Healthy Living

Are you looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners for busy weeknights? Try one of these nutritious, flavorful options. Each one takes just 20 minutes or less to prepare. Plus, with no more than 14 grams of carbohydrates and at least 15 grams of protein per serving, these light yet satisfying meals are perfect for any night of the week. Recipes like our 5-Ingredient Everything Bagel–Crusted Salmon and our Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli are delicious, filling and come together quickly.

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5-Ingredient Everything Bagel–Crusted Salmon

Here, we use everything bagel seasoning to create a crisp, savory crust on salmon. A creamy garlic-yogurt sauce and some chopped cucumber add balance, making this five-ingredient entree feel special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli

Tender chicken cutlets are paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a light garlic cream sauce in this easy skillet dinner. A splash of white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor.

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03 of 23

High-Protein Greek Salad Omelet Wrap

Would you rather have a salad or a wrap for dinner? Wait, why not both! This protein-packed meal features Greek salad tucked into an egg-white wrap. It also makes for a delicious breakfast.

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Ginger-Scallion Salmon

This simple dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Salmon is steamed until tender and finished with sizzling ginger, scallions and a fragrant soy-sesame sauce, highlighting the natural richness of the fish while keeping the prep quick.

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05 of 23

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Dijon Dressing

We've replaced chicken with shrimp in this delicious and easy spin on the classic Cobb salad. This satisfying salad takes just 20 minutes to make, so it's perfect for weeknight dinners, but it's also elegant enough to serve to guests.

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06 of 23

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken

Drawing inspiration from the Italian appetizer, we replace the usual toasted bread with protein-packed chicken cutlets. The vibrant and juicy chopped tomato topping remains a constant, complemented by a drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

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07 of 23

Avocado Tuna Salad

Jazz up a can of tuna with this easy avocado tuna salad recipe. Silky avocado adds creaminess, cut with a hit of acidity from lemon and a briny punch from feta cheese. Romaine hearts and cucumber offer a refreshing crunch.

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Easy Chicken Tenders with Lemon & Garlic

The secret to this easy chicken tenders recipe lies in the tangy lemon-and-garlic drizzle that picks up the savory flavors left in the pan from pan-searing.

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Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata

This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Serve it for dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of olive oil–drizzled crusty baguette.

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Pesto Shrimp

This versatile and quick pesto shrimp can be served alongside a hunk of crusty bread, over pasta or rice, or even used as a topping for pizza. We like the brightness and fresh flavor of refrigerated pesto, but a homemade classic basil pesto will make the dish extra special.

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Sea Bass with Citrus Salsa

Here, we use sea bass, a tender, mild-flavored fish with a lovely buttery quality. The white-fleshed fish pairs well with the bright flavors of the simple grapefruit-and-orange topping.

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Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato Salad

Juicy, tender steak is paired with a fresh tomato salad for a satisfying meal. The jalapeño brings a mild heat to elevate the flavor profile.

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Chopped Power Salad with Chicken

Enjoy this filling and colorful salad for lunch or dinner. The dressing gets made in the same bowl that the salad is tossed in, so the greens absorb every bit of flavor.

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Gochujang-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Spinach

Gochujang—a Korean red chile paste—and honey give this salmon a little bit of sweetness and a whole lot of spice. The flavorful fish sits on a bed of antioxidant-rich spinach that gets a garlicky boost.

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Creamy Lemon & Dill Skillet Chicken

This creamy skillet chicken is a true crowd-pleaser and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. The cutlets cook quickly, and the drippings from the pan are at the heart of the tangy, vibrant pan sauce.

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Super Quick Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi feels like a restaurant dish, but it is actually very easy to make. For a more satisfying dish, add peas or thinly sliced carrots, or serve it over spaghetti squash.

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Pistachio-Crusted Halibut

A layer of pistachios combined with panko breadcrumbs on top of the halibut fillets provides a delicious crunch and a pop of vitamin B6. We like the firm texture and mild flavor of halibut, but cod, haddock or tilapia can be used in its place.

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Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach

A garlic cream sauce makes this chicken dinner extra flavorful—and it’s all ready in only 20 minutes. Spinach adds a boost of color and nutrition to this easy one-skillet recipe.

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Pan-Fried Bass

These fish fillets have a crispy, crunchy exterior thanks to a combination of seasoned breadcrumbs and cornmeal. Serve with tartar sauce, white-and-wild rice and steamed broccoli.

