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21 Simple, Quick, & Easy Meals
All tagged Gluten-Free
My mom has been making and taking her famous guacamole to football parties and gatherings for years and it’s always the first thing to be devoured. The secret? Dried oregano! Make this 4-ingredient guacamole in under 5 minutes, and your friends and family will exclaim, “This is the Best Ever Guacamole!”
This Chopped Kale Salad with Creamy Goat Cheese, Apple, and Pumpkin Seeds is both beautiful and so quick and easy to make. If you don’t eat a lot of salad, a solution is to chop the salad greens into very small pieces- the greens become more tender and you get to savor the salad toppings (sweet apple, pear, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and creamy goat cheese) with every bite!
These Salted Margarita Energy Balls will have you thinking “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, afternoon energy boost to power you through that 3 PM slump, or an after-dinner treat, this recipe for Salted Margarita Energy Balls is the answer 😊 Meal prep once, enjoy all week!
Serves: 10 (22 energy balls)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 cup raw cashews
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Pinch of salt
8 medjool dates (softened in hot water for 5 minutes if not already soft)
To serve: Maldon sea salt
How (your directions):
To a food processor, add the cashews, oats, coconut flakes, zest and juice of 1 lime, a pinch of salt, and the dates.
Pulse 10-15 times, then blend on high until a dough ball forms or the mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers.
Roll a heaped tablespoon of the mixture into a ball between the palms of your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Serve by topping the energy balls with Maldon sea salt (to mimic the salted rim of a margarita).
Why (the science): These energy balls are incredibly filling and satisfying due to the balance of healthy fats (coconut), fiber-rich starch (oats), and protein (cashews).
Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple with Toasted Coconut and Vanilla Cinnamon Yogurt is a fun twist on eating your fruit and yogurt for breakfast! The pineapple sugars caramelize on the grill, which adds a subtle smoky flavor to the dish. Juicy pineapple, sweet cinnamon, rich toasted coconut, creamy yogurt- it all comes together in only 15 minutes! Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple with Toasted Coconut and Vanilla Cinnamon Yogurt is perfect for a quick and easy (and nutritious) dessert, too. A pineapple’s antioxidants are “bound,” which means they last longer in the body and survive harsher conditions in the body…which means that their positive anti-inflammatory effects last longer in the body!
Most compotes and jams are LOADED with added sugar…to the point you wonder, where’s the fruit? This 5-Minute Low-Sugar Blueberry Compote has only 1 tablespoon of added sugar in the entire batch, but it still sweet and delicious! Stir into plain Greek-style yogurt, spoon onto a stack of pancakes, drizzle over open-faced peanut butter toast, or eat with a spoon (I won’t tell 😉)
Ripe bananas are an excellent potassium-packed sweetener, which is why this muffin recipe has very little added sugar. Dark chocolate chips have more antioxidants than milk chocolate chips and add a richness to these Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins.
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Rice with Capers (Vegan, GF) is a flavor powerhouse, and could not be easier to make! Simply roast the peppers and tomatoes, toast and cook the brown rice with garlic, garnish with capers and spring onions and voila! Dinner (or the perfect side dish) is served 😊 This dish makes great leftovers and meal prep easy! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, since it can be enjoyed room temperature, cold, warm, or hot.
This Apple and Goji Berry Kale Salad tastes like fall with every bite! When you “massage” the kale with your hands, the kale becomes sweeter and softer, so don’t skip this step. Sweet apple, crunchy sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and chewy and tart goji berries are a match made in heaven. And if you’re anything like me, you eat salads for the awesome toppings 😉 And this salad delivers the best toppings!
Serves: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
Pinch of salt
1 head of kale, torn into small bite-size pieces
1 apple, chopped into small pieces
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon goji berries
How (your directions):
Add kale pieces to a large bowl. Top with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Massage kale for 3-4 minutes with your hands.
Add apple pieces, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and goji berries.
Toss to combine and enjoy!
Why (the science): Goji berries are high in fiber and the antioxidant zeaxanthin, which helps protect your cells from damage.
