Summer is not complete without these healthy and satisfying dinner recipes. Each dish meets our healthy cholesterol parameters which means that they are all lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber to help lower cholesterol levels. Plus, they are all packed with summer produce like fresh herbs, tomatoes and zucchini so you can enjoy the flavors of the season. Try our Tomato Eggplant Orzo Casserole or our Pesto Pasta with Peas and Tomatoes for dinners that you’ll want to make again and again.
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High-Fiber Roasted Tomato, Eggplant & Orzo Casserole Is the Perfect Summer Dinner
Roasting the vegetables at a high temperature gives this hearty vegetarian casserole deep, caramelized flavor with minimal effort. Whole-wheat orzo cooks directly in the baking dish, soaking up the savory broth for a comforting one-pan dinner finished with creamy feta and fresh basil.
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Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
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Stuffed Potato with Chicken Delivers 31 Grams of Protein
This stuffed potato turns a simple baked potato into a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Rotisserie chicken adds protein, while salsa, creamy avocado and tangy Greek-style yogurt provide fresh toppings that make every bite delicious.
04 of 15
Tofu & Zucchini Piccata
This plant-forward take on piccata swaps the traditional meat for protein-rich tofu while keeping the bright, lemony caper sauce the dish is known for. Whole-wheat spaghetti and plenty of zucchini add fiber, while garlic, parsley and olive oil round out the flavors.
05 of 15
Tomato-Lentil Ratatouille Skillet
This one-skillet dish is inspired by classic ratatouille, combining tender vegetables with hearty lentils in a rich tomato base. Precooked lentils keep the recipe quick while adding plant-based protein and fiber. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying, vegetable-forward entree that works well for weeknights.
06 of 15
High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo
This one-pan dinner delivers on protein and flavor with tender chicken cutlets, whole-wheat orzo and wilted kale in a creamy, lemony herb sauce. Dill and scallions add fresh brightness, while a bold homemade spice blend brings the flavor.
07 of 15
Stuffed Sweet Potato with Ground Turkey & Avocado
These stuffed sweet potatoes make a satisfying, high-protein meal with minimal fuss. Tender roasted sweet potatoes are filled with savory ground turkey seasoned with cumin and oregano, then topped with creamy avocado and a dollop of yogurt. The combination of hearty, fresh and creamy flavors makes this an easy dinner that’s both comforting and balanced.
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Tuna & Veggie Grain Bowl
This vibrant grain bowl combines nutty farro, roasted root vegetables and canned tuna for a balanced meal that’s both hearty and fresh. Roasting the beets, carrots and parsnips brings out their natural sweetness, while a quick lemony yogurt sauce adds brightness and creaminess.
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Green Goddess Chickpea Bowl
This veggie-packed chickpea bowl features hearty chickpeas and quinoa topped with an herby green goddess dressing made creamy with Greek-style yogurt and avocado. It’s a satisfying vegetarian lunch or light dinner that delivers fiber, protein and fresh flavor in every bite.
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Sheet-Pan Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic
These balsamic roasted vegetables bring together fall and winter favorites in one vibrant, flavor-packed side dish. Butternut squash, red onion, Brussels sprouts and broccoli are tossed in a tangy balsamic-Dijon dressing with fresh herbs, then roasted until caramelized and tender. The high heat brings out natural sweetness, while the vinegar and mustard keep every bite bright and savory. This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and holiday tables alike!
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Maple-Miso Chicken Thighs, Brussels Sprouts & Spaghetti Squash
This sheet-pan dinner brings together a trio of cold-weather favorites. Roasted spaghetti squash gets tossed with a maple-miso glaze that clings to each strand, creating a noodle-like base that’s topped with juicy chicken thighs and caramelized Brussels sprouts that are roasted alongside. Easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company, this sheet-pan wonder delivers cozy comfort with a fall, veggie-forward feel.
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One-Pot Pasta With Spinach & Tomatoes
This one-pot pasta dinner is simple, fresh and healthy—what’s not to love? Cooking the pasta right in the sauce saves time and cleanup while infusing the noodles with more flavor. This speedy recipe is also endlessly adaptable and lends itself to plenty of easy ingredient swaps.
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Peppery Barbecue-Glazed Shrimp with Vegetables & Orzo
In this healthy BBQ shrimp recipe, shrimp are seasoned with a peppery spice blend and served with zucchini, peppers and whole-grain orzo for a delicious and easy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The shrimp and veggies are cooked in the same skillet, so cleanup is a snap too.
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Vegan Superfood Grain Bowls
This nutrient-packed grain bowl recipe comes together in 15 minutes with the help of a few convenience-food shortcuts like prewashed baby kale, microwaveable quinoa and precooked beets. Pack these ahead to keep on hand for easy meal-prep lunches or dinners on busy nights.
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High-Protein Black Bean Salad
In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.
Read the original article on EatingWell