Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be delicious! With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can whip up meals that are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. Let’s explore some easy recipes that will make your taste buds dance without breaking the bank!
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Sauce
The Easiest Vegetable Stir Fry from The Recipe Critic
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Baby corn, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, soy sauce, brown sugar Total Time: 15 min.
Ginger Veggie Stir-Fry from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: Green beans, broccoli, snow peas, soy sauce, fresh ginger root Total Time: 40 min.
5-Minute Stir Fry Sauce (so easy!) from Fork in the Kitchen
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Sour sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar Total Time: 5 min.
This colorful dish is a quick and easy way to use up whatever veggies you have in your fridge. With a splash of soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil, you’ll create a savory treat that’s perfect over rice or noodles. What makes this recipe special is its flexibility; you can mix and match vegetables based on what’s in season or on sale!
Chickpea Salad
Chickpea Salad from Love and Lemons
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Dijon mustard, kalamata olives, red grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, olive oil Total Time: 20 min.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad from Delish
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: White wine vinegar, chickpeas, cucumber, kalamata olives, red bell pepper Total Time: 25 min.
Favorite Chickpea Salad from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Ribs, red bell pepper, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice Total Time: 20 min.
Chickpeas are not just for hummus! Toss them with fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, then drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing salad. This dish is popular because it’s packed with protein and can be served as a side or a light main course.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Garlic Lemon Chicken from Carlsbad Cravings
Ingredients: Skinless chicken thighs, sour cream, baby dutch potatoes, dijon mustard, dill Total Time: 55 min.
Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken with Parmesan Roasted Broccoli from Cooking Classy
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, italian seasoning, lemon juice, garlic Total Time: 48 min.
Lemon Chicken and Broccoli from Farm Life DIY
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Lemon pepper seasoning, skinless chicken breast, broccoli, chicken broth, olive oil Total Time: 1 hr.
Imagine tender chicken paired with crisp broccoli, all infused with zesty lemon and garlic flavors. This one-pan wonder makes cleanup a breeze, and the combination of protein and veggies keeps it healthy. It’s a favorite for weeknight dinners because it’s simple yet impressive!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio from Gimme Some Oven
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Spaghetti, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, olive oil Total Time: 20 min.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Red pepper flakes, olive oil, parmigiano reggiano, black pepper, uncooked spaghetti Total Time: 25 min.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio from Love and Lemons
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Spaghetti, lacinato kale, red pepper flakes, olive oil, lemon juice Total Time: 20 min.
This Italian classic requires just a few pantry staples: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. The result is a fragrant, garlicky pasta dish that’s comforting and satisfying. It’s popular for its quick preparation time and bold flavors, making it a perfect late-night meal!
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos from Simply Recipes
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.
Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe from JoyFoodSunshine
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.
These tacos are a flavor explosion with roasted sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, and your favorite toppings like avocado and salsa. They’re not only colorful and fun to make, but they also offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory. This recipe shines as a budget-friendly choice that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday!
Quinoa and Spinach Bowl
Lemon Garlic Butter Quinoa and Spinach from Whole Food Bellies
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
Quinoa-spinach grain bowls with feta, fried eggs, and fresh dill from Sunbasket
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 5, 0(909)
Quinoa is a super grain, and when paired with fresh spinach, it creates a nutritious bowl of goodness. Add in some nuts or seeds for crunch and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for tang. This dish is a hit because it’s not only filling but also easy to customize with whatever toppings you adore!
Egg Fried Rice
Easy egg-fried rice from BBC Good Food
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
Egg Fried Rice from Chef in Camicia
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.
Easy Egg Fried Rice from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.3. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
Turn leftover rice into a delightful dish with scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots. With a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of green onions, this meal is a simple way to enjoy flavors reminiscent of your favorite takeout. It’s beloved for its quick prep time and the ability to clean out your fridge!
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Cheap Healthy Meals: Crockpot Whole Chicken from The Clean Eating Couple
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Whole chicken, aluminum foil, olive oil, chicken stock, garlic powder Total Time: 8 hr 10 min.
This breakfast or snack option is as easy as layering Greek yogurt with your favorite fruits and granola. Sweet, creamy, and crunchy, it’s a delightful way to start your day or satisfy a sweet tooth. What makes it special is its versatility; you can switch up the ingredients based on what’s fresh and available!
Vegetable Soup
Cheap Healthy Meals: Crockpot Whole Chicken from The Clean Eating Couple
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Whole chicken, aluminum foil, olive oil, chicken stock, garlic powder Total Time: 8 hr 10 min.
Warm up with a hearty vegetable soup that’s packed with nutrients! Just toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand, add some broth, and let it simmer. This recipe is popular for its comfort and warmth, making it a go-to during chilly nights.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Asparagus
One-Pan Salmon Asparagus Recipe (VIDEO) from Natasha's Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
One Pan Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon and Asparagus from Cafe Delites
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 20 min Total Time: 20 min.
Salmon is not only delicious but also a great source of healthy fats. Bake it alongside asparagus for a meal that looks as good as it tastes. What makes this dish a winner is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Bell Peppers from Budget Bytes
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Italian sausage, bell peppers, grain white rice, marinara sauce, chicken broth Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.
Stuffed Bell Peppers from The Pioneer Woman
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Lean ground beef, bell peppers, pepper jack cheese, cooked rice, olive oil Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
Stuffed Peppers from Once Upon a Chef
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Lean ground beef, bell peppers, tomato sauce, jack cheese, cooked rice Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
Bright, colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and spices create a delightful meal. Bake them until tender and serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra flavor. This recipe stands out for its vibrant presentation and the fun of customizing the filling!
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Banana Oat Egg Pancakes (3 Ingredients!) from Meaningful Eats
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.
How to Make the Best Banana Oatmeal Pancakes from The Kitchn
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 29 min Total Time: 29 min.
Start your morning with these fluffy pancakes made from mashed bananas and oats. They’re naturally sweet and super easy to whip up, giving you a healthy twist on a classic breakfast. This recipe is adored because it’s quick, delicious, and perfect for lazy weekend mornings!
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in this classic Italian salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor. This dish is a favorite for its simplicity and the way it captures the essence of summer in every bite!