Dinner is not just a meal. It is the time to reset and refuel for another glorious day. From vibrant salads to hearty bowls, dinner is best had light and a few hours before you hit the hay. 

In this blog, we have picked out 15 deliciously simple recipes for dinner that will spice up your evenings and suit your senses. Now let’s cook!

The Essence of a Healthy Dinner

A healthy dinner is all about finding the right balance between great taste and good nutrition. And it doesn’t have to be complicated! A little creativity and some smart choices can go a long way in making your evening meal both satisfying and nourishing. It starts with a few key ingredients. 

• Protein: Chicken, fish, or tofu are lean proteins that help in muscle repair and overall growth requirements. 
• Carbohydrates: Whole grains like quinoa or brown rice are sources of energy and fiber while colorful vegetables add vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
• Vitamin and fiber: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, and colorful veggies like carrot, eggplant, and squash.
• Fats: Healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or olive oil can enhance taste and ensure proper functions of the heart and brain.

Getting the balance right means your dinner will do more than just fill you up — it’ll keep your energy steady, help you sleep better, and even boost your mood. Plus, taking time to enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal can make the whole experience more satisfying and joyful.

One-Bowl Wonders for Dinner

There's something special about a one-bowl meal. It's the ideal fusion of convenience, simplicity, and balance. You can combine protein, veggies, and grains in one dish, cutting prep time and cleanup. These meals are a godsend on hectic nights. From hearty curries to flavorful grain bowls, they’re comforting, customizable, and perfect for busy evenings or cozy nights in! 

Here are some ideas that we love at Forage Kitchen:

• Power Bowl: A bed of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, with roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes on top, and your preferred protein, such as beans, tofu, or roasted chicken.

• Club Med: In the mood for something tasty and innovative? Add roasted chicken, hummus, and a vibrant assortment of vegetables, such as cucumbers, olives, and cherry tomatoes, to a scoop of quinoa or couscous. Add some feta and lemony dressing to finish.

• Thai Bowl: For a little something different, try a Thai-style bowl with black rice, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli, carrots, sweet potato curry, cilantro, and thai basil pesto.

Easy dinners can still be very filling and healthy with these one-bowl recipes!

Fresh, Filling Salad Dinners

Salads have the potential to be the main event of your healthy dinners, rather than a side, if served with the right dressing and toppings. A salad can be filled with flavors, nutrients, and textures that satiate all your hunger without needing to be a traditional dinner plate.

Creating a delicious salad requires tasty ingredients, consistency, and layering nutrients. Effective use of greens, protein, healthy oils like nuts or avocados, and a crunchy favorite like seeds or croutons will make every bite perfect. To maximize the nutritional value, master a few easy dressing recipes that you can add to every salad bowl.

Here are some salads we recommend: 

• Cultured Cobb: This classic has tons and tons of protein to offer, with salad greens as a base and toppings like hard-boiled eggs, roasted chicken, some avocado, crispy bacon,  fresh tomatoes, and a drizzle of tangy vinaigrette to enhance the taste.

• Chicken Caesar: Romaine lettuce and roasted chicken topped with sourdough croutons and parmesan, tossed in a rich, classic Caesar dressing. Maybe add some bright, shredded carrots or fresh cucumber!

• Local Roots: A hearty mix of spinach, roasted beets, brussel sprouts, topped with candied walnuts, roasted fennel, and goat cheese; dressed with maple balsamic vinaigrette.

Warm and Comforting Dishes

Comfort foods often feel a hug on a plate. And what better time to indulge in a comfort meal than after a long day at work or home?

• Lentil and Vegetable Stew: This comforting stew is both rich in protein and has a high fiber count. All you need to do is toss some lentils with diced veggies of your choice such as carrots, celery, and spinach in a savory broth seasoned with garlic and thyme. Add in a pinch of paprika and then let simmer. 

• Roasted Sweet Potato and Salmon: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness while perfectly baked salmon brings in the vibrant flavors of the ocean. Try roasted sweet potatoes with baked salmon, a side of greens, and a drizzle of lemon and Greek yogurt. 

Wraps and Handhelds for Quick Dinners

Wraps are perfect for dinner because they’re quick, portable, and endlessly customizable. Fill them with protein, veggies and a tasty dressing for a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you go for a classic tortilla, a lettuce wrap, or a whole-grain option, they’re a delicious way to keep things fresh and fun!

Here are some ideas for you to try:

• Chicken Bacon Caesar Wrap: If you are a fan of Caesar salads and want a portable version, try out this wrap. This tasteful wrap consists of a whole-grain tortilla, bacon, roasted chicken, romaine lettuce, and classic Caesar dressing. Try it with a side of Avocado Green Goddess for dipping!

• Veggie Wrap: This option is plant-based and is bursting with flavors along with being healthy as well. Grab a whole-grain wrap. Add lots of hummus and roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms and some fresh greens along with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to give it a zesty finish.

• Baja Salmon Wrap: A generous portion of smoked salmon, cabbage slaw, guacamole, pickled red onion, salsa roja, avocado – all tightly wrapped in grilled flour tortilla.

Ready-Made Options for Busy Nights

When making dinner seems like too much on a busy weeknight, let someone else do the cooking! Forage Kitchen is a fantastic choice, offering fresh, ready-to-eat options like Forage Kitchen’s Club Med Bowl. A perfect bowl for anyone exploring The Mediterranean Diet. It provides quite a balanced meal, with organic quinoa, hummus, golden raisins, local feta cheese and creamy tahini dressing. Add tempeh or lentil meatballs for added protein!

That is not all we have. Our menu is full of dinner options that are guaranteed to help you destress after a long day and fuel your mind and body. From grain bowls and salad to wraps and soups, we make everything from scratch with the freshest locally sourced ingredients.

If you are committed to a sustainable lifestyle as much as we are, don’t forget to check out our seasonal menu. This winter, we have The Greek Wrap and Harvest Bowl - as well as warming Butternut Squash Soup and Forage Chili (it’s vegan!). So, what are you waiting for? Drop by your nearest Forage Kitchen and treat yourself to a comforting, tasty, healthy dinner.