Trying to balance a busy work schedule and personal life can make it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. With little time to spare, it can be tempting to grab fast food or order takeout.
However, with a little bit of planning, it’s possible to have healthy and delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are some recipes for hectic schedules that are quick, easy, and satisfying.
1. One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
This one-pan Mexican quinoa is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and red pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, until tender.
- Add quinoa and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked through.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
2. Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl
This sweet potato black bean bowl is another quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together sweet potatoes, black beans, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sweet potatoes are tender and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a classic recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and can be served with rice or noodles. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Add broccoli to the same pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1/4 cup water.
- Add soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ground ginger to the pan and stir to combine.
- Add chicken back to the pan along with the cornstarch mixture.
- Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
4. Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
This Greek salad with grilled chicken is a refreshing and healthy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with crisp veggies, tangy feta cheese, and juicy grilled chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 head of lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced thin
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cucumber, red onion, tomato, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with sliced grilled chicken and serve.
5. Instant Pot Beef Stew
This instant pot beef stew is a quick and easy version of a classic comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for cold winter nights. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 2 pounds stew beef, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Add onion and garlic to the instant pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add beef and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Lock the lid in place and set the instant pot to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
- Allow for natural release of pressure for 10 minutes before opening.
- Stir and serve hot.
6. 10-Minute Tuna Salad
This 10-minute tuna salad is a quick and easy lunch option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with protein. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce leaves.
7. Veggie Fried Rice
This veggie fried rice is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover rice and veggies. It’s packed with flavor and can be ready in just 15 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 2 cups cooked rice, cold
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Push the veggies to the sides of the pan and pour beaten eggs into the center.
- Stir constantly until scrambled and cooked through.
- Add rice and soy sauce to the pan and stir to combine.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is heated through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.
8. Sheet Pan Fajitas
These sheet pan fajitas are an easy and delicious meal that can be customized to your liking. They’re perfect for busy weeknights and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss together chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mixture in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Serve hot with tortillas, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
9. Grilled Salmon with Asparagus
This grilled salmon with asparagus is a healthy and delicious dinner option that’s easy to prepare. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Season salmon and asparagus with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and garlic.
- Brush salmon and asparagus with garlic oil.
- Grill salmon for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Grill asparagus for 3-4 minutes, until crisp-tender.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges.
10. Cauliflower Fried Rice
This cauliflower fried rice is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional fried rice. It’s packed with veggies and flavor, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:.
- 1 head cauliflower, riced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:.