dinner recipes

55+ Easy and Delicious Gestational Diabetes Dinner Ideas

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Coming up with gestational diabetes dinner ideas can be exhausting – and that doesn’t even take the cooking into consideration! But keeping blood glucose levels steady through movement, a healthy diet (that focuses on protein, fiber, and healthy fats), and keeping stress levels down are all very important of GD diabetes. We’ll focus on how food can help blood sugar levels here, but know that blood sugar goes beyond food!

If you just received a gestational diabetes diagnosis, be sure to check out my gestational diabetes meal plan sample for a lot more in-depth info (and what you can expect), gestational diabetes diet breakfast ideas, and of course, gestational diabetes snack ideas.

Ok, let’s get to the easy and healthy gestational diabetes recipes! You’ll find a variety of proteins and mains with suggestions for how to swap out some ingredients (if you need to!) for a lower-carb or whole grain options, and a bunch of non-starchy vegetables and green salads that make great side dishes. Most of these recipes include nutrition facts estimates to help you plan your meals, simply click through to each recipe and you’ll find the nutrition facts below the recipe card.

Disclaimer: This article and the gestational diabetes dinner ideas are just that – IDEAS to help you navigate! As always, run everything by your Doctor and/or Dietitian. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to cut out all carbs, but check with your Doctor and Dietitian team for specific carb counts.

Chicken and Turkey Dinner Ideas for Gestational Diabetes

Here you’ll find plenty of lean protein dinner ideas featuring weeknight friendly chicken and turkey recipes.

Bowl with ground turkey stir fry and chopsticks.

Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry

The whole family will love this ground turkey stir fry recipe! Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s packed with protein, produce, and flavor! Serve over cauliflower rice if you need to.

Tray with crispy baked quesadillas and salsa

Crispy Baked Quesadillas

These baked quesadillas are our new favorite. The tortillas get golden brown and crispy and with the melty cheese, it’s a great combo. Swap out the tortillas for almond flour or low carb tortillas if you need to.

Southwest salad with toppings

Southwest Salad Recipe

Are you ready for a fresh and modern Southwest salad recipe? The Southwest vibes are there, but in an unexpected way. You’re going to love it!

These chicken lettuce wraps quickly became a family favorite! It's packed with flavor, colorful vegetables and an incredible peanut sauce.

Scrumptious Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

These chicken lettuce wraps quickly became a family favorite! It’s packed with flavor, colorful vegetables and an incredible peanut sauce.

Close up of turkey burger sliders with toppings

Turkey Burger Sliders Recipe

Upgrade your next BBQ (or family dinner!) with our juicy grilled ground turkey burger sliders recipe! These are perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. Serve in lettuce wraps if needed.

Stack of buffalo chicken quesadillas.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

This buffalo chicken quesadilla recipe is incredibly easy, but has so much flavor with layers of buffalo chicken, sautéed veggies, and plenty of cheese! Swap out tortillas for a low-carb or almond flour tortilla if you need to.

Stack of chicken fajita quesadillas with toppings.

Chicken Fajita Quesadilla Recipe

This chicken fajita quesadilla recipe is a healthy and totally delicious weeknight meal. It’s made w simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes. Swap out tortillas for a low-carb or almond flour tortilla if you need to.

Bowl with crispy buffalo chicken over salad greens

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe

This crispy buffalo chicken salad recipe is loaded with crunchy veggies, cooling ranch dressing, and crispy buffalo chicken! Perfect for weeknight meals.

Bowl with taco skillet and toppings

Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

This ground turkey taco skillet dinner has all of the cheesy taco flavors you love in a fun, scoop-able meal that the whole family will love. Skip the tortilla chips if you need to and serve with mini orange and red peppers or stuff into lettuce cups.

crockpot chicken and salsa in slow cooker

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Salsa Recipe

This easy crockpot chicken and salsa takes just 2 min to prep and 3 ingredients. Plus I’m sharing 5 ways to use crockpot salsa chicken.

Pulled buffalo chicken in crock pot

Crock Pot Pulled Buffalo Chicken Recipe

This EASY shredded buffalo chicken recipe is made with just 4 ingredients + 5 min prep. Turn your pulled buffalo chicken into multiple meals!

plate of chicken caesar salad

Panzanella Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

We’re combining a classic chicken caesar salad recipe with a panzanella salad recipe for a delicious combo of caesar flavors and TONS of homemade croutons.

Ground turkey lettuce wraps on a plate.

15-Minute Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

These EASY ground turkey lettuce wraps utilize a few smart shortcuts to help you get dinner on the table FAST! Healthy, balanced, and flavorful.

Easy Trader Joe’s meal ideas for a quick dinner at home: chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans all cooked together in a flavorful thai curry sauce. 

