5-Star Healthy Dinner Recipes to Help Prepare for a Workout

Are you looking to maximize your workout results? One important factor to consider is your pre-workout meal. Nourishing your body with nutrient-rich foods before exercise can provide you with the energy and stamina needed for a successful workout. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of consuming a balanced dinner before hitting the gym, as well as show you some 5-star healthy dinner recipes.

READ MORE: 7 Best Protein Bars for a Pre-Workout Snack

5-star healthy dinner recipes
Photo by Andrei on Unsplash

But don’t worry, these recipes won’t sacrifice taste for nutrition. We promise to provide you with delicious and wholesome recipes that will nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds. So let’s dive in and discover some 5-star healthy dinner recipes and the power of a nutritious diet!

7. Grilled Chicken with Crispy Air Fried Potato Wedges

@clairehodginss

Looking for healthy, 30 minute dinner ideas? I’ve got you covered! 🙌😋 Tonight I made grilled chicken, crispy air fried potato wedges and a delicious lemon herb tahini dip… all in 30 minutes! A simple, healthy dinner that the whole family will enjoy 🍽️ Potato wedges: – slice 2 potatoes into wedges – toss in 1/2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp salt – air fry at 375F for 22 minutes, shaking a few times between Grilled chicken: – slice a chicken breast in half lengthwise – add to a bowl with 2 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 salt and a pinch of black pepper – grill for 5-7 mins per side until cooked through Lemon herb tahini dip: – mix together 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt Simple side salad: – add 3 cups spinach, 1/4 of a sliced red onion, 2 tbsp crumbled feta to a bowl – toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes This recipe makes about 2 servings. I hope you enjoy! 🫶 #healthydinner #easyrecipe #easydinner #familydinner #mealidea #mealinspo #quickdinner #salad #grilledchicken #healthycooking #cleaneating

♬ original sound – Claire Hodgins

Looking for a scrumptious, healthy meal that’s perfect for a pre-workout boost? Look no further than this 5-star recipe! You’ll savor the protein-packed grilled chicken, crispy air-fried potato wedges, and tangy lemon herb tahini dip. This meal is the perfect combination to power up your body before hitting the gym or engaging in any physical activity. With the protein from the chicken supporting muscle growth and repair, and the complex carbohydrates from the potato wedges providing sustained energy, you’ll be ready to tackle any workout challenge. And the zesty, creamy flavor of the lemon herb tahini dip is the perfect way to top it all off!

6. Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice

@stealth_health_life

Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice Stealth Health 500 Calorie Meal Prep Series, Episode 19 Per serving (makes 5) 495 Calories 37g Protein 59g Carbs 13g Fat Ingredients: 28oz chicken breast, cubed Marinade: 1 tablespoon chili crisp 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1/2 tablespoon pepper 1/2 tablespoon gochugaru* 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon avocado oil *you can sub in red chili flakes if you can’t find/don’t have gochugaru Honey garlic sauce: 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon chili crisp 1 tablespoon sesame oil 4 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon mirin 1/2 tablespoon gochugaru 650g cooked rice (280g dry weight) 1/2 cup chopped green onion 1/2 cup onions #stealthhealth #honeygarlicchicken #chickenandrice #healthyrecipes #healthyrecipesfordinner #easyrecipe #mealprep #highproteinrecipe #macrofriendlyrecipe #lowcalorierecipe #countingcalories #trackingmacros #fitness

♬ original sound – Stealth Health Life

Do you love takeout chicken and rice? Try this healthy alternative! The Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect 5-star healthy dinner recipe to prepare for a workout as it provides a balanced meal of carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats to fuel your body. The dish combines savory flavors of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and the natural sweetness of honey for a delicious and satisfying meal that leaves you energized.

5. Cajun Chicken and Avocado Wrap

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal option for your 5-star healthy dinner recipe, then the Cajun Chicken and Avocado Wrap might just be perfect for you. This delicious wrap is packed with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of flavors that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s an ideal meal choice for those who are always on the go, but still want to maintain a healthy diet and get the energy they need to power through their workouts.

4. Creamy Bacon and Garlic Pork Chops

@whatsmomcookin

These Creamy Bacon and Garlic Smothered Pork Chops were incredibly good! Idk if my husband saying it’s one of his new favorites has any merit because he says that a lot but I’ll take it! 😊 #porkchops #dinner #yum #whatsmomcookin #bacon #garlic #gravy #mashedpotatoes #greenbeans #whatsfordinner

♬ Little Bitty Pretty One – Thurston Harris

Prepare yourself for a dish that is both delicious and protein-packed – Creamy Bacon and Garlic Pork Chops! This mouthwatering recipe brings together the indulgent taste of bacon, the savory flavor of garlic, and the tender texture of pork chops to give you the necessary energy for a strenuous workout. Although it is a heavier option among the 5-star healthy dinner recipes, it is full of protein and flavor, making it a must-try dish.

