42 healthy 30 minute dinner ideas that will get dinner on the table quickly. Stir fries, tacos, pasta, salads and so many more delicious recipes.
While I used to love taking my time in the kitchen trying out extravagant recipes, once I had kids, I realized I needed to streamline this process. Cooking with a toddler clinging to your knee just doesn't have the same fun factor 😉
30 minute dinner ideas
This post is an update on a 2015 post...we've added 23 brand new easy dinner ideas and more tips to help you get dinner on the table quickly!
Getting a healthy, delicious dinner on the table really doesn't need to take more than 30 minutes.
Here are some tips to help you get dinner ready in 30 minutes:
- write out a plan- so you can spring into action as soon as you get home from work! Check out How to Write a Meal Plan
- thaw your protein- the night before! You can set a timer on your iCalendar, or use Alexa to remind you. See 5 Ways to Use Alexa in the Kitchen
- use short cuts- pre-chopped veggies are your friend
- keep it simple- sheet pan meals or one pot meals are going to make your life easy!
- meal prep- prepping meal components ahead really helps! Even if it's as simple as pre-chopping some veggies or making a stir fry sauce ahead, it's going to help you so much. See How to Meal Prep
With these 30 minute dinner ideas, you can have dinner on the table with time to spare! These recipes have something for everyone: chicken, beef, and vegetarian options, pasta recipes, salad recipes, stir fries and more.
It just goes to show that you don't have to slave in the kitchen to make healthy and delicious food
Stir fry dinner ideas
When it comes to speed, stir fries are where it's at! You can customize for any protein you'd like, including some delicious vegan options, and it's easy to meal prep components ahead making it even faster to cook up on a week night.
Short Cut- use pre-chopped veggies and store-bought sauce.
Meal prep it- chop your veggies ahead and store in an air tight container for up to 4 days. Prep your stir fry sauce ahead and freeze for up to 3 months
1. Vegan Ginger Teriyaki Stir Fry from Sweet Peas and Saffron// 2. Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir Fry from Sweet Peas and Saffron
3. Spicy Kung Pao Stir-Fry with Summer Squash from Kristine's Kitchen // 4. Sausage Asparagus Quinoa Pasta from Primavera Kitchen
5. Egg Roll in a Bowl from Sweet Peas and Saffron // 6. Lime Beef and Basil Stir Fry from Sweet Peas and Saffron
Make it a taco night
Nothing is more crowd pleasing than tacos, amiright? These quick dinner ideas featuring tacos are going to get dinner on the table quickly, and make your family happy, too.
Short Cut- use pre-chopped veggies and store-bought taco seasoning
Meal prep it- chop your veggies ahead and store in an air tight container for up to 4 days. Cook your meat ahead and freeze for up to 3 months.
7.Grilled Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema from Joyful Healthy Eats// 8. 30-Minute Ginger Beef Tacos with Peanut Sauce from Sweet Peas & Saffron
9. Easy Tofu Tacos from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 10. Air Fryer Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos from Sweet Peas & Saffron
11. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos from The Recipe Rebel // 12. Instant Pot Taco Meat from Frozen from The Recipe Rebel
Pasta to the rescue
Another great quick dinner ideas is pasta! I love how versatile pasta is, and how you can mix it up with different proteins, veggies, and sauces.
Short Cut- look for one pot recipes that cook the pasta, veggies, protein and sauce all together! Pro tip- Instant Pot pasta is fantastic!
Meal prep it- pre cook your pasta and re-heat for easy dinners.
13. Instant Pot Spaghetti from The Recipe Rebel // 14. Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles from Sweet Peas & Saffron
14. Spiralized Pasta With Egg & Asparagus from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 15. Ground Turkey Pasta with Romesco Sauce from Sweet Peas & Saffron
16. California Veggie Grilled Chicken Pasta Bowls from Whole and Heavenly Oven // 17. Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad from Sweet Peas & Saffron
The big salad
This always makes me think of Seinfeld: "it's a salad, only bigger, with lots of stuff in it". End of story! The perfect healthy dinner idea.
Short Cut- pre-chopped veggies, bottled dressing.
Meal prep it- assemble ahead and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. This only works with some recipes, so be sure to refer to directions for specifics.
