Breakfast
Breakfast is essential! But when you’re busy it’s hard to squeeze in. No worries! Here are some speedy and straightforward recipes. Smoothies to baked eggs – these recipes will give you a boost and the essential nutrients you need to start your day.
Check out these recipes:
- Smoothies
- Baked eggs
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats – they’re nutritious, delicious, and super easy to make. Even better, you can prepare them ahead of time! All you need is some old-fashioned oatmeal, milk, yogurt, and mix-ins. This package has all the ingredients for one portion – perfect for busy mornings.
To make the oats:
- Combine 1/2 cup oatmeal and 1/2 cup milk or yogurt. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt.
- Mix in your desired mix-ins – like dried fruit, nuts, citrus zest, extracts, nut butters, or ground spices.
- Let it soak overnight in the fridge.
- In the morning, top off with fresh fruit and nuts before eating. Enjoy!
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a tasty breakfast favorite! Toast your favorite type of whole grain or multigrain bread until lightly golden brown. Slice an avocado in half, and scoop out 1/4 cup of the flesh. Mash it in a bowl with a fork or potato masher. Spread the mixture on each toast slice. Sprinkle some sea salt to finish. Enjoy!
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt parfaits are a yummy way to start your day! Plus, they’re super easy to make. Just get Greek yogurt, fruit (fresh or frozen), and your favorite granola. Low-fat yogurt is healthier, but full-fat yogurt is creamier.
Layer the yogurt and fruit in a bowl – save some of each for topping. Top with granola, then savor your masterpiece!
Try different fruits like berries, mangoes, apples, or bananas. Or use mixed dried fruits like tropical or trail mix. Citrus juice brings out flavor. You can also layer with honey or agave syrup instead of granola for a gluten free option. Get creative and enjoy!
Lunch
Lunch recipes don’t need to be complex. Busy individuals require speedy meals that are simple to make and yummy too! Here are some straightforward recipes for you to try at lunch. Whether you’re searching for something light and cool or savory and satisfying, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s examine some of the best lunch recipes for busy people:
Lentil Salad
Lentil salads are a delicious way to get your protein and greens, when time is short. This salad combines kala chana, a pantry staple, with tomatoes and red onions. It’s seasoned with pepper, salt, and a dash of lime juice.
Ingredients:
- Kala chana (dried lentils) – 1 cup
- Ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Tomatoes – ½ cup diced
- Red onion – ¼ cup diced
- Lime juice – 1
Instructions:
- Rinse the kala chana. Place in a pot with enough water to cover it. Boil, then reduce heat, cover pot, and cook until tender. Drain any remaining liquid.
- Add the kala chana to a bowl. Mix in the other ingredients. Serve at room temperature or chill in fridge. Enjoy!
Veggie Wraps
Veggie wraps: the perfect choice for busy lunch-seekers! Filled with protein-packed veggies like lentils, beans, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Plus, add a pop of colour and flavour with leafy greens like spinach or lettuce, and tomatoes or avocados. Get creative with your assembly – heat up the wraps for a crispier texture, and add leftovers from dinner for extra flavour. Whether you buy them ready-made or make your own, veggie wraps are a simple, nutritious meal!
Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa is a tasty pseudocereal packed with protein! This 15-minute quinoa bowl recipe is an easy way to make a nutritious meal. Here are the ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
- 4 quartered cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
To make the dish:
- Rinse the quinoa in a strainer for 1 minute.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the quinoa and seasonings and stir for 2 minutes.
- Lower the heat and cover the pans, leaving space for steam. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Place veggies on top of the quinoa and mix if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Dinner
No time for fancy eats? No worries! There are lots of yummy recipes you can whip up in no time. These meals will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Check out these awesome dinner ideas for busy people!
- Quick and Easy Baked Salmon
- One-Pot Spaghetti with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Vegetarian Burrito Bowls
- Crispy Baked Fish Tacos
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
One-Pot Pasta
One-pot pasta is ideal for speedy yet tasty meals. All you need is one pot, so clean up is a breeze! Boil water in a large pot, add your noodles, and season with whatever veggies, herbs, and spices you like. Cook for about 15 minutes – make sure not to overcook it – and drain any extra liquid. Serve immediately for an easy and delicious meal. Vary the flavors to switch it up.
