50 healthy family meals

From Tom Kerridge’s butternut squash pasta bake to the Hairy Bikers’ Spanish-style chicken, we’ve got lots of healthy family meals to choose from.

"A healthy meal should be a good balance between the three macronutrients – protein, carbohydrate, and fats – with a generous helping of rainbow-coloured foods alongside,” says nutritionist Alexandra Allan. “Unless you’re vegan, make fish, poultry, and eggs your main sources of protein, and eat lean red meat, bacon, and other processed meats only occasionally. Pulses (lentils, beans, chickpeas), nuts, and seeds are good sources of vegetable protein. Protein should form at least ¼ of your plate – it gives you your essential building blocks, but it will also help you feel fuller for longer.”

As well as protein, Alexandra suggests that a quarter of your plate should be formed of complex carbohydrates such as sweet potato, squash, rice, and quinoa. “Think root vegetables and whole grains. Limit refined grains such as white pasta and bread, as these can affect the body in a similar way to sugar,” she explains. “For fats, use olive oil as your everyday fat for both cooking and seasoning and butter in moderation. Avoid margarine and trans fats, as these can be inflammatory. Don’t forget to add raw nuts, seeds, and avocados to ensure you get your daily dose of healthy fats, and aim for two portions of oily fish (eg, salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines) every week. Not only are these great for your brain, skin, and eyes, but including fats will help you absorb the fat-soluble vitamins D, A, E, and K.”

Finally, half your plate should be made up of a wonderful array of brightly coloured veg – which will easily help you to your 5-a-day (or 10-a-day if you want optimal health). “Including a wide array of fruits and vegetables from an early age can help familiarise babies and young children with the different flavours and textures. And don’t give up! If you provide many repeated exposures to a food (sometimes 8-15 times) this can help enhance acceptance of the food,” adds Alexandra.

Healthy family meals

1. Tom Kerridge's chicken pearl barley soup

Calories: 814 | Fat: 48.4g | Sugar: 12.1g | Salt: 3.3g | Five-a-day count: 3-4 portions

You’d be hard pushed to find a more nutrient-packed, healthy meal than this one from the Michelin-starred chef.  Crammed with vegetables – carrots, celery, courgette, cavolo nero, and leeks all feature – and plenty of protein from the chicken, it’s a wholesome food hug. 

The pearl barley gives it a bite and will leave everyone feeling fuller for longer, ideal when watching the pennies and wanting your meals to go further, while the porcini mushrooms add depth of flavour. Kids love Parmesan, so a generous grating on top will be not only tasty, but add calcium and more protein to your soup. 

Get the recipe: Tom Kerridge's chicken pearl barley soup

2. Classic chilli con carne

Calories: 784 | Fat: 8g | Sugar: 32.5g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

“Iron-rich red meat paired with fibre-rich kidney beans, this is a nutrient-dense meal. Plus, it’s a great one to batch cook,” says Alexandra. The green peppers, onions, and chopped toms provide the vits, and the chillies and garlic both give a nutrient boost and have antioxidant qualities, too. There’s also a protein punch from the kidney beans and the minced beef (which can be swapped for Quorn mince or removed all together and veggies like butternut squash and sweet potato added in for bulk, taste, and even more nutrients). Leave out the wine and cut down on the chilli content for the kids, should you wish.

Get the recipe: Chilli con carne

3. Cajun chicken

Calories: 300 | Fat: 2.8g | Sugar: 7.5g | Salt: 2.2g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

When cooking for all the family, you’ve got to love a one-pot wonder to save on the faff of washing up. This cajun chicken also takes just 15 minutes to prep and brings two of our favourite food friends, chicken and rice, together for a balanced meal that is low in unhealthy, saturated fats. 

Green beans, red and yellow peppers, onions, and garlic add a variety of vitamins and an appealing colour palette. And each tender cut of chicken is infused with cajun spice, so every bite is bursting with flavour. Swap the cooking spray for extra virgin olive oil if you’re not watching the calories and want to add a dose of healthy fats and antioxidants.

