The eternal quest for semi healthy dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor! I mean, who says you can’t have your cake and eat it, too (or in this case, your pizza and still fit into your jeans)? As someone who’s tried (and failed) to stick to a strict diet, I’m all about finding that perfect balance between nourishing and delicious. Enter: these 20 balanced family meals that are about to become your new BFFs.
When it comes to lightened up comfort food, the key is to make a few smart swaps without losing that cozy, indulgent feel. And trust me, these recipes deliver! From 80/20 diet recipes to healthy-ish dinner ideas, I’ve got you covered. So, what makes a semi healthy dinner, you ask? For me, it’s all about finding that sweet spot where nutrition meets flavor. Think nutritious comfort food that’s still satisfying, but won’t weigh you down.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
This recipe rocks because it’s an easy way to add some extra veggies to your meal without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor. I mean, who doesn’t love a good stuffed chicken breast?
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It:
This recipe is a game-changer for a quick weeknight dinner. The spinach and feta add a boost of flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner. Plus, it’s ready in under 40 minutes!
Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
This recipe is a staple in my household, and for good reason – it’s healthy-ish and delicious! The combination of quinoa and black beans provides a complete protein and a ton of fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the bell pepper and onion until tender.
3. Add the black beans, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
4. Serve the black bean mixture over the cooked quinoa.
Why You’ll Love It:
This quinoa and black bean bowl is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Baked Salmon with Roasted Veggies
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The salmon provides a boost of omega-3s, while the roasted veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potato, zucchini, and bell pepper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
5. Place the salmon fillets on a separate baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It:
This baked salmon with roasted veggies is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. The salmon and roasted veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Turkey and Avocado Wrap
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The turkey provides a boost of protein, while the avocado adds a ton of healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 2 oz sliced turkey breast
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon hummus
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Lay the tortilla flat and arrange the turkey, avocado, mixed greens, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with hummus and fold the wrap in half.
3. Slice in half and serve.
Why You’ll Love It:
This turkey and avocado wrap is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The turkey and avocado provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until browned.
2. Add the mixed veggies, garlic, and soy sauce, and stir-fry until the veggies are tender.
3. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken and veggie stir-fry is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken and veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Lentil Soup
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The lentils provide a boost of protein and fiber, while the veggies add a ton of nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little olive oil until tender.
2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, and dried thyme, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lentil soup is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The lentils and veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the pineapple adds a ton of vitamin C.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the chicken, pineapple, and mixed veggies onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and soy sauce, and grill for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It:
This grilled chicken and pineapple skewers is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a summer evening. The chicken and pineapple provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Roasted Veggie and Goat Cheese Salad
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The goat cheese provides a boost of protein, while the roasted veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the mixed veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a bowl, combine the roasted veggies, goat cheese, and parsley.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve.
Why You’ll Love It:
This roasted veggie and goat cheese salad is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The goat cheese and roasted veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken Fajitas
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the bell peppers add a ton of vitamin C.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until browned.
2. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook until tender.
3. Season with fajita seasoning and serve with warm flour or corn tortillas.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken fajitas is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken and bell peppers provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Meatballs
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, while the turkey meatballs add a boost of protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup zucchini noodles
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese, and form into meatballs.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Cook the zucchini noodles according to package instructions.
5. Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and zucchini noodles.
Why You’ll Love It:
This zucchini noodles with turkey meatballs is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a light dinner. The turkey meatballs and zucchini noodles provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Breakfast for Dinner
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The scrambled eggs provide a boost of protein, while the whole wheat toast adds a ton of fiber.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
- 2 slices whole wheat toast
- 1 tablespoon butter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the butter in a pan and cook the mixed veggies until tender.
3. Serve the scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast and mixed veggies.
Why You’ll Love It:
This breakfast for dinner is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The shrimp provides a boost of protein, while the mixed veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the shrimp until pink.
2. Add the mixed veggies, garlic, and soy sauce, and stir-fry until the veggies are tender.
3. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love It:
This shrimp and veggie stir-fry is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The shrimp and mixed veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken Quesadilla
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the whole wheat tortilla adds a ton of fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 whole wheat tortillas
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat a pan and place a tortilla in the pan.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese, chicken, onion, and bell pepper on half of the tortilla.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken quesadilla is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken and whole wheat tortilla provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The beef provides a boost of protein, while the broccoli adds a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the beef until browned.
