31 Easy 15-Minute Healthy Dinner Ideas For Weight Loss

Most of us have one of those days where we cannot spare longer than just about 15 minutes to cook dinner over the week. Moreover, if you are also trying to watch your weight in the process, it can be even more challenging. But, you are at the right place now since we will be discussing 31 easy 15-minute dinner ideas for weight loss.

Some of the best healthy dinner ideas that can be prepared under 15 minutes are BBQ Chicken Tacos, Cod with Roasted Tomatoes, Buddha Bowls, Healthy Margarita Pizza and Lemon Chicken Pasta and Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry.

I don’t think there could be anyone better, or rather more apt than me to tell you about recipes for weight loss. I, for one, have struggled with weight issues all my life. Once I realized that you need to take care of what you eat just as much as exercise, I started taking the whole idea of eating healthy pretty seriously. 

Although, one major issue that quite a lot of us face is not having enough time to cook, especially with a workout planned. In situations like these, 15-minute dinner ideas for weight loss work, as you wouldn’t have to spare as much time.

If you have been struggling with the same issue, and had misconceptions about low-calorie food being bland, I am so glad that you stumbled upon this article. Some of the recipes in this list of 15-minute dinner ideas for weight loss might just leave you in complete disbelief! Let’s explore them all! 

31 Easy 15-Minute Healthy Dinner Ideas For Weight Loss

There are plenty of cuisines from around the world that offer a variety of food that is perfect for weight loss. In this list, you may even find some recipes from cuisines that are mostly associated with high-calorie food! So, without further ado, let me take you through these wonderfully delicious recipes!

1. Tuna Pita Pockets

I know many of you may have probably expected the list to start with some sort of boring and uninspiring salad. But, as I mentioned, there is so much more to food that can be eaten, even when you are trying to watch your weight! 

Tuna, for one, is one of those ingredients that is packed with protein and other nutrients, while also being versatile. These tuna pita pockets too, are packed with the goodness of protein and various other nutrients. 

The recipe is pretty simple, as you can use a can of packed tuna to make it. The tuna is mixed with delicious ingredients like Greek yogurt, lemon, mustard, and just a little bit of mayonnaise, before being packed in whole wheat pitas.

Make your own Tuna pita pockets by following this recipe.

2. Lemon Chicken Pasta

Here is another interesting quick recipe that is not a salad! Yes, pasta can also be eaten while you are trying to lose weight, as long as you take care of the quantity you are consuming. This pasta recipe is quick, healthy, and delicious. 

To start off, go for whole wheat pasta, which is also what is used in this recipe. Pasta dishes usually do take a little longer to cook, but this one can be ready in under 15 minutes if you just keep a few simple hacks in mind. 

Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe, as it will indeed save a lot of time. The pasta sauce is simply made with some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese, which means there’s flavor, and the extra calories are off too! 

The recipe to make this lemon chicken pasta is here.

3. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

So beef stroganoff, although being a dish from Russia originally, is very similar to a pasta dish in many ways. I know, as per usual recipes, beef stroganoff is not something that can be ready in under 15 minutes. This one may take just a little longer than 15 minutes if you do the preps at once.

However, if you prep everything earlier, the cooking time for this recipe is only 15 minutes. This original recipe for beef stroganoff has everything made from scratch. However, you can switch out some of the ingredients, like mushrooms, for canned mushroom soup. 

Moreover, the fact that this recipe uses ground beef also makes a massive difference to the overall cooking time. Other than that, this dish is pretty well balanced in terms of carbohydrates to protein ratio, making it a decent meal for weight loss. 

Here is the recipe to make this delicious instant pot beef stroganoff.

4. Chickpea Curry

This curry, also known as ‘chana masala’ or ‘chole’ is a classic from the Indian subcontinent. You may have tried this out before at an Indian restaurant, but may not be convinced if it is actually a healthy dish. 

Technically, chickpea curry is one of the healthiest recipes out there, as long as you are careful about the ingredients used. Most restaurants tend to add a lot of cream to their curry, which makes them unhealthy. Luckily, that is not the case with this recipe! 