Get the recipe: Cajun chicken

4. Fish wraps

Calories: 415 | Fat: 13.8g | Sugar: 5.6g | Salt: 0.6g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

A healthier take on a burger, this fish burger is wrapped up with plenty of fresh salad and a tasty gherkin. Using wraps rather than burger buns makes them lighter and healthier but they still taste great. There’s a good lean protein hit from the white fish and because you make the breadcrumb coating yourself (a great way to avoid the food waste of stale bread), there are none of the lurking additives you might find in shop-bought versions.

Get the recipe: Fish wraps

5. Tuna pasta bake

Calories: 415 | Fat: 13.8g | Sugar: 5.6g | Salt: 0.6g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Veggie packed with sweetcorn, mushrooms and tinned toms, tuna pasta bake is a firm family favourite that uses store cupboard staples such as pasta and tinned tuna. Excellent for a simple mid-week dinner, protein-rich tuna is good for an omega-3 hit, while the carbohydrates in the pasta will help with an energy boost after a hectic day.

Get the recipe: Tuna pasta bake

6. Mushroom ragu with courgetti

Calories: 125 | Fat: 2.9g | Sugar: 9.5g | Salt: 0.6g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

Meat-free mushroom ragu is quick to prepare, and a marvellous choice if you’re cutting down on meat to help both your pockets and the planet. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins and you can use whatever varieties you fancy, mixed in with the usual ragu veggies like carrots, celery and onions.

Instead of pasta, we've snuck in extra veg in the form of courgetti, or courgette ribbons but, if your kids would rather carb load and swap it out for spaghetti, then that is also absolutely fine. Sprinkle some fresh basil or oregano on top for a spot of greenery and grate over some Parmesan. 

Get the recipe: Mushroom ragu with courgetti

7. Tom Kerridge’s butternut squash pasta bake

Calories: 729| Fat: 29.2g | Sugar: 18.3g | Salt: 1.24g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

Tom's comforting butternut squash pasta bake sneaks in a ton of veggies that your kids won’t even notice, and it’s super creamy and delicious, thanks to bold flavours like sundried tomatoes, sage, Parmesan, and nutmeg. The bake features layers of macaroni pasta, soft butternut squash, and heaps of cheese. 

The pumpkin seeds don’t just give a crunch, they pack a nutritional punch (yes, we are fine poets), with magnesium, vitamins, fatty acids, and protein among their many benefits.

Get the recipe: Tom Kerridge’s butternut squash pasta bake

8. Tarragon pesto pasta with peas and prawns

Calories: 578 | Fat: 35.5g  | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

A twist on the classic pesto, this recipe swaps basil for tarragon, a punchy herb that works wonderfully with seafood (and chicken, if you wanted to swap out the prawns for strips of grilled or stir-fried protein-rich chicken breast). The peas provide the vitamins, as does the tarragon, as well as magnesium, potassium and iron. It’s super simple, too, and all done in two easy steps, ideal after a hectic day at the coal face.

Get the recipe: Tarragon pesto pasta with peas and prawns

9. Cauliflower pizza

Calories: 213 | Fat: 11g | Five-a-day count: 2-3 portions

A good one for cutting down on the carbs and upping your veg quota and perfect for any family members with gluten intolerance, this delicious pizza is made from cauliflower. The standard pizza base is swapped for one made from cauliflower blitzed with egg, Parmesan, and oregano (which, frankly sounds far tastier than bread, to us). A great way to eat an extra portion of veg on what isn't usually the healthiest dinner, this recipe is topped with sweetcorn and peppers, but feel free to mix and match – mushrooms, olives, artichokes, courgettes, and even chargrilled broccoli are all winners, and, you could also add some lean ham or pepperoni if you’re feeling particularly carnivorous.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower pizza

10. Ramen soup

Calories: 203 | Fat: 9g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

“Full of gorgeous anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ginger and garlic, this soup is easy to make and can be adapted to include whatever veg you have left over in your crisper drawer. Plus, this makes a super healthy veggie meal for meat-free Mondays,” says Alexandra. A good ramen is life-giving stuff. A Japanese staple (and they know a thing or two about health, having the world’s oldest population), it’s way more than ‘just’ a soup. 

