Perfectly Balanced Recipes for a Healthy Weeknight Dinner

Eating healthy meals can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you're short on time after a long day at work. This article will provide you with easy-to-follow recipes that offer balanced nutrition while keeping your cooking time under an hour and yielding 4 servings per recipe.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This dish is packed full of nutrients and flavors, making it a great addition to any weekday dinner. The stir-fry can be prepared in just about half an hour, providing you with a delicious meal that's both filling and satisfying.

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 carrots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Paprika, for garnish (optional)

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Peel and slice the carrots thinly. Cut the red bell pepper into strips.
3. In a large pan or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Throw in the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they turn golden brown on all sides. This should take around 5 minutes.
6. Mix in the carrots, bell peppers, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together gently to combine the vegetables with the meat evenly.
7. Cover the pan, reduce heat slightly if necessary, and let the mixture simmer for another 4-5 minutes until all the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
8. Transfer the stir-fry to serving plates, sprinkle some paprika on top (if using), and serve immediately while hot.

The Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry is not only a quick meal but also versatile. You can add more ingredients like broccoli florets or zucchini for extra nutrition. Pair it with quinoa, rice, or any whole grain of your choice to complete the meal.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This salad is a refreshing option that is both light and filling. It can be prepared in about 30 minutes and provides you with a 4-serving yield.

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado
• 2 tomatoes
• Lime juice, to taste
• Chives or cilantro (for garnish)

1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Cook it in 2 cups of water until tender and fluffy; this usually takes about 15 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa with black beans.
3. Halve the avocado lengthwise; remove the pit and scoop out the flesh. Cut into smaller pieces and mix into the salad.
4. Cut the tomatoes into chunks or slices and add them to the salad along with lime juice for zest.
5. Fine-tune the seasoning by adjusting the amount of lime juice according to personal preference.
6. If desired, garnish the top of each bowl with chives or cilantro before serving.

This Quinoa and Black Bean Salad is a fantastic way to use up leftovers from other meals. It’s not only nutritious but also rich in antioxidants which help fight off free radicals. Try this salad as part of your weekly meal rotation for variety.

Conclusion

Healthy weeknight dinners don't need to be complicated or time-consuming. By following these simple recipes, you can enjoy a balanced and delicious meal that will fuel your body throughout the day without taking up too much of your precious evening hours. Incorporating more vegetable-based dishes into your diet can enhance your overall health, making every bite count towards a healthier lifestyle.