One-pot pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or hectic holidays – just one pot and a few ingredients are needed!
Sheet-Pan Salmon
Sheet-pan salmon is a yummy and effortless meal for busy people! Use one sheet-pan and ingredients like salmon, veggies, herbs and butter. You’ll have a complete meal quickly! To wow guests or as a family weeknight dinner, sheet-pan salmon is a sure hit.
Get started with preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the salmon on the pan and season with salt and pepper. Arrange your veggies (like carrots, potatoes and snap peas) around the fish and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano or parsley for extra flavor. Bake for 18-22 minutes until cooked through.
This dish can be tailored to suit your tastes – simply choose different proteins and accompaniments each time. Enjoy making homemade meals!
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a great dinner or lunch option for the busy bee! This yummy dish is easy to make. Get one large red, yellow, orange, or green bell pepper and your fave stuffing ingredients. Try cooked ground beef, white rice and shredded cheese, zucchini and mushrooms, or quinoa and beans for a veggie version.
Fill each pepper halves with your mix and put them in an oven dish. Pour your desired amount of tomato sauce over the peppers, don’t overfill it. Cover to keep them moist. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30-35 minutes or until perfect. Enjoy!
Snacks
Busy life? No time to snack? Don’t worry! Snacking is a great way to get energized. There are many snacks you can make quickly and easily. Here are some recipes that are delicious, fast and easy to prepare. Enjoy!
Energy Bites
Life can be busy. College classes, full-time jobs, and social calendars can be hard to balance. Or, you may have a long to-do list to get through. Eating healthy snacks often falls to the wayside. Energy bites are here to help!
These treats are portable and delicious. They contain enough energy to sustain busy days. There are many kinds of energy bite recipes. From classics like peanut butter balls to more creative takes like pumpkin spice. Plus, they are easy and affordable to make. All you need is your imagination and a few pantry staples.
Instead of unhealthy options that make you feel guilty, give energy bites a try!
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas? Yes, please! They’re packed with protein, low in fat, and full of flavor. These tasty treats, also known as garbanzo beans or ceci beans, are so easy to make. Here’s how!
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Place two cups of cooked chickpeas in a bowl. Drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil and spice it up with cumin, paprika, garlic powder and salt.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes – stirring halfway – until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve immediately or store cooled in an airtight container for up to seven days. Enjoy as is or toss them into salads, sandwiches or wraps!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is great for busy people. It’s simple to make, travels well, and is full of healthy ingredients. The exact ingredients depend on your preferences. Here are some basics:
- Nuts: Peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans are popular. Choose nuts that haven’t been roasted in oil or salted.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds are common, but you can also try pumpkin kernels or sesame seeds.
- Fruits: For sweetness and nutrition, add dried fruits like blueberries, cranberries, cherries, or raisins. Get unsulfured, no-added-sugar versions.
- Grains: Rolled oats or whole wheat cereal add fiber and texture. Rice puffs have a lighter flavor.
- Mix-Ins: Make it unique with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, granola clusters, pretzels – the possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some easy recipes for the busy person?
A: Some easy recipes for the busy person include one-pan dinners, sheet pan dinners, slow cooker meals, and casseroles. All of these recipes require minimal preparation and hands-on time, and can be made ahead of time for easy weeknight meals.
Q: What are some easy one-pan dinner recipes?
A: Some easy one-pan dinner recipes include skillet lasagna, skillet fajitas, chicken and potatoes with bacon, and pesto chicken and tomatoes. All of these recipes take less than 45 minutes and require minimal hands-on time.
Q: What are some tips for making a meal ahead of time?
A: When making a meal ahead of time, you can save time by preparing the ingredients the night before. This way, all you need to do is assemble the ingredients and cook the meal the following day. You can also freeze cooked meals for up to three months, or freeze individual ingredients for up to six months.
