Eating dinner shouldn't mean a dull boring meal. You shouldn't be left to pantry raids just to find more food. You should be filled and happy from food with no food counting or weighing. Here are my favorite recipes. Each one is really and truly satisfying.
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1) Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry
This is my weeknight hero for all the comforts of a takeout noodle bowl with a fraction of the heaviness.
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Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry
Ingredients
Method
- Spiralize the zucchini and set it aside on a towel to drain.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, peppers, and snap peas.
- Stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the zucchini noodles and soy sauce and toss just 2 minutes so they stay firm.
- Serve immediately while everything is hot and bright.
Notes
2) Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
The roasted strands do scratch the pasta itch and the rest is up to a good marinara.
Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, and rub the cut sides with olive oil and salt.
- Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast 35 to 40 minutes until tender.
- Warm the marinara in a saucepan while the squash roasts.
- Scrape the squash into strands with a fork and divide among bowls.
- Top with marinara, parmesan, and torn basil and serve warm.
Notes
3) Cauliflower Rice Bowl
A blank canvas bowl where you get filled up with veggies first! I build mine differently every single time.
Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet and sauté the riced cauliflower 6 to 8 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile toss the chickpeas and tomatoes with the remaining oil in a separate pan and warm through.
- Whisk the tahini and lemon juice with a splash of water into a pourable sauce.
- Divide the cauliflower rice among bowls and top with chickpeas and tomatoes.
- Drizzle with the tahini sauce and serve.
Notes
4) Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Juicy, bright, and a type of lean protein that you can center an entire week of meals around.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the chicken, turn to coat, and let it marinate 15 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Grill the chicken 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Rest 5 minutes before slicing so it stays juicy.
Notes
5) Quinoa Salad with Veggies
My favorite lunch to prepare in advance because it actually improves when it is stored in the fridge.
Quinoa Salad with Veggies
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the quinoa in 2 cups water, covered, about 15 minutes until fluffy, then let it cool.
- Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and finely dice the red onion.
- Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together for the dressing.
- Toss the cooled quinoa with the vegetables and dressing.
- Season to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
6) Stuffed Bell Peppers
Satisfying like a true dinner but never makes me feel bogged down afterward.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet, then stir in the rice, marinara, and Italian seasoning.
- Stand the peppers in a baking dish and spoon the filling into each.
- Top with mozzarella and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake 30 minutes covered, then 5 minutes uncovered until the cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
Notes
7) Baked Sweet Potato Fries
No need to feel regret about the deep fryer! These have crispy edges with fluffy centers.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even wedges and toss with cornstarch to dry-coat them.
- Add the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt and toss to coat.
- Spread in a single layer with space between each fry.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
Notes
8) Avocado Toast with Radish
I love how it feels like I ordered breakfast at a café, but only takes five minutes to make — the radish really pulls it all together.
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Avocado Toast with Radish
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
- Mash the avocado with lemon juice and salt in a small bowl.
- Spread the avocado evenly over each slice of toast.
- Fan the thinly sliced radishes over the top.
- Finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes and serve right away.
Notes
9) Greek Yogurt Parfait
I get to satisfy my sweet tooth this layered, gorgeous, protein-rich treat.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
Method
- Stir the vanilla and honey into the Greek yogurt.
- Spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of two glasses.
- Add a layer of mixed berries.
- Repeat the layers and finish with a sprinkle of granola on top.
- Serve right away so the granola stays crunchy.
Notes
10) Vegetable Soup
A large pot of this recipe and I am feeling reset! It is light and brothy and filled with ingredients from the refrigerator!
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots and celery and cook 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Add the green beans and simmer 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
11) Chia Seed Pudding
At night you can stir it, and in the morning you have yourself a creamy little pudding — the healthiest and laziest breakfast you can get!
Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla together in a jar.
- Let it sit 5 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until thick.
- Stir well before serving.
- Top with fresh berries and enjoy.
Notes
12) Egg White Omelette
A good way to start the day feeling full and without the heaviness.
Egg White Omelette
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the egg whites with the salt until a little frothy.
- Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and wilt the spinach and tomatoes 2 minutes.
- Pour the egg whites over the vegetables and let them set around the edges.
- Sprinkle with feta, then fold the omelette in half.
- Cook 1 more minute, then slide onto a plate and serve.
Notes
13) Roasted Chickpeas
They're crunchy, and they're the type of thing the whole family can munch on. I swear the bowl gets emptied before dinner is even ready.
Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Drain, rinse, and thoroughly dry the chickpeas with a towel.
- Toss the chickpeas with olive oil and spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast 20 minutes, then shake the pan and roast 10 more minutes until crisp.
- Toss the hot chickpeas with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
- Let cool slightly so they crisp up further before serving.
Notes
14) Berry Smoothie Bowl
Thick enough to eat with a spoon, and pretty enough to make any old regular morning feel special.
Berry Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Add the frozen berries, banana, yogurt, and almond milk to a blender.
- Blend until thick and smooth, scraping down as needed — keep it thick.
- Pour into two bowls.
- Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
- Serve immediately with a spoon.
Notes
15) Grilled Salmon with Asparagus
It may feel fancy, but it will all come together in under 30 minutes, and best of all, it is done on just one pan.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Brush the salmon and asparagus with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
- Grill the salmon 4 to 5 minutes per side until it flakes easily.
- Grill the asparagus alongside, turning, until tender-crisp, about 6 minutes.
- Plate together and serve with extra lemon.
Notes
16) Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Fun to put together at the dinner table and a little sweet and spicy. These are requested specifically by my children.
Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the garlic, soy sauce, and hoisin and cook 3 more minutes.
- Separate and rinse the lettuce leaves, then pat dry.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into each lettuce cup.
- Top with sliced green onions and serve right away.
Notes
17) Black Bean Tacos
Powerful without meat — these show that you do not need meat to make taco night feel like a celebration.
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the black beans in a skillet with the cumin and chili powder, mashing some lightly.
- Cook 5 to 7 minutes until thick and fragrant.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or over a flame.
- Fill each tortilla with the beans, shredded cabbage, and avocado slices.
- Squeeze lime over the top and serve.
Notes
18) Tomato Basil Soup
I enjoy this with some crackers on a calm night.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a pot and soften the onion 5 minutes, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer 15 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Blend the soup smooth with an immersion blender, then stir in the basil.
- Season to taste and serve warm.