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30 Mood-Boosting Dinners for a Happier, Healthier Month

Our perfect dinner is delicious and nutritious enough that we don’t feel guilty about eating it. Basically, we want to eat things that make us feel good. Which is why we’ll be whipping up the following 30 meals this month: They all include ingredients that are proven to boost your mood.

30-Minute Dinners to Make Every Night in March


One-pan Roasted Salmon With Potatoes And Romaine

You get to eat an incredible meal and have to wash only one dish.

Open-faced Omelet With Feta, Roasted Tomatoes And Spinach

If you aren’t eating omelets for dinner at least once a month, you’re seriously missing out.

Kale And Couscous Tofu Bowls With Orange Tahini Dressing

Ravioli With Sautéed Asparagus And Walnuts

Fresh and nutty and cheesy and wonderful.

Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp Noodle Bowls

Warning: This will make your house smell incredible.

Roasted Spaghetti Squash With Parmesan And Mushrooms

Low on carbs, high on deliciousness.

Sweet Chili Salmon And Broccoli Quinoa Bowl

Like takeout but, like, a million times better.

mood dinner chocolatechicken
Colin Campbell/Ottolenghi

Sweet And Smoky Mexican Chicken

Psst…there’s dark chocolate in there.

Get the recipe

Egg And Veggie Breakfast Bowl

The name says "breakfast," but we’ve never been into labels.

Beef And Lentil Stew

Perfect for a cold day. (Or a warm one, to be honest. Just crank up the A/C.)


Garlic Mushroom Quinoa

Hearty without being too filling.

mood dinner corntostada
Noming Thru LIfe

Grilled Zucchini And Corn Tostadas With Spicy Hummus

Cool if we eat all three?

Get the recipe

Chicken Meatballs With Garlic Dill Yogurt Sauce

Honestly, we want to eat this sauce on everything.


One-pan Lemon Chicken And Asparagus

Bright, citrus-y and perfect for boosting your mood.

Green Salad With Oranges, Beets And Avocado

The more colorful, the better.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts And Kale Salad

Sweet Potato Noodles With Almond Sauce

Now trending: swoodles.

Seared Scallops With Quinoa And Apple Salad

All served atop a creamy butternut squash puree.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

On the table in 20 minutes. Doesn’t get better than that.

Spinach Lasagna Roll-ups

The greens keep it from weighing you down too much.


Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls

A delightful way to eat this magical spice.

Black Bean And Sweet Potato Quesadillas

*Don’t* go easy on the guac.

Wild Seaweed Salad

On the lighter side, but mouthwatering nevertheless.

Turkey Bacon And Avocado Grilled Cheese

Happiness is a melty sandwich.


Mexican Slow-cooker Stuffed Peppers

So easy, so flavorful.

Tomato Basil Turkey Meatloaf

Not the sexiest food around, but really damn delicious.

Cherry Tomato, Leek And Spinach Quiche

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad With Crispy Fried Goat Cheese

Let’s be honest: The fried goat cheese is the star.

Gnocchi With Sundried Tomatoes And White Beans

If you close your eyes, you’re in Tuscany.



sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

  • Oversees wellness content
  • PureWow's resident book reviewer
  • Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years