Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Avocado Every Day

      Can an avocado a day keep your health at bay? What does the research have to say? Read More
    • 7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      7-Day No-Sugar High-Protein Meal Plan

      Skip the added sugar and bump up the protein to keep yourself full on this 7-day meal plan. Read More
    • 20 Low-Carb, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 3 Steps or Less

       If you're looking for low-carb, high-protein dinners that don't require cooking for hours, these recipes got you covered. These dinner options are ready to serve in 3 steps or less so you can meet your nutrition goals easily. Each recipe l meets our nutrition parameters, with less than 14 grams of carbs and more than 15 grams of protein, without wasting on flavor. Recipes like 20-Minute Chicken Cutlets with Creamy Pesto Sauce and Cheesy Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole are delicious options for you to get a healthy meal on your table in no time.  Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Recipes for Weight Loss & Diet
  4. Dinner Recipes for Weight Loss
  5. 27 Weight Loss-Friendly Dinners You'll Want to Make Forever

27 Weight Loss-Friendly Dinners You'll Want to Make Forever

Leah Goggins headshot
Leah Goggins Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD June 29, 2021
Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Italian Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables & Quinoa

These dinners are low in calories and high in fiber, so you can lose weight and still enjoy a flavorful, satisfying evening meal. Pastas, salads, soups and more are all on the table, so there's something for everyone. Recipes like our Italian Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables & Quinoa and Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Squash are healthy, delicious and you'll want to make them again and again.

Start Slideshow

1 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Summer Vegetable Gnocchi Salad

a plate with vegetables and a fork
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This riff on pasta salad is best served warm while the gnocchi are nice and tender. Plus, the grilled veggies taste extra-good fresh off the fire in this easy gnocchi recipe.

1 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This chipotle-flavored burrito bowl recipe is even better than takeout and just as fast. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthy dinner.

2 of 27

3 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Squash

5327307.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Thinly sliced zucchini and summer squash bulk up this easy vegetarian pasta recipe. Saving a bit of the starchy pasta-cooking water to toss with grated cheese, herbs and bright lemon at the end is the secret to a fast, silky no-cook pasta sauce.

3 of 27

Advertisement

4 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables

Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When you want pasta in no time, couscous is your best friend! The tiny pasta balls cook up in minutes, and absorb all the water so you don't have to fuss with draining. Tossed with sautéed vegetables plus leftover chicken, it's a fast and tasty meal in a bowl that's perfect as an easy dinner recipe.

4 of 27

5 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Hummus Bowls

8373215.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The spiced chicken atop these bowls is ready fast with the help of the broiler. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita for scooping up extra hummus at the bottom of the bowl.

5 of 27

6 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Italian Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables & Quinoa

6895194.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For the best flavor in this easy roasted pork tenderloin dish, start marinating the pork the night before or get it going before you head off to work in the morning. Then, when you get home, all that's left to do is roast the pork and vegetables and prepare the quinoa for this easy healthy dinner. This recipe makes extra quinoa--use the leftovers as a base for easy meal-prep lunches, salads, stir-fries later in the week.

6 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Layering apple slices into grilled cheese sandwiches adds a little crunch to a favorite soup dipper. And creamy butternut squash soup with ginger, cumin and turmeric is a nice change of pace from grilled cheese's usual tomato soup partner. Serve the duo for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner for the family. The soup keeps well in the fridge, so save leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

7 of 27

8 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Long-Life Noodles with Beef & Chinese Broccoli

6149764.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Noodles are a key part of Chinese New Year celebrations because they symbolize long life. We love this recipe for the tradition because it's super-customizable based on your tastes. Try swapping in chicken for the steak. Can't find Chinese broccoli? Use broccolini instead. Or swap out the mushrooms and broccoli altogether for snow peas and carrots.

8 of 27

9 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos

4499626.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are so tasty no one will miss the meat or dairy.

9 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara

Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh pasta cooks up faster than dried, making it a must-have for fast weeknight dinners like this luscious yet healthy meal. Eggs are the base of the creamy sauce. They don't get fully cooked, so use pasteurized-in-the-shell eggs if you prefer.

10 of 27

11 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Root Vegetables with Goat Cheese Polenta

4500244.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is true healthy comfort food--a bowl of soft, creamy polenta topped with warm roasted vegetables infused with garlic and sage.

11 of 27

12 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slab Chicken Potpie

Slab Chicken Potpie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Slab fruit pies are all the rage for summer parties, so why not give classic chicken potpie the same treatment and create buzz at a cool-weather gathering as well. Premade pie crusts and frozen veggies make this chicken dinner easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.

12 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kale & White Bean Potpie with Chive Biscuits

3759131.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this vegetarian white bean potpie recipe, kale and hearty white beans are topped with easy, homemade chive biscuits. If desired, add a little shredded Gruyère or Cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough.

13 of 27

14 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan

EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here we bake breaded eggplant for crispy results with fewer calories to boot. This makeover of the classic recipe was originally developed by our Test Kitchen in 1995 and got an update in 2020 for our 30th anniversary issue.

14 of 27

15 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Pozole

6433979.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy vegetarian take on the Mexican stew pozole gets tons of flavor from poblano peppers, ancho chile powder and dried herbs and spices, while cannellini beans provide substance, protein and fiber. Chewy hominy--corn that has been treated with lime to remove the tough hull and germ--is integral to the stew. Look for it in cans in the Latin section of your supermarket. Serve the stew with shredded cabbage, radishes, fresh cilantro and sour cream.

