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100 healthy dinner recipes that make weeknight cooking a breeze

Add these satisfying recipes to your weeknight dinner rotation.

If you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes, look no further because we’ve rounded up 100 simple but healthy dinners you’ll want to make again and again.

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From vibrant salads to flavourful stir-fries and convenient one-pan dishes, these recipes have been tried, tested, and loved. Bookmark your favourites, and never worry about what to cook for dinner again!

100 healthy dinner recipes your family will love

Epic Mediterranean vegetable and haloumi tray bake

You can serve this dish for meat-free Monday or with your best roast – it’s epically tasty either way. Potatoes – red-skinned and sweet – make it hearty but not stodgy, while two cheeses add gooey goodness to the Mediterranean medley of vegies. Mmm…

Barbecued flatbread with peach, prosciutto and bocconcini and basil on top
(Photography Tim Roberts, styling Michele Cranston and David Morgan)

These barbecue flatbreads are the perfect lazy yet elevated dinner. Throw it on the barbie, and all the hard cooking is done and dusted!

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bake with roasted pumpkin, onion, feta and spinach in metal tray
(Credits: Rob Shaw)

There’s a good reason why this pumpkin slice recipe is one of our most popular. Not only is it delicious the day you make it, but leftovers the next day are even better. As well as pumpkin, this slice is packed with spinach, feta and zucchini, all bound together by eggs for a colourful and filling meal. Serve with salad and crusty bread.

pork tray bake
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Lucy Busuttil, Recipes: Clare Maguire + Sarah Murphy)

The last thing you want to do after a busy day at work is get in the kitchen and cook for hours! That’s where our delicious maple and mustard pork cutlet traybake comes in. In less than 50 minutes, it’ll be on your dinner table ready to be enjoyed. Plus, its the ultimate flavour combination of sticky, sweet and savoury! Whats not to love?

Put a deliciously creamy poultry spin on fam fave beef stroganoff. Easy roasted chook takes the place of beef in your super satisfying midweek meal!

eggplant stir fry strips of eggplant in oval blue dish with rice and vegies on the side
(Photography: Phil Castleton, Styling: Michele Cranston)

Clarissa Feildel has done it again, showing us one of her family recipes that is both heartwarming and ridiculously tasty. This Nyonya eggplant recipe that was passed down from her mum is quick, easy and perfect for those nights where protein is giving you the ick.

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Add flavour without fuss with store-bought tom yum paste for a tangy take on tomato soup. And give classic garlic bread a herby kick with chilli and coriander.

Reinvent the classic Sunday night roast chook into a succulent sensation. The best part is, it’s a pot roast, and only needs a singular pot!

Whip up this indulgent, super-creamy mash and serve it for your family with satisfying pork sausages and bright green beans. Is there a better combination?

It’s hard to go past a juicy steak – especially when served with homemade sauce.

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Hot, hearty and full of flavour.

chicken teriyaki rice paper rolls in lunchbox with bowl of sauce next to it

Tired of the same ol’ boring, uninspiring, and dry sandwich for lunch? Swap out your usual light dinner for these fresh, juicy teriyaki chicken rice paper rolls. Flavour-packed with succulent chicken teriyaki and your favourite vegies, it’s a fun alternative that’s just as easy to prepare. Just make sure to include some dipping sauce on the side!

(Photography: Tim Roberts, styling Michele Cranston, recipes and food prep Clare Maguire)

Don’t look past this teriyaki meatball rice bowl, it’s the ultimate dinner packed with protein and vegies. With succulent meatballs and an edamame salad, this recipe costs less than $5 per serve. It’ll keep everyone happy at the dinner table while keeping your wallet full.

These are seriously good and so quick to prepare. If the vegetables are prepped and ready, it can be on the table within 15 minutes.

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Roasted cauliflower salad with eggplant smash

This salad has got everything you’d want with pops of vibrant colour and flavour with that all-important crunch. And you’ve never tasted roasted cauliflower in a salad as mouthwatering as this, thanks to Middle Eastern flair.

CONFIT TOMATOES WITH LAMB CHOPS ON A LARGE OVAL WHITE SERVING DISH

There’s nothing like having lamb chops during springtime, and Colin knows exactly how to turn this common cut into a dinner party masterpiece. Using simple vegies and a whole lot of good-quality EVOO, you’ll love how this dish turns out.

tofu and lentil vegetable stew in two green bowls with naan on the side
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Michele Cranston)

A delicious lentil and tofu dish that’s so good, you won’t even realise it’s vegetarian. With mushrooms, eggplant and loads of spices, this dish is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

Like much of southern Italy’s food, it’s vegetarian, but the rich, delicate flavours are just remarkable. 

