Kenji Tanaka

Kenji Tanaka
Kenji Tanaka
Healthy Dinners, Salads & Light Meals

Hundreds of recipes by Kenji Tanaka – light dinners, salads, bowls and bean dishes.

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Kenji Tanaka's recipes lean on vegetables, beans, fish, poultry and tofu, seasoned with citrus, fresh herbs, roasted garlic and a few pantry sauces. You will find a slow cooker vegetable stew, baked lemon trout, strawberry chicken salad, baba ganoush, a frozen peach smoothie bowl and homemade teriyaki beef jerky. Nearly all of them are filed under Healthy, and a smaller group of lighter mains sits in Dinner.

The recipes are written to be practical. Many finish in 25 to 30 minutes, ingredient lists stay short, and dishes such as dips, jerky and stews are suited to making ahead and portioning for the week. Where a dish borrows from Japanese, Mediterranean or American cooking, the flavors are kept simple so the main ingredient still tastes like itself.

If you want meals that feel fresh and satisfying without a long shopping list, start with the Healthy category and pick a recipe that matches the time you have tonight. With hundreds of recipes to choose from, there is plenty to rotate through.

Latest recipes:

Italian Pasta Salad with Garlic and Herbs

Italian Pasta Salad with Garlic

4.50 (4 Ratings)

Bland pasta salad often has dressing that just sits on the surface. This Italian Pasta Salad absorbs flavor by tossing noodles while they are still warm.

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

4.71 (7 Ratings)

Tangy and bright Italian Pasta Salad. Dressing the noodles while still warm ensures they absorb zesty flavors. Great for summer picnics and potlucks.

Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro

Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Mix smoky grilled poultry and fresh greens for this Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad. A lean protein base and zesty vinaigrette keep it light in 45 min.

Creamy and Smoky Black Eyed Bean Soup

Creamy Black Eyed Bean Soup

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Ready in 190 minutes, this Black Eyed Bean Soup is hearty and smoky. Partial blending creates a rich body without needing cream for a nutritious meal.

Creamy Homemade Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey

Creamy Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans

4.75 (8 Ratings)

These Pinto Beans are smoky and rich. Mashing a portion of the beans creates a thick consistency without adding any dairy. Ready in just 3½ hours.

Quick and Vibrant Fresh Pea Soup

Fresh Pea Soup

4.17 (6 Ratings)

A bright and smooth blend of garden vegetables makes this Fresh Pea Soup. This guide includes a shopping list breakdown to help you get started.

Healthy Bean Soup: Hearty Tuscan Style

Healthy Bean Soup

4.83 (6 Ratings)

This Healthy Bean Soup is a nutrient-dense meal that fills you up. It includes the texture trick for a rich feel without dairy. Ready in 49 minutes.

Creamy Spicy Red Lentil Soup

Creamy Spicy Lentil Soup

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Creamy and warming Spicy Lentil Soup. This recipe includes a detailed look at the cooking process to pull out deep flavor. Great for healthy meal prep.

Creamy White Bean Soup with Rosemary and Lemon

Creamy White Bean Soup

4.71 (7 Ratings)

This guide includes quick recipe specs for a fast meal. This Creamy White Bean Soup is for health-conscious cooks seeking a nutritious dinner.

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup in 30 Minutes

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

5.00 (6 Ratings)

Want a creamy vegan meal? This Carrot and Red Lentil Soup is ready in 30 minutes and includes the section What Makes This Recipe Work for better results.

Red Lentil Soup Recipe in 35 Minutes

Red Lentil Soup Recipe

4.83 (6 Ratings)

Looking for a hearty Red Lentil Soup Recipe? This version is packed with protein and fiber, and our What Goes Inside section breaks down every ingredient.

Hearty Red Bean Lentil Soup

Red Bean Lentil Soup

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Health-conscious cooks will love this Red Bean Lentil Soup. The section on how this recipe actually works explains the dual legume thickening method.

Healthy Fall Sheet Pan Vegetables

Sheet Pan Vegetables

4.40 (5 Ratings)

Caramelized autumn edges define these Sheet Pan Vegetables. Learn the roasting process for mahogany results and try this nutrient-rich side today.

Caramelized Roasted Butternut Squash Dinner

Roasted Butternut Squash Dinner

4.00 (6 Ratings)

Mahogany charred edges and a tender center define this Roasted Butternut Squash Dinner. Learn how temperature affects browning in our guide.

Hearty Marrakesh Vegetable Curry

Marrakesh Vegetable Curry

4.71 (7 Ratings)

Earthy and creamy Marrakesh Vegetable Curry. This guide includes a cooking step by step process for the best result. Great for cozy winter dinner ideas.

Vegetarian Kale Soup with White Beans

Vegetarian Kale Soup

4.33 (9 Ratings)

Ready in 40 minutes, this Vegetarian Kale Soup is filling. The why this version works section explains the bean-blending trick for a creamy result.

Hearty Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

4.60 (5 Ratings)

Check our ingredients and substitutes table for easy swaps. This Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew is ideal for anyone craving a hearty, plant-based dinner.

Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Curry

Butternut Squash Curry

4.14 (7 Ratings)

Looking for a cozy Butternut Squash Curry? This Indian-inspired meal is ready in 48 minutes and includes clear step-by-step instructions for beginners.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup: Hearty and Healthy

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

4.57 (7 Ratings)

Includes a guide on what each ingredient does. This Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is a hearty, plant-based meal for busy families seeking nutritious dinners.