By: Denise Bustard52 Comments
Posted: 7/9/21Updated: 7/9/21
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
34 healthy 30 minute dinner ideas that will get dinner on the table quickly. Stir fries, tacos, pasta, salads and so many more delicious recipes.
While I used to love taking my time in the kitchen trying out extravagant recipes, once I had kids, I realized I needed to streamline this process. Cooking with a toddler clinging to your knee just doesn't have the same fun factor 😉
Jump to... show
30 minute dinner ideas
This post is an update on a 2015 post...we've added brand new easy dinner ideas and more tips to help you get dinner on the table quickly!
Getting a healthy, delicious dinner on the table really doesn't need to take more than 30 minutes.
Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!
Tips for speedy dinners
- write out a plan- so you can spring into action as soon as you get home from work! Check out How to Write a Meal Plan
- thaw your protein- the night before! You can set a timer on your iCalendar, or use Alexa to remind you. See 5 Ways to Use Alexa in the Kitchen
- use short cuts- pre-chopped veggies are your friend
- keep it simple- sheet pan meals or one pot meals are going to make your life easy!
- meal prep- prepping meal components ahead really helps! Even if it's as simple as pre-chopping some veggies or making a stir fry sauce ahead, it's going to help you so much. See How to Meal Prep
Stir fries
When it comes to speed, stir fries are where it's at! You can customize for any protein you'd like, including some delicious vegan options, and it's easy to meal prep components ahead making it even faster to cook up on a week night.
Short Cut- use pre-chopped veggies and store-bought sauce.
Meal prep it- chop your veggies ahead and store in an air tight container for up to 4 days. Prep your stir fry sauce ahead and freeze for up to 3 months
Vegan Ginger Teriyaki Stir Fry
Vegan teriyaki stir fry is a delicious 30 minute plant-based dinner. Veggies and edamame are cooked up in a sticky sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Works great for meal prep as well!
Check out this recipe
Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir Fry (30 min!)
This sweet chili shrimp stir fry has a four ingredient sauce and comes together in under 30 minutes! With tender shrimp, a rainbow of vegetables, a deliciously sticky sauce.
Check out this recipe
Egg Roll in a Bowl (30 min, low carb)
Egg roll in a bowl tastes just like your favorite take out and comes together quickly using a single pan. With only 7 g net carbs, this recipe has slaw, ground pork, and a delicious sauce.
Check out this recipe
Maple Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir Fry (30 Minutes)
A simple cashew chicken stir fry packed with veggies, sprinkled with cashews, and tossed in a sticky maple ginger stir fry sauce. Works great for an easy weeknight dinner or for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Make it a taco night
Nothing is more crowd pleasing than tacos, amiright? These quick dinner ideas featuring tacos are going to get dinner on the table quickly, and make your family happy, too.
Short Cut- use pre-chopped veggies and store-bought taco seasoning
Meal prep it- chop your veggies ahead and store in an air tight container for up to 4 days. Cook your meat ahead and freeze for up to 3 months.
Instant Pot Taco Meat (fresh + frozen)
How to cook Instant Pot taco meat- from fresh or frozen ground beef! This recipe can be ready and on your table in 20 minutes or less.
Check out this recipe
Easy Tofu Tacos (15 Minutes!)
These easy tofu tacos have the BEST texture and are ready in 15 minutes. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner, they are vegan and meal prep friendly.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
Air fryer cauliflower chickpea tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dinner to get on your table quickly. Vegan, clean eating and easily made gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
Ginger Beef Tacos with Peanut Sauce (30 minutes)
Ginger beef tacos have spiced beef, crunchy veggies, and tangy peanut sauce. Make this Asian-inspired, 30-minute taco recipe tonight!
Check out this recipe
Pasta to the rescue
Another great quick dinner ideas is pasta! I love how versatile pasta is, and how you can mix it up with different proteins, veggies, and sauces.
Short Cut- look for one pot recipes that cook the pasta, veggies, protein and sauce all together! Pro tip- Instant Pot pasta is fantastic!
Meal prep it- pre cook your pasta and re-heat for easy dinners.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Saucy and beefy, this Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce cooks up together in under 30 minutes! The pasta absorbs a ton of flavor from the sauce, and there's only one pot to clean up.
Check out this recipe
Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles
Spicy Instant Pot peanut noodles are an easy veggie-loaded recipe that is ready in under 30 minutes! Works great as a meal prep recipe.
