Healthy 30 Minute Meals for Busy Weeknights

Healthy 30 minute meals for busy weeknights that are sure to become family favorites. These go-to recipes are perfect for weeknights when time is tight and dishes need to be minimal. They’re packed with nutritious ingredients and flavor, and will rival any takeout joint or frozen pizza. So, sit back, relax, and scroll through what are sure to become family favorites.

And, as always, if you make any recipe featured here, be sure to tag #dishingouthealth on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations!

30 Minute Black Pepper Tofu

My all-time favorite tofu recipe boasts all the fiery, umami-qualities you love about classic takeout. Serve this meatless main over rice for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.

30 Minute Golden Rice Pilaf

This gorgeous golden rice pilaf uses just a handful of basic ingredients to create an exotic, nourishing side dish. Add baked salmon, sautéed shrimp, roasted chicken, or crispy tofu on top to turn it into a meal. In addition, it’s delicious with a side of fresh naan.

5 Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Mushrooms

This recipe will give you the confidence to ditch the pre-made sauces. You can pack serious flavor into your homemade pasta with fresh produce and low effort/high ceiling ingredients (for example, jarred roasted red peppers). Add this 30 minute pasta to your weeknight dinner lineup for a restaurant-quality meal everyone will love.

30 Minute Loaded Quinoa Taco Salad

If you’re looking for a hearty, vegetarian taco salad that you can stretch out for several days of lunches, this is it! A satisfying, all-in-one meal that holds up great for make-ahead meals. Additionally, it’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and a total flavor fiesta.

30 Minute Vietnamese Shrimp and Rice Noodle Bowls

These shrimp and rice noodle bowls are a deeply satisfying, better-than-takeout main perfect for busy weeknights. They require little maintenance, plus make for some tasty leftovers once the spicy, sweet, and salty flavors have a chance to marry.

30 Minute Zucchini Pesto Pasta with Buttery Mushrooms

This kid-friendly pasta requires minimal ingredients and comes together seamlessly. When zucchini aren’t in season, use any quick-cooking vegetable you like; for example, cherry tomatoes, shaved Brussels sprouts, or green beans. It also holds up beautifully when made ahead, so consider tomorrow’s desk lunch conquered.

30 Minute Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta with Brussels

Nothing defines comfort food quite like a creamy pasta dish, and this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Bonus: it calls for equal parts veggies and noodles to level out the usual pasta-to-veg ratio, which also lends a texture and flavor boost.

20 Minute Shrimp and Tomato-Fennel Couscous

A low effort, high impact meal starring succulent shrimp on a bed of grains with a bright tomato topper. If making gluten-free, simply swap the couscous for a gluten-free grain, for example: quinoa, millet, or rice.

30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry

In this hearty curry, chickpeas, kale and a wealth of aromatics simmer in a full-bodied curry sauce for rich depth of flavor. Both vegan and gluten-free, it comes together in only 30 minutes and is perfect for streamlined cooking.

5 Ingredient Curried Maple-Mustard Salmon

This is one of my go-to salmon recipes for delivering restaurant-worthy flavor in just 20 minutes. Plus, there’s a good chance you already have most of these ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry. Serve it over your favorite grain with a side salad for a delightful dinner.

5 Ingredient Tofu Steaks with Charred Shishito Salsa

These meaty tofu steaks are a great gateway recipe for those new to cooking tofu. Getting a nice sear and deep char marks on the “steaks” infuse them with smoky, grill-like flavor, therefore tasting comparable to grilled meat. Serve over rice with a side of veggies for a complete meal.

One Skillet Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Orzo

Quick-cooking orzo, plump shrimp, spinach, zippy black pepper, and grated lemon create a meal that’s firing on all cylinders. And, in addition, made entirely in one cooking vessel from start to finish! Served with a simple side salad, it makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Cheesy Tuna Toasts with Olive Salsa

Lastly, this 15 minute recipe channels so many delicious Mediterranean flavors: buttery Castelvetrano olives, lemony olive oil, and omega-3-packed tuna. The bright, tangy flavors of the salsa are balanced by the rich layer of cheese. I love serving these with a side salad for a simple, yet hearty weeknight meal.