Are you looking for delicious and easy Weight Watchers dinner recipes that are also healthy? You’re in luck! With a little creativity, it’s possible to create mouthwatering meals that won’t break your diet. In this article, we’ll share 20 tasty and nutritious recipes that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your weight loss goals on track.
From slow cooker chicken tacos to quinoa and veggie Buddha bowls, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a focus on lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of veggies, you’ll be amazed at how deliciously healthy dinner can be. So go ahead, get cooking, and start enjoying the flavors and benefits of Weight Watchers-approved meals!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos: A flavorful and effortless meal that’s perfect for a busy day. This recipe combines the comfort of chicken with the excitement of tacos, all with minimal effort required!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, onion, and bell pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred chicken with two forks and stir in any accumulated juices.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with shredded chicken, cheese, lettuce, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Meatballs
Enjoy a healthy twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs with this recipe, featuring zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook zucchini noodles according to package instructions or spiralize fresh zucchini.
3. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
4. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
7. Add cooked meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes to coat with the sauce.
8. Serve turkey meatballs on top of zucchini noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using). Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot Turkey Chili
A hearty, comforting pot of chili that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This one-pot wonder is easy to make and packed with flavor, featuring tender turkey and a blend of spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the turkey over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until turkey is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
Brighten up your dinner table with this flavorful and moist salmon dish, infused with the zesty essence of lemon and pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down (if they have skin).
4. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and thyme.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them completely.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Skinny Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This speedy stir-fry is a healthier take on the classic Chinese dish, packed with lean beef, nutritious broccoli, and savory soy sauce. With only 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the broccoli, garlic, soy sauce, and honey. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the broccoli mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over brown rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp
This recipe transforms cauliflower into a flavorful and nutritious substitute for traditional fried rice, paired with succulent shrimp. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Add the processed cauliflower “rice” to the skillet, along with soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This creamy chicken salad recipe gets a Greek twist with the addition of tangy yogurt, crunchy cucumbers, and savory feta cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, yogurt, cucumber, feta cheese, lemon juice, and mustard.
2. Mix until well combined, adjusting seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with parsley or dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes ( preparation only)
Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
Simplify your mealtime routine with this creative twist on classic spaghetti. Spaghetti squash is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, and when paired with homemade marinara sauce, it’s a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 large spaghetti squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with minced garlic.
4. Roast squash for 45-50 minutes or until flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
5. While squash is roasting, combine crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once squash is done, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
7. Serve squash with marinara sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Black Bean and Corn Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the sweetness of roasted peppers with the savory flavors of black beans and corn, creating a deliciously healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in black beans and corn kernels. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
5. Stuff each pepper with the bean-corn mixture, filling to the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Get creative with this flavorful and healthy recipe that combines tender zucchini boats with savory turkey and veggie filling!
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, corn)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and mixed veggies to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stuff each zucchini boat with the turkey-veggie mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is heated through.
8. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
This Instant Pot vegetable soup recipe is a simple and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch. With a variety of colorful vegetables, this soup is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and potatoes)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and mixed vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple
Add a touch of tropical flavor to your next barbecue with these easy-to-make Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple. This simple recipe combines succulent shrimp, sweet pineapple chunks, and a hint of citrus for a deliciously refreshing snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice.
3. Add shrimp and pineapple chunks; toss to coat.
4. Thread shrimp and pineapple onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Quinoa and Veggie Buddha Bowl
This nutritious bowl combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, topped with a tangy tahini sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup tahini sauce (see below for recipe)
Tahini Sauce:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini sauce ingredients.
6. To assemble the bowls, divide cooked quinoa among four bowls, then top with roasted vegetables and drizzle with tahini sauce.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan Light
A lighter twist on the classic Italian-American dish, this recipe reduces the calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each eggplant slice in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook eggplant slices until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Transfer cooked eggplant to a baking dish. Spoon tomato sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Herb Baked Cod
This recipe combines the freshness of lemon with the warmth of herbs to create a moist and flavorful baked cod dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the cod, then sprinkle lemon juice, parsley, dill, and garlic powder evenly over each fillet.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Skinny Chicken Fajitas
Get ready to spice up your meal routine with this mouth-watering and nutritious recipe for Skinny Chicken Fajitas. Made with lean chicken breast, crunchy bell peppers, and flavorful spices, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 small flour tortillas, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes more.
4. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve the chicken and bell pepper mixture with tortillas, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your guilt-free Skinny Chicken Fajitas!
Avocado and Black Bean Quesadillas
A delicious twist on traditional quesadillas, these flavorful wraps combine the creaminess of avocado with the earthy taste of black beans. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together diced avocado and black beans.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with 1/8 cup cheese.
4. Add the avocado-black bean mixture on half of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per quesadilla
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful recipe that combines the earthy goodness of portobello mushrooms with the savory flavors of turkey and spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 1/2 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add turkey breast, spinach, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the turkey mixture, dividing it evenly.
5. Place mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of mushrooms.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Get ready to enjoy crispy, juicy, and deliciously flavorful chicken tenders with minimal effort using your Air Fryer! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game-day snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon buttermilk (or regular milk)
– Vegetable oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Place coated tenders in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Spray with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creamy texture of chickpeas with the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, olives, artichoke hearts, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious and easy-to-make Weight Watchers dinner recipes that are both healthy and satisfying. From slow cooker chicken tacos to baked lemon garlic salmon, these mouthwatering dishes cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy one-pot wonders like turkey chili or vegetable soup, or try innovative twists on classic favorites like cauliflower fried rice with shrimp or eggplant parmesan. These recipes are perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or special occasions. With Weight Watchers points included, you can indulge guilt-free and stay on track with your health goals.
