ridiculous that this restaurant-worthy recipe only takes half an hour to prepare and cook. Invite someone you want to impress over for dinner and pair it with white wine.
23. Roasted Squash and Tofu with Soy, Honey, Chili and Ginger
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, <500 calories, vegetarian
Yep, it’s just a basic sheet pan meal, but with complex flavors and healthy ingredients. Make it vegan by swapping the honey for maple syrup.
24. Chicken with Feta Cheese, Dill, Lemon and Harissa Yogurt
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, gluten free, kid-friendly
This easy and elegant chicken dinner just screams “sweater weather.” Serve it atop warm pita, rice or a fresh salad with a generous dose of harissa yogurt on the side.
25. Pan-Seared Scallops with Citrusy Corn Succotash
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients, <500 calories
This bright recipe will remind you of sunny summer beach days. Better yet, all the ingredients are readily available throughout the winter, since canned corn is a suitable substitute for fresh.
26. Zucchini Carbonara with Parsnip ‘Pancetta’
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, low sugar
One of the most indulgent pasta recipes known to carb lovers, but made lighter and vegetarian. So go ahead, load up on the Parm—you're getting your veggie fix, after all.
27. Spicy Lemon-Ginger Chicken Soup
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: low sugar, gluten free, crowd-pleaser
Clear up a runny nose with this zingy chicken soup that has just the right amount of spice. The key to deepening those flavors? Make the broth a day ahead and assemble the soup right before serving.
28. Low Carb Zucchini Enchiladas
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, crowd-pleaser, <500 calories
Zucchini stands in for tortillas in this unconventional but equally delicious enchilada recipe. And the filling is customizable, so you can tweak it for vegetarians, vegans or picky eaters alike.
29. Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Barley Risotto
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, vegetarian, high protein
Cooked barley has a naturally creamy consistency, making it an ideal whole grain for risotto-style preparation. Here, it's stuffed into roasted mushroom caps and spiked with fresh herbs.
30. Turmeric White Fish with Peanuts and Chili-Lime Cucumber
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, <500 calories, low sugar
You can use hake, cod or monkfish in this easy but sophisticated recipe inspired by Vietnamese flavors. Whip up some white rice to make the meal extra hearty.
31. Vegan Kentucky Fried Chick’n
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, high protein, kid-friendly
OK, it’s healthy enough. You deserve a little treat to keep you going. Serve this vegan masterpiece with an array of dipping sauces—BBQ, Buffalo, sweet chili and garlic aioli will do.
32. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, <30 minutes, gluten free, <500 calories
This one goes out to the mayo haters. With Greek yogurt, rice vinegar and plenty of mustard, it's just as creamy and tangy as the original. And with those crunchy peppers, you won't even miss the bread.
33. Black Bean Plantain Enchilada Bake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free, vegan, <10 ingredients
Here’s proof that healthy dishes don’t have to be complicated: This riff on enchiladas needs only ten ingredients to come together. It’s also totally vegan and gluten free.
34. Creamy Vegan Lentil and Roasted Vegetable Bake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegan, kid-friendly
Thanks to tahini, miso and a rich cashew cream, you’d never guess that this hearty casserole contains absolutely no dairy. If you want to make it gluten free, just skip the breadcrumb topping (but don’t forget the pine nuts).
35. Quiche with Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Crust
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, high protein, vegetarian
What’s better than brinner (aka breakfast for dinner)? This one doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down with maple syrup-soaked carbs. (Not that we don’t love that from time to time.)
36. Spinach and White Bean Soup
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, dairy free
White beans and orzo meet soft, melt-in-your-mouth spinach in this hearty recipe. Best of all, it’s ready in about 30 minutes. Top the soup with extra cheese if you're feeling indulgent.
37. Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, low carb, high protein
We kind of have a thing for stuffed bell peppers—can you blame us? They’re crunchy, pre-portioned and give us an excuse to say we ate the bowl. Freeze the leftovers when you're done for future busy evenings.
38. Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, Instant Pot recipe, vegetarian
What did we do to deserve soup? It’s filling without being heavy, can feed a giant crowd and is basically the O.G. one-pot meal. This one’s packed with veggies, beans and, of course, Parm.
39. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, high protein, dairy free, gluten free
Takeout, shmakeout. Your trusty pressure cooker can give you an Indian-inspired dish that's just as tasty and takes way less time. (33 minutes, to be exact.) Store-bought naan, we're coming for you.
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, high protein
Chili is the ultimate choice for feeding a crowd, and it freezes like a charm. This one has plenty of corn, beans and spices to keep things interesting. Load up on chili pepper and cayenne for extra heat.
41. Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, vegan, beginner-friendly
The best thing about this salad is that while you can certainly stick to the recipe, you can also add any toppings you have on hand. But whatever you do, don’t skimp on the garlicky tahini dressing.
42. Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Burritos
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, make ahead, high protein
These aren’t just any burritos…they’re freezer burritos. Make a large batch of filling, assemble the burritos and stash them away for busy nights (or whenever you’re feeling lazy).
43. Red Curry Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Kale
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, high protein, kid-friendly
The sheet-pan meal is our knight in shining armor. Throw as many ingredients as you can fit onto one tray and in less than an hour, you’ll be eating a maple-y, curry-kissed chicken dinner—minimal cleanup required.
44. Quick Gochujang Lettuce Wraps
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, low carb, <30 minutes
Gochujang, a type of Korean chili paste, adds the optimal dose of sweet-spicy funk to these effortless lettuce wraps. Don’t like steak? Just swap in your favorite protein.