Check out this recipe
Spiralized Pasta with Egg and Asparagus
Spiralized pasta with egg and asparagus is a simple, veggie-packed dinner that gets dinner on the table quickly. Top with a perfectly poached egg to complete the meal!
Check out this recipe
Ground Turkey Pasta in Romesco Sauce
This easy ground turkey pasta recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and tossed in a Spanish roasted red pepper sauce (romesco sauce)!
Check out this recipe
Sun Dried Tomato One Pot Pasta
This sun dried tomato pasta with chickpeas, mushrooms and spinach cooks up in one pot! Give it a few stirs, and dinner is ready! Easy to assemble ahead and customize with your favorite ingredients.
Check out this recipe
One Pot Black Bean Fajita Pasta
One pot black bean fajita pasta is creamy and delicious vegetarian pasta recipe. With bell peppers, onions, black beans and fajita seasonings, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
The big salad
This always makes me think of Seinfeld: "it's a salad, only bigger, with lots of stuff in it". End of story! The perfect healthy dinner idea.
Short Cut- pre-chopped veggies, bottled dressing.
Meal prep it- assemble ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. This only works with some recipes, so be sure to refer to directions for specifics.
Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad
Spend thirty minutes making this meal prep sesame chicken pasta salad and you will be good to go for work lunches during the week! Packed full of healthy ingredients and tossed in a tangy sesame dressing.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Greek chicken pasta salad has fresh vegetables, chicken and pasta marinated in a Greek red wine vinaigrette with dill and feta cheese. Tangy, crunchy, cool and refreshing, it's perfect for a picnic, potluck or for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Kale Chicken Pasta Salad
This kale chicken pasta salad is made with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. A healthy meal that works great for meal prep, or an easy weeknight dinner!
Check out this recipe
Taco Salad Recipe
Ditch the messy tacos and make this healthy taco salad recipe instead...loaded with delicious turkey taco meat, crunchy tortilla chips, cheese and more! Easy to prep and perfect for a meal prep lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe
Autumn Apple Farro Salad
This autumn apple farro salad contains crunchy Granny Smith apples, pecans, dried cranberries, feta cheese, farro and spinach, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. The perfect way to celebrate apple season!
Check out this recipe
Refreshing Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Refreshing quinoa black bean salad is a big batch salad you can prep ahead. Perfect for a picnic, pot luck, or meal prep lunch! Gluten-free, vegetarian (vegan-friendly!), and clean eating.
Check out this recipe
Strawberry Arugula Salad with Steak & Balsamic Vinaigrette
This delicious salad is packed with fresh berries, almonds, feta and arugula, topped with seared steak, and drizzled with a simple and delicious balsamic vinaigrette! A fast and easy week-night dinner!
Check out this recipe
Skillet/One pan recipes
Make the cooking and the clean up easier by sticking to recipes that cook all in one pot or on a sheet pan. Healthy dinner ideas that are made in one pan are my go-to when I need to get dinner on the table on busy nights
Short Cut- pre-chopped veggies. Are you noticing a pattern here? 😉
Meal prep it- pre-chop or spiralize veggies. Note that potatoes and sweet potatoes can not be pre cut. Thaw proteins ahead, mix seasoning blends or sauces ahead. Some of these recipes can be cooked ahead and reheated. Refer to specific directions on each recipe.
Meal Prep Chicken Fajitas (Sheet Pan)
Sheet pan chicken fajitas with tender and juicy chicken, bell peppers, and onions tossed in a delicious homemade fajita seasoning. Ideal for meal prep or for a simple weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon
Baked lemon pepper salmon with green beans, asparagus and lemon dill yogurt is ready in under 25 minutes, and works for meal prep! Low carb & gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
Jamaican Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
This healthy Jamaican chicken sheet pan dinner bakes up with bell peppers, onions and potatoes in a spicy Jamaican spice rub in under 30 minutes. Top with fresh mango!
Check out this recipe
Sheet Pan Honey Lemon Sheet Pan Salmon and Broccolini
A simple honey lemon salmon recipe baked up on a sheet pan with broccolini. Serve over rice and drizzle with the honey lemon sauce. Makes a great meal prep lunch.
Check out this recipe
Make Ahead Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Gnocchi
This lemon chicken baked gnocchi has brussels sprouts, broccoli and feta cheese for the ultimate sheet pan dinner! Works great for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
One Pan Gnocchi With Sundried Tomatoes and White Beans
A healthy vegetarian recipe for one pangnocchi with sundried tomatoes, white beans, spinach and mushrooms! Ready in 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet
This enchilada sweet potato noodles skillet is a delicious vegetarian recipe that gets dinner on the table quickly and makes clean up a breeze.