15 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pistachio-Crusted Chicken with Warm Barley Salad

4293505.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Barley and pistachios give this healthy chicken recipe a double dose of nutty flavor. For an easy change-up, swap in your favorite whole grain, such as brown rice, farro or quinoa.

16 of 27

17 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Egyptian Falafel with Tahini Sauce (Taameya)

7690932.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The Arabic word taameya translates to "tasty little bits." This version, made with fava beans, which are plentiful in the Nile delta, is thought by some to be the original falafel. (Recipe adapted from Zooba Restaurant.)

17 of 27

18 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Shrimp Puttanesca

5691842.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Because refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split! Puttanesca, traditionally made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, gets a makeover with shrimp for extra protein and artichoke hearts to boost the vegetable servings (and the fiber!). If you can't find frozen artichoke hearts, sub in drained canned artichoke hearts.

18 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad

3833467.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For a satisfying last-minute supper, it's hard to beat a sweet potato zapped in the microwave. The fragrant filling of beans and tomatoes adds protein. Be sure to eat the skin, which is full of fiber, as well.

19 of 27

20 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Almond Pesto & Butter Beans

6437110.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Need some new meatless dinner ideas? This vegan recipe for grilled cauliflower steaks with buttery (but butter-free!) butter beans and almond pesto comes together in just 25 minutes but is impressive enough to serve to guests. We're sorry to ask you to buy 2 heads of cauliflower to make this recipe when you only cut a couple of "steaks" from each, but it guarantees the best results. Just think of it this way: having leftovers gives you an excuse to try one of our many other healthy cauliflower recipes!

20 of 27

21 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Za'atar-Roasted Chicken Tenders & Vegetables with Couscous

3759232.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Za'atar (or zaatar)--a Middle-Eastern spice blend that's a mix of thyme, sumac, salt, sesame seeds and sometimes other herbs--gives this sheet-pan roast chicken recipe tons of flavor. Chicken tenders and pretrimmed green beans make this healthy dinner super-fast.

21 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce

3759324.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ripe tomato and fresh basil give this quick recipe tons of flavor. Serve this healthy pasta dinner with crusty garlic bread and steamed green beans.

22 of 27

23 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken & Kale Taco Salad with Jalapeño-Avocado Ranch

5486621.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy, super-fast salad recipe swaps out romaine for kale, giving you more than 10 times the vitamin C. Easy flavor hacks like store-bought ranch and pickled jalapeños help make a creamy, tangy and spicy dressing you'll want to drizzle on everything from salad to sliced veggies and shredded poached chicken.

23 of 27

24 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Chicken, Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms One-Pot Pasta

Creamy Chicken, Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms One-Pot Pasta
Credit: Photography / Kelsey Hansen, Styling / Sammy Mila
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You'll only have to dirty one pot in this easy pasta recipe that cooks chicken and vegetables right along with the noodles. Plus, by using the exact amount of water you need to cook the pasta, the starch that usually gets drained off with your pasta water stays in the pot, giving you delectably creamy results.

24 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Forbidden Rice & White Kimchi Steak Salad

7680763.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This steak salad doesn't feature a typical dressing, but tangy kimchi, savory pan-fried shallots and lemon juice pack it with flavor. Forbidden rice helps add more color and nutrition to this tangy dish.

25 of 27

26 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Chili Mac

6885391.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Poblanos add a kick of heat to this chili mac recipe. If that's not your thing, swap in green bell peppers to tone down the heat in this easy pasta dish, which mashes up mac and cheese and chili into a seriously satisfying skillet dinner.

26 of 27

27 of 27

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Golden Chicken with Spicy Refried Beans

<p>Kids love this combination of refried white beans and chicken tenders. If you're concerned about making it too spicy, omit the jalapeño. Serve with extra cheese to sprinkle on top.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kids love this combination of refried white beans and chicken tenders. If you're concerned about making it too spicy, omit the jalapeño. Serve with extra cheese to sprinkle on top.

27 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Leah Goggins

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 27 Summer Vegetable Gnocchi Salad
    2 of 27 Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl
    3 of 27 Lemon-Pepper Linguine with Squash
    4 of 27 Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables
    5 of 27 Chicken Hummus Bowls
    6 of 27 Italian Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables & Quinoa
    7 of 27 Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
    8 of 27 Long-Life Noodles with Beef & Chinese Broccoli
    9 of 27 Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos
    10 of 27 Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara
    11 of 27 Roasted Root Vegetables with Goat Cheese Polenta
    12 of 27 Slab Chicken Potpie
    13 of 27 Kale & White Bean Potpie with Chive Biscuits
    14 of 27 EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan
    15 of 27 Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Pozole
    16 of 27 Pistachio-Crusted Chicken with Warm Barley Salad
    17 of 27 Egyptian Falafel with Tahini Sauce (Taameya)
    18 of 27 Quick Shrimp Puttanesca
    19 of 27 Sweet Potatoes with Warm Black Bean Salad
    20 of 27 Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Almond Pesto & Butter Beans
    21 of 27 Za'atar-Roasted Chicken Tenders & Vegetables with Couscous
    22 of 27 Linguine with Creamy White Clam Sauce
    23 of 27 Chicken & Kale Taco Salad with Jalapeño-Avocado Ranch
    24 of 27 Creamy Chicken, Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms One-Pot Pasta
    25 of 27 Forbidden Rice & White Kimchi Steak Salad
    26 of 27 Skillet Chili Mac
    27 of 27 Golden Chicken with Spicy Refried Beans

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    27 Weight Loss-Friendly Dinners You'll Want to Make Forever
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.