18. California Veggie Grilled Chicken Pasta Bowls from Whole & Heavenly Oven // 18. Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad from Sweet Peas & Saffron
19. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 20. Kale Chicken Pasta Salad from Sweet Peas & Saffron
21. Taco Salad from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 22. Kale Chickpea Caesar Salad from Sweet Peas & Saffron
23. Black Bean Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 24. Cucumber Avocado Salad from Green Healthy Cooking
25. Strawberry Arugula Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 26. 30 Minute Thai Beef Salad from Platings and Pairings
Skillet/One pan recipes
Make the cooking and the clean up easier by sticking to recipes that cook all in one pot or on a sheet pan. Healthy dinner ideas that are made in one pan are my go-to when I need to get dinner on the table on busy nights
Short Cut- pre-chopped veggies. Are you noticing a pattern here? 😉
Meal prep it- pre-chop or spiralize veggies. Note that potatoes and sweet potatoes can not be pre cut. Thaw proteins ahead, mix seasoning blends or sauces ahead. Some of these recipes can be cooked ahead and reheated. Refer to specific directions on each recipe.
27. Mediterranean Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner from Sweet Peas and Saffron // 28. One Pan Gnocchi with Sundried Tomatoes and White Beans from Sweet Peas and Saffron
29. Jamaican Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner from Sweet Peas and Saffron // 30. Sheet Pan Honey Lemon Salmon with Broccolini from Sweet Peas & Saffron
31. Healthy Balsamic Chicken Skillet with Pomegranates and Feta from Sweet Peas and Saffron // 32. Low Carb Indian Chicken Skillet from Sweet Peas and Saffron
33. Sesame Ginger Beef + Zucchini Noodles from Sweet Peas and Saffron // 34. Spiralized Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet from Sweet Peas and Saffron
Misc quick dinner ideas
These recipes don't necessarily fit into a category, but are delicious, easy recipes to have in your back pocket for busy nights. I particularly like salmon as a quick dinner idea as it cooks through quickly. Shrimp is great when you forget to thaw something, as you can thaw in cold water for 15 minutes.
35. Teriyaki Salmon Glaze from Sweet Peas and Saffron // 36. Pan Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Salsa Fresca and Toasted Couscous from The Cozy Apron
37. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps from Creme De La Crumb // 38. Barbecue Chicken Lettuce Wraps from Sweet Peas and Saffron
39. Smashed White Bean Quesadillas from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 40. Healthy Chicken Quesadillas from Sweet Peas & Saffron
41. Cajun Chicken Wraps from Sweet Peas & Saffron // 42. Pepperoni Pizza-Stuffed Portobellos from Sweet Peas & Saffron
That's it, friends! I hope this post gave you some quick dinner ideas. Let me know if you try any of them!
XO
Ginny
So many great ideas!
Denise
Thanks Ginny! Hope you find some good ones 🙂
carla
i love food but at the same time i love cakes and cookies!so please put on some dessert recipes. thank you
Denise
Hi Carla! I'm just not your girl for desserts. I love Live Well Bake Often for desserts! https://www.livewellbakeoften.com/
Chelsea
My daughter is very excited to try these. Maybe get your kids to help cook to get them excited to try new foods. I also don't have a gall bladder and don't have these dietary restrictions. The only thing that I need to be mindful of is fats, as that is what your gall bladder is responsible for breaking down.
Denise
Hi Clara, for some reason there are pins on pinterest unrelated to this post diverting traffic to this post. I have contacted Pinterest many times about this but they have done nothing to rectify the situation. I'm sorry you've been mislead to this post but please know that I have absolutely nothing to do with it 🙁
Denise
Hi Alexis, I know this is going to sound crazy, but there is a spam account on Pinterest linking random images to my site, and I have nothing to do with it. I contacted Pinterest and they said they couldn't do anything about it either. Could you link me to the pin so I can contact them about it again, please? I don't want people thinking I'm trying to click bait, because that's not my style and it's super skeezy. Thanks so much.
Tommi Kenneth
Wao! Thanks for this mouth watering healthy 30 minute dinners. Great post
Jennie
My kids love this kind of food. Not all kids guffaw at the sight of green vegetables. ?
Andrea
Well gee, good thing you left a nasty comment instead of just clicking the “back” button. ☹️
Denise
Hey Shay I have tons of vegan meal prep recipe here: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/vegan-meal-prep-recipes/
Lewis Davis
Thanks for this great post on 30 minutes recipes. This should be a must read for every woman
Quinn
And a must read for every man who does the cooking in the family 🙂
Seriously, this an excellent list of recipes that not only work, but inspire. Thank you Denise!
Denise
So happy you found it inspiring! Hope you find some tasty dinner ideas 🙂
Lucy K.