Creamy Mushroom Soup tastes like pure comfort food but is loaded with veggies and has no cream or half-and-half! It’s as easy as cooking onion, mushrooms, and potatoes in broth and blending until smooth with nondairy milk. The chanterelle mushrooms from @MushroomMikeLLC add both elegance and a peppery, earthy flavor.
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 tablespoon avocado oil
½ yellow onion, diced
Pinch of salt
28 oz. white mushrooms, diced
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ cup dry white wine
3 russet potatoes, diced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup unsweetened nondairy milk (I used Ripple)
10 chanterelle mushrooms, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons butter (vegan)
Pinch of salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Optional: Drizzle of olive oil
How (your directions):
Heat avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat.
Add the diced yellow onion and a pinch of salt and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add diced mushrooms, salt, and dried thyme. Sauté, stirring frequently, until liquid from mushrooms evaporates, about 5 minutes.
Add white wine and stir for 30 seconds.
Add potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat vegan butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add chanterelle mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
Turn the stove heat off and stir in nondairy milk into the soup. Using an immersion blender or high-speed blender, blend the mushroom soup until smooth.
Serve soup with freshly ground pepper and a spoonful of chanterelle mushrooms on top. Drizzle with good olive oil and enjoy hot!
Why (the science): Fiber-rich potatoes and nondairy milk add a plant-based creaminess to the soup without the need for heavy cream or half-and-half! Mushrooms are prebiotics, which feed the healthy bacteria in your gut to help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Colorful and delicious, Mexican Fiesta Quinoa Salad is the perfect recipe for healthy meal prepped lunches, quick weeknight dinners, or part of a festive summer BBQ!
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 15.5 oz can black beans
1 cup fire roasted corn
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
How (your directions):
Add quinoa and vegetable broth to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover, lower heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, add black beans, corn, olive oil, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, and salt to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
Once quinoa has finished cooking, turn heat off and allow to sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
Add quinoa to the black bean and corn mixture. Top with thinly sliced spring onions.
Enjoy warm, room temperature, or cold! Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
Why (the science): Quinoa and black beans are rich in protein, making this a satisfying lunch throughout the week!
These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the bomb! They have no processed sugar, are gluten-free, and vegan, so you can feel good about eating them any time of day. Made with wholesome ingredients, they can be meal prepped and enjoyed for one-the-go breakfasts, snacks, or as a yummy dessert with a piece of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate on the side. Bonus: they’re made in the food processor! Ahem, minimal clean up 😊
Serves: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
What (your ingredients):
2 ripe bananas
6 dates, pitted (make sure they’re soft and sticky)
1 tablespoon coconut oil, not melted
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats
How (your directions):
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Add bananas, dates, coconut oil, salt, baking powder, and vanilla to a blender. Pulse 10 times, then blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Add rolled oats and pulse 5-8 times. You want the rolled oats slightly broken down to form a dough, but not blended so much that you end up with a paste or completely smooth dough. Leave a little oat texture.
Spoon six cookies onto lined baking sheet. Smooth edges, and create a flat top to the cookies using the back of your spoon.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Enjoy warm!
Store remaining cookies in an airtight container for a week. Reheat and serve with a drizzle of peanut butter and a side of fruit for breakfast.
Why (the science): Oats and bananas are prebiotics, which means that feed the healthy bacteria in our gut, which improves our mood and immune system.
** Recipe inspired by Nutrition Refined
This 5-Ingredient Creamy Broccoli Soup comes together in less than 30 minutes and couldn’t be easier to make! It has a silky-smooth texture, made creamy from the red potatoes, and is the perfect meal prep recipe. 5-Minute Creamy Broccoli Soup is nutritious, freezer-friendly, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
½ teaspoon salt
5 medium red potatoes, diced
6 cups veggie broth
8 cups broccoli florets
To serve: freshly cracked pepper
How (your directions):
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced yellow onion and salt. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent.
