Healthy Family Dinners for the New Year

The New Year often arrives with good intentions; eating better, feeling healthier, and spending more time together. But when it comes to family dinners, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s about meals that are nourishing, achievable on busy evenings, and enjoyable for everyone around the table.

Healthy family dinners don’t need to be complicated or involve completely reinventing the way you cook. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference, and they’re far more likely to stick.

 

One-Pan Lemon & Herb Chicken Traybake

A reliable midweek favourite that keeps washing-up to a minimum.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts

• 500g baby potatoes, halved

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 1 red onion, cut into wedges

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

• Salt and black pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

2. Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion in a large roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season.

3. Add the chicken, garlic, herbs, and lemon slices. Turn everything to coat evenly.

4. Roast for 40-45 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Family tip: Serve with steamed greens or a simple side salad. Leftovers make great lunchbox fillings the next day.

Veg-Packed Turkey Bolognese

This comforting classic sneaks in extra vegetables without compromising on flavour.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, grated

• 1 courgette, grated

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 500g lean turkey mince

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and gently fry the onion until soft.

2. Add the carrot, courgette, and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the turkey mince and cook until browned.

4. Add tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, herbs, and seasoning.

5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Serve with: Whole-wheat pasta or spaghetti, plus grated cheese if desired.

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

A mild, plant-based option that’s ideal for introducing more meat-free meals.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp mild curry powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 200g red lentils, rinsed

• 1 tin coconut milk

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 red pepper, sliced

• 2 handfuls spinach

Method

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan and cook the onion until soft.

2. Add spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, and pepper.

4. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add spinach at the end until wilted.

Family tip: Serve with rice or naan bread. Leftovers freeze well for busy evenings.

Build-Your-Own Chicken Wraps

Perfect for nights when everyone wants something slightly different.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Wholemeal wraps

• Lettuce, cucumber, tomato

• Grated cheese or yoghurt sauce

Method

1. Toss chicken with olive oil and spices.

2. Cook in a hot pan for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.

3. Serve everything on the table and let everyone assemble their own wrap.

Why it works: Children can choose their fillings, making this meal both interactive and stress-free.

A Simple Approach That Lasts

Healthy family dinners don’t need to be elaborate. By rotating a handful of reliable recipes, using flexible ingredients, and keeping flavours familiar, it’s easier to stay consistent, even when life gets busy.

The New Year is a great time to reset habits gently, one dinner at a time.