2. Add the broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce, and stir-fry until the broccoli is tender.
3. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love It:
This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The beef and broccoli provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Veggie and Hummus Wrap
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The hummus provides a boost of protein, while the mixed veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1/4 cup hummus
- 1 cup mixed veggies (cucumber, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Spread the hummus on the tortilla.
2. Arrange the mixed veggies and parsley on the tortilla.
3. Roll up the wrap and slice in half.
Why You’ll Love It:
This veggie and hummus wrap is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The hummus and mixed veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken and Rice Bowl
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the brown rice adds a ton of fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the mixed veggies until tender.
3. Serve the chicken and mixed veggies over the brown rice.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken and rice bowl is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The chicken and brown rice provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Turkey Meatball Subs
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The turkey meatballs provide a boost of protein, while the whole wheat sub rolls add a ton of fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 whole wheat sub rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese, and form into meatballs.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Serve the meatballs on whole wheat sub rolls with marinara sauce.
Why You’ll Love It:
This turkey meatball subs is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The turkey meatballs and whole wheat sub rolls provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken and Veggie Kabobs
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the mixed veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mixed veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the chicken and mixed veggies onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and lemon juice, and grill for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken and veggie kabobs is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a summer evening. The chicken and mixed veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Veggie and Cheese Omelette
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The eggs provide a boost of protein, while the mixed veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the butter in a pan and cook the mixed veggies until tender.
3. Pour the eggs over the veggies and cook until the eggs are set.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and fold the omelette in half.
Why You’ll Love It:
This veggie and cheese omelette is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or dinner. The eggs and mixed veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the broccoli adds a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup whole wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until browned.
3. Add the broccoli and garlic, and cook until the broccoli is tender.
4. Serve the chicken and broccoli over the pasta.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken and broccoli pasta is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The chicken and broccoli provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Beef Tacos
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The beef provides a boost of protein, while the mixed veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup mixed veggies (lettuce, tomatoes, onions)
- 4 whole wheat tacos
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon salsa
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a pan until browned.
2. Add the mixed veggies and cook until tender.
3. Serve the beef and veggies in whole wheat tacos with shredded cheese and salsa.
Why You’ll Love It:
This beef tacos is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The beef and mixed veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken Caesar Salad
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the romaine lettuce adds a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken
- 2 cups romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Chop the romaine lettuce and place in a bowl.
2. Add the cooked chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and serve.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken Caesar salad is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a light dinner. The chicken and romaine lettuce provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The ground turkey provides a boost of protein, while the bell peppers add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed veggies (onions, tomatoes, cheese)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. Mix the ground turkey, cooked rice, and mixed veggies, and fill the bell peppers.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender.
Why You’ll Love It:
This stuffed bell peppers is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. The ground turkey and bell peppers provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Baked Chicken Thighs
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken thighs provide a boost of protein, while the mixed veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Serve with mixed veggies.
Why You’ll Love It:
This baked chicken thighs is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The chicken thighs and mixed veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Grilled Chicken and Veggie Wrap
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the mixed veggies add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mixed veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
- 2 whole wheat tortillas
- 1/4 cup hummus
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the chicken and mixed veggies onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and grill for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Serve in whole wheat tortillas with hummus.
Why You’ll Love It:
This grilled chicken and veggie wrap is a nutritious comfort food dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The chicken and mixed veggies provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
Chicken and Mushroom Creamy Pasta
This recipe is a healthy-ish twist on a classic comfort food dish. The chicken provides a boost of protein, while the mushrooms add a ton of fiber and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mixed mushrooms
- 1 cup whole wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until browned.
3. Add the mushrooms and garlic, and cook until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Serve the chicken and mushrooms over the pasta.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken and mushroom creamy pasta is a balanced family meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The chicken and mushrooms provide a ton of nutrients, making it a great option for a semi healthy dinner.
In conclusion, these 20 semi healthy dinners are perfect for anyone looking for a balanced family meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. With a mix of lightened up comfort food, 80/20 diet recipes, and healthy-ish dinner ideas, you’ll never get bored. Plus, most of these recipes are quick, easy, and can be customized to suit your tastes. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy a nutritious comfort food dinner that’s both satisfying and good for you!