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Lemon & Panko-Crusted Salmon

Mayonnaise helps the dill-infused panko crust stick to salmon fillets in this ultra-quick recipe. A squeeze of lemon along with the mayo adds tanginess to the crispy crust.

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One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

Shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in this easy, one-pot recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this healthy shrimp recipe over whole grains or rice.

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Chicken Puttanesca

This chicken dinner delivers a good amount of protein and plenty of flavor. Serve over pasta or with crusty whole-grain bread so you can enjoy every bit of this olive- and caper-studded sauce.

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Salmon Caesar Salad

This easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine.

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You only need one skillet to whip up one of these easy and tasty dinner recipes. With complex carbs like whole grains and legumes, alongside low amounts of saturated fat and sodium, these skillet dinners fit well into a diabetes-friendly eating pattern. Recipes like our Pizza Bean Skillet and our Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet take 30 minutes or less of active cooking time, making them perfect options for busy weeknights.

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Pizza Bean Skillet

This one-pan vegetarian dinner captures all the savory, cheesy flavors of pizza in a hearty skillet of beans and vegetables. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or serving over whole grains for a more filling meal.

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02 of 15

High-Protein Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a fast, hearty meal made with just five simple ingredients (not counting oil, salt and pepper) for a flavorful one-pan dinner. The sweet potatoes cook until tender, soaking up the savory flavors from the beef and veggies. With no complicated prep or cleanup, it’s a satisfying and stress-free option for any night of the week.

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03 of 15

Spicy Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir-fry is a quick, bold dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender strips of chicken are cooked, then tossed with crisp cabbage and a spicy chili-garlic sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. With just five ingredients, it’s proof that simple can still mean flavorful.

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04 of 15

Brothy Lemon-Garlic Beans

These brothy lemon-garlic beans offer a comforting dinner that comes together in minutes. The creamy beans soak up the garlicky, lemon-infused broth, which is perfectly sopped up with a piece of toasted whole-wheat bread. For a little extra flair, finish the dish with a drizzle of good olive oil—or, for a creamier take, a dollop of Greek-style yogurt.

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05 of 15

Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole

This easy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare, meaning that seared steak can be a weeknight meal. Cooking herbs in the pan with the steak releases their aroma, infusing it into the meat while creating a crispy garnish. After the steaks and herbs are pan-seared, the escarole is cooked in the same skillet, so this healthy dinner requires minimal cleanup too.

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06 of 15

Black Bean Fajita Skillet

You can often find presliced and ready-to-cook fresh vegetables in your grocer's produce section. Use these to your advantage to cut down on dinnertime prep. Here, presliced fajita vegetables are sautéed with canned black beans and Southwest seasoning for a quick and easy Tex Mex-inspired meal. Plus, this recipe requires just three ingredients, not including basics like salt, pepper and oil. You can easily take your bowl up a notch by adding some cheese, sour cream or another tasty topping.

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07 of 15

Mushroom & Tofu Stir-Fry

This tofu veggie stir-fry is quick and easy, making it a great go-to weeknight meal. Baked tofu has a firm, toothsome texture that crisps well in a hot pan. You can find it in flavors like teriyaki and sesame, both of which are delicious here. Or opt for a smoked version, which has the same texture with a more robust flavor. Serve over brown rice.

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08 of 15

Cheddar and Zucchini Frittata

This frittata, made with cheddar cheese and zucchini, is quick and easy to prepare. With just 115 calories per serving, this is a guilt-free meal.

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09 of 15

5-Ingredient Everything Bagel–Crusted Salmon

For this 20-minute dinner, we turn to everything bagel seasoning to create a crisp, savory crust on salmon. A creamy garlic-yogurt sauce and some chopped cucumber add balance, making this five-ingredient entree feel special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.

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Charred Shrimp, Pesto & Quinoa Bowls

These shrimp, pesto and quinoa bowls are delicious, healthy and pretty—and they take less than 30 minutes to prep. In other words, they're basically the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Feel free to add more vegetables and swap out the shrimp for chicken, steak, tofu or edamame.

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One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

This one-skillet salmon and broccoli recipe is the perfect 20-minute dinner for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp, garlicky broccoli and bell pepper, all cooked in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. Packed with lean protein, omega-3s and a generous serving of veggies, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat!

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Beef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger

All the ingredients for this easy beef stir-fry recipe are cooked in one wok (or skillet), so not only is the meal prep fast for this healthy dinner, but cleanup is quick too.