This recipe for chickpea curry is as healthy as it could possibly get! The curry is packed with the goodness of chickpeas, which are high in protein, an essential needed while losing weight. The base of the curry is simple, and it can be served with a side of steaming basmati rice! 

Make yourself this classic Indian chickpea curry by following this recipe.

5. Strawberry And Kale Salad

I think I have said pretty bad stuff about salads till now. Although, the reality with salads is that there are a few that are pretty delicious, as long as there are an array of lovely ingredients used to make them.

One such example of a delicious salad that I have personally always loved is this strawberry and kale salad. This salad recipe is great for one of those dinners where you want to keep it as light as possible. 

The salad is packed with kale, and strawberries, two very contrasting flavors that work well together. There are also walnuts and feta in the salad, that add flavor and texture. Finally, the balsamic dressing can be made in a jiffy! 

Here is the recipe for this interesting kale and strawberry salad.

6. Pesto Ravioli With Spinach And Tomato

This recipe can be made in just under 15 minutes, moreover, you will not need any special ingredients to make it. Other than the ravioli, the rest of the ingredients added to this pasta dish might already be present in your pantry! 

Although this recipe is delicious, there is one little suggestion that I would like to make, which has worked in my favor. The original recipe calls for cheese ravioli. But, if you want to add protein to this dish, try going for a chicken or turkey stuffed ravioli instead. 

The rest of the ingredients are pretty simple, like tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, and of course, pesto. You can use any pesto you like, and it does not matter if it is store-bought or homemade, as long as it is not too high in calories. 

The wonderful recipe for this easy pesto ravioli is here.

7. Chicken Caesar Wraps

If you are in one of those moods where you would want to ditch carbohydrates out of your dinner meals, or go for healthier ones, here is a recipe that you may like. These wraps are packed with the goodness of crispy chicken. 

This wrap is packed with romaine lettuce and sundried tomatoes. Moreover, a great part about this wrap is that you could eat so many of them, without having to worry about eating too many calories, as it is low in calories. 

The chicken is mixed with a few ingredients and then the strips are sauteed in a pan, making them crispy, but also not oily. The wrap is also packed with a homemade Caesar dressing, which is also healthier than store-bought ones.

Here is the recipe to make these chicken wraps.

8. BBQ Chicken Tacos

Barbecued meats are one of the best things to go for, especially if you are looking for low-calorie meat options. The cooking method and the rich barbecue sauce used for these recipes make the meat exceptionally juicy from the inside out. 

I know BBQ chicken is also something that you would not generally expect to be ready in under 15 minutes. But, we will be using a little hack with this recipe, which makes the chicken delicious and will also save you some time. 

Use pre-cooked shredded chicken for this recipe, and then drench it in some rich and delicious BBQ sauce. The tacos are also packed with some delicious black beans, that add to the protein content. Lastly, the cilantro lime dressing adds a lot of flavor.  

Here is the recipe for these delicious BBQ chicken tacos.

9. Peanut Noodle Stir-Fry

Asian cuisine is one of those that has recipes that either take a bit too long to cook or take barely any time. Luckily, an Asian stir-fried dish comes in the latter category, making this recipe wonderful for a 15-minute dinner idea. 

This peanut noodle stir-fry is quick and easy to make, while also being packed with a bunch of nutrients. The original recipe calls for whole wheat pasta, but you can switch that out for egg noodles or rice noodles if you would like. 

This recipe consists of some simple veggies, like mushrooms, sugar snap peas, and green onions, along with a sauce made with peanut butter and vinegar. Although there is no protein in the recipe, you can very well add some extra-firm tofu to this recipe. 

Make yourself this Asian classic by following the guidelines in this recipe.

10. Spinach-Artichoke-Sausage Cauliflower Gnocchi

This is another recipe that is quick and easy to make but does not use traditional methods to make the gnocchi. Instead, you will have to use quite a few ingredients to make this recipe, to save some time. 