Easy Trader Joe’s Chicken & Vegetable Curry

This Trader Joe’s chicken curry recipe is nutritious, flavorful, and EASY! Use the Trader Joe’s Thai red curry sauce for a flavor shortcut. Serve over brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice depending on your own specific needs.

Bowl of grilled lemon chicken recipe

Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Make this EASY grilled lemon chicken recipe in just 5 min. Plus what NOT to add to lemon garlic grilled chicken!

Platter with chicken, vegetables, bread, olives

Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Platter

This snack-style meal is made up of chicken, vegetables, bread, tzatziki sauce, olives, and more! It’s delicious and fun.

Plate of grilled chicken drumsticks on a plate.

Best Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Do you know the tips for the BEST grilled drumsticks? This grilled chicken drumsticks recipe is prepped in 5 min + made with pantry staples. Serve with a side below and make some extra for a quick lunch or snack.

Plate of grilled Greek chicken with parsley garnish.

Best Greek Grilled Chicken Recipe

This Greek grilled chicken marinade leaves you with JUICY and FLAVORFUL chicken! Serve grilled Greek chicken with a Greek cucumber salad for an easy meal.

Bowl with grilled chicken thighs in them

Best Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe (How to Grill Chicken Thighs)

Learn how to grill chicken thighs so they turn out perfect + juicy! This EASY grilled chicken thigh recipe is made with just 6 ingredients.

In-N-Out Style Turkey Burger

In-N-Out Style Turkey Burger Recipe

Serve these In-N-Out Style Turkey Burgers in lettuce wraps. It’s easy to make and FULL of flavor. The turkey burger is topped with caramelized onions and an irresistible special sauce!

bbq turkey burger with lettuce, tomato and onion

Homemade BBQ Turkey Burgers Recipe

Learn how to make turkey burgers at home! BBQ Turkey Burgers are HEALTHY, juicy, + full of flavor. Just 20 min + 4 ingredients for homemade turkey burgers. Serve burgers in lettuce wraps (I like butter lettuce) if necessary.

Spaghetti Squash Turkey Parmesan is the familiar flavors you love in a healthy spaghetti squash vessel! Click here for recipe! #glutenfree #spaghettisquash #healthydinner #easydinner #turkey

Spaghetti Squash Turkey Parmesan

Spaghetti squash is stuffed full of healthy, tasty ingredients: ground turkey meat, homemade sauce, fresh arugula, and a sprinkle of Italian cheese. Cozy, filling, and SO satisfying.

Whip up this chicken salad snack board in just 15 minutes when you use a rotisserie chicken! It's a smart and delicious dinner hack.

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe

Whip up this rotisserie chicken salad recipe and then serve it with sides on a snack board for an easy meal that’s ready in 15 minutes! Serve with low-carb, whole grain or almond flour crackers.

Spring Chicken Sauté | healthy chicken dinner that's gluten-free, low in carbs, and on the table in 20 minutes!

Spring Chicken Sauté

Spring Chicken Sauté is a healthy chicken dinner that’s on the table in 20 minutes and happens to be gluten-free and low in carbs!

Summer Chicken Sauté is a healthy, easy chicken dinner recipe!

Summer Chicken Sauté

Summer Chicken Sauté is an easy and healthy chicken dinner recipe that highlights the best-of-summer produce and comes together in 20 minutes!

Plate with healthy turkey meatloaf with green beans and potatoes

Broccoli & Cheddar Healthy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

This HEALTHY turkey meatloaf recipe has secret veggies in it, can you see them? My recipe for healthy turkey meatloaf takes just 10 min prep!

Bowl of healthy turkey chili with sour cream

Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe (Panera Bread Copycat)

You will love this Panera bread turkey chili recipe! It has amazing flavor with a mild spice and smoky flavor and it’s loaded with nutritious ingredients.

Beef and Pork Dinner Ideas for Gestational Diabetes

Here you’ll find easy dinner recipes featuring beef and pork and lots of ground meat since it cooks up so quickly and is often times can be found for a great price.

larb recipe with lettuce wraps

Thai Lettuce Wraps Recipe with Ground Pork (Larb Recipe)

This thai lettuce wraps recipe (larb recipe) is SO full of flavor + ready in just 15 minutes! Ground pork lettuce wraps are a FRESH + HEALTHY family meal.

Big Mac salad in a bowl with dressing

Big Mac Salad Recipe

You’ll love the flavors in this big mac salad recipe! Crunchy lettuce, ground beef, cheddar – all topped with big mac salad dressing.

Taco salad in a bowl

Easy Taco Salad

This easy taco salad recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and will satisfy the whole family!