Bursting with veg like Tenderstem broccoli, mushrooms, aubergine, ginger, soy sauce, and miso make this soup extra flavoursome. This recipe is totally vegan, providing protein through the tofu and soya beans, but if that doesn’t suit the family pallet, try shredded chicken or pork, or some seafood or salmon instead. A sliced hard-boiled egg is another good addition to a protein hit. The sliced radishes and watercress on the top add not only colour and visual appeal but also another one of your 5 a day (you could up it even further with shredded carrot and spring onion). 

Get the recipe: Ramen soup

11. Mini roasted cauliflowers with tomato sauce

Calories: 243 | Fat: 15.7g | Sugar: 10.8g | Salt: 0.4g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

Cauliflowers are definitely having their moment in the sun recently, taking their rightful place in centre stage. No longer just a slightly soggy side dish, these mini roasted cauliflowers with simple tomato sauce are so easy to make and a fantastic way to get more vegetables into your family dinner. 

This recipe includes pancetta, which you can leave out to make it meat-free, a flavour punch from the joys of a bottle of Worcestershire sauce, and extra veg in the form of carrots and baby spinach. Serve with some crusty bread for carbs, should you feel the need, or even as a side with some grilled meat – a lamb steak would work well.

Get the recipe: Mini roasted cauliflowers with tomato sauce

12. Vegan burgers

Calories: 637 | Fat: 27g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

Far more nutrient dense than a plain old beef burger, these vegan patties are made with beetroot, sweet potato, and mixed grains and coated in quinoa for a crunchy texture. Topped with uber-healthy avocado, rocket, and vegan mayo, any of these toppings could be switched to appeal more to a kid’s palate – a dollop of ketchup and some grilled cheese might persuade them to partake, after all. Serve with homemade chips or up the veggies even more with sweet potato fries. 

Get the recipe: Vegan burgers

13. Chicken fusion salad

Calories: 417| Fat: 20g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

A brilliant way to use up leftover chicken for your roast is this fresh salad with vegetable strips and a little ginger and chill for extra flavour. Your healthy carbs are here in the form of rice noodles and carrots and cucumber, as well as some zingy fresh mint all play their part in this vibrant salad. Drizzle with a homemade dressing made from ginger, red chillies, sesame oil, and red wine vinegar, omitting the chillies (or making two separate bowls of dressing) for the kids.

Get the recipe: Chicken fusion salad

14. Chicken casserole

Calories: 858 | Fat: 54.8g | Sugar: 3.9g | Salt: 2.6g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

“This is a recipe that every family should be making as it’s an excellent way to include sweet root vegetables for the children,” says Alexandra. It’s not a low-fat option, thanks to the additions of double cream, streaky bacon, and butter, but it’s a warming, comforting dinner that is packed with protein and vitamins, featuring a large, jointed chicken and lots of veg, including carrots, mushrooms, and celery. 

This one-pot wonder should have plenty of leftovers that can be frozen for another day. Perfect served with a side of beans, spinach, or broccoli to get your family greens in. 

Get the recipe: Chicken casserole

15. Whole wheat spaghetti with roasted veg

Calories: 379 | Fat: 11.7g | Sugar: 6g | Salt: 0.01g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

Our whole wheat spaghetti with roasted veg serves six and is ready on the table in just 20 minutes. Courgettes, aubergines, and spaghetti (other pasta types are, of course, available to you) are infused with lemons, basil, and mint for a tasty, nutritious dinner with just a few ingredients. Don’t be shy with the olive oil on this one, and a healthy coverage of Parmesan on top would be most welcomed. 

Get the recipe: Whole wheat spaghetti with roasted veg

16. Butternut squash and sage risotto

Calories: 320 | Fat: 13.4g | Sugar: 1.8g | Salt: 0.45g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Fresh sage is a great friend to the creamy flavour of the butternut squash in this simple risotto. Half of the squash is blitzed and mixed in with the rice so, if you have kids who are fussy with their veg, they won’t even know it’s there. You can always add white wine as well as stock during the cooking and stirring (a lot of stirring) process for more flavour if the kids decline your recipe choice, and we don’t think a risotto is a risotto without a heap of salty Parmesan stirred through. Butternut squash is high in potassium, vitamins C and E  and magnesium, so always a winning choice (and any leftovers can be added to a soup or roasted). 

