Cooking healthy meals at home is something I often struggle with. It takes time and energy to track down healthy recipes, plan what to make, and then prepare them—especially when it’s so easy to pick up something from one of my favorite Austin restaurants. So, when I come across easy, healthy dinner recipes for two, I always save them for nights when I’m craving a home-cooked meal without the stress. If you’re like me, these low-effort, high reward recipes will definitely earn a spot in your weekly lineup.
From simple fish recipes to creative bowls, this guide to easy, healthy dinner recipes for two has something for everyone. And if you’re cooking for one, these recipes mean two meals—which is definitely not a bad thing. Double the meals with half the effort… what more could we ask for?
11 of Our Favorite Easy, Healthy Dinner Recipes for Two:
Easy, Healthy Fish Recipes for Two:
Pistachio Crusted Salmon With Garlicky Smashed Potatoes
Why We Love It: There are definitely a lot of ways to cook salmon, but topping it with pistachio pieces makes it feel a little more sophisticated. Whether it’s date night or your average weeknight, this salmon dish is sure to impress whoever you eat it with.
Hero Ingredient: Garlicky smashed potatoes. I mean… yum.
Halibut En Papillote
Why We Love It: En papillote is such an easy way to get lots of flavor into your fish. Wrapping a piece of flaky white fish in parchment paper with veggies and lemon slices creates the perfect little pocket of flavor that’s polished enough for any dinner guest.
Hero Ingredient: Capers bring their oh-so-salty goodness to the party that leaves you with the perfect bite each time.
Superfood Salmon Salad
Why We Love It: Not only is this salad tasty and robust, but it’s filled with superfoods that your skin and gut will love. Avocado, pear, walnuts, and more come together for the perfect weeknight dinner. Your body will thank you later.
Hero Ingredient: Honey-sriracha vinaigrette with ginger and garlic brings the flavor and balances the fatty (in the best ways!) profile of the salad. I’ll take a jar to-go, please.
Sushi Rice with Miso-Caramel Glazed Salmon from Bon Appétit
Why We Love It: This salmon and rice combo are reminiscent of a sushi roll without the effort or takeout bag. It’s simple, flavorful, and full of omega-3s and healthy fats. Again, your skin will thank you!
Hero Ingredient: Yes, the sushi rice has a little sugar. But, when coupled with the vinegar and salt, the sugar adds a depth of flavor that really balances the fish well.
Easy, Healthy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes:
Hummus, Greens, & Avo Bowl
Why We Love It: Yes, yes, and yes. This winning trio of fiber-rich kale, protein-packed eggs, and healthy fat-bearing avocado team up with broccolini, hummus, and sunflower seeds to create the ultimate weeknight bowl. It’s somehow indulgent and refreshing at the same time and will definitely nourish your body.
Hero Ingredient: While I love an 8-minute egg, this bowl is made even better by the just-runny yolk of its 6 1/2 minute egg. It toes the line between soft and medium-boiled to create the perfect amount of golden yolk to spread across those greens.
Creamy Mushroom Cauliflower Gnocchi from The Defined Dish
Why We Love It: Trader Joes Cauliflower Gnocchi truly knows no bounds. The soft, pillowy gnocchi is topped with a creamy mushroom sauce to make a comforting pasta (ish?) dish that will fill you up without the bloating.
Hero Ingredient: Mushrooms! Once again, mushrooms shine through with their countless health benefits to add an earthy undertone to the sauce. No shame in eating it straight out of the pan.
Vibrant Spring Broccoli Buddha Bowl from Half Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: There’s a lot to unpack here. This bowl is packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, broccoli, quinoa, and avocado that are so easy to throw together for a delicious, hearty weeknight meal. It practically comes together in no time.
Hero Ingredient: Don’t skimp on the turmeric ginger vinaigrette. This anti-inflammatory dressing brings all kinds of zesty flavor to the mix that really brightens up this combo. Plus, you can use it on other salads/bowls or enjoy it with raw veggies (as long as you save enough for dinner).
Avocado Sweet Potato Tacos from Love & Lemons
Why We Love It: Vegetarian tacos are a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet and these are definitely a winner. Black beans, sweet potato, and avocado wrapped in a corn tortilla and topped with creamy avocado yogurt sauce, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro is a recipe for success… and dinner. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the top and enjoy your new weeknight favorite.
Hero Ingredient: Avocado Greek yogurt sauce is the perfect creamy topping for these tacos. Drizzle generously.
Stir-Fried Eggplant with Basil and Chiles from Bon Appétit
Why We Love It: Stir-frying eggplant gives it a crisp, caramelized texture that lays the foundation for the yummy tamari-chile sauce that accompanies it. Serve it as-is, over rice, or with a 6 1/2 minute egg for an easy, veggie-forward weeknight dinner.
Hero Ingredient: Never underestimate the power of fresh basil to bring in a healthy dose of freshness and flavor.
Easy, Healthy Dinner Recipes With Meat:
Lime-y Chicken Tacos With Carrot, Jicama, & Mint
Why We Love It: This recipe is one that keeps on giving. Not only are these tacos absolutely delicious in every way, but they’re great to have as leftovers for when a taco craving strikes. Just up the amount of chicken and veggies, be sure to have lots of corn tortillas on hand, and you’re set for many meals to come.
Hero Ingredient: Once again, the sauce on these tacos brings everything together and adds lots of flavor to the already-yummy tacos. Make a little extra to use on tostadas or for veggie dipping.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Bacon & Crispy Sage
Why We Love It: All of the creamy indulgences you crave from pasta without the gluten, dairy, or guilt. Creamy cashew-based sauce with cheesy nutritional yeast makes the perfect healthy comfort food easy enough for any weeknight.
Hero Ingredient: Crispy fried sage leaves provide a crunchy counterpart to balance the soft texture of the noodles so that every bite is a great one. Mix them with their fellow edible accessories and say hello to the dynamic pasta dish you didn’t know you needed.