Add red potatoes, veggie broth, and broccoli.
Bring to a boil, then cover, turn heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Turn off heat. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth and creamy.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer soup carefully to a blender and blend until smooth.
Enjoy hot with freshly cracked pepper!
Why (the science): Broccoli is a cruciferous veggie, meaning it has powerful anticancer effects!
Quiche is typically not a healthy meal- it’s usually loaded with heavy cream, half and half, butter, cheese, and sometimes bacon or ham. This Quinoa Crusted Quiche with Roasted Tomatoes and Thyme is super healthful and rich in protein and antioxidants! The quinoa crust holds its form with the help of omega-3 rich flax meal, and the eggy center is dairy-free. This quinoa crusted quiche can also be meal prepped for a week of healthy breakfasts that you can simply heat and eat 😊
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
2 tablespoons flax meal
4 tablespoons water
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
6 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or Ripple (pea protein milk)
Cooking oil spray
How (your directions):
Preheat oven to 425 °F.
Add 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water to a large sauté pan. Set heat to high, bring to a boil, then cover, turn heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, add cherry tomatoes to a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and thyme. Roast at 425 °F for 15 minutes.
Add flax meal and 4 tablespoons water to a large bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
To another large bowl, add eggs, salt, pepper, and dairy-free milk. Whisk to combine.
When the quinoa has finished cooking, add quinoa to the bowl with the flax meal. Stir to combine.
Spritz a tart pan or pie dish with avocado oil to prevent quinoa crust from sticking. Add quinoa and flax mixture to the pie dish, then press evenly into dish and up the sides to create a crust.
When the tomatoes have finished roasting, place them evenly on top of quinoa crust.
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
Pour egg mixture over the tomatoes.
Bake the quiche for 35 minutes.
Serve hot or warm!
Why (the science): Roasted tomatoes are high in lycopene, which is especially healthful for men in helping reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Who doesn’t want to make a recipe in under 30 minutes that can last all week in the fridge, and be enjoyed at any meal, be that breakfast or dinner! This Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Fresh Mint and Creamy Goat Cheese is rich in antioxidants, as well as protein to keep you full and satisfied. Make once, enjoy all week! The perfect simple meal prep recipe 😊
Serves: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
3 tablespoons orange juice (juice from 1 blood orange)
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 lb. strawberries
20 fresh mint leaves
2 oz. goat cheese
Walnuts to serve
How (your directions):
Add 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water to a large sauté pan. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, create an easy vinaigrette by adding orange juice, olive oil, and salt to a large bowl. Whisk and set aside.
Slice strawberries and chiffonade the mint. Add to bowl with the vinaigrette.
When the quinoa has cooked for 15 minutes, turn off the heat, but leave the quinoa in the covered pan for 5 minutes.
Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then add to the bowl. Stir to combine.
Place in refrigerator for a few minutes to cool. Once cooled, crumble the goat cheese into the quinoa salad.
Serve room temperature or cold, and top with walnuts.
Enjoy for lunch or dinner (or even breakfast!) throughout the week.
Why (the science): Mint and other herbs are high in antioxidants, which helps reduce inflammation and boost your immune system, which helps you feel better in general!
Chia seed pudding is an excellent meal prep recipe, as it lasts in the fridge for 5 days! The Strawberry Sauce is delicious layered with the chia seed pudding, and can also be stirred into yogurt (or poured over ice cream (shh I won’t tell!). Cheers to a breakfast that you can make in advance, grab and go, enjoy as a dessert, or devour as a midafternoon snack 😊
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes (+ soaking overnight)
Cooking time: 0 minutes
What (your ingredients):
Chia Seed Pudding:
½ cup chia seeds
2 cups almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Strawberry Sauce:
8 oz. strawberries
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
How (your directions):
In a large bowl, add chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Whisk immediately, then allow to sit 5 minutes.
Whisk chia mixture once more, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
To make the strawberry sauce, simply add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
To assemble, create layers of chia pudding and strawberry sauce. Garnish with additional sliced strawberries.
