Favorites such as pizza and burgers can be lightened up for healthier meals that even picky eaters can enjoy.
Yep, pasta is on the table, along with easy-to-make family-friendly pizza.
Beverage choices can include a glass of port wine or, for the kids,tart cherry juice.
Credit: Carson Downing
(We’re fans of adding shredded carrots, sliced radishes, and green onion.)
Eat them handheld or with a knife and forkeither way, they’re yummy.
Speed up prep by mixing up the homemade salad dressing in advance.
Credit: Andy Lyons
If you’re feeling ambitious, line up your fruits and veggies in rows for the ultimate photo-ready meal.
The light dinner idea includes a lemony sauce and olives, Brussels sprouts, and feta cheese.
Roasted Salmon and Farro Bowls
In the mood for fish and chips?
Credit: Blaine Moats
While it tastes complex, this light dinner idea can be on the table in 45 minutes.
Egg and Soba Noodle Bowl
Skip those ho-hum microwave “diet” meals.
This yummy veggie andnoodle bowlwill become your go-to healthy dinner.
Credit: Blaine Moats
White miso paste and soy sauce give this easy dinner a deep flavor.
One-bowl meals are a cinch to serve, making doing dishes quick and simple.
Serve the homemade burgers on toasted ciabatta rolls for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Eggplant-Parmesan Grandma Pizza
Brie Goldman
Pizza gets a fresh update when covered with eggplant and provolone cheese.
It’s filled with all the flavors you love of the classicItalian dish.
This easy, kid-friendly light dinner idea is perfect for a jam-packed weeknight evening.
Lemon-Pepper Air-Fryer Shrimp and Veggies
Busy night?
Start with agreen salad, and you’ll meet all your nutrition and flavor needs for a satisfying meal.
Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
A few shortcuts help get this dinner on the table fast.
Credit: Carson Downing
Quick-cooking chicken breast tenders and bottled Italian salad dressing go a long way in making this a weeknight win.
Finish this light dinner with plenty of freshly chopped tomato.
A bright mustard sauce adds tang to each bite.
Credit:Brie Goldman
To round out your plate, serve the meat and potatoes over zucchini noodles.
A few pita chips on the side add just the right amount of crunch.
Round out the platter with fresh radish, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Don’t skimp on the fresh dill on top.
A quick maple-mustard sauce ties all the flavors together and contrasts nicely with the richness of the pork.
As one reviewer raves, “I loved this!
Credit: Jason Donnelly
I doubled the sauce and substituted dried Thai chilies for the chili sauce.”
Finish this light dinner idea with crushed peanuts and fresh lime juice.
Dessert by Design: The Three Pleasures.
Credit: Andy Lyons
The Nutrition Source, Harvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health.
Heart-Healthy Eating on a Budget.
Credit: Carson Downing
What foods are in the Grains Group?
MyPlate, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Credit: Carson Downing
Credit: Greg DuPree
Credit:Andy Lyons
