You want to go into Christmas feeling your best, not low in energy and groggy from all the indulgent eating. Maximise nutrition but minimise the stress around meal times during the busy festive period with our super-healthy, super-speedy dinners. They'll be on the table in 30 minutes (or under). We have warming soups, vitamin-packed stews and nourishing noodles to keep you well fed.

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Next, check out our all our quick and healthy dishes, budget-friendly healthy meals and satisfying low-calorie suppers. You can also read our guide on how to prevent a cold so you're healthy for Christmas and how to beat indigestion on the day.

Vegan ramen

Two bowl of vegan ramen with tofu

Ramen is a great go-to when you want something warm and nourishing. Add whatever veg you have in the fridge, plus we've used tofu to keep it vegan but feel free to mix up the protein. Dried mushrooms and miso paste give the broth plenty of umami flavour, plus the miso packs in plenty of gut-healthy benefits.

Pomegranate chicken with almond couscous

A bowl of chicken with pomegranate sauce and couscous

All the spicy flavour of a chicken tagine, but ready in a fraction of the time. In just 20 minutes, you can be tucking in to a warming, tangy dish that's stacked with protein. Serve with a herby, nutty couscous for a satisfying supper.

Prosciutto, kale & butter bean stew

A bowl of butterbean stew

This quick bean stew is topped with crispy prosciutto to add a nice hit of salt, yet it's still healthy and balanced. It’s all cooked in one pot, so it’s easy on the washing up – just what you need during the hectic festive season.

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Herb & garlic baked cod with romesco sauce & spinach

A plate of baked cod and vegetables

Bake white fish with garlic and thyme for a lovely light dinner. We’ve served ours with wilted spinach and a zesty pepper, almond and leek mash – giving you a hit of protein and good fats.

Mexican bean soup with shredded chicken & lime

Bean soup topped with chicken

Use up leftover chicken to make this chunky, hearty bean soup, which is low in calories and fat. To keep things vegetarian, top with fresh guacamole instead of chicken.

Thai prawn & ginger noodles

A bowl of prawn and ginger noodles

Whip up a nutritious stir-fry in just half an hour. Orange zest, curry paste and fish sauce deliver plenty of flavour with minimal effort, and the dish is full of fresh vegetables and protein-rich prawns.

Vegan kale pesto pasta

Vegan kale pesto with spaghetti on a white plate

Anything this green can only be good for you! Whizz up kale, pumpkin seeds, basil and garlic to make the pesto, then stir through wholemeal spaghetti for a healthy vegan meal.

Vegetarian quesadillas

Vegetarian quesadillas in slices on a white plate

Who knew five ingredients could make something so good? On a dark, drizzly evening, everyone will be happy to tuck into a plate of these cheesy bean quesadillas flavoured with spicy chipotle. Serve with green salad, if you like.

Healthy bolognese

A plate of spaghetti Bolognese

For a guaranteed family favourite, it's got to be spaghetti bolognese. Swap traditional beef for lean pork mince to make a lighter sauce. Serve with wholemeal linguine or spaghetti for a low-calorie, low-fat dinner.

Pan-cooked feta with beetroot salsa & bean mash

A plate of mashed beans, pan cooked feta and beetroot salsa

Try something different with this colourful vegetarian recipe. Bulked out with mashed beans, topped with pan-fried feta and finished with a tangy beetroot sauce. It’s cost-effective and on the table in under 20 minutes, too.

Sesame salmon, purple sprouting broccoli & sweet potato mash

A plate of mashed sweet potato, broccoli and salmon fillets

Get closer to your weekly dose of omega-3 with this Asian-inspired supper. We’ve served roast salmon fillets with purple sprouting broccoli and comforting sweet potato mash for a really filling, yet low-calorie, dinner option.

Indian chickpeas with poached eggs

A bowl of chickpeas and vegetables with poached eggs

Lightly spiced chickpeas, peppers and tomatoes pair perfectly with poached eggs in this fibre-rich veggie supper, which takes only 15 minutes to make.

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All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

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