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Skillet Lemon-Garlic Salmon

This ultra-quick one-skillet lemon-garlic salmon recipe features plenty of lemony flavors from both zest and juice. Garlic adds a savory note.

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Chipotle-Orange Broccoli & Tofu

Chipotle peppers add kick to this tofu and broccoli stir-fry recipe. If you're shy about spice, cut back on the amount or leave them out completely. Serve over brown basmati rice.

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One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Spinach

This shrimp and spinach recipe cooks quickly for a simple one-pot weeknight dinner. A fast pan sauce gets life from lemon juice, crushed red pepper and parsley.

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Bean skillets are an endlessly versatile way to bring in some extra protein, fiber and other nutrients into your day. From spicy black beans to creamy butter beans, these skillets have earned four- and five-star ratings from EatingWell readers. Recipes like our Pizza Bean Skillet or Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans are the healthy and comforting answer to dinner indecision.

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Pizza Bean Skillet

This one-pan vegetarian dinner captures all the savory, cheesy flavors of pizza in a hearty skillet of beans and vegetables. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or serving over whole grains for a more filling meal.

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02 of 13

French Onion Skillet Beans

Inspired by classic French onion soup, this comforting skillet bake turns caramelized onions and creamy butter beans into a weeknight-friendly dish. Topped with a gooey blanket of Gruyère and fontina and a crisp layer of panko, it delivers all the flavors of a slow-simmered favorite in under an hour. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something hearty, cheesy and satisfying.

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03 of 13

Easy White Bean Skillet

This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.

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04 of 13

Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans

Creamy, herbaceous and comforting, these skillet beans draw inspiration from spanakopita, the Greek spinach pie. Cannellini beans add plant-based protein and fiber to make this dinner filling while fresh dill, parsley and a squeeze of lemon provide brightness. Serve it straight from the skillet with multigrain pita chips for dipping.

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05 of 13

Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.

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06 of 13

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

This Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender cubes of butternut squash and hearty black beans are simmered in green enchilada sauce, with tortilla strips stirred in. As it cooks, the tortillas soak up the sauce. A layer of melted cheese ties everything together. It’s a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

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07 of 13

Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet

This Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet is the perfect dish for scooping up with your favorite toasted whole-grain bread. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst as they roast, mingling with creamy white beans to create a flavorful base. Chunky pieces of feta cheese are nestled into the skillet and baked until warm and soft. The result is a savory, creamy mix with tangy bites of feta in every bite.

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08 of 13

Creamy Pesto Beans

These creamy pesto beans come together in just 30 minutes. The sauce clings to tender white beans, and whatever is left is perfect for sopping up with a warm, crusty baguette. For a heartier meal, serve the beans over whole-grain pasta, letting the sauce coat every bite.

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09 of 13

Cheesy White Bean & Rice Skillet

This cheesy white bean and rice skillet is the ultimate one-pan wonder. The rice forms a crispy golden layer at the bottom, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Aromatic seasonings combine with tender white beans, while a blanket of melted provolone over the top brings on ooey-gooey perfection. If you like a little heat, don’t skip the teaspoon of chopped Calabrian chiles.

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Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet

This Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet is a different take on Marry Me Chicken—a dish traditionally made with chicken coated in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce. By swapping in fiber-packed white beans and spinach as the main ingredients, we’ve given it a vegetarian spin. You’ll want to sop up every last bit of sauce, so serve this with a nice hunk of crusty whole-grain bread.

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White Bean Enchilada Skillet

This skillet recipe takes inspiration from classic enchiladas, featuring veggies, tortillas, white beans and a cheesy topping. Instead of rolling up the filling, the tortillas are baked right into the skillet for the perfect weeknight dinner. We love tangy green enchilada sauce here, but feel free to swap it out for red sauce if you prefer.

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Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Butter Beans

These creamy garlic-Parmesan butter beans are a quick and comforting plant-based dinner. Velvety butter beans are simmered in broth with plenty of garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and flavorful stew-like dinner. Served with crusty bread for dipping, it’s the perfect cozy meal to whip up on a busy evening—hearty, warm and utterly delicious.

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Cheesy Chicken & White Bean Skillet

This chicken and white bean skillet is so easy, creamy and cheesy you’ll want to eat it on repeat! With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to satisfy. Pepper Jack cheese and a jalapeño pepper add kick to the sauce. If you want to reduce the heat, swap out the pepper Jack for Monterey Jack and skip the jalapeño.

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