After a long day of school, work, and life, it can feel like the weight of the world is upon your shoulders to even get off the couch, not to mention trying to make dinner. Not only do you need to eat dinner, but all the science says that it needs to be healthy. Oof. Essentially this adds up to a whole lot of work, especially if you have food allergies that inhibit the ease of a simple door dash order or are trying to fine dine on a budget. So here are some quick, easy, healthy, tried and true meals for the next time you can’t decide what to make.
1. Spaghetti Squash Basil Pesto
Ingredients: 1 spaghetti squash, 1 bell pepper, 1 tomato, 1 zucchini, 1 yellow or sweet onion, 1 chicken breast (optional), Basil Pesto (vegan option from Trader Joes)
Instructions: Cook the spaghetti squash at 375 for 45 min until cooked. Saute the bell pepper, zucchini, onion, chicken breast. Mix together with pesto and eat!
2. Nach-yo Typical Nachos
Ingredients: Ground beef/bison or shredded chicken, bell peppers, yellow/sweet onions, chopped green onions, chopped jalapeños, pinto beans or black beans, Mexican seasonings: chipotle, cumin, paprika, lime, guacamole, salsa corn tortillas (cut them up and cook them with some extra virgin olive oil in the air fryer for 10 mins and voila…homemade chips) or tortilla chips, cheese (optional)
Instructions: Cook, stir together, and eat!
3. Semi-traditional Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients: yellow onions, zucchini, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, marinara sauce, ground turkey, your favorite (gluten-free) pasta
Instructions: Saute vegetables together, cook the ground turkey, and stir together with the marinara sauce and eat!
4. Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients: chicken broth, diced tomatoes, a chopped onion, 1 can of black beans, corn, lime juice, seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, and 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions: Put in the instant pot, cook at high pressure for 5 mins, and slow release for 10 mins. Shred chicken if desired. Eat!
5. Breakfast for Any Meal of the Day… an Omelet!
Ingredients: eggs, spinach, onion, zucchini, tomato, mushrooms, whatever else your heart desires.
Instructions: Cook veggies until soft, then stir in eggs and cook til desired consistency. Eat!