Here at Delish, we’ll be the first to shout from the rooftops about new complicated, multi-day recipes sure to impress your guests or loved ones, as though all we do is have constant elaborate dinner parties or romantic date nights. But in reality, most weeknights we turn to easy, healthy dinners that come together quickly and for low effort. If they don’t cost an arm and a leg, even better! We firmly believe saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor or convenience. Check out our list of 100 quick and healthy meals that won’t break the bank for easy weeknight dinner inspiration.
When it comes to healthier meals, we LOVE a veggie for pasta ingredient swap. Cauliflower and zucchini are forever faves, like in our cauliflower mac and cheese or zoodle burrito bowls, but we’re branching out into other veggies too, like spaghetti squash and butternut squash. We swear, you’ll barely miss the pasta (and can enjoy multiple servings no problem.) Don’t worry, we’ve also included a ton of pasta recipes too, with lightened up sauces or added greens and veggies.
We’re a big fan of the ease of Mexican-inspired tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas for simple weeknight meals. You can fill them with pretty much anything, like in our fish tacos or black bean tostadas, and every member of your household can add as few or as many toppings as they like. Another great option? Rice bowls. All you need is a great sauce, like peanutty buddha sauce or herby green goddess, some rice (brown, white, or cauliflower all work), some protein, and any combination of vegetables. Add some crunchy nuts or seeds and you'll have a solid, satisfying dinner. Bonus: they’re GREAT for cleaning leftover ingredients out of your fridge.
For even more quick and cheap dinner ideas, check out our favorite easy soups and healthy salads. And don’t forget dessert!
