21 Heart-Healthy Dinners That Actually Taste Good
These dinners emphasize lean proteins, vegetables, beans, whole grains, herbs, and olive oil. Choose no-salt-added ingredients when available and season to your needs.

The recipes use olive oil rather than seed oils and contain no soy or tofu. Ingredient labels vary, so choose certified gluten-free products when needed.
Before you begin
Cooking times are estimates. Poultry and ground meats should reach 165°F, whole cuts of beef and pork at least 145°F with rest time, and fish 145°F. Adjust seasoning for your dietary needs.
Jump to a recipe
- 1. Salmon and Quinoa
- 2. Lemon Chicken and Vegetables
- 3. White Bean Soup
- 4. Shrimp Grain Bowl
- 5. Lentil Vegetable Stew
- 6. Chickpea Salad
- 7. Turkey Meatballs
- 8. Chicken Brown Rice Bowl
- 9. Baked Cod and Vegetables
- 10. Tuna White Bean Salad
- 11. Chicken Barley Soup
- 12. Lemon Shrimp and Rice
- 13. Stuffed Sweet Potato
- 14. Greek Chicken Salad
- 15. Salmon Lentil Bowl
- 16. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- 17. Chickpea Spinach Stew
- 18. Chicken Vegetable Skillet
- 19. Lentil Mushroom Bowl
- 20. Herb Trout and Quinoa
- 21. Mediterranean Bean Bowl
1. Salmon and Quinoa
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (about 5 ounces each)
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the protein until safely done, add the vegetables and seasonings, and cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the prepared base and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
2. Lemon Chicken and Vegetables
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the protein until safely done, add the vegetables and seasonings, and cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the prepared base and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
3. White Bean Soup
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added beans, drained
- 4 cups low-sodium gluten-free broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Add the broth, tomatoes, vegetables, and protein to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and any meat is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
4. Shrimp Grain Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds peeled shrimp
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
5. Lentil Vegetable Stew
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 4 cups low-sodium gluten-free broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Add the broth, tomatoes, vegetables, and protein to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and any meat is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
6. Chickpea Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added beans, drained
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
7. Turkey Meatballs
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the protein until safely done, add the vegetables and seasonings, and cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the prepared base and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
8. Chicken Brown Rice Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
9. Baked Cod and Vegetables
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (about 5 ounces each)
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Combine the prepared ingredients in a lightly oiled baking dish or muffin pan. Bake at 375°F until set and the protein reaches a safe internal temperature, 20 to 40 minutes depending on the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
10. Tuna White Bean Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
11. Chicken Barley Soup
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium gluten-free broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Add the broth, tomatoes, vegetables, and protein to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and any meat is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
12. Lemon Shrimp and Rice
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds peeled shrimp
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the protein until safely done, add the vegetables and seasonings, and cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the prepared base and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
13. Stuffed Sweet Potato
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean protein of choice
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes or sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Combine the prepared ingredients in a lightly oiled baking dish or muffin pan. Bake at 375°F until set and the protein reaches a safe internal temperature, 20 to 40 minutes depending on the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
14. Greek Chicken Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
15. Salmon Lentil Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (about 5 ounces each)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
16. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Combine the prepared ingredients in a lightly oiled baking dish or muffin pan. Bake at 375°F until set and the protein reaches a safe internal temperature, 20 to 40 minutes depending on the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
17. Chickpea Spinach Stew
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added beans, drained
- 4 cups low-sodium gluten-free broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Add the broth, tomatoes, vegetables, and protein to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and any meat is fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
18. Chicken Vegetable Skillet
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the protein until safely done, add the vegetables and seasonings, and cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the prepared base and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
19. Lentil Mushroom Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
20. Herb Trout and Quinoa
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (about 5 ounces each)
- 4 cups chopped vegetables appropriate to the dish
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the protein until safely done, add the vegetables and seasonings, and cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the prepared base and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
21. Mediterranean Bean Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 10–15 minutes Cook: 15–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added beans, drained
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce. If using a cooked grain, prepare it according to the package directions. Keep raw meat and its utensils separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
- Cook any raw protein in a skillet over medium heat until safely done. Divide the base among four containers, add the remaining ingredients, and finish with the dressing or lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the lemon or lime juice. Divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool meal-prep portions promptly and refrigerate in covered containers for up to four days. Reheat cooked dishes until steaming hot.
Easy variation: Swap in another vegetable you already have, while keeping the protein and overall quantities similar.
Meal-prep tips
- Cook one grain and chop several vegetables at the start of the week.
- Store sauces separately when possible.
- Refrigerate cooked food within two hours and use refrigerated portions within four days.
