12 healthy dinner recipes

On a weight loss journey, food plays an important role alongside other elements like physical activity. A key principle for weight loss is calorie control – when we eat and drink more calories than we put to use for bodily functions and exercise, our bodies store the excess energy, leading to weight gain over time (Lose weight - Better Health - NHS).

As well as managing calorie intake through food, it’s important to consider that food provides key nutrients, including macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and unsaturated fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals that are key for health, such as iron* and vitamin C**, for example. The Eatwell Guide contains helpful details around food groups and how different foods support the intake of key nutrients (The Eatwell Guide - NHS).

To support you with your weight loss journey and nutrition requirements, Asda has created 12 delicious, nutritious*** dinner recipes. These recipes all meet our Live Better criteria, which means they contain less than 600 calories per portion, have no red traffic lights, and provide specific health benefits***, ranging from:

• source of/high in fibre – we know most people do not consume the recommended 30g of fibre/day****, and we have selected some recipes which will help you reach your 30g
• source of/high in protein, which contributes to a growth in muscle mass
• low in saturated fat – reducing consumption of saturated fat contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels
• source of Vitamin C, which contributes to the immune system

*Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

**Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism

*** All recipes meet an approved Health Claim.

****National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2019 to 2023: report - GOV.UK

1. Lancashire lamb hotpot

A twist on a British staple, this tasty lamb dish is layered with cuts of succulent lamb, vegetables, and thinly sliced potatoes. It’s rich in fibre and protein, and is the perfect warming evening meal.

A Moroccan-inspired spiced soup that’s perfect for meat-free days or for anyone following a vegetarian diet. It’s packed with lentils, chickpeas, and tomatoes, and is rich in plant-based protein and fibre.

Looking to add a veg boost to traditional rarebit? Look no further than these cheesy, oven-roasted cauliflower steaks. A source of protein and flavour, these cheeky alternatives to ‘cheese on toast’ are a delicious meat-free dinner option.

Veg filled, fragrant, and rich in protein, this easy seafood dish features a medley of spiced seafood served over a low-calorie cauliflower rice.

This Egyptian-style dish combines spiced chicken, lentils, and wholegrains for a fibre-rich, protein-packed meal , topped off with roasted cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst of flavour.

A light pasta dish with a Mediterranean-inspired combination of mussels and sweet roasted peppers. This recipe is low fat,1 of your 5 a day and at just 557kcal, it is only around 28% of your daily calorie requirements*.

*Based on a recommended calorie intake of 2000kcal a day

Whip up this satisfying vegetarian curry made with roasted aubergine and warming spices for a healthy alternative to your take-out temptations. Aubergines are naturally a source of fibre, and this curry will fill your kitchen with delicious smells. It is also a great prep ahead lunch option.

Spicy, smoky, and filling, this Portuguese dish mixes piri-piri spiced rice, peppers, and protein-packed eggs for a super-easy, midweek meal.

This Middle-Eastern-inspired dish pairs creamy labneh with fibre-rich chickpeas and herbs for a fresh, and delicious meal. Packed with plant-based protein, it’s perfect for when you want both a healthy and tasty meal on those warmer evenings.

If you’re looking for a meal that will impress your friends and family without compromising on health, this sweet and savoury tagine blends chickpeas, apricots, and spices for a fibre-rich vegetarian dinner. Dried apricots add a tasty burst of sweetness and this recipe is also a source of potassium which contributes to muscle function.

Packed with Middle Eastern flavours, this baked chicken shawarma sharing platter is perfect for those warm summer evenings, while the shredded vegetable salad brings crunch and flavour.

This simple yet beautiful salad is the perfect side dish for chicken breast, mackerel, or goat’s cheese. It’s zesty, crunchy, and brimming with fibre, making it a colourful addition to any weekly menu. When you’re stuck on how to pair up your protein, there are always ways to shake up your salads.