Cooking after a hard day at work can be a real chore! But, if you’re aiming to eat clean, you know that wholesome, minimally processed ingredients are the key to a good (and healthy) meal. Whether you plan to take our 10 day Clean Eating Challenge, or just want to make healthier meals in general, we’re here to help. These delicious dinner ideas feature simple ingredients, use easy cooking techniques and are under 380 calories per serving.
CHICKEN & TURKEY
1. CAPRESE CHICKEN & ROASTEN BROCCOLI | COOK SMARTS
Clean eating goes low carb with this simple caprese chicken, which marries the fresh flavors of a caprese salad with a dose of lean protein. Ripe tomatoes, tangy balsamic and fragrant basil are yummy ways to dress up your lean chicken breast. Serve with a side of roasted broccoli. Recipe makes 4 servings with 1/2 chicken breast each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 341; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 60mg; Sodium: 502mg; Carbohydrate: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 26g
2. CHICKEN & BRUSSELS SPROUTS | COOKING LIGHT
This delightful dinner uses a zesty mustard sauce to add zing to chicken breasts and sautéed brussels sprouts. It’s a low-carb, high-protein meal, but if low carb isn’t your thing, add a small baked potato—simply halve your potato(es), wrap in foil and throw it into the oven while it’s preheating. Nutrition info doesn’t include potato. Recipe makes 4 servings with 1 chicken breast half plus 2/3 cups brussels sprouts plus 2 tablespoons sauce.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 350; Total Fat: 15g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 114mg; Sodium: 604mg; Carbohydrate: 11g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 42g
3. SOUTHWEST MEATBALL SKILLET | CLEAN EATING
Imagine lean turkey meatballs served over a wholesome and hearty blend of black beans, corn, tomatoes, lime and cilantro. Now, imagine having that in less than 30 minutes! To make this quick meal complete, serve with one 100% whole-grain dinner roll. Recipe makes 4 servings at 4 meatballs plus 1 cup corn-bean mixture.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 320; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 55mg; Sodium: 340mg; Carbohydrate: 32g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 37g
PORK & BEEF
4. STEAK BAGUETTES | COOKING LIGHT
If you’re craving red meat, enjoy it using this simple recipe for baguettes piled high with steak and veggies then drizzled in a pesto mayo. The tender bites of sirloin steak will have you coming back for more of this high-protein, iron-rich sandwich. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 sandwich each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 358; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 45mg; Sodium: 674mg; Carbohydrate: 39g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 25g
5. SIMPLE ROSEMARY PORK CHOPS | A WELL BALANCED PLATE
Savor the simple flavor of rosemary with this 5-ingredient recipe for pork chops. Pan-searing the pork gives it a delicious smoky flavor. Serve with a mixed green salad for a quick, complete meal. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 167; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 54mg; Sodium: 53mg; Carbohydrate: 1g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 23g
6. BEEF & QUINOA STIR-FRY | COOK SMARTS
Make a quick, high-protein dinner in less than 20 minutes with this recipe for beef and quinoa stir-fry. Replacing traditional rice with quinoa ups the protein and, because this stir-fry is loaded with veggies, you won’t suffer on the fiber front, either. Recipe makes 4 servings with 11/2 cups beef-stir-fry mixture plus 1/2 cup quinoa.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 377; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 60mg; Sodium: 316mg; Carbohydrate: 40g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 31g
7. QUICK BEEF & BEAN CHILI | KIM’S CRAVINGS
Snuggle up to a bowl of wholesome chili that’s prepared from fresh ingredients and ready in about half an hour. Remember to make extra chili; freshly prepared chili is delicious, but leftover chili, once all the flavors have time to mingle, is amazing. Recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 344; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 54mg; Sodium: 277mg; Carbohydrate: 29g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 22g
8. MEDITERRANEAN BONELESS PORK CHOPS | SKINNYTASTE
Light on carbs but not on taste, this Mediterranean pork chop recipe cuts down on cook time by having you multitask. While the vegetables are roasting, panfry your pork chops. The trick to quick cooking is thinly sliced meat. Recipe makes 4 servings with 2 chops plus 3/4 cups veggies each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 230; Total Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 72mg; Sodium: 502mg; Carbohydrate: 9g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 28g
9. BEEF FILTES WITH POMEGRANATE-PINOT SAUCE | COOKING LIGHT
Ready for a clean-eating treat? Savor tender beef tenderloin steaks with this simple recipe for a batch of sweet and tangy pomegranate sauce. This homemade steak sauce cooks up in less than 10 minutes and tastes like a million bucks. Recipe makes 4 servings with 1 steak plus 2 teaspoons sauce.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 236; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 84mg; Sodium: 333mg; Carbohydrate: 4g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 25g
MEATLESS
10. ASPARAGUS PEA PASTA BOWL | MYFITNESSPAL ORIGINAL RECIPES
For lunch,enjoy a refreshing pasta salad bowl that’s loaded with tender asparagus and peas. This pasta bowl has kicked-up flavor from a combination of lemon, feta and dill. For a vegan-friendly version, substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the feta cheese. Recipe makes 4 servings at 11/2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 359; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 22mg; Sodium: 251mg; Carbohydrate: 59g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 13g
11. PORTOBELLO PESTO PIZZA | COOK SMARTS
Pizza lovers looking to cut back on calories (or carbs) should try out this portobello pesto pizza. A earthy mushroom, topped with fresh tomatoes, savory pesto and stringy mozzarella, makes a great option for a vegetarian meal. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1/2 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 303; Total Fat: 29g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 17g; Cholesterol: 18mg; Sodium: 190mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 1g; Protein 13g
12. BLACK BEAN SPINACH QUESADILLA | THE CALORIES IN, CALORIES OUT COOKBOOK
Family-friendly black bean quesadillas make a delicious and quick meatless meal. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to sub out fresh spinach and mushrooms for your favorite veggies. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 quesadilla each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 370; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 20mg; Sodium: 846mg; Carbohydrate: 44g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 20g