Following the MyPlate guidelines is as easy as prep, cook, eat with these healthy dinner recipes. Each dinner idea provides multiple food groups and suggestions for foods to serve with each recipe to include all five food groups.
MyPlate-Inspired Dinners
Eliminate the guesswork from healthy eating with these MyPlate-inspired dinner recipes. Each healthy dinner supplies all five food groups or suggestions to get each food group on your plate while sticking to a 2,000-calorie diet.
Hot Chicken Salad Skillet Casserole
Blaine Moats
Loaded with chicken, peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is packed with flavor. Serve over steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice for a filling, nutritious meal. Just remember to add a side of fruit to account for each food group.
Mediterranean Salad on Mini Naan
Brie Passano
Garbanzo beans provide the protein in this vegetarian recipe. Combine them with mozzarella balls, arugula, olives, and basil, and you’ll get a Mediterranean-inspired meal the family will love. Stick to the Mediterranean theme by serving with fresh figs or grapes to round out the meal.
Green Bean Casserole
Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This creamy and comforting meal will be a hit around the dinner table. A mix of fresh veggies, bread crumbs, and yogurt will not only taste delicious, but keep you healthy. Serve up a slice of this delicious casserole with a side of fruit to get all five food groups in for a complete meal.
How to Cook Asparagus
Watch our tips for cooking aspargus, and you’ll always be able to whip up a yummy serving of vegetables.
Veggie Mac and Cheese
Andy Lyons
This twist on your favorite comfort food is easy-to-make and healthy to boot. Serve it with a spinach and strawberry salad to round out the meal and add bright, fresh flavors. After one bite, your family will ask for this healthy dish again and again.
Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Pasta
Kelsey Hansen
This Italian-inspired dish is loaded with cooking staples such as pasta, veggies, and chicken to keep your shopping list short. Scoop up a serving with a side of your favorite fruit for a balanced meal.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
The Sprue Eats/Julia Hartbeck
This pasta casserole, which is like lasagna but with spaghetti noodles instead of pasta sheets, makes a family-friendly dinner. Serve with homemade garlic bread and a fresh green salad to get all five food groups into your meal.
Meatballs with Coconut-Curry Sauce
Brie Goldman
Savory meatballs served with rice and veggies knocks out multiple food groups at once. You could even stuff the meatballs with cheese for some added flavor. Serve with a side of fresh fruit to complete the meal.
Dijon Pork Chops with Apple Salad
Andy Lyons
These tangy pork chops are served with nuts, fruits, and vegetables, making them the perfect meal for any occasion. Simply serve with a glass of milk to work in your serving of dairy.
Herbed Chicken Parm Slider
Carson Downing
Nothing says summer like fresh chicken from the grill. Topped with provolone cheese and marinara sauce, this burger-like recipe offers a fresh take on the classic. Serve with a Caesar salad and a side of fruit to complete the meal.
Tortellini and Garden Vegetable Bake
Blaine Moats
Spaghetti meets casserole in this nutritious, family-friendly recipe. Pasta, tomatoes, chicken breasts, and cheese—we’ve got all your favorite ingredients in one dish. Serve with a side of fruit to get all five food groups.
Four-Cheese Zucchini Strata
Layered with eggs, bread, vegetables, and cheese, this make-ahead casserole can be served for dinner or brunch. Just include a side of fruit to round out the meal.