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These quick, healthy meals are perfect for weekdays. We rely on convenient ingredients, like rotisserie chicken, canned soup and dried or frozen pasta for simple dinners that you can make in 15 minutes or less. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos or a fresh salad, there’s a four- or five-star recipe for you in this collection. You’ll want to keep recipes like our Easy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles and BBQ Chicken Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw in your back pocket for busy days.It’s always a win-win when one meal turns into two or three. If you happen to have leftovers, they’ll be just as tasty the following day for lunch or dinner. They may need just a little reheating.
These quick, healthy meals are perfect for weekdays. We rely on convenient ingredients, like rotisserie chicken, canned soup and dried or frozen pasta for simple dinners that you can make in 15 minutes or less. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos or a fresh salad, there’s a four- or five-star recipe for you in this collection. You’ll want to keep recipes like our Easy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles and BBQ Chicken Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw in your back pocket for busy days.
It’s always a win-win when one meal turns into two or three. If you happen to have leftovers, they’ll be just as tasty the following day for lunch or dinner. They may need just a little reheating.
01of 33BBQ Chicken Tacos with Red Cabbage SlawView RecipeThis zippy, creamy slaw is so good you might find yourself making it for other sandwiches. Still, it pairs beautifully with this tangy pulled chicken for an incredibly quick dinner you can make on your busiest nights. To save even more time, use a preshredded coleslaw blend.
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BBQ Chicken Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw
View Recipe
This zippy, creamy slaw is so good you might find yourself making it for other sandwiches. Still, it pairs beautifully with this tangy pulled chicken for an incredibly quick dinner you can make on your busiest nights. To save even more time, use a preshredded coleslaw blend.
02of 33Smoky Maple-Mustard SalmonView RecipeIt doesn’t get much easier—or more delicious—than this speedy recipe for roast salmon topped with a smoky maple-mustard sauce. The sweetness of the maple balances the tangy mustard; smoked paprika or ground chipotle adds another layer of flavor. Ask at the fish counter to have the salmon cut into four 4-ounce fillets with the skin removed. Serve with roasted green beans and whole-wheat couscous tossed with pecans and chives.
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Smoky Maple-Mustard Salmon
It doesn’t get much easier—or more delicious—than this speedy recipe for roast salmon topped with a smoky maple-mustard sauce. The sweetness of the maple balances the tangy mustard; smoked paprika or ground chipotle adds another layer of flavor. Ask at the fish counter to have the salmon cut into four 4-ounce fillets with the skin removed. Serve with roasted green beans and whole-wheat couscous tossed with pecans and chives.
03of 33Easy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini NoodlesView RecipeEnjoy classic shrimp scampi lightened with a white wine–butter sauce and zucchini noodles in place of pasta. The tomatoes add sweetness and color, while the cheese contributes nuttiness and richness.
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Easy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Enjoy classic shrimp scampi lightened with a white wine–butter sauce and zucchini noodles in place of pasta. The tomatoes add sweetness and color, while the cheese contributes nuttiness and richness.
04of 333-Ingredient Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprouts Hash with Chicken SausageView RecipeCarolyn A. Hodges, R.D.Apple-flavored chicken sausage brings flavor and protein in this quick dinner hash that uses a bag of shaved Brussels sprouts as its hearty, high-fiber base. Steaming the cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave cuts way down on total cook time.
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3-Ingredient Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprouts Hash with Chicken Sausage
Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Apple-flavored chicken sausage brings flavor and protein in this quick dinner hash that uses a bag of shaved Brussels sprouts as its hearty, high-fiber base. Steaming the cubed sweet potatoes in the microwave cuts way down on total cook time.
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Lemon Chicken Pasta
06of 33Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa SaladView RecipeThis zesty quinoa salad is delicious all on its own, with some serious flair—roasted red bell peppers, cilantro and chopped toasted pistachios. Make a double batch for lunches later in the week.
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Salmon with Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Salad
This zesty quinoa salad is delicious all on its own, with some serious flair—roasted red bell peppers, cilantro and chopped toasted pistachios. Make a double batch for lunches later in the week.
07of 33Linguine with Creamy White Clam SauceView RecipeRipe tomato and fresh basil give this quick recipe tons of flavor. Serve this healthy pasta dinner with crusty garlic bread and steamed green beans.