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large bowl of noodles with prawn and pork and chopsticks on the side
(Photography: Will Horner, Styling: Lucy Busuttil)

This 30 minute stir fry recipe is all you need to put big smiles on everyone’s faces after a hard day at work and school. With rice noodles, pork fillet, prawns and lot’s of vegies, this dish really puts the YUM in Tom Yum.

beef and black bean stir fry with snap peas and chili on top in scalloped pink bowl

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t tried beef and black bean sauce. Sure, you can buy it in a jar, but once you learn the very simple recipe for making your own sauce, you won’t be returning to the jar again!

Fresh and fragrant, this white fish dish is big on green ingredients – from chilli and zucchini to pak choy and lemongrass. It’s a great go-to when you want to eat light.

Easy lime and sesame chicken stir fry

A ready-to-cook stir-fry mix is an easy, yummy way to eat more vegies.

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Beef stir fry

The bright flavour of mandarin stars in this traditional Szechuan-style stir-fry. Love the resonant aroma!

Simple stir-fry

Cheat your way to an easy dinnertime with pre-cut meat and veg, and store bought noodles – nobody will know.

lentil-eggplant-ragu

Left to cook for just over six hours, this pasta sauce is easy to make. Just fry the veg then throw it all in your slow cooker to bubble away.

Slice of healthier lasagne with vegetables and cottage cheese

All the rich flavour but with fewer kilojules!

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Save yourself from extra washing up by cooking the dried spaghetti directly in the sauce – it’s the ultimate one-pan dinner winner!

ratatouille in bowl with spoon on side and blue background

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! This ratatouille is perfect for using up all of your vegies that have been left in the crisper drawer. Warming and hearty, this is ideal for a rainy day.

Roast vegetable tray bake
Roast vegetable tray bake

This all-in-one dish of pumpkin, sweet potato, red onion, capsicum and eggplant has a topping of pistachios, feta and pomegranate arils!

chicken and broccoli orange korma curry with white fork and bowl
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Michele Cranston)

If you’re a gym-bro on the chicken, broccoli and rice train, then we’re here to tell you, it’s okay to add in a little extra. This korma-style curry uses all of your favourite ingredients and makes for the easiest protein-filled dinner.

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(Photography Tim Roberts, Styling Lucy Busuttil, Recipes Clare Maguire + Sarah Murphy)

Stop the constant stirring that traditional risotto demands. This no-stir chicken, bacon, and mushroom risotto is a total game-changer. Simply combine your ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it cook. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting, creamy meal without the fuss.

air fryer roast beef recipe
(Credits: Con Poulos)

This air fryer roast beef with potato stacks and porcini sauce will take your taste buds on a journey you won’t forget. 

air fryer recipes fish cooked in air fryer
(Credits: Brett Stevens)

Give fish and chips a new spin with crumbed fillets and sliced spuds on skewers plus dollops of creamy aioli. 

Vegetarians and meatlovers alike will be back for seconds of this dish! Air frying the cauliflower gives it fab flavour, and topped with creamy tahini sauce and pomegranates, it’s a stunner to serve up as your meat-free main or side.

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Roast pumpkin gnocchi with lemon-herb butter

Savour the light sweetness of roasted pumpkin as the base of this wonderful gnocchi with a super-simple citrusy butter.

Stephanie Alexander cauliflower black barley and preserved lemon salad
(Photography: Armelle Habib)

Everyone loves Stephanie Alexander recipes and we’ve been lucky enough to share this delicious cauliflower, black barley and preserved lemon salad from her cookbook, Home.

(Credits: Immediate Media)

This nourishing tray bake does things a little differently to a traditional, Italian-style meatball dish. Packed with healthy ingredients, flavour and a few cheat items, the whole family will love this comforting meal.

colour veg

Get in your daily dose of 5 veg – and then some – with this tasty, roasted vegetable dish. 

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Like a warm hug in a bowl. The spiced roasted chickpeas and cauliflower florets are used in the recipe and as toppers for added texture to savour.