Italian sub salad on a plate

Trader Joe’s Italian Sub Salad

Just 6 ingredients to make this salad that tastes just like a classic Italian sub! Serve with sprouted bread garlic toast.

Bowl of ground pork stir fry over rice with peanut sauce drizzle

Healthy Ground Pork Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce

EASY ground pork stir fry recipe (w/ hidden veggie!) is a weeknight dinner staple. Healthy pork stir fry is topped with an addicting peanut sauce! Serve over brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice depending on your own specific needs.

Bowl of pepper steak stir fry.

30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

EASY pepper steak stir fry recipe is ready in 30 minutes! My recipe for pepper steak stir fry is made ingredients you probably already have. Serve over brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice depending on your own specific needs.

Bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce and basil.

Easy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Recipe

This EASY spaghetti with meat sauce recipe will help you get dinner on the table in just 15 minutes! Simple and made with just 3 ingredients! Choose a low carb pasta, bean-based pasta, or spaghetti squash if necessary.

bowl of blue cheese steak salad and dressing

Grilled Blue Cheese Steak Salad Recipe

EASY grilled steak salad takes just 20 min! Loaded with flavor + sharing tips for how to serve this blue cheese steak salad recipe to the whole family.

Stack of ground beef quesadillas with tomato topping.

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadilla Recipe

This ground beef quesadilla recipe is the ultimate comfort food with multiple cheesy layers! Made with simple ingredients and ready in 20 minutes, too! Swap out tortillas for a low-carb or almond flour tortilla if you need to.

Rice bowl with ground beef and broccoli stir fry on top.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl Recipe

This HEALTHY ground beef and broccoli stir fry recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and made with basic ingredients and plenty of shortcuts! Serve over brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice depending on your own specific needs.

Picture of egg roll in a bowl with coleslaw mix

Trader Joe’s Recipe for Egg Roll in a Bowl

Love egg rolls? This recipe for egg roll in a bowl is for you! Dinner comes together with just 3 TJ’s ingredients + 10 minutes. Serve over brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice depending on your own specific needs.

How to grill kielbasa in foil packets

Grilled Kielbasa Foil Packets

Did you know you can grill kielbasa? These grilled kielbasa foil packets take just a few minutes to prep and 5 basic ingredients.

bowl of chili con carne with toppings

How to Make Chili con Carne

Learn how to make chili con carne! This easy Mexican chili con carne recipe takes just 20 min to prep and then simmers on the stove until the beef is nice + tender.

bowl of easy chili recipe

Easy Homemade Chili – 30 Minutes

Your fall and winter nights NEED this easy homemade chili!

Seafood Dinner Ideas for Gestational Diabetes

Here you’ll find both fish and shrimp recipes that are easy to make – no seafood experience necessary!

Shrimp skewers on a plate

Simple Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

These grilled shrimp kabobs are simply delicious, easy to make, cook quickly, look beautiful, and are nutritious to boot.

Bowl of Caesar salad with salmon

Easy Salmon Caesar Salad

This salmon Caesar salad is a fantastic weeknight dinner that’s delicious and nutritious! Made with simple ingredients + ready in 30 minutes.

Baked halibut on a plate with a salad and bread.

Lemon Baked Halibut Recipe

This mouthwatering baked halibut recipe will make you feel like a pro chef! We’re keeping the prep simple to let the natural flavors shine.

Close up of fish taco with mango salsa and jalapeno slices.

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa Recipe

These fish tacos with mango salsa have tender and flaky fish, fresh toppings, and a bright mango salsa! They’re quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious! Swap out the tortillas for almond flour or low carb if necessary.

Baked cod on a plate with broccoli

Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

You’ll love this crispy Parmesan baked cod with panko! Its crunchy topping is loaded with flavor and the perfect contrast to flaky, tender fish.

Furikake salmon on a plate with a fork taking bite

Baked Furikake Salmon Recipe

You won’t believe how delicious this baked furikake salmon recipe is! The flaky fish is topped w/ umami-rich ingredients and a crunchy topping.

Air fryer mahi mahi

Air Fryer Mahi Mahi Recipe

EASY air fryer mahi mahi recipe! Made with just 3 ingredients and can be seasoned so many ways! Cook mahi mahi in air fryer right from frozen.

Flaky air fryer salmon on a plate with broccoli

How to Cook Frozen Salmon in Air Fryer

Learn how to cook frozen salmon in air fryer in just 2 simple steps! This quick meal comes together in less than 15 min – great for weeknights

Blackened fish on a plate with green beans.

Blackened Cod Fish Recipe

This blackened cod fish recipe is full of flavor and only made with a handful of ingredients. Serve with a simple side for a nutritious dinner.