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Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce
Ripe tomato and fresh basil give this quick recipe tons of flavor. Serve this healthy pasta dinner with crusty garlic bread and steamed green beans.
08of 33Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken with BroccoliView RecipeEveryone loves teriyaki chicken—and this one is better for you with much less added sugar. It’s also gluten-free as long as you use tamari (aka gluten-free soy sauce). Feel free to swap out the broccoli for any veggie—carrots, snow peas, green beans—that you have on hand.
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Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli
Everyone loves teriyaki chicken—and this one is better for you with much less added sugar. It’s also gluten-free as long as you use tamari (aka gluten-free soy sauce). Feel free to swap out the broccoli for any veggie—carrots, snow peas, green beans—that you have on hand.
09of 33Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean TacosView RecipeThese hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are so tasty no one will miss the meat or dairy.
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Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos
These hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are so tasty no one will miss the meat or dairy.
10of 33Loaded Black Bean Nacho SoupView RecipeJazz up a can of black bean soup with your favorite nacho toppings, such as cheese, avocado and fresh tomatoes. A bit of smoked paprika adds a bold flavor kick, but you can swap in any warm spices you prefer, such as cumin or chili powder. Look for a soup that contains no more than 450 milligrams sodium per serving.
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Loaded Black Bean Nacho Soup
Jazz up a can of black bean soup with your favorite nacho toppings, such as cheese, avocado and fresh tomatoes. A bit of smoked paprika adds a bold flavor kick, but you can swap in any warm spices you prefer, such as cumin or chili powder. Look for a soup that contains no more than 450 milligrams sodium per serving.
11of 33Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad with ChickenView RecipeIn this healthy copycat of a takeout salad favorite we combine precooked (or leftover) chicken and poppy seed dressing with fresh greens, strawberries and goat cheese for an easy throw-together meal that’s ready in 10 minutes.
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Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad with Chicken
In this healthy copycat of a takeout salad favorite we combine precooked (or leftover) chicken and poppy seed dressing with fresh greens, strawberries and goat cheese for an easy throw-together meal that’s ready in 10 minutes.
12of 3315-Minute White Bean, Kale & Kielbasa SoupView RecipeBrie PassanoThis quick and hearty soup recipe is done in only 15 minutes, thanks to convenience products like frozen chopped onion and precooked kielbasa. Pair it with a good rye bread, ciabatta or French baguette.
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15-Minute White Bean, Kale & Kielbasa Soup
Brie Passano
This quick and hearty soup recipe is done in only 15 minutes, thanks to convenience products like frozen chopped onion and precooked kielbasa. Pair it with a good rye bread, ciabatta or French baguette.
13of 3315-Minute Salmon & Creamy Orzo with Spinach & MushroomsView RecipeBrie PassanoIn this quick salmon dinner, salmon fillets are paired with creamy orzo, wilted spinach and earthy mushrooms. Cooking the salmon at a high temperature helps speed up the cooking in this healthy dinner recipe. Look for presliced mushrooms to speed it up even further.
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15-Minute Salmon & Creamy Orzo with Spinach & Mushrooms
In this quick salmon dinner, salmon fillets are paired with creamy orzo, wilted spinach and earthy mushrooms. Cooking the salmon at a high temperature helps speed up the cooking in this healthy dinner recipe. Look for presliced mushrooms to speed it up even further.
14of 33Egg Salad Lettuce WrapsView RecipeWe love the retro vibe of these egg salad lettuce wraps. Iceberg lettuce makes a perfect low-carb swap for bread to serve the egg salad.
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Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
We love the retro vibe of these egg salad lettuce wraps. Iceberg lettuce makes a perfect low-carb swap for bread to serve the egg salad.
15of 33Quick Shrimp PuttanescaView RecipeBecause refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split! Puttanesca, traditionally made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, gets a makeover with shrimp for extra protein and artichoke hearts to boost the vegetable servings (and the fiber!). If you can’t find frozen artichoke hearts, sub in drained canned artichoke hearts.
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Quick Shrimp Puttanesca
Because refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split! Puttanesca, traditionally made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, gets a makeover with shrimp for extra protein and artichoke hearts to boost the vegetable servings (and the fiber!). If you can’t find frozen artichoke hearts, sub in drained canned artichoke hearts.