When it comes to making a refreshing sprouts and seeds slaw, the ingredient list is extensive. Each element adds a different taste, texture, and colour to the mix. To ensure you’re not spending hours shredding vegies, we’d recommend preparing a few elements in this recipe beforehand to make your life 10x easier.

air fryer pork with peach and pecan stuffing
(Credits: Photography: Tim Roberts | Styling: Lucy Bsuttil)

A modern take on a family favourite, this air fryer pork with peach and pecan stuffing is sweet, nutty and wonderfully succulent. Impressive yet easy to prepare, it’s ideal for a weekend family get-together, or anytime you’re keen to try something a little different for dinner – perfect for relaxed entertaining. Plus, who doesn’t love a handy air fryer recipe?

What’s the secret to a good salad? Tossing in crispy, golden air-fried veggies. Anything but boring, this air fryer vegie salad with toasted hazelnuts is crisp, colourful, and full of flavour. With golden, tender seasonal vegies, toasted hazelnuts for that extra nutty crunch, and a simple yet fragrant homemade dressing, it’s the perfect side for easy entertaining or as is on its own.

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couscous with fennel squid
(Photography: Are Media)

We’ve got you covered if you’re after a quick and easy couscous recipe perfectly portioned for one. Introducing fennel squid and chilli couscous – a vibrant and flavourful recipe which combines the delicate sweetness of fennel with the tender bite of squid. Served on a bed of fluffy couscous, this recipe combines fresh, aromatic ingredients for a quick, satisfying dinner.

Add fruity flair to your home made air fryer sausage rolls with delicious caramelised pineapple. This air fryer sausage roll recipe can be prepared a day ahead and kept uncooked, covered, in the fridge. 

vegie skewers with tofu and meat on them in a line resembling rainbow colours
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Lucy Busuttil, Food preparation: Clare Maguire, Recipes: Kim Coverdale and Sarah Murphy)

Vietnamese chicken skewers are all you need for a quick and easy dinner on the barbie. Pair with tofu and colourful vegies for a meal that will make you feel happy and healthy too!

san choy bow in lettuce cups in bowls
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Michele Cranston)

San choy bow is a favourite in every Aussie household for it’s simple, yet delicious, flavour and easy creation.

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BLT salad recipe
(Photography Tim Roberts; styling Michele Cranston; food preparation Clare Maguire; recipes Jessica Brook)

We’ve created a fresh, flavourful BLT salad with a twist and even better: it’s cooked in an air-fryer!

A good-for-you take on a classic fave!

sweet potato skins with chickpea curry on top
(Photography: Tim Roberts, styling Michele Cranston, recipes and food prep Clare Maguire)

The ultimate budget-friendly meal is this air fryer sweet potato skins recipe with a delicious chickpea curry. Costing as low as $3.90 per serve, you’ll be watching as your savings go up as your hunger goes down!

coconut ginger fish parcels

All the Asian flavours in one magnificent combo.

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corn fritters

Whip up a batch of corn fritters for dinner, they’re super speedy and simple to prep. Better yet, pair them with a bacon and radish salad.

Beef roast with glazed vegetables

This simple roast is easy to master, and the mustardy crust is delicious, light and elegant. It’s easy, so get cooking! Using a small cheat (pre-cooking the spuds in the microwave) lets you enjoy the ease of one-pan roasting, while still getting super-crunchy potatoes.

Chilli con carne

Give your dinner a kickstart and bring a classic dish out of the doldrums – all this easy recipe needs is a dash of spicy flavour.

Feast your eyes on this colourful Mexican snack. And don’t skimp on the crunchy corn chips!

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colin chicken wrap

If Colin can impress an avocado farmer with his guacamole, you’ll definitely impress your friends and family when you make it too.

chicken schnitzel wrap

Combining fresh and punchy ingredients, this easy dinner solution is a riot of flavour. 

vietnamese rice paper rolls

Almost too pretty to eat, these rolls of prawns, herbs and noodles will satisfy your hunger and wake up your tastebuds when dipped in a zesty Asian-inspired sauce. Who’s hungry?

zucchini and pumpkin slice cut up on wooden board with dill yoghurt on the side and glasses of lemonade
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Lucy Busuttil)

Zucchini slice is one of the most-loved recipes for our readers (and in the office!). Food editor, Sarah set herself a challenge to give this classic a money-saving twist without losing its simplicity and tastiness. There’s always some pumpkin in the fridge, so it felt like the perfect place to start.