Thanks for this Dinner Recipes, I am so thrilled about 30 minutes dinner, can't wait to try this
Denise
Thanks so much, hope you find one you enjoy 🙂
Amanda
Lol find a blog post that actually helps you instead of telling other people how to run theirs ?
Denise
I think cook time is a tricky thing to estimate and different bloggers will do it differently. Personally I start my (mental) timer as soon as I start chopping/boiling water etc, but the bloggers whose recipes you made might do more of an 'estimation'. Not sure. Glad you're enjoying the flavors though!
Sara
You have become a go to for lunch prep! Would love to see more beef recipes as I live in cow country.
Denise
Awesome! I'm so glad you're enjoying the recipes. I will have to think on beef recipes...ground beef is good to re-heat so you could definitely use ground beef in these Turkey Taco Lunch Bowls: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/2017/01/turkey-taco-lunch-bowls-meal-prep.html
Kaitlyn
What a great round-up! I definitely bookmarked a few of these! I love when I can make a really good meal in under 30 minutes.
Denise
Thanks Kaitlyn! 30 minute dinners are such a lifesaver, I actually have a huge collection of them on the blog! https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/category/30-minutes-or-less
Mary
Thanks Danielle for great recipes! spending 30 minutes for healthy dinner is really significant for busy people. Love it!
Denise
No problem! I hope you find some you like!
Natasha @ Salt and Lavender
These all look fab! Not sure which is my favorite... but that buttermilk salad dressing sounds intriguing so I will have to check it out. Pinning!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Healthy and dinner under 30 minutes?! I'm sold! love these ! and love the new blog design!
Denise
Alice, hilariously enough, you posted literally seconds after the new design went live! Thanks so much 🙂 🙂
Sam @ SugarSpunRun
5PM at your house sounds a lot like 5PM at my house! Thanks for sharing these awesome recipes, I'll definitely be trying some out! 🙂
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen
I want to try every single one of these recipes! 30 minute meals are the best and will never go out of style. I have a similar Pinterest board of easy weeknight meals and it's a great way to save quick and easy dinner recipes! Thank you SO much for including my stir-fry. 🙂
krista @joyfulhealthyeats
Wow! Now this is one awesome roundup! Totally pinning this and saving for later! Thanks for including me in the drool worthy recipes girl!
Catherine
Who doesn't love a quick and easy meal?! These all look fantastic. xo, Catherine
Denise
That salmon looks AMAZING! And I hope you like my tacos 🙂 Thanks, Kate!
Danielle
Definitely coming back to this post when I make my grocery list for next week! So much dinner inspiration, I love it! Thanks for sharing, Denise 🙂
Denise
Thanks, Danielle! I'm feeling inspired, too!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Awesome round up, Denise! I am always searching for great 30 minute meals, thanks for putting them all in one place! 🙂 And for helping me maintain the lazy! Lol. <3 Cheers, girlie!
Denise
No problemo, Cheyanne! I am also trying to maintain the lazy 😉
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze
I can not wait to try everyone of these yummy recipes. All of them look so good. Plus they are healthy which is a bonus!! Love this round-up Denise!! Pinning all of them! 🙂
Denise
Thanks, Cyndi! I need some good dinner inspiration every so often!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert
This is such a great roundup! Love all the healthy easy options for dinner.
Denise
Thanks so much, Jen!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
I am always looking for quick and easy dinners! I pinned this and can't wait to try every single one of these recipes!
Denise
Thanks, Ashley!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven
Well, there's my entire dinner menu for the next 3-ish weeks! I seriously LOVE this round-up, Denise! So many awesome dinners that I really want to try now! Thanks for including my pasta bowls and stir-fry---You rock, girl!
Denise
Sarah I honestly had a hard time picking amongst all of your gorgeous, delicious and 30-minute dinners! They both look amazing!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
Awesome round-up, Denise. And I'm excited about the Pinterest board too! I definitely need more easy dinners in my life! Thanks for the salad love!
Denise
Thanks, Liz! I always need dinner inspiration!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
What a great roundup, Denise! I can never get enough of 30 minute meals, especially when they're healthier and filled with delicious ingredients. These look like the ultimate dishes!
Denise
Thanks, Gayle! I agree! No such thing as too many 30-minute meals!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane
Really great round-up and board, Denise! (already following you so will look forward to seeing all the healthy deliciousness on the new board)
That salmon and salsa ... oh my gosh, gimme gimme right now for a mid-morning snack!! 🙂
Denise
I KNOW, right? It's just too pretty!