16of 33Green Goddess Grain BowlView RecipeThis healthy grain bowl packs in the greens with peas, asparagus and a creamy yogurt dressing. Tofu adds protein while keeping it vegetarian, but you could also swap in cooked shrimp or chicken for a satisfying dinner or packable lunch ready in just 15 minutes.
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Green Goddess Grain Bowl
This healthy grain bowl packs in the greens with peas, asparagus and a creamy yogurt dressing. Tofu adds protein while keeping it vegetarian, but you could also swap in cooked shrimp or chicken for a satisfying dinner or packable lunch ready in just 15 minutes.
17of 33Toaster-Oven TostadasView RecipeWould you believe us if we said you can have restaurant-style tostadas at home in just 15 minutes? It’s no problem! Simply layer black beans and Cheddar onto corn tortillas and toast in the toaster oven.
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Toaster-Oven Tostadas
Would you believe us if we said you can have restaurant-style tostadas at home in just 15 minutes? It’s no problem! Simply layer black beans and Cheddar onto corn tortillas and toast in the toaster oven.
18of 33Pesto Ravioli with Spinach & TomatoesView RecipeLooking for a new way to turn a bag of frozen cheese ravioli into a satisfying and healthy dinner? This easy pasta recipe calls for just five ingredients but is loaded with fresh flavors. By using grape tomatoes, prewashed spinach and prepared pesto, we eliminate all prep work, making this 15-minute Caprese-inspired ravioli the ideal weeknight meal.
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Pesto Ravioli with Spinach & Tomatoes
Looking for a new way to turn a bag of frozen cheese ravioli into a satisfying and healthy dinner? This easy pasta recipe calls for just five ingredients but is loaded with fresh flavors. By using grape tomatoes, prewashed spinach and prepared pesto, we eliminate all prep work, making this 15-minute Caprese-inspired ravioli the ideal weeknight meal.
19of 33Spinach-Tortellini SoupView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Claire SpollenWhen you need a quick and flavorful dinner, turn to this easy tortellini soup with spinach. Refrigerated cheese tortellini bulk up the soup and cook in just minutes. The tortellini can be delicate, so be careful when stirring the soup to avoid them falling apart.
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Spinach-Tortellini Soup
Photographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
When you need a quick and flavorful dinner, turn to this easy tortellini soup with spinach. Refrigerated cheese tortellini bulk up the soup and cook in just minutes. The tortellini can be delicate, so be careful when stirring the soup to avoid them falling apart.
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Marinara Meat Sauce Topped Baked Potato
21of 33Salmon Sushi Grain BowlView RecipeGet all the delicious flavors of sushi without the time-consuming rolling with this quick grain bowl recipe that includes smoked salmon. All you need is 15 minutes to get this healthy dinner on the table or to pack it up for lunch at work.
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Salmon Sushi Grain Bowl
Get all the delicious flavors of sushi without the time-consuming rolling with this quick grain bowl recipe that includes smoked salmon. All you need is 15 minutes to get this healthy dinner on the table or to pack it up for lunch at work.
22of 33Spring Roll SaladView RecipeAll the tastes, color and fun of a spring roll without all the work! This healthy salad recipe is bursting with the colors of rainbow from generous amounts of fresh vegetables, shrimp and brown rice all topped with a peanut dressing for the ultimate satisfying salad.
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Spring Roll Salad
All the tastes, color and fun of a spring roll without all the work! This healthy salad recipe is bursting with the colors of rainbow from generous amounts of fresh vegetables, shrimp and brown rice all topped with a peanut dressing for the ultimate satisfying salad.
23of 33Buffalo Chicken Grain BowlView RecipeGet the flavors of spicy Buffalo chicken wings, without frying, in this nutritious couscous bowl loaded with protein and crisp veggies.
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Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl
Get the flavors of spicy Buffalo chicken wings, without frying, in this nutritious couscous bowl loaded with protein and crisp veggies.
24of 33Chopped Cobb SaladView RecipeThis single-serving recipe for Cobb salad swaps chicken in for bacon, which makes it a great source of protein for lunch. If you prefer another salad dressing, feel free to use that instead of our honey-mustard vinaigrette.
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Chopped Cobb Salad
This single-serving recipe for Cobb salad swaps chicken in for bacon, which makes it a great source of protein for lunch. If you prefer another salad dressing, feel free to use that instead of our honey-mustard vinaigrette.
