19 healthy recipes that’ll make midnight fridge raids a thing of the past

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Healthy recipes don’t have to be complicated or boring. These meals are designed to keep you from those late-night fridge runs when you’re too tired to make better choices. Instead of settling for whatever’s left over, you’ll have meals that are just as good when craving a snack at 2 a.m.

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach might be your new favorite for a quick and hearty meal. It combines juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and ripe tomatoes, all simmered in a creamy sauce made from garlic and coconut milk. This dish is easy to whip up in about 25 minutes, but it’s also a smart choice if you’re trying to keep late-night snacking at bay. It’s a great meal that’s both filling, flavorful, and keeps you satisfied through the night with a good balance of protein and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This White Bean Soup will give comfort and keep you full all evening. It’s packed with a mix of spinach, carrots, celery, white beans, and croutons for a delicious crunch. It’s seasoned with garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a hint of lemon for a comforting flavor profile. This soup is creamy, thanks to a quick blend before serving, and it’s ready in just 40 minutes. It’s a nutritious and filling dish, great for those who want a simple meal that keeps you out of the kitchen later.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops are a great choice when you need something quick and light yet filling. These scallops are seared until golden and then drizzled with a tangy sauce made from lemon and garlic, creating a mouth-watering meal in just 25 minutes. The scallops give a great source of protein without feeling too heavy, making them a perfect dinner option that won’t lead to late-night hunger pangs. This dish is a great way to impress guests or treat yourself without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Fresh Corn Salad

A bowl of fresh salad featuring corn, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and crumbled cheese, mixed with herbs.
Fresh Corn Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fresh Corn Salad is the perfect antidote to those mundane salad days, giving a colorful mix of corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a lively lime dressing. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a great choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner. This salad is easy to put together and keeps you full and happy, steering clear of any late-night fridge temptations.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a game changer for anyone considering simplifying their dinner routine. Throw Polish sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers onto a sheet pan, drizzle them with avocado oil, and sprinkle with spices like smoked paprika and garlic, and you’ve got a hearty meal that roasts while you relax. It’s ready to serve in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is more than just a meal — it’s a time saver that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With pre-cooked chicken, pasta, crisp Romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and fresh tomatoes, it’s a complete dish that comes together in about 25 minutes. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also filling, which means you’re less likely to wander back to the kitchen later. This salad is perfect for anyone who wants a speedy, delicious meal without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

A bowl filled with a quinoa salad that includes chickpeas, chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs, presented on a light-colored surface.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Quinoa Chickpea Salad when you need something light yet filling. It combines cooked quinoa with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, chickpeas, and a homemade lemon-garlic dressing for a zing. This salad is quick to assemble, especially if you cook the quinoa beforehand, making it a practical choice for a busy day. It’s also packed with nutrients, perfect for keeping you full and focused, so you’re not left hunting for snacks late at night.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is your go-to for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to make. This dish blends sausages with various vegetables like peas and carrots in a creamy sauce seasoned with garlic, curry powder, and a hint of ginger. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a practical dish for any day of the week. It’s also budget-friendly, making it a smart choice for those looking to eat well without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s filling enough to make sure you won’t need to snack later at night.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Pollo Asado

Pollo asado on a white plate with lime wedges.
Pollo Asado. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pollo Asado is straightforward but packed with flavor, perfect for when you want something both simple and good. Marinate chicken in a mix of citrus, paprika, cayenne, and cumin, then grill or bake for a versatile dish that can be the star of your dinner. This recipe is perfect for a stress-free dinner that keeps you full, satisfied, and out of the kitchen late at night.
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you want to add excitement to your dinner table, these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are just the ticket. They cook in a flavorful sauce made from coconut milk and red curry paste, spiced with curry powder and red pepper flakes. This dish is perfect for anyone who wants a quick, hearty, nutritious, and comforting meal. Serve them over cauliflower rice for a complete meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is what you need to avoid those late-night kitchen visits. Featuring roasted butternut squash and cauliflower paired with crispy bacon, it’s all about flavor and filling you up. Add some red onions and spinach for a fresh take on, and drizzle it all with a homemade dressing for that extra zing. This dish takes over an hour to prepare, most of which are hands-off, perfect for an easy, hearty dinner. It’s packed with nutrients, making it a balanced meal that’s easy to make and keeps you full longer.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a strategy to curb those midnight snack cravings. With spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and a creamy base, this salad is loaded with flavors. It’s a breeze to whip up and perfect for those who like to meal prep for the week. With 20 minutes of prep, it’s a filling option that brings the bold flavors of a jalapeño popper into a refreshing salad, keeping you satisfied and far from the fridge at night.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect for a relaxing night, especially if you want to avoid snacking late. Simmer sweet potatoes and red peppers to create a thick, velvety soup that’s both comforting and filling. Ready in about an hour, this soup is a great option for dinner, particularly on those chilly evenings. It’s packed with vitamins and is naturally sweet from the vegetables, making it a healthy choice that fills you up and keeps you away from the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tackle those late-night food temptations with this flavorful Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. This dish combines homemade curry paste with creamy coconut milk, adding bok choy and green beans for a healthy take. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, while vegetables keep it light and delicious, making sure you’re full and content without feeling heavy. It’s a full meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and nutrient-packed dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Keto Zuppa Toscana is your secret dish against late-night fridge raids. Swapping radishes for potatoes keeps the dish low-carb without sacrificing the bold flavors of Italian sausage, kale, and a rich, creamy broth. This soup takes about an hour to make and is topped with crispy bacon for that perfect crunch. It’s a hearty meal that’s great for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake. This soup makes sure you stay full, making those late-night trips to the kitchen a thing of the past.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Let’s talk about Chicken Tortellini Soup — it’s not just easy, it’s also a real hunger-buster. In about 40 minutes, you’ll have a pot filled with juicy chicken, creamy cheese tortellini, and veggies like onions, carrots, and garlic. This meal is perfect when you’re short on time but want something that feels home-cooked. It’s also great for keeping you full, so you won’t find yourself sneaking back to the kitchen late at night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs could be your next dinner hero. The chicken is marinated in an aromatic mix of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and just a hint of cinnamon, all baked to perfection. They’re easy to whip up and great for a night when you want to spice things up but keep things simple. Ready in no time, these kebabs are not just flavorful; they’re a great way to fill up healthily. Forget about snacking later — you’ll be too satisfied with this meal.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is the perfect dish coming home to ready-made. It’s like a welcome after a long day. Just toss in some ham, split peas, carrots, celery, and spices in the morning, set your slow cooker, and let it do its magic. By dinner, you’ve got a thick, hearty soup full of flavor and perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to cut down on cooking time but still wants to enjoy a delicious meal that keeps them from wandering to the fridge later.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is a perfect mix of health and flavor. It’s packed with earthy mushrooms, wild rice, and just the right amount of thyme, rosemary, carrots, and celery, all simmered in a creamy broth. It is a treat for your taste buds and pretty filling, which is great for those nights when you need a comforting meal without the extra calories. Ready in a little over an hour, this soup is a smart pick for anyone looking for a delicious and heartwarming dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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