Get the recipe: Butternut squash risotto

17. Hearty root and barley soup

Calories: 259 | Fat: 1.6g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

Packed with veggies and chicken, this hearty root and barley soup is the perfect recipe for getting the whole family to eat well. Use any mix of root veggies – carrot, turnip, swede, parsnip, and celeriac all work well, and you could also try those that grow well in the summer months, such as beetroot. Simple and filling for when you don’t need anything fancy, just good, honest, hearty fayre. A hunk of wholemeal bread would go lovely, though the pearl barley makes this soup a meal in itself. 

Get the recipe: Hearty root and barley soup

18. Quorn, squash and spinach lasagne

Calories: 510 | Fat: 20g | Sugar: 23g | Salt: 0.2g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

A riff on a traditional lasagne, this one is meat-free and vegetable-packed and has some clever ingredient hacks (a large dollop of tomato and chilli chutney in the mix, anyone?). The butternut squash ups the nutrient quota far beyond that of a regular lasagne, and the frozen spinach and chopped tomatoes also add vitamins. It’s mostly made from store cupboard ingredients too, though it would be perfectly served with a green salad on the side.

Get the recipe: Quorn, squash and spinach lasagne

19. Root vegetable tagine

Calories: 367 | Fat: 8g | Sugar: 25g | Salt: 0.3g | Five-a-day count: 4 portions

It might be made from veggies we mostly eat in winter, but there’s no reason it can’t be eaten at any time of the year (it’s not like Morocco, where tagines are from, has much of a cold weather snap, is it?). Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash – that's four of your 5-a-day, right there – are all infused in a rich tomato, and harissa sauce, and there’s plenty of protein in the chickpeas, too. Serve with couscous, or rice if you prefer, for a pleasingly balanced meal for all the family. 

Get the recipe: Winter root vegetable tagine

20. Roasted ratatouille pasta

Calories: 367 | Fat: 8g | Sugar: 25g | Salt: 0.3g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

Ratatouille is, of course, a tasty vegetable stew packed full of plenty of vegetables including peppers, courgette, aubergine, and plum tomatoes. In this simple midweek recipe, which packs in three of your five a day, it’s tossed in with penne pasta, before crumbling over some salty goat’s cheese to add protein, calcium, and, well, plenty of flavour. Easy.

Get the recipe: Roasted ratatouille pasta

21. Hairy Bikers' Spanish-style chicken bake

Calories: 492 | Fat: 22g | Sugar: 12.5g | Salt: 0.3g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

Packed with flavour from the chorizo and the smoked paprika, this chicken bake has green peppers, tons of tomatoes for your superfood intake, and a ton of garlic. It’s another chuck-it-all-in-one-dish meal, with the new potatoes providing the carb factor, and completing this delicious balanced dinner. Perfect for a summery Sunday alternative to a roast. Some green beans on the side would up family vegetable intake another notch.

“Tray-bakes, stews, and casseroles are great family meals as they are quick and easy to prepare, plus they are easy for you to include a variety of veg and flavours. Don’t forget to batch cook some of your favourites, so you can eat half now and then have a portion in the freezer for when time is tight, but you’d still like a healthy option. Plus, older children might be happy to take a portion with them as a packed lunch,” says nutritionist Alexandra.

Get the recipe: Hairy Bikers' Spanish chicken bake

22. Roast butternut squash

Calories: 223 | Fat: 16g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

Can you persuade the kids to try a stuffed veggie recipe? It’s worth a go because butternut squash is a great source of vitamins A and C, it’s low in fat, high in vitamins and the soft cheese is the protein. Plus it’s filling and cheap and, well, what is not to love about all of that? Committed carnivores could have some on the side of a steak or with lamb chops, too.

