54 Dinner Recipes for Weight Loss

Black Bean and Rice Enchiladas

I love Mexican food, but I’m always looking for ways to make it more healthy. I “renovated” a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

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Zucchini Crust Pizza

My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario

Pork and Asparagus Sheet-Pan Dinner

When time is of the essence, it's nice to have a quick and easy meal idea in your back pocket. Not only is it delicious, but you can clean it up in a flash. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Moo Shu Mushroom Wraps

With so many awesome veggies out there, I'm always playing around with the ingredients in these sandwiches. Sometimes I add extra protein, too—chicken, shrimp, pork, beef and tofu all work. Check for sriracha and hoisin sauces in the Asian or international foods section of your grocery store. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

Turkey Stroganoff with Spaghetti Squash

My twin sister and I came up with this entree after we both successfully lost weight but still wanted to indulge in comfort food. Spaghetti squash is a fantastic healthy alternative to pasta, and we use it in many recipes. —Courtney Varela, Aliso Viejo, California

Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this stuffed poblano peppers recipe, which is one of our favorites. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan

Pinto Bean Tostadas

Ready-to-go pinto beans and crispy corn tortillas prove how easy it is to make a healthy meal. Chili powder kicks up the fun, making this a popular pick for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley

Unlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Mediterranean Turkey Skillet

I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin

Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup

This is one of my favorite soup recipes to serve in the wintertime because it's super easy to make and fills the house with a wonderful aroma. My whole family loves it! —Brandy Stansbury, Edna, Texas

Vegetarian Bean Tacos

I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana

Southwest Turkey Soup

Ground turkey and a handful of other ingredients are all that's required for this satisfying soup that's spiced with salsa, green chiles and chili powder. It's perfect on busy weeknights in the winter. —Genise Krause, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes

I love making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and then popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

Hearty Italian White Bean Soup

A bowlful of this soup is so satisfying, it's hard to believe it's actually good for you, too. I crave it all the time. With lots of beans and potatoes, it's filling and even hits the spot with meat lovers. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas

Greek Stuffed Banana Peppers

If you're looking for a ground turkey recipe that delivers, this is the one! The filling is flavorful and the peppers add some nice heat. You can easily stuff them ahead of time and bake them up when you're ready. —Ola Snow, Powell, Ohio

Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls

An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon

Turkey Mole Tacos

In contrast to traditional tacos, these taste complete as is, without further garnishes or sauces. I’ve also made this using bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs and increasing the cooking time appropriately. —Helen Glazier, Seattle

Curried Rice & Noodles

As the head cook at a girls camp, I have to make a vegetarian option for each meal. This one is a favorite! —Debbie Fleenor, Monterey, Tennessee

Mango Chutney Chicken Curry

My father dreamed up this curry and chutney combination. Now my family cooks it on road trips—in rain and sun, in the mountains, even on the beach. Adjust the curry for taste and heat. —Dina Moreno, Seattle, Washington

Vegetarian Black Bean Pasta

This black bean pasta was something I created as a teenager, back when I was a vegetarian. Now that my daughter doesn't eat meat, she asks for this dinner several times a week. —Ashlynn Azar, Beaverton, Oregon

Tangy Turkey Tostadas

I'm a health fitness specialist and personal trainer, so I know how important it is to make smart food choices to fuel my day. These fast and filling tostadas are packed with lean protein, fiber and a good dose of veggies. Have them any night of the week. —Julie Huntington, Memphis, Tennessee

1-2-3 Grilled Salmon for Two

I love salmon, but my husband doesn't. So I combined flavors I knew he liked to create this recipe, and now it's the only salmon recipe he will eat. It’s so easy and only requires a handful of ingredients. —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona

Cauliflower Soup

This cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia

Veggie Omelet with Goat Cheese

My family eats a lot of vegetables so I'll set some aside at dinner to use in an omelet the next day. This cuts prep time in half! I like the versatility of this recipe because it can be made with whatever veggies and cheeses you have. —Lynne Keast, Monte Sereno, California

Turkey Sausage Zucchini Boats

When I worked in the school library, my co-workers were my taste testers. They approved this healthy and happy spin on stuffed zucchini. —Stephanie Cotterman, West Alexandria, Ohio

Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas

Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota

Quinoa Turkey Chili

This heart-healthy turkey quinoa chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California

Mediterranean Broccoli & Cheese Omelet

My Italian mother-in-law taught me to make this omelet years ago—she would make it for breakfast, lunch or dinner and eat it on Italian bread. This is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover broccoli. —Mary Licata, Pembroke Pines, Florida

Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan Supper

Most nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken

Herbs and spices really work their magic on plain chicken in this dish, and the dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington

Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups

Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas

Broccoli Veggie Pasta Primavera

Chock-full of veggies, this simple, colorful pasta makes a filling dinner. In smaller servings, it works equally well as a side dish. —Stephanie Marchese, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin

Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup

Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It is quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas

For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Brown Sugar-Glazed Salmon

Pop these protein-packed brown sugar salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, Michigan

Satisfying Tomato Soup

After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers

This recipe always brings back memories of my mom’s homemade sun-dried tomatoes in the summer. I’ve prepared the burgers with ground beef and ground turkey. Either way, they're fast and taste great! —Sammy Staab, Pensacola, Florida

Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Black Beans

As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California

Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

Similar to a Vietnamese pho rice noodle soup, this red coconut curry chicken soup packs big flavor and a bit of heat. The crisp raw vegetables help cool things down. —Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas

Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake

I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Slow-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry

Here's a gentle curry dish that's sure to please American palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California

Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers

These well-seasoned ground-turkey-stuffed peppers are so tasty, you won’t even miss having real cheddar cheese. Round out the meal with a salad or a side of rice. —Judy Hand-Truitt, Birmingham, Alabama

Chicken Barley Soup

No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas

Peachy Pork with Rice

Peach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that’s nice enough for company. Adjust the heat level to taste by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia

Potato-Cheddar Frittata

I like to serve this hearty fritatta with toasted rustic bread. If you have leftover mashed potatoes, throw them in instead of the pre-packaged ones. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Turkey White Chili

Growing up in a Pennsylvania Dutch area, I was surrounded by excellent cooks and wonderful foods. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes like this change-of-pace chili. —Kaye Whiteman, Charleston, West Virginia

Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken

Our three children love the spicy flavors found in this Crock-Pot chicken curry. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York

Apple Sausage Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette

Making croutons with cinnamon-raisin bread is sweet genius. Toss together the rest of the salad while they toast. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey

Baked Strawberry Salmon

This mouthwatering entree is gorgeous. Whenever I serve it, everyone thinks I'm a culinary genius. They'd never guess how easy it is to prepare. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Easy Mediterranean Chicken

Everyone I know loves this special chicken recipe. I changed a few things to make it healthier, but it tastes just as good. — Kara Zilis, Oak Forest, Illinois

Hearty Asian Lettuce Salad

This meatless version of your favorite restaurant salad packs 13 grams of protein per serving and is bursting with juicy flavor. It's a brilliant choice for lunch or a busy-day dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Broiled Cheese Stuffed Portobellos

My vegetarian friends love my mushroom caps with spinach and three rich cheeses. For a twist, use button mushrooms and make appetizers. —Jennifer Bender, Baldwin, Georgia