Greetings! The holiday season is upon us! Parties, gifts, decorations, shopping, it’s all ramping up in the next few weeks. After the indulgences of Thanksgiving, I’ve been making an effort to cook some simple, healthy dishes. Last week, I made Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili as well as Bok Choy Fried Rice.
I spend the weekend cooking up some goodies that you will see over the next few days. But first, I thought I would start the week with a roundup post of some healthy weeknight dinner recipes. These tasty dishes are all quick, tasty and filling and utilize a variety of fresh veggies, whole grains and lean protein. What’s your favorite easy dinner recipe? Tell me in the comments!
MONDAY: WINTER MINESTRONE
This healthy, hearty soup is a great way to start your week. Packed with healthy vegetables, beans and grains it’s a filling meatless meal. This recipe will make ample leftovers for lunches and the rest can be frozen in single servings to pull out of the freezer when you don’t have time to cook. Learn how to freeze soup here.
TUESDAY: LEMON PARMESAN CRUSTED TILAPIA
Tilapia is an inexpensive, readily available mild white fish. It pairs well with almost anything and makes for a super fast and healthy dinner. It’s low in mercury, safely farmed and can be found fresh or frozen year round. This simple preparation used the tasty flavors of lemon and parmesan to dress up this dish. Start to finish this dish takes only 15-20 minutes total and is a perfect way to enjoy this healthy fish.
WEDNESDAY: MINI TURKEY MEATLOAVES
These cute mini meatloaves are a perfect quick and healthy dinner. The entire recipe takes only 20 minutes and utilizes lean ground white meat turkey with healthy spinach for a filling meal. This lightened up comfort food is a perfect midweek meal.
THURSDAY: SKILLET LASAGNA
Lasagna is no longer a weekend treat! This easy recipe uses your cast iron skillet and takes only 40 minutes to make, start to finish. The leftovers will keep for 3-4 days and it is soooo tasty and comforting. It’s leaner than a traditional recipe because I added chicken sausage and cut way back on the cheese. Skim milk ricotta adds just enough creaminess without too many calories.
FRIDAY: BAKED COCONUT CHICKEN FINGERS
This is one of my favorite recipes I’ve featured on this site. Healthy, fun, and simple it’s a perfect weeknight dinner. Everyone loves chicken fingers, but these are a healthier and tangier version than the deep fried nuggets you may be used to. Coated in unsweetened coconut and bread cumbs and baked till crispy, these go well with a fresh and light pineapple sauce. It’s a tropical treat you can enjoy for days.