Get the recipe: Roast butternut squash

23. Slow cooker Asian chicken thighs

Calories: 187 | Fat: 5g  | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

These Asian chicken thighs take around four hours to cook in a slow cooker and they’re well worth waiting for. The soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, agave syrup and the secret ingredient ketjap manis (a thick, sweet soy sauce from Malaysia – found in the world food aisle of most supermarkets) make this chicken extra tender and sticky. Serve with rice and a good mix of stir-fried veggies, such as pak choi, carrot, and mushrooms.

Get the recipe: Slow cooker Asian chicken thighs

24. Ainsley Harriott's chicken pasta with peas

Calories: 426 | Fat: 5g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

This dish takes a mere 20 mins to make and is a great recipe for using up leftovers including frozen peas you might have in the freezer and cooked chicken from your Sunday roast. 

The clever ingredient here is horseradish sauce, something of a stranger to pasta dishes, but, mixed with creme fraiche, it packs a hefty flavour punch. You could also add some griddled broccoli or green beans or courgettes (or all of them, why not?) to up your nutrient quota.

Get the recipe: Ainsley Harriott's chicken pasta with peas

25 Spiced baked chicken with couscous

Calories: 530 | Fat: 19.1g | Sugar: 4.1g | Salt: 0.82g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

This spicy baked chicken with couscous is a nod to the flavours of Morocco. Made with thigh meat, you could switch to breast to reduce the fat, but this cut lends itself well to slow baking and ends up super tender and tasty. 

The peas and spinach bring the green content and you could always add some carrot and other root veggies in the mix, plus some chickpeas for extra protein. It works beautifully with the couscous, though you could always swap that out for flatbread and a side of yogurt with garlic and cucumber. 

Get the recipe: Baked spiced chicken with couscous

26. Baked fish and chips

Calories: 393 | Fat: 8.5g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Cut that saturated fat content of your fish n chips down dramatically by making your own version of a chippy tea, ‘poshed up’ with a pesto crust. Making your own pesto means you’ll have plenty left to pop in the fridge for another dinner, or another day, and the homemade chips are far healthier than their takeaway counterparts. A side of peas (make your own mushy peas ) or a salad on the side will ramp up the nutrients nicely. 

Get the recipe: Baked fish and chips

27. Potato salad with mackerel

Calories: 558 | Fat: 36.5g | Salt: 1.8g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

As dinners go, this really does tick all the balanced nutritional boxes. Perfect for a summer’s evening, mackerel is an oily fish that is a great source of omega-3 healthy fats, and it is paired perfectly with a simple potato salad dressed in olive oil and mustard. The broccoli gives your family yet more superfoods, and the addition of in-season locally produced beetroot brings with it B and C vitamins, folate, potassium, and fibre. Better still, it takes just 15 mins to prep, perfect for a midweek dinner after a hectic day.

Get the recipe: Potato salad with mackerel

28. Beef casserole

Calories: 408 | Fat: 22g | Sugar: 5g | Salt: 4.8g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Nostalgic tastes of childhood right here, this beef casserole uses homemade stock as a much healthier alternative to readymade stock, and cutting the fat off the beef reduces the saturated, unhealthy stuff right down. The beef could be swapped for lamb, with both of them needing slow cooking for maximum tenderness.

There are carrots in here for vitamins, but it would also be a good plan to add more root veg in the mix – sweet potatoes work well and will add a new depth of flavour. Serve with rice or mash, and a side of greens, or even top with some herby dumplings for a proper old-school dinner feeling – the kids will love them as much as you.

Get the recipe: Beef casserole

29. Phil Vickery’s Lemon turkey meatballs

Calories: 314 | Fat: 9g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

What family doesn’t love a good meatball? Substitute traditional red meat for a lighter protein-rich turkey mince and ramp up the flavour with lemon zest and juice. These turkey balls also have pine nuts and garlic in for flavour and texture and there’s everyone’s favourite superfood, broccoli in the sauce. Serve with linguine or tagliatelle, or pile on top of some mashed potato and add an extra serving of veg such as green beans or sugar snap peas.