25of 33Chopped Chicken & Sweet Potato SaladView RecipeThis easy salad recipe is a wonderful use for leftover cooked chicken. Look for escarole in the produce section near the leafy greens; if you can’t find it, you can use romaine instead.
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Chopped Chicken & Sweet Potato Salad
This easy salad recipe is a wonderful use for leftover cooked chicken. Look for escarole in the produce section near the leafy greens; if you can’t find it, you can use romaine instead.
26of 33Spinach-Artichoke-Sausage Cauliflower GnocchiView RecipeHearty and piquant, this quick cauliflower gnocchi dinner incorporates several healthy convenience ingredients, including turkey sausage and tender artichoke hearts, so dinner is on your table fast.
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Spinach-Artichoke-Sausage Cauliflower Gnocchi
Hearty and piquant, this quick cauliflower gnocchi dinner incorporates several healthy convenience ingredients, including turkey sausage and tender artichoke hearts, so dinner is on your table fast.
27of 33Spanakopita Scrambled Egg PitasView RecipeThis meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta. We’ve added a flavorful burst of sun-dried tomato tapenade to spread over the whole-wheat pita before nestling the scrambled eggs inside. If you can’t find it, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well.
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Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas
This meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta. We’ve added a flavorful burst of sun-dried tomato tapenade to spread over the whole-wheat pita before nestling the scrambled eggs inside. If you can’t find it, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well.
28of 33Citrus Lime Tofu SaladView RecipeThis veggie-packed salad has plenty of protein and fiber, so you’ll feel full and satisfied. Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an easy vegan lunch to pack for work. You can make the Citrus-Lime Vinaigrette up to five days ahead, and it’s also perfect as a marinade for chicken, steak and fish, and it goes well with tacos and burritos too.
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Citrus Lime Tofu Salad
This veggie-packed salad has plenty of protein and fiber, so you’ll feel full and satisfied. Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an easy vegan lunch to pack for work. You can make the Citrus-Lime Vinaigrette up to five days ahead, and it’s also perfect as a marinade for chicken, steak and fish, and it goes well with tacos and burritos too.
29of 33Easy Eggplant Stir-FryView RecipeThis eggplant stir-fry is easy to make. We call for long and tender Japanese eggplant, but regular eggplant will work well, too, cut into 1-inch pieces. Jalapeño peppers can vary from mild to very spicy. If you need to cut the heat, opt for small sweet peppers in their place.
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Easy Eggplant Stir-Fry
This eggplant stir-fry is easy to make. We call for long and tender Japanese eggplant, but regular eggplant will work well, too, cut into 1-inch pieces. Jalapeño peppers can vary from mild to very spicy. If you need to cut the heat, opt for small sweet peppers in their place.
30of 33Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & OnionsView RecipeThese 15-minute quesadillas are a notch above basic with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions. Let the kiddos load them up with the toppings at the table—Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole and salsa.
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Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions
These 15-minute quesadillas are a notch above basic with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions. Let the kiddos load them up with the toppings at the table—Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole and salsa.
31of 3315-Minute Broiled Cod with Tomatoes & Herbed MayonnaiseView RecipeBrie PassanoCod broils quickly in this healthy dinner recipe that’s done in only 15 minutes. Sliced tomatoes on top give it a pop of color, while your favorite chopped herbs flavor the mayonnaise that tops the fish.
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15-Minute Broiled Cod with Tomatoes & Herbed Mayonnaise
Cod broils quickly in this healthy dinner recipe that’s done in only 15 minutes. Sliced tomatoes on top give it a pop of color, while your favorite chopped herbs flavor the mayonnaise that tops the fish.
32of 33Sesame Instant Ramen Noodles with Broccoli & Soft-Boiled EggView RecipeJazz up basic ramen noodles with toasted sesame oil, quick-cooked broccoli and a jammy soft-boiled egg. To cut back on sodium, look for ramen varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet.
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Sesame Instant Ramen Noodles with Broccoli & Soft-Boiled Egg
Jazz up basic ramen noodles with toasted sesame oil, quick-cooked broccoli and a jammy soft-boiled egg. To cut back on sodium, look for ramen varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet.
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White Bean & Avocado Sandwich
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