But, don’t worry! Regardless of using store-bought ingredients, the recipe is pretty healthy in many ways, along with being nutritionally balanced. You will have to use store-bought cauliflower gnocchi for this recipe, which is easily available. 

Cauliflower gnocchi is a lot healthier than gnocchi made with potatoes, which works in favor of the weight loss front. Other than that, this recipe is also packed with the goodness of protein from sausages! 

Make yourself this incredible gnocchi recipe by following the link.

11. Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice

If you have ever been on a ketogenic diet, you may be aware of cauliflower rice. Although quite a few people think of it as an abomination of food, cauliflower rice also has its separate die-hard fan base. 

In case you are one of those people who actually like cauliflower rice, this recipe is utterly great. The recipe starts by ricing some cauliflower. Other than the cauliflower itself, the rest of the ingredients used in this recipe are all Asian. 

In fact, the fried rice tastes so close to authentic fried rice, you might barely be able to tell the difference between the two. The sauces used in this recipe are sweet, sour, and umami, and overall, give a well-balanced flavor to this incredible recipe. 

Here is the recipe to make this delicious cauliflower chicken fried rice at home.

12. Salt And Pepper Shrimp

When you are trying to lose weight, one misconception is that you should avoid carbohydrates as much as possible, especially for dinner. While this rule does not necessarily apply to everyone, there are quite a few people I know who have managed to lose weight and stay fit with this strategy. 

This recipe is perfect for you if are one of those people who want to avoid carbohydrates as much as possible. Even if you aren’t, this recipe is surely worth a try! Shrimp, as you may know, takes just about 2 minutes to cook. 

So, the main ingredient itself in this recipe is ready in no time! The shrimp is also crispy while being flavorful, which makes the overall dish even better. The spices added are pretty standard, and most probably already present in your pantry!

Make yourself this classic Asian delicacy by following this simple recipe.

13. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

This Caesar salad recipe is pretty much a healthier version of a regular Caesar salad. An original Caesar salad hands down has to be one of the unhealthiest salads in the world, for quite a few reasons. 

Firstly, it is packed with iceberg lettuce, which has barely any nutritional value. Moreover, a regular Caesar salad is also loaded with mayonnaise and cheese. But, this salad is a much healthier option, while also enjoying the flavors of a Caesar salad. 

The base of this salad is made with brussels sprouts instead of iceberg lettuce, which is very nutritious. Moreover, the salad dressing is light, and not loaded with mayonnaise. Lastly, the original recipe has bacon, but you can switch that out for some grilled chicken instead!

Here is the simple recipe to make this healthy brussels sprout Caesar salad.

14. Tuscan-Style Tuna Salad

Here is another salad recipe that is incredibly delicious while also being healthy! You may have tried quite a few Tuna salads before, but I can bet that none of them will be on par with this one, for many reasons. 

Firstly, this salad is packed not just with tuna, but also Northern beans. These beans add protein for sure, but they also add a whole lot of texture, since they are mushy and can almost melt in your mouth. 

This, surprisingly pairs quite well with tuna. The salad dressing is pretty simple, since the base is just lemon juice, giving this dish an incredible sour flavor. If you want, you can also stuff this salad in pita pockets or a wrap! 

Making Tuscan-Style tuna salad is incredibly easy with this recipe.

15. Stove Top Mac And Cheese

Since this is a list of supposedly healthy recipes meant for weight loss, I bet you would have never imagined a classic like Mac and Cheese to make this list. Well, the simple reason is, mac and cheese can be incredibly unhealthy. 

But, with a lot of effort, the creators of this recipe have tried their best to make this recipe for mac and cheese as healthy as possible! This recipe has a few calorie-high ingredients like butter, which can be switched out or not added at all.

Yes, there is still cheese and evaporated milk added to this recipe. However, you can use low-fat versions of both, to save the extra calories. Try using some sort of protein in this recipe, whole-wheat pasta, and lastly, loads of spinach to make it nutritionally dense! 

If you have never tried stovetop mac and cheese before, here is your chance to do the same!