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Zucchini slice with cooked zucchini ribbons and thin tomato slices, parsley and dill on top.

This Aussie classic is a fundamental recipe that should be kept up your sleeve at all times.

Roasted chicken sausages and capsicum tray bake

This roast chicken sausages and capsicum one-tray bake recipe is simple to make and diabetic-friendly. It’s low-carb Italian fare that’s roasted and caramelised to perfection.

quick-pumpkin-soup

To make this quick pumpkin soup, just pop butternut cubes in the microwave with stock, cook for 20 minutes, puree and you’re done! Too easy!

Bursting with rich flavours and wholesome ingredients, this delicious meatball minestrone will soothe your soul while delighting your tastebuds. 

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Watermelon and grilled haloumi salad

Not all salads are green! Combine sweet fruit with salty cheese for a flavour journey across the world.

Cook a whole chook on the barbecue – flavoured with smokiness from the grill and fresh summer herbs, it sings of the season.

Barbecued seafood always draws a crowd and no barbecue is complete without a beautiful grilled prawn. These saucy prawn skewers are beautifully big on flavour.

Prawn and chorizo are the perfect mix of smoky and seafood. And the cherry on top? A sour cream and chive dressing that ties all the flavours together. This is a salad you, your family, your friends and your houseguests will never forget!

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summer-salad-with-salmon

Elevate a salmon salad with just the one ingredient: spice rub (za’atar). It adds so much extra flavour with very little fuss! 

Fire up the grill to make a salad full of contrasting tastes and textures from warm grilled fish fillets to lightly charred cos and refreshingly sweet oranges. Adding substantial salmon turns this salad from a side into a main meal you’ll make on repeat.

Kale falafel salad with toasted pine nuts and hummus

Using store-bought versions of your favourite Middle Eastern mezze (appetisers) creates a salad that’s much more than a starter – it’s a whole main meal! Hummus serves as a creamy base for greens, tomatoes, quick-pickled red onion, herbs and falafel (chickpea patties).

chicken-mango-and-prosciutto-salad
(Credits: Rob Palmer)

Dinners don’t come easier or tastier with chicken, mango and prosciutto – and it’s on the table in four easy steps. 

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Chicken vermicelli, mango and peanut summer salad

The addition of avocado, mango and strawberries packs a flavourful summer punch to this hearty salad.

Seed-crusted striploin with egg salad
(Credits: Photography Rob Palmer)

Fast Ed’s making tender striploin steak with a crunchy fennel, cumin and peppercorn seed-coating. Served with an egg, aioli and mint salad plus potato mash and red wine gravy, it’s a match made in heaven.

Potato and leek soup

This soul-soother is right up there with the best. Ladlefuls of bliss.

smoked salmon pasta quick pasta recipes

This dish strikes the perfect harmony between succulent hot-smoked salmon, vibrant seasonal vegetables, and the bright zestiness of lemon. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet-quality pasta that’s both satisfying and delightfully tangy. 

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Tofu, lemongrass and Vietnamese mint stir-fry

Vegetarian or not, you’ll love this zingy noodle dish with healthy tofu and nuts, topped with fragrant fresh herbs.

Slow-cooked hearty vegetable and lentil soup

When you think of slow-cooked meals, often lamb shanks and beef ribs come to mind. But there are delicious vegie soup options too.

This diabetic-friendly and cost-effective dish is sure to delight even the fussiest of eaters. With Asian flavours that will delight your taste buds, this honey soy beef recipe is exactly what you need to add to your arsenal of cooking and go-to recipes.

italian soup

Check out those colours! Garnished with Bocconcini balls, basil and a drizzle of olive oil, this soup tastes as good as it looks.

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fish curry
(Credits: Marina Oliphant)

You can’t go wrong with this flavour-packed fish curry. Even better? It’s loaded with well-known immune boosters such as garlic, onion and ginger to give your system an extra kick.

Green vegetable bake

Featuring layers of fresh produce, like capsicum, zucchini, sage, parsley, rosemary, potato and spinach – this amazing one-pan green vegetable bake will thrill the table and make the whole house smell amazing.

Roast pumpkin heirloom tomato and feta salad

Serve this dish warm or cold and substitute sweet potato for pumpkin if you prefer, adding red onion too.

A little bit sweet, a little bit spicy.