Check out this recipe
Misc quick dinner ideas
These recipes don't necessarily fit into a category, but are delicious, easy recipes to have in your back pocket for busy nights. I particularly like salmon as a quick dinner idea as it cooks through quickly. Shrimp is great when you forget to thaw something, as you can thaw in cold water for 15 minutes.
Teriyaki Salmon Glaze
This teriyaki salmon glaze is sweet, sticky, and so easy to prepare! No need to marinate means this recipe is ready in under 25 minutes.
Barbecue Chicken Lettuce Wraps
5 simple ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need to make these barbecue chicken lettuce wraps! Light, full of flavor, and a real crowd pleaser.
Check out this recipe
White Bean & Spinach Quesadillas (Freezer Friendly)
Make these smashed white bean and spinach quesadillas ahead of time and stash them in the freezer for an easy and healthy lunch that actually fills you up!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
A healthy chicken quesadilla recipe that you can customize based on what's in your fridge, and who you are serving! Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and ready in minutes.
Check out this recipe
Cajun Chicken Wrap Recipe
This cajun chicken wrap recipe is perfect for meal prep! Ready in under 20 minutes, packed full of veggies, and SO delicious for lunches or dinners!
Check out this recipe
Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Pepperoni pizza stuffed portobello mushrooms are a simple low carb dinner recipe. Portobello mushroom pizzas also make a delicious meal prep lunch!
Check out this recipe
Meet Denise Bustard
Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.
Read more...
You May Also Like...
28 Healthy Dinner Meal Prep Ideas
30 Chicken Dinner Ideas to Keep Things Exciting
30 Minute Meal Prep Recipes
30 + Chicken Breast Recipes
Reader Interactions
Leave a Comment
Emma says
Thanks for the recipe ideas. I'll take a note.
Reply
Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Hi Emma, we hope you enjoy making some of these recipes! If you make any of them, be sure to come back and leave a rating and review as we'd love to know how they turn out for you. Enjoy!
Reply
Ginny says
So many great ideas!Reply
Denise says
Thanks Ginny! Hope you find some good ones 🙂
Reply
carla says
i love food but at the same time i love cakes and cookies!so please put on some dessert recipes. thank you
Reply
Denise says
Hi Carla! I'm just not your girl for desserts. I love Live Well Bake Often for desserts! https://www.livewellbakeoften.com/
Reply
Chelsea says
My daughter is very excited to try these. Maybe get your kids to help cook to get them excited to try new foods. I also don't have a gall bladder and don't have these dietary restrictions. The only thing that I need to be mindful of is fats, as that is what your gall bladder is responsible for breaking down.
Reply
Denise says
Hi Clara, for some reason there are pins on pinterest unrelated to this post diverting traffic to this post. I have contacted Pinterest many times about this but they have done nothing to rectify the situation. I'm sorry you've been mislead to this post but please know that I have absolutely nothing to do with it 🙁
Reply
Denise says
Hi Alexis, I know this is going to sound crazy, but there is a spam account on Pinterest linking random images to my site, and I have nothing to do with it. I contacted Pinterest and they said they couldn't do anything about it either. Could you link me to the pin so I can contact them about it again, please? I don't want people thinking I'm trying to click bait, because that's not my style and it's super skeezy. Thanks so much.
Reply
Tommi Kenneth says
Wao! Thanks for this mouth watering healthy 30 minute dinners. Great post
Reply
Jennie says
My kids love this kind of food. Not all kids guffaw at the sight of green vegetables. ?
Reply
Andrea says
Well gee, good thing you left a nasty comment instead of just clicking the “back” button. ☹️
Reply
Denise says
Hey Shay I have tons of vegan meal prep recipe here: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/vegan-meal-prep-recipes/
Reply
Lewis Davis says
Thanks for this great post on 30 minutes recipes. This should be a must read for every woman
Reply
Quinn says
And a must read for every man who does the cooking in the family 🙂
Seriously, this an excellent list of recipes that not only work, but inspire. Thank you Denise!
Reply
Denise says
So happy you found it inspiring! Hope you find some tasty dinner ideas 🙂
Reply
Lucy K. says
Thanks for this Dinner Recipes, I am so thrilled about 30 minutes dinner, can't wait to try this
Reply
Denise says
Thanks so much, hope you find one you enjoy 🙂
Reply
Amanda says
Lol find a blog post that actually helps you instead of telling other people how to run theirs ?
Reply
Older Comments
