Our 25 Best Anti-Inflammatory Dinner Recipes for Weight Loss

Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spolle.

Healthy weight loss doesn’t mean you have to give up having tasty meals. These popular weight-loss dishes are low in calories and high in protein and/or fiber to support your weight management goals. Each recipe has earned 4- and 5-star reviews from EatingWell readers, so you can count on them being absolutely delicious. They’re also packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like dark leafy greens, legumes, herbs and spices, which can help combat symptoms of inflammation. End your day with a satisfying meal by digging into our savory High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo or easy Sheet-Pan Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Green Beans.

01 of 25

High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spolle.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spolle.

This one-pan dinner delivers on protein and flavor with tender chicken cutlets, whole-wheat orzo and wilted kale in a creamy, lemony herb sauce. Dill and scallions add fresh brightness, while a bold homemade spice blend brings the flavor.

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02 of 25

Sheet-Pan Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Green Beans

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This easy sheet-pan salmon dinner pairs roasted baby Yukon Gold potatoes with crisp-tender green beans for a simple all-in-one meal. A thyme and olive oil mixture infuses the salmon with bright flavor while finishing the vegetables with a light drizzle. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a satisfying option for busy weeknights.

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03 of 25

Tuna & Veggie Grain Bowl

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimme.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimme.

This vibrant grain bowl combines nutty farro, roasted root vegetables and canned tuna for a balanced meal that’s both hearty and fresh. Roasting the beets, carrots and parsnips brings out their natural sweetness, while a quick lemony yogurt sauce adds brightness and creaminess.

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04 of 25

High-Protein, High-Fiber Chicken Soup

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This hearty soup is loaded with lean protein, fiber-rich beans and vegetables, and bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and lemon. Quick-cooking and satisfying, it’s a nutritious meal you can get on your table in just 30 minutes.

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05 of 25

Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Spinach & White Bean Casserole

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This comforting casserole is creamy and satisfying, thanks to protein- and fiber-rich white beans, hearty quinoa and a silky Parmesan-spiked spinach sauce. Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it perfect for spring or anytime you want a cozy, fresh-baked meal.

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06 of 25

Easy Bean Salad With Herby Salsa Verde

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This refreshing bean salad gets a lift from a quick homemade salsa verde packed with fresh herbs, jalapeño and lime. A mix of creamy beans, crisp radishes and smoky corn makes it hearty enough for a light lunch or easy dinner.

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07 of 25

Veggie Enchilada Soup

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This hearty vegetarian enchilada soup channels all the flavors of enchiladas into a cozy, one-pot meal. Sweet potatoes and bell pepper add natural sweetness, while warm spices and a touch of cream cheese give it depth and richness. Serve with your favorite toppings to make it your own.

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08 of 25

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip–Butter Bean Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This hearty, one-skillet meal reimagines the flavors of classic spinach-artichoke dip in a weeknight-friendly dinner. Creamy butter beans provide plant-based fiber and protein, while artichokes and fresh spinach add brightness and texture.

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09 of 25

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly. Salmon, asparagus and red onion roast in a savory balsamic-soy glaze with garlic and Dijon for a perfect balance of tangy and rich. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.

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10 of 25

Swamp Soup

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This swamp soup, named for its vibrant green color, is made from a combination of spinach and parsley blended into a silky base, with fiber-rich white beans, shredded chicken and brown rice stirred in for a satisfying texture. A sprinkle of fried garlic and crushed red pepper adds savory crunch and gentle heat to each spoonful.

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11 of 25

Garlic Butter-Roasted Salmon with Beets & Broccoli

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

This is the No. 1 anti-inflammatory dinner to make tonight! Packed with omega-3-rich salmon, antioxidant-loaded beets and cruciferous broccoli, this sheet-pan meal fights inflammation while filling you up. Every bite is vibrant, nourishing and deeply satisfying—it’s a power-packed dinner that proves anti-inflammatory eating can be downright delicious.