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Salmon gado gado
(Credits: Rob Shaw)

Gado gado is a salad that’s the lightest and freshest way to enjoy Indonesian food. Unlike most salads, you arrange the ingredients rather than mixing them together. Traditionally it would be topped with an egg, but with the most amazing, fresh local salmon at his disposal, Fast Ed’s version is sure to become an instant classic in your house.

mexican grilled corn and prawn salad

Prawns like you’ve never seen them before.

classic-chicken-soup

It’s the chicken soups of chicken soups. Ticking all the boxes, this soup is made for winter nights, nourishing and good for the soul.

vegetarian dinners
(Credits: Rob Palmer)

When you save meal prep time by grabbing tasty, ready-to-go burger patties, invest it in making the hottest new thing everyone is raving about – soft, pillowy bao buns.

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A guaranteed winner! Here’s a reinvention of the pub classic, with far fewer calories!

Tuna

These sweet potato and tuna patties are ideal for nights when life feels a little chaotic and you want to pull dinner together using as many trusty pantry staples as possible. Here, Karen Martini turns a humble tin of tuna into the main event, by pairing it with nutritious sweet potato and a supporting cast of healthy vegetables. 

bakes salmon recipe
(Credits: ALAN JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY)

If you’re one of the few people sticking to your New Year’s resolution of being healthy, then you’re going to love Colin’s baked salmon with delicious Australian-grown Royal gala apples. This is held together with a fresh fennel and citrus salad. It’s super easy, and the best part is that it’s just as good cold the next day.

pho
(Credits: Blaine Moats)

This low-kilojoule soup (approximately 1000kJ per serving!) totally satisfies.

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eggplant-pasta

Get grilling and transform eggplant into the star of this delish pasta. Good-for-you greens and herbs make this vego delight an easy, hearty midweek dinner option!

This delicious creamy salmon tray bake has only three steps and doesn’t require a lot of brain power to cook.

Beef larb
(Credits: Photography William Meppem)

For a delicious change, try serving this beefy dish in a crisp iceberg lettuce leaf.

sticky salmon poke bowls with peach salsa
(Credits: Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Michele Cranston)

There’s nothing that quite beats a salmon poke bowl – it’s light, refreshing, and nutritious. But have you tried it with peach salsa? Now that’s a total game-changer. Think sweet, sticky, and savoury flavours balanced together with fresh veggies and a drizzle of lime juice. This salmon poke bowl with peach salsa is bound to be your new dinner go-to.

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whole baked pumpkin cut open with pomegranate and goats cheese
(Photography: Con Poulos, Styling: Vanessa Austin, Food Preparation: Rebecca Lyall)

Looking for a meat-free centrepiece that’s just as impressive as any roast? Colin’s whole-baked pumpkin recipe is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly dish. Generously filled with fragrant herbs and spices that add plenty of flavour, and sprinkled with the freshest toppings –it’s bloomin’ delicious!

lamb cutlets thrown on baby carrots with small bowl on plate with rice in it
(Photography: Tim Roberts, Styling: Lucy Busuttil, Food preparation: Clare Maguire, Recipes: Kim Coverdale and Sarah Murphy)

Spiced lamb cutlets are the perfect way to show off your cooking skills without doing any of the hard work. While there’s lots of resting time involved, this flavourful dinner is well worth the wait.

pork cutlets on round plate with lemon wedges and green salad underneath
(Photography: Will Horner, Styling: Lucy Busuttil)

Pork cutlets are seen as one of those ‘boring’ cuts of meat. But Colin Fassnidge has turned that theory on its head, with a green crust filled with herby, nutty goodness. It will only take 20 minutes to prep, and a whopping 10 minutes to cook!

pesto vegetable bake in large baking dish

This mouthwatering pesto vegie bake combines the goodness of zucchini, capsicums, red onions, and spinach, all tossed in a basil pesto-infused embrace. Layered with thinly sliced sweet potatoes, a luscious 3-cheese mix, halved cherry tomatoes, torn sourdough bread, and a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan.

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swordfish steaks with pickled fennel on white plate with blue tablecloth
(Photography; Alan Jensen)

Make the most of your fish with this simple and elegant dish. A green olive, caper and herb salsa verde complements the swordfish perfectly, and to round it all off, some pickled fennel to tickle your tongue!

How to spatchcock a chicken
Beautifully spatchcocked chicken.

This cooking method delivers juicy, flavourful results every time.

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