5 Healthy & Easy Fall Weeknight Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes

This post is all about Fall weeknight dinners with 5 recipes that are the perfect combination of healthy and easy.

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There’s something about crisp autumn weather and the excitement for the season ahead that makes us want to cook up something warm and cozy. These healthy and easy fall weeknight dinners bring all the delicious warm flavors and are ready in under 30 minutes. 

These recipes are easy to make but are packed with whole nutritious ingredients, warming flavors, and spices, and make great meal prep and leftovers. 

They are sure to fill your kitchen with delicious smells and offer the comfort, warmth, and coziness you’re looking for. 

We’ve included a variety of recipes to fit any diet including high-protein, vegetarian, and gluten-free. 

Why Easy Fall Weeknight Dinners?

As the seasons change, so do our palettes and our body’s needs. Embrace the coziness of the season by exploring new fall-inspired recipes. Celebrate the season with unique and comforting recipes using seasonal ingredients. Things like butternut squash, root veggies, and brussel sprouts are in season this time of year and they are the perfect ingredients for rich and flavorful dishes. Plus, they provide the exact nutrients you need for the fall and winter seasons, packed with all kinds of vitamins and minerals. 

Seasonal Fall Produce Guide

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for what’s in season during autumn.

• Apples
• Pumpkins
• Sweet Potatoes
• Brussel Sprouts
• Pears
• Cranberries

Planning for Easy Dinners

Making weeknight dinners easy is all about planning. You’re already one step ahead with your planning. Choose a weekly lineup of recipes and compile a list for easy grocery shopping. By following your plan, you’ll ensure you have meals ready to go for each day of the week and reduce food waste. 

Plus, you can always cook a double or triple portion to have leftovers ready for lunch the next day. It’s an easy hack to integrate meal prep into your existing routines.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Evenings

We know just how much time and effort it takes to prepare dinner every night so we’re here to share some time-saving tips!

1. Prep ahead: Either purchase pre-chopped and washed products or carve out 30 minutes at the beginning of the week to prep all ingredients at once. This will greatly cut down on your time in the kitchen throughout the week. 
2. Sheet pan magic: Opt for sheet pan recipes where you roast the protein and veggies together on once pan. It’s low effort and super easy to clean up!
3. Instant Pot wonders: If you have an Instant pot, multi-cocker, or crockpot, put it to good use! 
4. Freezer-friendly meals: Prepare large batches of soups, casseroles or stews and freeze the leftovers for later.

5 Healthy & Easy Fall Weeknight Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes

One Pan Herb Roasted Chicken & Vegetables by Mess in the Kitchen

This easy fall weeknight dinner recipe ticks so many boxes! It’s an easy sheet tray dinner that comes together in 30 minutes. It’s super healthy and packed with protein and healthy veggies. It features four root seasonal root veggies but you can always mix it up and make it your own.

Our secret tips:

• Try swapping out chicken breast for chicken thighs or wings for easy money savings.
• Cut a lemon in half and roast it cut side down on the tray. Squeeze your roasted chicken on everything when you’re ready to serve.
• Craving a little heat? Spice it up with red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

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Pumpkin Curry Soup by Well Plated by Erin

This easy vegan soup cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup. It is inspired by Thai flavors with additions of red curry, coconut, and peanuts. It also happens to be gluten and dairy-free!

Our secret tips:

• Try blending just half the soup for a chunkier, more hearty alternative.
• You can easily swap in any kind of pumpkin or squash such as butternut or kabocha. 
• Make a double or triple batch and freeze some for later!

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Maple-Glazed Salmon with Lentil & Hazelnut Salad by Taste.com

If salmon is a staple in your house, you’re probably looking for ways to mix it up. This maple-glazed recipe hits just right with a little sweet and salty combo. Other than the salmon itself the recipe doesn’t require any other cooking making it easy prep and easy clean-up.

Our secret tips:

• Try swapping the maple syrup for honey for a honey mustard flavor combo.
• You can easily mix it up by swapping the lentils for quinoa, wild rice, or farro.
• Do you always end up with leftover salmon? Turn it into salmon salad for the next day.

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Apple & Butternut Squash Soup by From My Bowl

Nothing quite feels like fall like butternut squash soup. This easy fall weeknight dinner recipe is super creamy and bursting with fall flavor. Plus it’s vegan and has only 8 ingredients. 

Our secret tips:

• Try adding a bit of white miso paste for an extra umami flavor infusion.
• Looking for more protein? Swap the coconut milk for blended silken tofu. Trust us, it’s such a good way to sneak in extra goodness. 
• Missing some crunch? Try adding candied pecans or fried sage to garnish.

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Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana by Half-Baked Harvest

Is there anything better for a cold autumn night than a hearty bowl of soup? This recipe is totally worth whipping out the instant pot for. It’s packed with veggies and fresh flavors from the pesto and lemon. 

Our secret tips:

• Don’t have an instant pot? This can easily be made on the stovetop with a little extra time. 
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the crispy bacon and swapping the chicken sausage for a veggie alternative.
• Make this soup on a Sunday evening and eat the leftovers for lunch all week. It’s that good!

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These easy fall weeknight dinners are all you need to welcome the autumn season and warm your soul. Embrace seasonal produce with comforting soups, hearty stews, and convenient sheet pan meals. By incorporating these easy recipes into your weekly routine, you’ll save tons of time while enjoying flavorful and delicious recipes. 

Enjoy the coziness, celebrate the flavors, and make the most of this wonderful season with these easy fall weeknight dinner ideas.

Tell us in the comments which recipe is your favorite!

Hungry for more?

• 10 Healthy Lunch Meal Prep Recipes You’ll Never Get Sick Of
• The 7 Best Instant Pot Chicken Recipes: Quick High-Protein Meals You’ll Love
• 7 High-Protein Crockpot Meals that Are Insanely Healthy & Easy to Make

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Posted By: Victoria · In: nutrition