5 Easy & Healthy Dinners for Families
Feeding a family isn’t always easy. Between work, school, and everything else life throws at you, it’s no surprise that dinner can end up being a last-minute scramble. But with a few simple recipes and a little planning, you can take the stress out of weekday evenings. So, in this blog, I’m sharing 5 easy & healthy dinners for families. They’re quick to cook, don’t need loads of ingredients, and work with whatever you’ve already got in the fridge. And if you do need to grab a few things, I’ve even made you a shopping list at the end to make life a little easier.
1. One-Pan Chicken & Veg
This is a go-to when time is tight. All you need is a tray, some chicken thighs, and whatever veg you have to hand – carrots, broccoli, peppers, anything works.
Chop everything roughly the same size, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and mixed herbs, then roast for 35–40 minutes. That way, dinner takes care of itself while you get other things done.
2. Turkey & Spinach Pasta
A lighter spin on a family classic. Brown some turkey mince with garlic and onion, then stir in passata and a handful of spinach right at the end.
Mix with pasta and top with a little grated cheese. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting but doesn’t leave you feeling too full. It’s simple, tasty, and easy to batch up for lunch the next day.
3. Easy Stir-Fry
This one’s brilliant for using up odds and ends. Pick a protein like chicken, tofu, or prawns – and pair it with any veg you’ve got: think broccoli, sugar snap peas, or bell peppers.
Cook everything in a hot pan with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil if you’ve got it. Serve with rice or noodles. It comes together fast and works well for picky eaters too. In just 10 minutes, you’ve got a healthy dinner that doesn’t feel like a chore.
4. Salmon & Sweet Potato Cakes
A great option for mixing things up during the week. Cook and mash a sweet potato, flake in some cooked salmon (tinned or fresh), then stir in an egg and a pinch of seasoning.
Shape into patties and pan-fry for a few minutes on each side. These are great with a side salad or steamed veg and make lovely leftovers for lunch the next day.
5. Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
Sometimes the simplest meals hit the spot. Blend a few soft veg like carrots, courgette, or celery and add with chopped tomatoes and simmer with a bit of stock and seasoning.
Serve with grilled cheese made on wholemeal bread for a balance of comfort and nourishment. It’s warm, filling, and goes down well with both kids and adults.
So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, give one of these a go. They’re quick, flexible, and easy to adapt based on what your family likes. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’ve served something balanced without spending ages in the kitchen.
Family Dinner Shopping List (Basics for All 5 Recipes)
Proteins
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Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
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Turkey mince
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Salmon (fresh or tinned)
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Eggs
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Tofu, prawns, or chicken breast (for stir-fry)
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Cheese (for pasta & grilled cheese)
Vegetables
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Carrots
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Broccoli
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Bell peppers
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Courgette (zucchini)
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Spinach
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Onion
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Garlic
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Celery (optional)
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Sweet potato
Pantry & Fridge Staples
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Olive oil
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Mixed herbs
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Soy sauce
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Sesame oil (optional)
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Passata or chopped tomatoes
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Pasta (wholewheat or regular)
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Wholemeal bread
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Stock cubes or liquid stock
Grains/Sides
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Rice or noodles (for stir-fry)
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Salad greens or frozen peas (optional sides)
Check out my recent Podcast with dietitian Maxine Palmer
