20 30-Minute Anti-Inflammatory Dinners for Weight Loss

Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN
Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

Looking for quick and delicious dinner ideas? Each of these easy dinner recipes comes together in no more than 30 minutes, making them great options for busy weeknights. You’ll also find that these dishes are lower in calories and high in protein and/or fiber to support healthy weight loss if that is your goal. Plus, they’re made with anti-inflammatory ingredients like avocado, beans and dark leafy greens, so enjoying these meals can help combat symptoms of chronic inflammation. Try veggie-packed dishes like our Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad or make a batch of our warm and cozy Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup for a nourishing meal you’ll love.

01 of 20

Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This hearty broccoli-chickpea salad is packed with a satisfying texture and flavor from tender chickpeas, crunchy almonds, sweet golden raisins and tangy feta cheese. A mash of feta forms the base of the creamy, lemony dressing, coating every bite.

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02 of 20

Easy White Bean Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.

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03 of 20

Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

This cozy soup combines tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans with aromatic spices, plus a splash of lemon juice to brighten every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

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04 of 20

Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.

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05 of 20

Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This cozy dish will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup—in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor.

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06 of 20

Marry Me White Bean Soup

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Here, the flavors of Marry Me Chicken (sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan) are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.

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07 of 20

Baked Lemon-Pepper Salmon

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

This baked lemon-pepper salmon is a bright, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The lemony salmon is infused with citrusy flavor, and a simple seasoning of lemon-pepper, garlic and salt. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad or fluffy brown rice for a complete meal.

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08 of 20

Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

This grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies.

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09 of 20

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Bok Choy & Rice

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

Tender salmon fillets roast alongside crisp-tender bok choy, soaking up the savory miso glaze as they cook. A bed of rice catches all the delicious flavors, turning into the perfect base for this five-ingredient dinner.

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10 of 20

Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli

Leigh Beisch

Leigh Beisch

This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite, which pairs perfectly with the lemony dressing.

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11 of 20

20-minute Creamy Chickpea Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

This creamy chickpea soup comes together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese adds a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

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12 of 20

Lemony Salmon Rice Bowl with Feta, Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Flaky broiled salmon is drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing that brightens the entire dish. It’s served over a bed of fluffy brown rice, which absorbs the citrusy flavors. A crisp salad of cucumber, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese brings creaminess and a refreshing crunch.

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13 of 20

Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

This salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish packed with fresh flavors. It brings together crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing that infuses every bite. It’s perfect for warm days, meal prep or busy weeknights when you want something quick.

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14 of 20

Curried Butter Beans

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

Tender butter beans combine with red curry paste and aromatic spices in this hearty, plant-based dish. Enjoy it on its own or serve it over brown rice or whole-grain noodles for a more filling meal.

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15 of 20

Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

By swapping in fiber-packed white beans and spinach as the main ingredients, we’ve given Marry Me Chicken a vegetarian spin. You’ll want to sop up every last bit of sauce, so serve this with a nice hunk of crusty whole-grain bread.

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16 of 20

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

This 20-minute skillet dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp, garlicky broccoli and bell pepper, all cooked in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. Packed with lean protein, omega-3s and a generous serving of veggies, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat!

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17 of 20

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

Chicken cutlets are coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, roasting right alongside tender asparagus for an easy, well-balanced dinner. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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18 of 20

Roasted Salmon & Broccoli Rice Bowls

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Gochujang, mayonnaise and honey combine to bring a spicy-sweet flavor to roasted salmon fillets. The honey allows the sauce to cling to the salmon while also providing a slight caramelization and store-bought kimchi adds a nice tangy flavor.

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19 of 20

No-Cook White Bean & Spinach Caprese Salad

This easy salad features the classic combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil and tangy balsamic vinegar, but adds tender white beans and fresh baby spinach to the mix.

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20 of 20

Sheet-Pan Salmon and Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Lemon-Garlic Drizzle

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Heart-healthy salmon is nestled among shaved Brussels sprouts, both of which soak up amazing flavor from the double drizzle of lemon-garlic sauce.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/30-minute-anti-inflammatory-dinner-recipes-for-weight-loss-11899614