You can feel good about serving these easy clean eating recipes to your family. All recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less or made with the help of your slow cooker.
42 Family-Friendly Clean Eating Recipes for Weeknights
Updated on Jan. 05, 2022
1/41
Herbed Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 154 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
2/41
Smoky Cauliflower
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. —Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/41
Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
4/41
Skillet Beef and Potatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sirloin strips with red potatoes and fresh rosemary are seriously amazing and ready in a flash. The key is precooking potatoes in the microwave to speed the process. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 320 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
5/41
Grilled Cabbage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
6/41
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The aroma of these cutlets as they cook makes my kids eager to come to the dinner table. The dish is easy to make, and my family loves it. —Julie Ahern, Waukegan, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 cutlets: 376 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
7/41
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 71 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
8/41
Rosemary Garlic Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Delicate shrimp take on fabulous flavor when simmered in a chicken broth mixed with garlic and ripe olives. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 110 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
9/41
Grilled Squash
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best ways to prepare butternut squash and is great alongside grilled steak or chicken. As a bonus, butternut squash is full of vitamin A. —Esther Horst, Monterey, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 slices: 178 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
10/41
Thyme-Roasted Carrots
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 carrot halves: 73 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/41
Pan-Seared Cod
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cod has a soft, buttery appeal that goes with cilantro, onions and crunchy pine nuts. This pan-seared cod is the easiest preparation I’ve found. —Lucy Lu Wang, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup onion mixture: 378 calories, 24g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
12/41
Dill & Chive Peas
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare. —Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/41
Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 broccoli pieces: 144 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/41
Spiced Carrots & Butternut Squash
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I've got a lot going on, my slow cooker is my go-to tool for cooking veggies. The sweetness of the squash and carrots really complements the spicy seasonings. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 85 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/41
Lemon & Garlic New Potatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. —Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 166 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
16/41
Mini Mediterranean Pizza
Total Time
19 min
Servings
4 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 287 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
17/41
Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re betting you won’t find a faster way to dress up crisp sugar snap peas than this simply scrumptious recipe. It goes with a variety of entrees and is pretty enough to dish up for company. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 91 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
18/41
Lemon-Roasted Asparagus
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it's hard to go wrong. The springy flavors in this easy lemon asparagus recipe burst with every bite. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 75 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
19/41
Southwestern Pineapple Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick entree will instantly transport you to the Southwest. Salsa plays lively counterpoint to the juicy pineapple-sweetened pork chops.—Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup sauce: 274 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
20/41
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup salsa : 131 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit.
21/41
Cauliflower Popcorn
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting cauliflower transforms it into a delectable snack. Your family will eat it up just like it's popcorn. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 88 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/41
Roasted Carrot Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn carrot sticks into fun "fries" with a happier health profile by popping them in the oven and serving them fry-style. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 53 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.
23/41
Italian Spaghetti Squash
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 stuffed squash: 140 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
24/41
Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekends. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 245 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 385mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/41
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
26/41
Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this side dish. Even folks who aren't cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 65 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/41
Snappy Green Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The buttery and citrus flavors in this brightly colored side dish go with just about any entree. I enjoy it most when green beans are in season. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 59 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.
28/41
Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein.
29/41
Grilled Zucchini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wondering what to do with all your garden-grown zucchini in the summer? Give it a sizzle and a little heat with this healthy side. It’s also an easy recipe to double or triple for summer cookouts. —Alia Shuttleworth, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 zucchini halves: 73 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
30/41
Butternut Squash with Whole Grains
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh thyme really shines in this hearty slow-cooked side dish featuring tender butternut squash, nutritious whole grain pilaf and vitamin-packed baby spinach. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 97 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
31/41
Turkey in Cream Sauce
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been relying on this recipe for tender turkey since I first moved out on my own years ago. I serve it whenever I invite new guests to the house, and I'm constantly writing out the recipe. —Kathy-Jo Winterbottom, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
32/41
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potatoes are among our favorite side dishes. This version take sa little effort, but you can save time by boiling the spuds ahead of time. The night you want them for dinner, just crisp them up with garlic and Parmesan cheese. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3 smashed potatoes: 354 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
33/41
Sweet Pepper Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for tasty sweet pepper recipes to go with spaghetti or meat loaf, this is it. The easy pepper medley is a snap to saute on the stovetop. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 57 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
34/41
Waffle-Iron Acorn Squash
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to get the kids involved in cooking, and this squash is so simple even a small child can cook it with minimal adult supervision. The recipe is fun, fast and no-fuss, and doesn't use valuable oven space before big family meals. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 98 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
35/41
Garlic-Herb Pattypan Squash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. Using pattypan squash is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 58 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
36/41
Herbed Potato Packs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fingerlings are small, firm and waxy potatoes, so they cook faster than chunkier varieties and leap from grill to table in one convenient pouch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 178 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
37/41
Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family enjoys cooking easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup spinach: 310 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
38/41
African Peanut Stew
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 11g fiber), 10g protein.
39/41
Zesty Sugar Snap Peas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon-pepper seasoning and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and an ideal accompaniment to a variety of entrees. You'll come to rely on this five-ingredient dish. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 74 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
40/41
Brown Rice and Vegetables
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This filling rice dish, full of big chunks of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, is a standout combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
41/41
Chili-Rubbed Steak with Black Bean Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Busy weeknights don't stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 3/4 cup salad: 367 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 762mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