45. Easy Southwest Black Bean Polenta Casserole
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, gluten free
We know casseroles have a reputation for being filled with cheese and carbs, but this one is refreshingly wholesome. Beans (for protein) and plenty of vegetables blanketed in polenta—what more could you want?
46. Easy Greek Sheet Pan Chicken Souvlaki and Potatoes
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, high protein, gluten free
Once you take a bite, you won’t believe how simple this one-pan recipe actually is. (Garlic, dill and balsamic vinegar go a *long* way.) Make it a complete meal with a Greek salad on the side.
47. Baked Zucchini ‘Ziti’ Spirals with Mozzarella
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, crowd-pleaser, <500 calories
Just when you thought a baked pasta couldn’t be good for you, glorious zucchini swoops in to save the day. Here, it’s used in place of noodles for a hearty-yet-healthy take on one of our all-time favorites.
48. Spiced Lamb Meatball and Escarole Soup
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pot, high protein, crowd-pleaser
What’s more feel-good than a steaming pot of soup? This one tastes like a million bucks (but takes less than an hour to make). Finish each bowl with a flourish of flaky sea salt.
49. Crispy Tofu Steaks with Broccoli Rabe and Romesco
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, high protein, <500 calories
Tofu comes in all different styles and textures, but when it comes to preparing it, we like it crispy AF. If you’ve never made it yourself, this simple, flavorful rendition is a great place to start.
50. Instant Pot Harissa Bean Stew
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, high protein, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
This harissa bean stew starts with dried beans but takes only about an hour to make (and that includes the homemade harissa). Might we suggest some milk on the side? Things are about to get spicy.
51. Sheet Pan Curried Butternut Squash Soup
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, low sugar, <500 calories
You’ve heard of sheet pan chicken, but soup? Believe it. Roasting the vegetables before pureeing them adds depth of flavor from all that caramelization. Croutons on top offer much-welcome crunch.
52. Roasted Vegetable and Lentil Salad with Pine Nut Cream
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free, <500 calories, low sugar
No one will guess this is good for you, thanks to the luscious (and vegan!) pine nut cream. And it's versatile—swap cilantro for dill or parsley, or replace the lentils with canned cannellini beans or chickpeas. Whatever tickles your fancy.
53. Antoni Porowski’s Salmon and Spinach Rice Bowl with Green Tea Broth
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, low sugar, <500 calories
Simple, nutritious and delicious is our new M.O. Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski, who created this riff on ochazuke, also notes that while he likes jasmine green tea for the broth, you can use whatever type you prefer.
54. Salmon with Pesto and Blistered Tomatoes
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, low carb, low sugar
Winter isn’t known for its bounty of produce, but luckily, cherry tomatoes are always tasty and easy to find. Roasting them in the oven brings out even more jammy flavor. Everyday Entertaining author Elizabeth Van Lierde recommends serving the fish with "crisp rosé, fresh bread and a green side."
55. Miso-Tahini-Glazed Roasted Eggplant with Farro
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, <500 calories, low sugar
Once you try eggplant like this, you might fall in love. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Swap the farro for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
56. Garlicky Spinach and Chickpea Soup with Lemon and Pecorino Romano
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, <500 calories, high protein, Mediterranean diet-friendly
With starring roles from canned chickpeas and baby spinach (plus a few flavor boosters, like onions, fresh garlic, spices and the all-essential fresh lemon juice), this Mediterranean soup is as flavorful as it is protein-rich.
57. Lemongrass-Ginger Coconut Grilled Steak
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, gluten free, dairy free, low sugar
This impressive dish is slightly sweet and deeply flavorful, with a “why’s this so tasty?” secret ingredient to thank. (OK, it’s fish sauce.) You can cook the meat to your liking, but either way, let it sit for ten minutes before slicing so it stays juicy.
58. Crispy Chickpeas and Scallops with Garlic-Harissa Oil
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <500 calories, high protein
If you’re craving seafood but sick of the same old salmon, try this recipe. It’s just as easy to make, but feels more special. Be sure to thoroughly dry the scallops before searing to nail the caramelized outer crust you seek.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, vegan
All the Instagram-ability with none of the fish. The sprouts or microgreens add a pop of green, the avocado offers healthy fats, the peanuts bring protein—yup, you've got yourself a nutritious lunch.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, <500 calories, high protein, gluten free
This super flavorful meal can be prepped and assembled ahead of time. Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp, if meat isn't calling your name.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, <30 minutes, <500 calories, high protein
We love nothing more than a "salad" that stars noodles. While some garnishes aren't necessary, definitely make a point to keep the cilantro, peanuts and lime wedges.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: low sugar, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
If you aren't familiar with millet, it's a mild, gluten-free, quick-cooking grain. The recipe calls for summer veggies, but you can swap in any seasonal produce, like sweet potato, kale or squash in the cold months.
63. Roasted Peach and Arugula Salad
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients, make ahead
Although roasting fruit may not be something you're used to, it's easy. Let the peaches cook down the oven until tender and lightly browned. Their sweetness, when combined with salty Parmesan, will balance out seamlessly.
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, low carb, under 500 calories, one pan
This meal feels hearty, but it's high in protein and happens to be super low in fat. Plus, there's almost no cleanup to worry about...that's a major plus to us.
65. Pan-Fried Cod with Orange and Swiss Chard
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, high protein, under 500 calories
Pan-frying allows you to bypass the oven completely, which is an easy win on a weeknight. Plus, the recipe is beyond easy. You'll fool your dinner guests into thinking you toiled away for hours.