Get the recipe: Phil Vickery's lemon turkey meatballs

30. Caribbean chicken curry

Calories: 785 | Fat: 24.6g | Sugar: 13.8g | Salt: 0.4g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion 

This fiery chicken curry is perfect if you fancy a change from your usual Indian fayre of a Friday night. Made with fresh mango (rich in the antioxidant beta carotene) and spiced red chilli, it is traditionally served in the West Indies with rice and peas – which isn’t actually peas at all, it’s rice with kidney beans (so more protein) and spring onions (but they call the beans peas in the Caribbean). 

Get the recipe: Caribbean chicken curry

31. Hairy Bikers Thai chicken and coconut curry

Calories: 339 | Fat: 13.5g | Sugar: 8g | Salt: 1.7g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions 

This delicious Thai curry by the Hairy Bikers is one of their Hairy Dieters classics and the perfect healthy dinner option using veggies like peppers and onion, half-fat coconut milk for the base of the sauce, and plenty of chicken to keep you fuller for longer. 

You can learn to make your own curry paste, which will keep in the fridge or freezer for another day, but with busy, family life to contend with, shop-bought pastes are almost as good (we recommend Mae Ploy). ”This has a great mix of brightly coloured veggies paired with healthy fats and protein. You can adapt the spice to suit the family, as some curry pastes are much milder than others,” says Alexandra. Add some kaffir lime leaves (keep a bag in the freezer) and Thai fish sauce for those essential Thai flavours, and serve with sticky rice. 

Get the recipe: Hairy Bikers' Thai chicken and coconut curry

32. Healthy chicken casserole

Calories: 529 | Fat: 18.3g | Sugar: 8.4g | Salt: 1.7g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions 

A good one-pot casserole is always a family winner, but often they can be packed with saturated fats from the meat, butter, and sometimes even cream. This one is not.  

Brimming with vegetables such as carrots, onion, and celery, plus potatoes to fill you up, this recipe uses chicken thigh meat which, once cooked in the stock, falls off the bone. Just be sure to cut off the excess fat and skin. There’s an extra protein hit here from the butter beans too. Serve with crusty brown bread and a side of green beans.

Get the recipe: Healthy chicken casserole

33. Chicken tagine with couscous

Calories: 340 | Fat: 15g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion 

Make like you’re in Marrakech, with this flavoursome tagine featuring protein-rich chickpeas and lean chicken in Moroccan spices. Great for summer evenings, the couscous is a healthier alternative to rice, and you could bulk out the vitamin content with any combo of root vegetables, too. Pimp up the couscous with some lemon zest, stock, and a drizzle of oil, and top with some fresh coriander leaves. Don’t know about you but it’s making us feel ready for a trip to the souk.

Get the recipe: Chicken tagine with couscous

34. Three step carrot soup

Calories: 104 | Fat: 3.5g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

You may not think of soup for dinner, but it’s a simple, nutritious meal, bulked out with a hunk of wholemeal bread, especially if you’ve all had a big lunch. You could always pair it with a good sandwich to make a heartier meal. Carrots are loaded with vitamin A and beta carotene and are brilliant news for bone health and this simple soup will give you two portions of them. Load it with black pepper for taste and you could also blend it with some fresh coriander. 

Get the recipe: Three step carrot soup

35. Stir-fry prawns with mushroom and broccoli

Calories: 271 | Fat: 8g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions 

Stir-frying is always a healthy way to cook food, especially if you limit the amount of oil you use, and this stir-fry prawn with mushrooms and broccoli takes a mere 15 mins. Lean protein from the prawns (swap them for tofu and extra cashew nuts for a vegan version), and superfood nutrients from the broccoli, garlic, and ginger bring the flavour. Feel free to add chopped red chilli in the mix if your family doesn't mind the heat, and you could drizzle on some sesame oil for extra flavour. Serve with rice noodles

Get the recipe: Stir-fry prawns with mushroom and broccoli

36. Broccoli and salmon tagliatelle

Calories: 503 | Fat: 28.9g | Sugar: 4.3g | Salt: 0.38g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion 

This creamy salmon pasta is simple and will go down well with all the family. A healthier alternative to a carbonara, thanks to the omega-3-rich salmon and the addition of broccoli (we recommend Tenderstem), you could also add green beans, mangetout, sugar snap peas, or broad beans for a vitamin boost. Garnishing with dill is a lovely touch, though you could swap it for basil or tarragon.