16. Healthy Margarita Pizza

Speaking of unexpected recipes making this list, here is another one that will blow your mind away! This margarita pizza recipe has a dough that is healthy, and surprisingly only made with two ingredients. 

Here, yet again to be able to finish making this pizza in just about 15 minutes, there are a few hacks that you’ll have to follow. Firstly, you will have to prepare the dough and let it rest, so that eventually you only have to assemble the ingredients on the pizza. 

The pizza sauce will also have to be pre-made, or you can use a store-bought pizza sauce. You could use low-fat mozzarella cheese for this recipe if you would like and also add toppings such as chicken for some protein. 

Make yourself this incredible pizza and see just how healthy it is with this recipe.

17. Roast Beef Sandwiches

Yet another classic recipe with deli roast meat! You may have guessed already, I just cannot get enough of a lovely thinly sliced deli meat! This recipe is yet again simple, packed with protein, and ready in no time. 

For this recipe, the basic idea is to use deli-bought strips of beef, and then use them to make these sandwiches. We won’t be using barbecue sauce just as it is in this recipe, but instead, we’ll be making a cheddar sauce base. 

The base is made with butter, flour, milk, mustard, and sharp cheddar. However, I must say that this sandwich also tastes lovely with some good old BBQ sauce. Load up sandwiches with this delicious meat and you’ll surely be satisfied! 

Here is the recipe to make these quick and delicious loaded sandwiches.

18. Roasted Vegetable And Black Bean Tacos

If you are looking for a vegetarian recipe that is also healthy, here is one that you should try out. These tacos are delicious and approved so well by meat eaters like me, trust me you won’t miss meat at all! 

The roasted vegetable blend for these tacos consists of everything from sweet potatoes to a bunch of other root vegetables. However, you can take creative liberties with the recipe and add or subtract as many vegetables in this recipe as you like. 

The tacos are packed with black beans, which are an excellent source of protein and also essential in many taco recipes. The recipe also has a few spices added to it for flavor, along with chopped avocados for that lovely, silky smooth texture. 

Try out these tacos with this simple recipe.

19. Mexican Tuna Salad

This Mexican salad is made with the goodness of avocados and has no mayonnaise, which makes it an incredibly healthy recipe. Other than tuna, one of the main ingredients that make up this recipe is creamy avocados. 

Avocados are packed with healthy fats, which actually make them great for recipes where you are looking for a creamy and low-fat option. This salad is loaded with the goodness of protein not just from tuna, but also black beans. 

The salad is also packed with some classic Mexican flavors and ingredients, like cilantro, green onions, jalapenos, red peppers, and also spices like cumin. If you want, you can load this salad in some tortillas and make a delicious wrap! 

Here is how you can make this incredible Mexican Tuna salad recipe.

20. Creamy Spinach Pasta

As the original makers of this recipe claim, this is probably the creamiest, yet lightest pasta dish that you may ever try! The creamy flavor and texture in this recipe all come from Mascarpone cheese. 

The original recipe also suggests using chickpea pasta, but if you can’t find any of that, you can use regular whole-wheat pasta. Spinach adds a whole lot of substance along with flavor to this recipe.

There is also black pepper, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper added to this recipe, all of which add an exceptional amount of flavor. If you would like to, add some shredded chicken for extra protein. 

Here is the recipe to make this creamy spinach pasta at home.

21. Asian Chicken With Ginger And Brown Rice

This dish is a complete and balanced meal on its own, combining everything good that Asian cuisine has to offer. The dish is packed with chicken for protein, along with a whole bunch of vegetables, and brown rice. 

Another great thing about this dish is that you won’t have to rely as much on store-bought ingredients, since Asian stir-fry recipes don’t take as much time to be ready. The only hack that you might need to consider is using cooked, or ready-to-eat brown rice. 

The chicken is grilled and has a lovely amalgamation of flavors mainly ginger, along with soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper. So, as you can see, this recipe is pretty simple! 

I would highly recommend this recipe if you love classic Asian meals.

22. Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Just as you’d think that this post is all out of innovative tuna recipes, I have one more for you! Tuna is an ingredient that pairs well with so many flavors, that innovation with this protein is almost endless. From Mexico to the Mediterranean, here’s another tuna salad recipe for you!

This salad recipe is perfect for weight loss since it is packed with protein, which is essential in the process. Moreover, every fatty ingredient that you would expect to take away from the healthy aspect of a salad is not a part of this recipe, which is another plus. 

This salad does have mayonnaise, but it is just enough to hold the salad together. If you would like, you can instead use Greek yogurt, as in my experience, it works just as well. The rest of the ingredients in this salad are classic Mediterranean, including capers, red onions, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers. 

Try this one-of-a-kind tuna salad if you are in the mood for some Mediterranean food, with this recipe.

23. Quick Shrimp Puttanesca

If you would normally make a pasta puttanesca recipe from scratch, it is bound to take longer than 15 minutes. I think this is the reason why there is an emphasis on ‘quick’ right at the beginning of this recipe. 

Although this recipe is absolutely delicious, and worth every bite and all your time, it can be a little difficult to come up with a pasta puttanesca recipe in just 15 minutes. So, this recipe requires a few pre-preps that you may have to finish before you make the actual pasta dish. 

Moreover, even though this is a pasta recipe, which is technically loaded with carbohydrates, there is a huge saving grace here for weight loss, which is shrimp, of course! This pasta recipe is loaded with shrimp, which adds a lot of protein and makes it a well-balanced meal. 

Make yourself this quick and delicious pasta meal by following this simple recipe.

24. Tarragon Scallops With Asparagus

I, for one, was someone who would always stay as away from scallops as possible. I don’t know why, but somehow their slimy texture used to make me go ‘Nope, I’m not trying that!’. This was all until one fine day when I had no other choice but to eat scallops. 

Well, I cannot say this recipe changed my perception of scallops, as I did start liking them way before I tried this recipe out. But yes, this recipe did give me reassurance that scallops can indeed be very delicious! 

Although tarragon is the main herb in this recipe, it is definitely not all that gives the scallops or asparagus flavor. There are also simple flavors of lemon juice, salt, and pepper, which give both the main ingredients flavor, while also making sure that they retain their original flavor. 

If you have doubts about scallops too, I would highly recommend this recipe, as it will change your mind!

25. Chipotle Sweet Potato Bowls

Have you ever been to a nice restaurant or bar, and ordered yourself some deliciously loaded fries along with your beverage of choice? Well, this recipe is a variation of those fries made with sweet potatoes, and also much healthier. 

The first time I came across this recipe, I expected it to be something similar to a rice bowl. But, this is indeed a very simple and quick approach to a meal for weight loss, which is very well balanced as far as flavors and nutrition is concerned. 

This recipe consists of thinly sliced sweet potatoes that are basically baked sweet potato fries. The fries are topped with an egg, which adds to the protein content, and there are also cheese and green onions as toppings, which make this dish taste even better! 

Make yourself some delicious bar food for dinner with this awesome recipe.

26. Zucchini Noodle Salad With Chicken

If you are in the mood to really cut down on calories as much as possible, and by that I mean cutting down on carbohydrates, this is a great recipe. This Italian salad is packed with the goodness of zucchini, and some other interesting veggies. 

The recipe, since it lacks carbohydrates, may seem like one that is not too filling. At least not filling enough to be a dinner meal. But, these noodles combined with the chicken make it a filling enough meal. 

This salad recipe starts off simple, with zucchini noodles that are topped with some feta cheese crumbles, Italian dressing, sliced olives, and tomatoes. Finally, to save some time, add pre-cooked chicken breast on top to add some protein to the salad. 

Try out this lovely Italian salad with this recipe.

27. Soy Honey Chicken With Broccoli

Here is a lovely recipe for those who love themselves some quick and delicious Asian food! This recipe is like one of those recipes that you may find at an Asian restaurant but is also a much healthier option. 

