10 Easy and Healthy Make Ahead Dinners to Prep This Week

Ever been in a meal rut? I for sure have. And there’s something so frustrating about trying to figure out what to make for dinner. It adds extra time on top of the time you’re about to spend actually cooking. So, look no more!

I want to help prevent you from scrolling for hours trying to figure out what to make for dinner. So I’m making it a little easier. Below are 10 easy and healthy dinners that you can make any time, starting now.

But also, all of these dinners are perfect to make ahead too. Cook on Monday and have something to eat for Tuesday and Wednesday as well. Nothing’s easier than that!

I’m all about saving time in the kitchen. Having a one stop shop for all your dinner ideas plus being able to make a few dinners in advance is the ultimate in time saving. Oh, and if you want some time saving hacks while cooking, check out these simple kitchen hacks here.

These recipes have a mix of everything you’d want: chicken, fish, turkey, beef and some meatless options too. Almost all the recipes also leave room to play around – if you’d rather go meatless or want to add in some animal protein, they’re easy modifications to make.

Lastly, I classified the recipes by dietary restrictions. Whether you’re vegetarian or lactose intolerant, there’s something for you!

Oh, and I won’t be annoying and just spam with you my own recipes, either 🙂 I’ve included some of my favorite dietitian friends’ recipes too!

10 Easy & Healthy Dinner Ideas

Greek Farro Salad (veg)

I’m a big Greek salad fan. But, add some farro to it and now you’ve got a salad that’s super filling on its own too. Add some salmon or chicken if you’d like, or leave this one as is. Make sure to make enough for 3-4 days!

Oven Baked Chicken Fingers

The best part about these chicken fingers is that, unlike most chicken finger recipes, you totally skip the mess while making these. To make things simple, I recommend pairing them with frozen sweet potato fries and/or an easy vegetable, like broccoli. Simply throw the sweet potato fries or broccoli in the oven with the chicken fingers while they bake.

Healthy Baked Feta Pasta (veg, gf)

I know the baked feta trend is over, but this pasta is still so delicious. This version uses chickpea pasta to add some protein and fiber, plus spaghetti squash to get some veg in. If spaghetti squash is out of season, try using zucchini noodles instead.

Spicy Zucchini Taco Boats (gf)

I love using zucchini as zucchini boats. It’s a really fun and easy way to add some veggies into a recipe. Everything that fellow RD, Tawnie, of Kroll’s Korner makes, these taco boats are no exception.

Chinese Restaurant Style Beef & Broccoli (df)

This meal is surprisingly simple, but really, really good. It takes about 30 minutes to make and you’ll feel like you’re eating takeout. Win win!

Easy Sheet Pan Salmon for Two (gf, df)

Everything that fellow RD, Gal, of Something Nutritious makes is drool worthy, but if you’re gonna start anywhere, her salmon is the place to start. Gal makes the best salmon ever. Plus, there’s absolutely nothing better than a sheet pan meal (read: less clean up!). This one has broccolini and potatoes, yum!

Easy Vegetable Teriyaki Stir Fry (v, gf, df)

My RD friend Alexis of Hummusapien makes some of my favorite recipes, but this one of hers is my favorite. I love that it packs in a ton of veggies – like carrots, broccoli, snap peas and edamame – and also a ton of flavor. (hi, cashews!) While this recipe is super high protein on its own, you can also add some chicken on top if you’re feeling that!

Frank’s Vegan Bolognese (v, df) 

I make this recipe all the time. It checks all the boxes: it’s hearty and delicious, packed with veggies and good stuff, and is super filling. It uses walnuts and mushrooms as the “meat” and something about it just has so much flavor. Plus, what’s better than a bowl of pasta?! (To keep it vegan, skip the parm on top!)

Healthy Baked Chicken Fajita Casserole (df, gf)

This casserole has everything you want in a meal: delicious Mexican flavors, lots of veggies, cheese, brown rice and plenty of protein from the chicken. The recipe is from my dietitian friend Mary Ellen of Milk and Honey Nutrition. Like all her recipes, it’s blood-sugar friendly and balanced, plus, it’s easy to make and ready in no time.

Shrimp & Broccoli with Lemon, Honey & Feta (gf) 

 This recipe from RD Carrie of Walder Wellness is so flavorful. You’ll never want to make shrimp another way again. Have it over some brown rice, like she suggests, and make it ahead for a few days. Plus, this is another super quick recipe to make, too.

df = dairy free; gf = gluten free; v = vegan; veg = vegetarian

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Want more tips on creating easy, realistic meals and a healthy relationship with food? Check out my membership program, All Foods Fit, with 12 thorough lessons to teach easy ways to create a healthy relationship with food. Or, check out my e-book, 7 Days to Make All Foods Fit, to learn a step by step guide to create a healthier relationship with food in just 7 days.