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12 of 25

Kale & Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

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

This kale and sweet potato salad is a fresh lunch idea. Roasted sweet potatoes, massaged kale and a creamy tahini dressing set the stage for a mix of feta, golden raisins and crunchy almonds. Shredded chicken makes it a satisfying main, but leftover turkey can be used in its place, making this salad an especially smart way to refresh your plate after Thanksgiving.

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13 of 25

One-Pot High-Protein Chicken, Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

This one-pot chicken, cabbage and white bean soup is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat. A splash of lemon keeps the broth bright, and a dollop of basil pesto stirred in at the end adds rich, herby flavor that makes the soup taste special. Easy enough for weeknights and even better as leftovers, this soup proves that simple ingredients can still be delicious.

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14 of 25

Chicken Fajita Rice Bake

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

This cheesy Chicken Fajita Rice Bake checks every box: bold flavor, hearty protein, plenty of veggies and minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken thighs mingle with a pantry-friendly mix of beans, tomatoes with green chiles and quick-cooking brown rice. A generous layer of melty cheese ties it all together. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that also doubles as a crowd-pleaser—you’ll want to keep this one on repeat.

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15 of 25

Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls

Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali
Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali

These Thai sweet chili salmon bowls are a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for two. For best results, use 1-inch-thick salmon pieces—thicker cuts may not cook fast enough, and the glaze can burn under the broiler. The salmon is served over fluffy rice with crisp coleslaw for crunch and balance. It’s a colorful bowl that hits all the sweet, spicy and savory notes.

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16 of 25

Easy White Bean Skillet

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

This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. 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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17 of 25

Maple-Miso Chicken Thighs, Brussels Sprouts & Spaghetti Squash

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

This sheet-pan dinner brings together a trio of cold-weather favorites. Roasted spaghetti squash gets tossed with a maple-miso glaze that clings to each strand, creating a noodle-like base that’s topped with juicy chicken thighs and caramelized Brussels sprouts that are roasted alongside. Easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company, this sheet-pan wonder delivers cozy comfort with a fall, veggie-forward feel.

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18 of 25

Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans

Credit: Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
Credit: Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

Creamy, herbaceous and comforting, these skillet beans draw inspiration from spanakopita, the Greek spinach pie. Cannellini beans add plant-based protein and fiber to make this dinner filling while fresh dill, parsley and a squeeze of lemon provide brightness. Serve it straight from the skillet with multigrain pita chips for dipping.

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19 of 25

Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta

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

This Chickpea Casserole is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Tender spinach, nutty chickpeas and brown rice are bound together with a touch of cream cheese and finished with tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet vibrant.

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20 of 25

Baked Lemon-Pepper Salmon

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
Credit: 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. Baking the salmon on a bed of fresh lemon slices infuses it with citrusy flavor while keeping the fillets moist and tender. A simple seasoning of lemon-pepper, garlic and salt delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad or fluffy brown rice for a complete meal.

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21 of 25

Marry Me White Bean Soup with Kale

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This creamy, flavor-packed white bean and kale soup, inspired by Marry Me Chicken, comes together quickly for a cozy weeknight meal. Sun-dried tomatoes plus the oil from the jar infuse the base with rich, savory depth, while fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add a bright and satisfying finish.

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22 of 25

Garlicky White Bean & Kale Stew with Lemon

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

This lemony kale and white bean stew offers bright, hearty,and comforting flavors all in one pot. Tender carrots, onion and lacinato kale simmer with creamy cannellini beans, some of which are mashed to thicken the broth. A sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley adds a fresh zesty finish. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a nourishing bowl that feels just right for chilly nights.

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23 of 25

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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24 of 25

20-Minute Chickpea Soup

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

When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup that’s pulled together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for 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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25 of 25

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle.

This Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender cubes of butternut squash and hearty black beans are simmered in green enchilada sauce, with tortilla strips stirred in. As it cooks, the tortillas soak up the sauce. A layer of melted cheese ties everything together. It’s a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

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