Healthy Dinner Recipes with Simple Ingredients

Name: Healthy Dinner Recipes with Simple Ingredients
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups of quinoa; 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup of black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 avocado, diced; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Discover delicious and nutritious dinner recipes that use simple ingredients to create satisfying meals for the whole family.

Created by

Arabelle Finch

Last updated on 2026-01-02T23:49:35.774Z

These healthy dinner recipes combine wholesome ingredients to create meals that are both tasty and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare
Packed with nutrients and flavor
Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have

      

Nutritional Benefits

This healthy dinner recipe not only delights your taste buds but also offers a wealth of nutritional benefits. Quinoa, often referred to as a superfood, is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Packed with fiber, quinoa can help you feel fuller for longer, promoting healthy digestion and weight management.

The addition of black beans in this recipe is another nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in protein and fiber, contributing to heart health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Combined with the vibrant cherry tomatoes, which are high in vitamins C and K, this dish provides a balanced meal that supports overall wellness.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of this healthy dinner recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. For instance, if you're not a fan of bell peppers, consider using zucchini or spinach instead. This adaptability makes it a fantastic option for families with varying tastes.

Additionally, this recipe can easily be scaled to serve a larger crowd or reduced for a smaller meal. Preparing a big batch not only saves time but also ensures you have delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. Feel free to experiment with different dressings or toppings to make it your own!

Meal Prep Friendly

This quinoa and black bean salad is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can prepare the quinoa and chop the vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge to make your weeknight dinners a breeze. When you're ready to eat, just combine everything, and you have a nutritious meal ready in minutes.

Storing leftovers is simple, too. This dish maintains its flavor and texture in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals or families. Just remember to add the avocado fresh before serving to keep it from browning.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Healthy Dinner

2 cups of quinoa
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 avocado, diced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Enjoy a wholesome meal with these simple ingredients!

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the quinoa cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado. Set aside.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, black beans, and avocado. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your healthy dinner!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to this dish for variation.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this healthy dinner recipe even further, consider pairing it with a side of grilled chicken or fish for added protein. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or some roasted vegetables to boost your vegetable intake for the day.

For a hearty twist, try adding some roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash to the mix. Their natural sweetness complements the flavors of the dish and adds extra vitamins and minerals, enhancing both the nutritional profile and taste.

Storage Tips

To keep your quinoa salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help retain its flavor and prevent it from drying out. If you’ve added avocado, keep it in a separate container until you’re ready to serve to avoid browning.

For freezing, consider portioning the salad into individual servings. While the texture of the avocado may change once thawed, the overall flavor will remain intact, making it a convenient meal option for those busy days ahead.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Add some corn for a sweet crunch or toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also mix in different herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh twist.

If you're looking to add some healthy fats, consider tossing in some nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or walnuts. They not only enhance the texture but also provide additional nutrients that are beneficial for your health.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the quinoa and chop the vegetables in advance. Just combine them when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for quinoa?

You can use rice, farro, or couscous as alternatives.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. You can enhance it with more vegetables or add some cheese for extra flavor.