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Today, I’m going to share five of my favorite dinners for days when I’m short on time and/or energy but don’t want to resort to ordering out.
Just a note: I am single without kids, so I usually cook for one. However, all of these would make pretty easy meals for couples or families with some adjustments.
Chicken Sausage, Cauliflower Gnocchi, and Veggies
This is one of my favorite quick meals of all time. I usually go back and forth when it comes to how I prepare it. Sometimes, I prefer making it in a skillet. Other times, I opt for the air fryer.
I take Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi, chicken sausages, and veggies and cook them together with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and whichever seasonings I feel like having. Some of my favorite veggies include bell pepper strips, asparagus, green beans, mushrooms, and onions. I’ve also started to add mini potatoes to give myself some more carbohydrates.
If you want to level up the dish’s flavor, toss in some ghee and top with some Everything but the Bagel Seasoning.
Salmon and Veggies with Salad Dressing
So, this started as a quick lunch for workdays when I didn’t have anything planned or prepped the night before. A couple of years ago, I bought myself an electric lunchbox* on Amazon. I didn’t have access to a microwave to heat my food, and I grew tired of cold lunches or trying to keep food warm in a thermos. One of the features of this lunchbox is that it doesn’t just reheat your food; you can throw frozen, raw salmon in it, and it will cook the fish.
At home, I usually opt for using the air fryer for cooking frozen salmon and veggies. While I didn’t include a carbohydrate source when I started making this meal, I now like to opt for something like potatoes or rice. Sometimes, I’ll cook some chicken breast tenderloins on my grill pan* if I don’t have or want salmon.
The secret to making this meal amazing is topping the protein and veggies with a Primal Kitchen salad dressing drizzle. I usually opt for the Ranch or Caesar.
Target’s Maple Bourbon Bacon Warm Salad Kit
What can be easier than throwing a salad kit in a skillet and calling it dinner?
My favorite salad to have warm is the Maple Bourbon Bacon Salad Kit from Target’s Good and Gather line. I sauteed the greens in a skillet until soft. While that’s cooking, I’ll microwave one of those 90-second rice/grain pouches. Then, I’ll toss the salad greens, grains, and whatever protein I’m having in with the dressing and toppings from the salad kit.
The protein can vary here, but for days when I’m especially pressed for time, I usually use frozen, peeled, tail-off shrimp. I’ve also doubled everything and used a pound of ground turkey for quick meal prep.
The best thing about this lazy meal is that it will usually last me for at least two meals, making day two even better.
Grilled Cheese and Soup (or salad)
This one is pretty self-explanatory. To make things easier, I usually opt for pre-sliced cheese and a box or can of soup that I just need to heat and eat. My old favorite was Butternut Squash Soup (specifically, the old formula soup from Campbell’s Well, Yes line), but I discovered Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup a while back, and it’s become one of my favorites.
Most of the time, I’ll also serve with an apple or some other fruit. I might opt for some cucumber slices, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, or a small side salad when it’s too hot for soup. My favorite salad for this is a copycat version of an old Cheesecake Factory item: arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, shaved parmesan, toasted almonds, and golden raisins.
I also love making other sandwiches: ham and cheese with mustard and mayo, turkey and cheese with cream cheese and cucumber. And lately, I’ve been getting into adding something crunchy and salty on the side- like Popcorners Flex Protein Crisps or pretzels.
Spinach, Black Beans, and Rice
One pouch of Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic (or the Aldi version because inflation), one can of black beans (drained and rinsed), and one bag of frozen steam in bag spinach. Cook rice pouch and spinach each according to package directions. Combine in a microwave-safe container with black beans and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Season to taste and enjoy.
I don’t usually have vegetarian or vegan meals, but this is one of my favorite options. If you want to up the protein, this is also great paired with sliced chicken sausage or rotisserie chicken.