3. Marry Me Steak Pasta

@jakewidmann

🔥 MARRY ME STEAK PASTA 🚨 This could easily be served in ANY restaurant in the world and pass as a 5 ⭐️ dish. 💯🤝 Everyone in my family said it was a 10/10! Let’s get to it! INGREDIENTS: -2 lbs. steak of choice (I used NY Strip) -1 box pasta noodles (I used rotini) -1 tbsp butter -1/2 yellow onion, diced -5 cloves garlic, minced -1/2 cup vegetable broth -1 jar sun dried tomatoes, chopped -2.5 cups heavy cream -1 tbsp fresh basil -1 cup Parmesan cheese -1 tsp garlic powder -1 tsp onion powder -1.5 tsp Italian seasoning -1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning STEAK SEASONING: -1 tbsp olive oil -1.5 tsp garlic powder -1.5 tsp onion powder -1/2 tsp crushed red pepper -1.5 tsp salt -1 tsp black pepper -1.5 tsp oregano -1.5 tbsp flour DIRECTIONS: *Cook noodles at any point. 1.) Mix together all your steal seasonings. 2.) Rub a little olive oil on your steak and then pour seasoning over top. Run in until throughly coated. Cooking to desired doneness…which is of course medium or medium rare 😉. Once done, let rest and then slide into small chunks. 3.) Prepare your other ingredients. Melt butter in a large pan. Add your onions and cook until softened. Add in garlic…cook until fragrant. Add in your broth. Stir to combine, then add in sun dried tomatoes. 4.) Pour in your heavy cream and stir. Add in your remaining ingredients…stir until fully incorporated, then add in noodles and steak. Stir until combined. 5.) Serve and realize you just made a 5 ⭐️ dish that would put to shame any dish at any restaurant in your local area. 6.) Don’t forget to LIKE, SAVE, and SHARE so we can all help more families eat good food together! #steak #steakpasta #marrymepasta #marrymesteak #healthyrecipes #recipes #recipereel #recipereels #weeknightmeal #mealplans #homemadecooking #weeknightmeals #weeknightdinners #nystrip #steakdinner #pasta #pastadinner #sundiedtomatoes #healthyfamilydinners #marrymesteakpasta

♬ original sound – Jake Widmann

I came across this recipe, which is a twist on the Viral Marry Me Chicken. I recently made and published an article making this recipe. You simply must try the “Marry Me Steak Pasta” recipe! It’s the perfect combination of steak’s savory flavor and protein with pasta’s satisfying texture and sustenance. This delicious 5-star healthy dinner recipe is a great option for fueling your body before a workout or any physical activity.

2. Honey Sriracha Salmon Bites

@doosifit

HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CALORIE honey sriracha salmon bites 🍯🍣 🤤 Perfect for an easy and quick meal prep! Macros ⬇️ 330 calories 30g protein 14g carb 18g fat 1 pound skinless salmon (3 servings) ⬇️ 1/2 tsp olive oil 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp black pepper Honey chipotle glaze (3 servings) ⬇️ 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp sriracha (optional) 2 cloves minced garlic ➡️ air fry 375 degrees, 6 minutes ➡️ apply glaze on salmon ➡️ air fry 375 degrees, 1-2 more minutes #salmonbites #highprotein #macrofriendly #weightloss

♬ original sound – doosi

Indulge in the nutritious goodness of Honey Sriracha Salmon Bites which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients. Salmon’s fatty acids can aid muscle recovery and enhance overall performance. The sweet honey and spicy sriracha combination creates a delectable blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. The best part? These bite-sized treats are effortless to prepare, making them a convenient snack when you’re short on time but need a quick energy boost before heading to the gym or going for a run.

1. Mexican Shrimp Bowl

@calwillcookit

Mexican Shrimp Bowl 🦐🔥🌿 These were loaded to the max with flavor using simple ingredients! Also super quick and easy to make.. you gotta love it damn it! Once you take a bite, you’re not going to wanna stop.. seriously so damn good! FULL RECIPE ⬇️ INGREDIENTS – 1 lb XL peeled & deveined raw shrimp of choice. – 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil – @Flavor God Taco Tuesday seasoning or any taco seasoning of choice. (Link + discount code in bio) – Cooked Jasmine Rice Corn & Black Bean Salsa (Combine all ingredients) – 1 cup roasted yellow corn (cooled) – 1 cup black beans (strained and rinsed) – 1/2 cup finely diced red onion – 1/2 cup finely diced pablano pepper – 1/2 cup finely diced tomatoes – 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro – 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – Juice of 1 lime – Salt to taste – Garlic powder to taste Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce (Blend all ingredients together) – ~1 cup light sour cream – ~1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – Zest of 1/2 a lime – Juice of 1/2 a lime – 2 cloves of galric – 1/2 bunch of cilantro – Salt to taste Note: Adjust ingredients to your liking and only add 1-2 tbsp of water at a time until you reach desired thickness. DIRECTIONS 1. Prepare the corn and black bean salsa. Remove corn from cob and roast over high heat for 3-5 minutes mixing frequently then add to a bowl and let cool. While corn is cooling, prepare other ingredients. Combine all and place in fridge. 2. Prepare the creamy cilantro lime sauce and place in fridge. 3. Prepare the shrimp. Make sure they’re clean and all the shell is removed then add to a large bowl with olive and taco seasoning. Mix till welll combined. 4. Cook shrimp in large greased skillet over medium high heat for 2-3 min per side. Be careful to not over cook. 5. Assemble your bowl & ENJOY! 🙌🏻 • • • • #explore #cooking #bhfyp #food #easyrecipe #simple #foodporn #healthy #tasty #healthyrecipes #calwillcookit #diet #healthylifestyle #mealprep #gains #weightloss #shrimp #fitfood #highprotein

♬ original sound – Cal Reynolds

Fuel your body with a burst of vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrients with this invigorating Mexican Shrimp Bowl! Designed to power you through your workout, this 5-star healthy dinner recipe is the perfect delicious and nutritious dish as a perfect pre-exercise meal. Packed with succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty spices, it’s a true fiesta for your taste buds.

To enhance your exercise performance and overall fitness journey, it’s essential to have a balanced and nourishing dinner as part of your pre-workout routine. By considering these mouth-watering 5-star healthy dinner recipes, you can provide your body with the appropriate nutrients and energy to optimize your workout potential. Cheers to a more energized and healthier version of yourself, with the help of these delightful pre-workout dinners!