20 Healthy Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Allison Day, Updated on May 31, 2019

If you’re crunched for time but still want to enjoy a healthy dinner, you’re spoiled for choice with these stellar suppers. There’s a dish for every mood and craving, from tasty tacos to big flavourful salads and beyond – all ready in 30 minutes or less.

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Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad

Kale, apple, nuts and cheese are a speedy and healthful base for crispy, juicy pan-seared salmon, a source of protein and omega-3s. Make extra to pack for lunch tomorrow so you can cook (quickly!) once and eat twice. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/recipe/pan-seared-salmon-with-kale-and-apple-salad/20895/" target="_blank">Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad</a>
2 of 20

Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing

Pick up a rotisserie chicken on your way home from work, or use leftover chicken, beef or tofu to boost the protein in this faux take-out dinner. Filled with crunchy veggies, citrus and a creamy peanut dressing, this meal can stand on its own, or be paired with your favourite grain. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/recipe/pan-seared-salmon-with-kale-and-apple-salad/20895/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing</a>
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Miso Maple Tofu Steaks

Tofu is a lean, mild plant-based protein that soaks up any flavour you add to it. Serve these umami-rich tofu steaks with steamed rice and bok choy for a speedy supper you’ll be making again and again. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/miso-maple-tofu-steaks/14756/" target="_blank">Miso Maple Tofu Steaks</a>
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Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema

If you’re tired of long-cooking stews in the cooler weather and are craving something fresher, whip up a batch of vegan cauliflower tacos loaded with vibrant mango slaw and avocado crema – all ready in about 30 minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cauliflower-tacos-with-mango-slaw-and-avocado-crema/16225/" target="_blank">Cauliflower Tacos with Mango Slaw and Avocado Crema</a>
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Vegan Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo

Almonds, soy cream cheese and nutritional yeast create a dairy-free sauce ready to slick tender noodles for a speedy vegan alternative to classic fettuccine alfredo. A hint of lemon keeps things bright. This is pure 30-minute comfort food, but made a touch more virtuous. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/recipe/vegan-lemon-fettuccine-alfredo/20855/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vegan Lemon Fettuccine Alfredo</a>
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Cauliflower Fried Rice

Rice is replaced with minced cauliflower for a vegetable-forward alternative to the classically starchy dish. Add cubes of smoked tofu to boost the protein, if desired. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/recipe/cauliflower-fried-rice/20867/" target="_blank">Cauliflower Fried Rice</a>
7 of 20

Rainbow Quinoa Taco Salad with Vegan Dressing

Quinoa is the time-crunched healthy cook’s best friend, steaming up in under 20 minutes. Here, it adds heft to a meal-sized taco salad that just happens to be vegan. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rainbow-quinoa-taco-salad-with-vegan-dressing/16231/" target="_blank">Rainbow Quinoa Taco Salad with Vegan Dressing</a>
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Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers

Don’t just reserve your burger making and eating for the warmer months – they can also be made in a cast-iron or non-stick skillet on the stovetop. This lean chicken burger is filled with Middle Eastern flavours and served up on a whole wheat bun for a satisfying, speedy, anytime-of-year dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/middle-eastern-chicken-burgers/18430/" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers</a>
9 of 20

25-Minute Cod with Lentils

It’s all in the name with this fish dish. Canned lentils reduce the cooking time, leaving you more time to focus on enjoying the meal, or choosing a wine to pair alongside. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/25-minute-cod-with-lentils/20352/" target="_blank">25-Minute Cod with Lentils</a>
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30-Minute Pan-Seared Salmon with Baby Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms

This dream dinner of juicy salmon, crispy-tender bok choy and meaty mushrooms is served up on a bed of fluffy rice. And, yes, it’s all ready in <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-dinners-30-minutes-or-less/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">30 minutes</a>! Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/30-minute-pan-seared-salmon-with-baby-bok-choy-and-shiitake-mushrooms/19848/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">30-Minute Pan-Seared Salmon with Baby Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms</a>
11 of 20

Orange Chicken Tagine

Tagines usually stew for hours on end, but this faster version of the Moroccan stew is made weeknight friendly. Couscous soaks up all of those tasty tagine juices and rehydrates in just minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/orange-chicken-tagine/12793/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Orange Chicken Tagine</a>
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Basil and Potatoes with Peppers and Onions

For those who want to eat healthy and quick but still want their ‘meat-and-potatoes’ fix, consider this scrumptious chicken dinner with a twist. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/parmesan-crusted-chicken-breasts-with-tomato-and-basil-and-potatoes-with-peppers-and-onions/18182/" target="_blank">Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts with Tomato and Basil and Potatoes with Peppers and Onions</a>
13 of 20

Asparagus and Chicken Stir-fry

Stir-fries are always a fast option for a last-minute dinner, but often fall flat upon delivery and taste muddled. Here, a more refined version with tender asparagus and lean chicken gives speedy stir-fries a new look for a meal that works just as well for a weeknight as it does for entertaining. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/asparagus-and-chicken-stir-fry/21461/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Asparagus and Chicken Stir-fry</a>
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Maple Glazed Chicken

Apple, shallots, sage, maple and chicken bring the unmistakable taste of fall to your table. While it’s all cooking up, make a salad and steam a pot of quinoa to round out the meal. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-glazed-chicken/18009/" target="_blank">Maple Glazed Chicken</a>
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25-Minute Grilled Pork Chops with Succotash

Use an indoor grill pan or cast-iron skillet to make this 25-minute pork chop dinner, complete with corn succotash, anytime of year. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/25-minute-grilled-pork-chops-with-succotash/21467/" target="_blank">25-Minute Grilled Pork Chops with Succotash</a>
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Lighter Fried Pork Chops

Southern spinach, beans and fried pork are made healthier and speedier for a complete comfort food meal that will leave you feeling great. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lighter-fried-pork-chop/20676/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Lighter Fried Pork Chops</a>
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30-Minute Turkey Chili

Beans and lean turkey bring protein and iron to a big pot of comfy-cozy chili. Smoky adobo gives that long-cooked flavour in just 30 minutes, while beer adds a welcome zip. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/30-minute-turkey-chili/19732/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">30-Minute Turkey Chili</a>
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30-Minute Grilled Chicken Thighs with Watermelon and Feta Salad

This Greek chicken dinner balances sweet and salty flavours for a healthy, hydrating dish that is sure to inspire your next vacation. Use an indoor grill pan or simple skillet to take this supper inside. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/30-minute-grilled-chicken-thighs-with-watermelon-and-feta-salad/21839/#1mfIxArTyMv2OlBc.99" target="_blank">30-Minute Grilled Chicken Thighs with Watermelon and Feta Salad</a>
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Sesame Tofu Salad

Hold off on the takeout and instead make this sweet, sour and salty sesame salad complete with tender tofu and mandarin oranges, in under 30 minutes. Transform the salad with soft rice paper wrappers for a fresh take on a summer roll, or serve with hot white rice to contrast the crisp, cool vegetables. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sesame-tofu-salad/18892/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Sesame Tofu Salad</a>
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Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde

Prepare to swoon over this wholesome and elegant dinner. Orange, agave, mint and capers bring big flavour to this quick-cooking salmon. Be sure to make extra to keep on top of your meal-prep game. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-salmon-with-citrus-salsa-verde/10980/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa Verde</a>
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