Also, although the name suggests only chicken with broccoli for this recipe, it is also pretty much loaded with brown rice, making a deliciously well-balanced meal. To save time, you can use instant brown rice instead of making it from it. 

The rest of the process in this recipe pretty much involves browning some chicken, along with broccoli. Top the chicken with a few seasonings, and some delicious sauces. As an added bonus, you can also top the chicken with some roasted sesame seeds! 

Here is the recipe to make this delicious Asian chicken recipe at home.

28. Herby Cod With Roasted Tomatoes

This recipe for cod is herby, gluten-free, loaded with Mediterranean herbs and spices, and also pretty well balanced, making it a delicious weight-loss-appropriate meal. In general,  fish takes barely any time to cook, which makes this recipe time efficient too. 

This recipe mentioned here suggests using frozen cod, however, you can also use fresh cod if you would like. This recipe is also great in a way that it is gluten-free, and still can be served with carbohydrates, in the form of couscous. 

The cod is first loaded with a bunch of seasonings and then baked in the oven for just about 5-8 minutes. Once done, the cod is served alongside some roasted tomatoes mixed with capers and olives, and also some sort of carbohydrate. 

If you love to fish a bit too much, you have to try this incredible recipe out!

29. Black-Bean Quinoa Bowl

Here is a recipe that every vegetarian out there will surely love! As the original recipe suggests, this bowl has all the characteristics of a taco salad but is just a lot healthier than the same, and also well-balanced in a lot of ways. 

To save time with this recipe, the best bet is to use canned black beans. But, if you would like, you can also use fresh ones that you have cooked at home. Along with black beans, this bowl is also packed with the goodness of protein from some delicious hummus. 

So basically, this recipe is an amalgamation of delicious Mexican and Mediterranean flavors. Along with the flavors of hummus, quinoa, and black beans, the bowl is also loaded with picco de galo, avocados, lime juice, and some freshly chopped cilantro! 

Here is the recipe that will make you realize just how well Mexican and Mediterranean flavors go together!

30. Creamy Chicken With Zucchini Noodles

Here is another pasta recipe that eliminates the carbohydrates completely, and instead uses zucchini noodles, which are loaded with nutrients. This recipe is Mediterranean in all ways possible. 

This pasta recipe is loaded with a creamy sauce, that the original maker of this recipe claims is possibly the best sauce you may ever have! The sauce is loaded with the goodness of coconut milk and sun-dried tomatoes. 

The sun-dried tomatoes add a rustic flavor, along with parmesan cheese. With this recipe, the only catch is that you may have to do a few preps beforehand, to save on some time later. 

Although the recipe is a little rich compared to others, it still makes for a wonderful recipe that is low on carbs and good for weight loss.

31. Salmon With Roasted Red Pepper Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a superfood that is very low in calories and is an excellent source of an abundance of nutrients. What makes quinoa a superfood is that you indeed need a very small quantity of the same to feel full! 

This is what makes this ingredient so great for those trying to lose weight. Moreover, salmon is also a great source of protein, which is another essential in your daily diet while trying to lose weight. 

So in this recipe, the salmon is seasoned with just a few ingredients, like salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and also garlic. The quinoa is seasoned with cilantro, and roasted red peppers, both of which make it taste subtle, yet absolutely delicious! 

If you are in the mood for some superfood, try this delicious salad recipe with quinoa!

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Conclusion

It can be a difficult task to plan meals that are nutritious, delicious, and also well-balanced, especially when you are trying to lose weight. The main emphasis is on delicious, of course! Moreover, if you have very less time on hand, the task may seem even harder. 

But luckily, there are a bunch of easy and very delicious recipes that can be ready in just under 15 minutes. Some of these recipes do require a few pre-preparations to be done so that the eventual cooking process is not as time-consuming. 

Whereas there are also a bunch of recipes in this list that are pretty well-balanced and healthy, despite using store-bought ingredients. So, regardless of the recipe you choose from this list, I can guarantee that you will be very satisfied with the result! 

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