When you’re always on the go, cooking can feel intimidating. You spend your days hustling in work mode, and when you get home, the thought of taking out your pots and pans and toiling over a cutting board sounds like a drag. But what if we told you making meals during the week didn’t have to be a hassle? We’ve got some easy meals to make at home that make cooking a breeze instead of a bother.
Easy, Breezy Breakfasts
1. Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, making them a perfect food to start your day off right with. On top of that, they’re easy to turn into a delightful breakfast pudding that you can prepare the night before. Combine chia seeds with your milk of choice, mix with honey and vanilla, and let sit overnight. In the morning, you’ll have your breakfast ready to eat or take to work with you. You can also put some fresh berries on top for a sweet addition. Plus, it’s easy to make a large batch of chia seed pudding, so you can have breakfast prepped for a few days.
2. Avocado Toast
You don’t have to dine out and pay an arm and a leg for an amazing brunch. It’s easy to make the perfect avocado toast at home. First, gather your ingredients: you’ll need a slice or two of your favorite bread, one ripe medium avocado, and lemon and salt to season. Toast your bread, and mash up the avocado, mixing in a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Layer the toast with your avocado mash and top with everything bagel seasoning or an egg (or both!) for an incredible and very Instagram-able breakfast.
Low-Maintenance Lunches
3. An Adult “Lunchable”
Who said crackers and cheese were just for kids? Upgrade your lunch with an easy-to-make charcuterie board. Cut up a few slices or cubes of your favorite cheese, add some slices of salami or your favorite deli meat, and pair with a side of whole grain crackers and some fruit for a quick, nutritious lunch meal that will make you feel classy, while bringing back nostalgia for your childhood lunch days.
4. Turkey, Spinach, and Swiss Wrap
This easy lunch option is a great way to get in your protein, veggies, and healthy fat for the day. Take a wrap of your choice, like a whole wheat tortilla or pita, and add your favorite condiment as a base (for simplicity, you can use mustard or mayo, or if you want to spice things up, try a scoop of flavorful hummus). Then, layer the wrap with spinach, top with 2-3 slices of turkey, a slice of swiss cheese, and roll it all up. Pair with a side of salad or chips, and within minutes you’ll have a delicious, nutritious lunch that you can eat at home or take with you on the go.
Easy To-Do Dinners
5. Chicken Tacos & Fresh Guacamole
Tuesdays were made for tacos, but they’re also the perfect easy meal for any night of the week. Take chicken breast and season with a spice rub (we like to combine chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt) and place on a hot skillet to cook until golden brown. While your chicken is cooking, you can take time to make some fresh guacamole by mashing an avocado and mixing it with some lemon juice, diced onion, tomato, and jalepeńo. Once the chicken is done, let it cool and dice into bite-sized pieces. Toast your tortillas, add the chicken and guacamole to them, and serve with a side of rice and beans.
6. Spaghetti with Marinara
Is there a more versatile dinner option than pasta? There are so many different noodle and sauce options to choose from for a simple pasta meal, but we decided to go back to basics with spaghetti and marinina that’s perfect for nights when all you’ve got is the energy to boil some water and toss your pasta in a pot. Once you’ve salted your water and brought it to a boil, put your spaghetti in and cook to desired firmness (about 8 to 12 minutes). In the meantime, put your marinara sauce in a saucepan on a medium heat and bring to a simmer. If you’re looking to add a bit of protein to your meal, you can easily add some sausage or ground beef to cook with your sauce. Once your pasta is done, strain it from your pot, add your sauce, and serve. If there are leftovers, save them for dinner the following night.
Making meals for yourself doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following simple recipes like the ones above, you can make nutritious meals for yourself without getting overwhelmed. What are your favorite easy meals to make at home?