Baked Mediterranean fish on a plate with salad

Baked Mediterranean Fish Recipe

This Mediterranean baked fish recipe may sound fancy, but it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners. Prep + cook in 20 min. Naturally low in carbs.

Piece of dill salmon

Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce Recipe

This baked salmon with dill is elegant enough for entertaining, but easy enough for weeknight dinners! Just 5 min to prep this dill salmon!

Bowl with lemon pepper shrimp over rice and green beans

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

This lemon pepper shrimp recipe is sure to become a weeknight dinner fave. It’s full of delicious flavor, ready in 10 min, and made with simple ingredients.

Plate of old bay steamed shrimp on a platter with cocktail sauce.

Steamed Old Bay Shrimp Recipe

This EASY old bay steamed shrimp comes together in less than 15 minutes and makes a great appetizer or light meal.

Stack of shrimp quesadillas with sour cream and salsa.

Easy Shrimp Quesadilla Recipe

This FAST and EASY shrimp quesadilla recipe is made with simple ingredients and comes together in just 20 minutes. Let everyone top their own shrimp quesadillas! Swap out tortillas for a low-carb or almond flour tortilla if you need to.

Plate of okonomiyaki with dipping sauce on a plate

Easy Shrimp Okonomiyaki Recipe

The whole family will love this easy shrimp okonomiyaki recipe (savory shrimp pancakes) that’s served with a lime mayo sauce. Ready in 30!

Dinner Side Dishes for Gestational Diabetes

While many of the gestational dinner ideas above include sides or give suggestions, here you’ll find side dish ideas for your meals.

Bok choy stir fry in a bowl

Bok Choy Stir Fry

This bok choy stir fry recipe is delicious, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make as it’s ready in just 10 minutes. Great dinner side dish.

Bowl of quinoa arugula salad with chopped nuts.

Best Quinoa Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

The BEST quinoa and arugula salad recipe is bright, fresh, + flavorful. The perfect side to a grilled dinner or easy lunch. Ready in 20 min.

Bowl of napa cabbage slaw.

Easy Napa Cabbage Slaw Recipe

Easy Napa Cabbage Slaw Recipe | Make this napa cabbage slaw recipe in just 15 minutes! This napa slaw is the perfect summer side for grilled or bbq meats, and I get asked for the recipe.

Watermelon arugula salad on a plate.

Arugula Watermelon Salad with Feta Recipe

This arugula watermelon salad has peppery greens, sweet watermelon, salty feta, and a hint of heat. It’s a fabulous summer salad!

Peach burrata salad in a white bowl

Summer Peach Burrata Salad

EASY summer peach burrata salad is a fresh + savory green salad! Drizzle the peach and burrata salad with a simple homemade dressing.

Bowl of Greek cucumber salad with fork in it.

Traditional Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe

You’ll love this Greek cucumber tomato salad that’s made with fresh veggies! It’s refreshing, easy-to-make, and made with basic ingredients.

Bowl of Greek potato salad with green beans and feta cheese.

Easy Greek Potato Salad Recipe with Green Beans

This flavorful Greek potato salad recipe is loaded with flavor thanks to punchy feta cheese, kalamata olives and a shortcut dressing. YUM!

White bowl with sauteed French green beans

Easiest Recipe for Haricots Verts

Truly the EASIEST recipe for haricots verts! This sautéed haricots verts recipe takes just 2 ingredients + is on the table in 10 min.

Frozen broccoli cooked in a stir fry pan.

How to Cook Frozen Broccoli (Ultimate Guide to the Best Ways!)

Your guide to how to cook frozen broccoli! I’m going to cover the best way to cook frozen broccoli – because it doesn’t need to be bland and mushy!

Bowl of air fryer broccoli and cauliflower.

Easy Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower Recipe

You’ll love this air fryer broccoli and cauliflower recipe! Season in different ways – cooks in less than 10 min.

bowl of Mexican style cauliflower rice

Mexican-Style Cauliflower Rice Skillet Recipe

Mexican-style cauliflower rice makes a HEALTHY side for tacos or base for burrito bowls! And, my Mexican cauliflower rice skillet is ready in just 15 min.

Super Simple Dinner Ideas for Gestational Diabetes

When you need a super simple meal (no recipe required!), try one of these.

  • Dinner Worthy Snack Board – Use your favorite almond flour, low-carb, or whole-grain crackers along with plenty of protein options
  • Air Fryer Brats + Napa Cabbage Slaw
  • Lightly breaded chicken bites + side salad or raw veggies
  • Grilled chicken + your favorite salad
  • Burgers in lettuce buns
  • Basic fish + veggie side

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