Get the recipe: Broccoli and salmon tagliatelle

37. Prawn tacos with grilled fish

Calories: 476 | Fat: 21g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

This is a really fun and special feeling family dinner that is also super easy. “Kids love tacos, particularly if you have the food in separate bowls on the table so that they can assemble themselves. A bit of mess but lots of fun!” says Alexandra. Marinate any fillets of white fish (cod loins are a good choice) and prawns in garlic, chilli, and smoked paprika, toss some sliced cabbage for crunch in lime juice, heat through some corn tacos and off you go. 

The nutritious homemade corn salsa is the star here, featuring fresh corn sliced off the cob with avocado and shallots. Also, serve with sour cream, and throw in some jalapenos if you want a bit of chilli heat. A perfect summer feast.

Get the recipe: Prawn tacos with grilled fish

38. Courgette pasta bake

Calories: 293 | Fat: 2g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Just the thing for a cheap midweek meat-free dinner for all the family, a pasta bake is a good idea. The courgette – a great source of potassium and vitamin C – is the star here, but you could always throw in some tuna for protein and add a chopped-up block of mozzarella on top to make it taste super and appeal to the kiddies. Aubergines, peppers, and mushrooms would all work well, too, as would a scattering of black olives.

Get the recipe: Courgette pasta bake

39. Vegetarian pie

Calories: 303 | Fat: 9g | Sugar: 10.5g | Salt: 0.6g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

This meat-free veggie pie is vibrant, colourful, and a taste sensation. The protein-packed lentils are mixed with roasted veggies and a delicious, salty olive tapenade and topped with sheets of filo pastry that make it look like you’ve slaved away all day over something that’s actually super speedy. For non-vegan families, this goes super well with crumbly feta and tomato salad, otherwise, a side of garlicky green beans would be perfect.

Get the recipe: Vegetarian pie

40. Spring chicken tray bake with green vegetables

Calories: 270 | Fat: 15.8g | Sugar: 2.6g | Salt: 0.3g | Five-a-day count: 3 portions

It’s so easy to throw together this spring chicken tray bake and you can mix and match it with whatever vegetables you have in your fridge. “This includes all your macronutrients and your veg in one tray – simple!” says Alexandra. 

The recipe features broccoli, sugar snaps, and spring onions, and is served with simple, buttery new potatoes, but it would work well with rice or orzo pasta, too. Plus, it’s ready in only 30 minutes, a mid-week marvel.

Get the recipe: Spring chicken tray bake with green vegetables

41. Baked sausage and gnocchi gratin

Calories: 457 | Fat: 20.9g | Sugar: 2.5g | Salt: 0.9g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

This hearty baked sausage and gnocchi gratin serves six people and is infused with fennel, chilli flakes, and fresh herbs. Swap classic pork sausages for chicken (Heck ones are great) or Quorn for a lower-fat option. It’s pretty rich and would work well for a Sunday dinner, with a selection of steamed green veggies to add some light, fresh flavour.

Get the recipe: Baked sausage and fennel gnocchi gratin

42. Mexican stuffed chicken with red rice

Calories: 479 | Fat: 11.8g | Sugar: 10.1g | Salt: 0.7g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Our Mexican chicken is stuffed with a tasty blend of jalapenos, coriander, spinach, and cheese (we use Lancashire which, we know, couldn’t be much less Mexican, but the salty, crumbliness works beautifully). Packed with flavour, the chicken is baked, while the rice is cooked with peppers and tinned tomatoes. 

Mexican dishes are made better by the addition of a big blob of nutritious guacamole and a dollop of sour cream. Some protein-packed refried beans would pair very well, too.

Get the recipe: Mexican stuffed chicken with red rice

43. Chicken and chorizo filo pie

Calories: 426 | Fat: 25g | Sugar: 4g | Salt: 0.5g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

This one looks pretty special and tastes pretty special too. The crispy, golden filo pastry is a much lower-fat option than the likes of shortcrust pastry, for a start, and the sauce has a slightly sweet taste, thanks to the cinnamon. Swap the chicken thighs for breast meat if you want a leaner option, and, though the chorizo really brings the flavour, it can be omitted if your family aren’t pork eaters. Serve this one with some steamed green beans, kale, or spinach (or all of the above). 

