Updated March 07, 2014.

Healthy dinners need to be delicious and nutritious. I like to plan balanced meals -- start with a protein source, add a couple of vegetables and a little something starchy. I might also want a soup or salad for starters, and sometimes I like to make a healthy dessert.

Here's a list of menu ideas that are all nutritious and easy enough to prepare.

Choose one starter, one protein source, two vegetables and one starch.

Finish your meal with dessert.

Starters

This isn't essential, but it can be nice to feed your family a little something to whet their appetites. Some of them can do double-duty because you could serve them as a protein source or as a side dish. 

• Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Mint
• Spinach and Pear Salad
• Pear Salad with Walnuts and Gorgonzola
• Basic Homemade Vegetable Soup
• White Bean and Swiss Chard Vegetable Soup
• Chicken Noodle Soup

Protein Sources

For most people, the protein source is the entree or the main dish. Make it lean and make it in the right amount. One serving per person, or about 1/4 of each plate.

• Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe
• Baked Sole with Mango
• Baked Honey Mustard Salmon Fillet
• Red Pepper Roasted Lamb Chops
• Cherry Pork Tenderloin Medallions
• Vegetarian Lentil Loaf

Vegetables

It's almost impossible to serve a healthy meal without lots of veggies. Choose brightly colored and dark green vegetables because they're the most nutritious. Keep them light by avoiding heavy sauces and toppings.

The veggies should cover half your plate -- and if you're still hungry and want seconds, here's what you should eat.

• Kale With Onion, Hot Peppers, and Red Wine Vinegar
• Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts
• Whole Baked Sweet Potatoes With Sweet or Savory Seasonings
• Roasted Broccoli with Chiles and Lemon
• Honey-mustard Roasted Beets
• Sauteed Spinach
• Roast Carrots
• Cinnamon Roasted Squash
• Super Easy Sautéed Summer Squash
• Toasted Almond Green Beans

?Starches

Here's where you find your potatoes, rice, quinoa, pasta or bread. Starches are high in carbohydrates, which is what your body wants for energy. But watch portion sizes -- one serving per person, or about 1/4 of your plate.

• Low-Fat Butter-Free Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese
• Brown Basmati Rice Pilaf Recipe With Pecans and Chopped Mushrooms
• Brown Rice with Onion and Green Bell Pepper
• Mushroom Risotto
• Creamy Polenta

Dessert 

If you don't have a sweet tooth or if your meal was a little heavier than expected, you don't need to eat dessert -- or you can save it until later in the evening. These desserts all feature fruits and berries so you know they're good for you. 

• Blueberry Sorbet
• Strawberries with Lemon Syrup
• Roasted Peaches
• Low Carb Strawberry Shortcake
• Raspberries with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
• Strawberry Peach Smoothie Recipe