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Light Weekday Dinner Ideas

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30 Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
30 Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals from inquiringchef.com

Introduction

Weekday dinners can often be a challenge, especially when you're looking for something light and healthy. After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why we've put together a collection of quick and easy recipes that are perfect for those busy weeknights. These light dinner ideas are not only delicious, but they're also packed with nutritious ingredients to help you stay on track with your health goals.

1. Lemon Herb Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, basil, dill, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush the herb mixture over the top.
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition:

Calories: 325 | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 36g

2. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cut the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.

Nutrition:

Calories: 240 | Fat: 2g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 10g

3. Greek Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill or stovetop grill pan.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
  4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  8. Top the salad with the grilled chicken strips.

Nutrition:

Calories: 320 | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 30g

4. Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until crisp-tender.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until heated through.

Nutrition:

Calories: 150 | Fat: 5g | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g

5. Caprese Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients:

  • 2 zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
  2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Toss everything together until well combined.

Nutrition:

Calories: 160 | Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 12g

Conclusion

These light weekday dinner ideas are perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick, easy, and healthy. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, salad, or a veggie-packed stir-fry, there's something here for everyone. These recipes are not only delicious, but they're also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling satisfied and energized. So, next time you're looking for a light weekday dinner, give one of these recipes a try!


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