Get the recipe: Chicken and chorizo filo pie

44. One-pot sausage and squash roast

Calories: 408 | Fat: 23.5g | Sugar: 7g | Salt: 0.5g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

An easy, tasty midweek pot roast you can prep in just 10 minutes. All roasted together, the sausages (which can be pork, beef, chicken, veggie – whatever you fancy), squash, and new potatoes are infused in paprika, drizzled in lemon, and finished with creme fraiche, bringing summer flavours to a traditionally wintery dish. It’s fine served solo, but you might want to add a side of steamed greenery to make it a fully balanced meal.

Get the recipe: One-pot sausage and squash roast

45. Wild mushroom risotto

Calories: 234 | Fat: 19.1g | Sugar: 2g | Salt: 0.2g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

A classic veggie recipe featuring the depth of flavour that comes from soaking porcini mushrooms, along with chestnut and wild varieties (there are no rules, the more mushroom varieties, the better). Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, though we suggest also adding a side salad – rocket and Parmesan with a balsamic dressing would match a treat – for a really balanced meal. 

Get the recipe: Wild mushroom risotto

46. Sage pork chop with vegetable pasta

Calories: 464 | Fat: 31.5g | Sugar: 6.6g | Salt: 0.2g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Sage pairs beautifully with pork chops and, while it’s not really a combo you would usually put with pasta, this dish works really well for a refreshing change from spuds and boiled veggies.  The sun-dried tomato paste, sliced black olives, and sage leaves give this dish bursts of flavour, and the carrots, celery, and peppers make it super healthy. 

Get the recipe: Sage pork chop with vegetable pasta

47. King Prawn Stir Fry

Calories: 265 | Fat: 14g | Sugar: 6.6g | Salt: 0.2g | Five-a-day count: 2 portions

Ready and on the table in just 10 speedy minutes, this healthy family meal is full of fresh flavours and packed with veggies such as red pepper, onion, and bok choi. You can swap the prawns for chicken pieces or tofu instead for a veggie option, and could add extra veggies, such as edamame beans or sweetcorn to ramp up the nutrients even more. Serve with noodles or rice, your choice. 

Get the recipe: King prawn stir-fry

48. Halloumi burgers

Calories: 600 | Fat: 33g | Sugar: 6.6g | Salt: 0.2g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

A great family meal for the summer months, especially if you’re trying to cut down your red meat intake, these halloumi burgers are full of protein, and your veg content comes in the form of some peppery rocket, grilled peppers, and some calcium-filled tzatziki with cucumber and garlic. 

This recipe uses peppers from a jar, but you could use fresh, cooked on a griddle, and add some fresh tomato in the mix for a superfood injection. Serve with sweet potato fries on the side.

Get the recipe: Halloumi burgers

49. Mediterranean fish stew

Calories: 301| Fat: 4g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Make like you’re in a French seaside resort with this delicious, protein-packed, low-fat fish stew that feels like a special occasion dinner, but really isn’t too spendy. Mussels are cheap and, if king prawns feel like an indulgence too far, swap for small prawns from the freezer section. Fish stock is key, and fresh from the fishmongers is best if possible. You could throw in a chilli for a bit of a kick, and add peas for extra veg or serve with a side of grilled asparagus or steamed green beans. Mopping up the juices with a fresh crusty baguette is, of course, essential.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean fish stew

50. Monkfish pan fry

Calories: 265 | Fat: 12g | Five-a-day count: 1 portion

Monkfish is a wonderful, versatile meaty-textured white fish that doesn’t get used enough if you ask us. This recipe it’s topped with a tasty cheesy crust that the kids will love, and pan-fried with veggies like chestnut mushroom and plum tomatoes. It would be perfect served with a side of sauteed spinach and perhaps some baby new potatoes or a side of mash for the carb factor.

Get the recipe: Monkfish pan fry

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