Why (the science): Chia seeds are incredibly high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, so they’re great for both digestion and heart health.
Creamy Buckwheat Porridge is a no-fuss, gluten-free breakfast made quickly in a blender. Think of it as an exciting alternative to overnight oats! Simply soak the buckwheat to soften this pseudocereal, then blend with oatmeal and chia seeds. Creamy Buckwheat Porridge is a great meal prep breakfast, too- just fill a few glass jars, top with your favorite fruits and nuts, and grab-and-go. Buckwheat helps prevent blood sugar spikes, so you won’t feel an energy crash after this naturally sweet breakfast.
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes (then allow to soak 4 hours or overnight)
Cooking time: 0 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 cup buckwheat groats, soaked 4 hours or overnight in water
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 pear, roughly chopped
1 ½ cups oat milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Toppings: sliced kiwi, blackberries, sliced almonds, or any fruit and nut of choice
How (your directions):
Begin by submerging and soaking 1 cup of buckwheat groats in water for 4 hours or overnight.
Once soaked, drain and rinse buckwheat.
Add buckwheat, cinnamon, pear, oat milk, and chia seeds to a blender.
Blend on high for 60 seconds until smooth.
Spoon smooth porridge into 4 glass jars, then top with your favorite fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate and enjoy throughout the week.
Why (the science): Buckwheat contains the antioxidant, rutin, which helps reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
Eating your vegetables has never been so easy! Make pulled BBQ at home in 25 minutes using only a few easy, whole food ingredients. Mushroom and Artichoke BBQ would be a delicious plant-based option at your outdoor picnic and summer BBQ parties 😊
Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz. white or baby bella mushrooms, diced
2 15-oz. cans baby artichokes in water, drained and diced
1 ¼ cup favorite BBQ sauce
Assembly: toasted whole wheat buns, coleslaw
How (your directions):
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic, mushrooms, and diced artichokes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Add favorite BBQ sauce and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring only occasionally to allow for caramelization.
Serve immediately on a warm, toasted whole wheat bun with ¼ cup of coleslaw!
Why (the science): Mushrooms are a rich source of selenium and glutathione, antioxidants that lower inflammation in the body.
Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls are the perfect snack to meal prep for the week ahead- they take 10 minutes to make, require zero cooking, lasts 5-7 days, and can be breakfast on the go, a snack, or preworkout fuel. Does it get any better!? Plus, you know you’re reaching for something healthy when you crave something sweet and grab two of these. Wholesome and delicious, these Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls will make your meal prep list every week.
Serves: 5 (makes 12-13 energy balls)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup raw whole cashews
Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
6 dates, pits removed
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
¼ cup dried blueberries
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
How (your directions):
Add all ingredients to a food processor.
Blend for 1-2 minutes, until one large dough ball forms.
Pinch off 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, and roll into an energy ball.
Store in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
Why (the science): The protein and fiber from oats and cashews will keep your blood sugar levels stable, meaning it’s the perfect pick-me-up snack for steady energy.
Looking for a cozy and warming drink to help you through the impending Midwest winter? Try Golden Milk, a dairy-free and caffeine-free drink to stop inflammation in its tracks! The pepper and coconut oil help you absorb more of the turmeric’s superpowers, so be sure to add them to your Golden Milk.
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1.5 cups oat milk or unsweetened almond milk
½ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of black pepper
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
How (your directions):
Add all ingredients to a saucepan, and heat over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Whisk constantly.
Tip: If you want your Golden Milk even frothier, add the warm drink mixture to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds. Enjoy immediately.
Why (the science): Turmeric is both gut-healing to improve your immune system and manage your weight, as well a brain health booster!
This Apple and Pear Breakfast Crisp is delightful- warm cinnamon with soft apples and pears, topped with the most scrumptious crumbly topping. It is incredibly nourishing, between the fiber-rich fruit, the protein-rich topping, and cinnamon to control blood sugar, you can eat this crisp for breakfast! Serve with yogurt, and you’ve got the ultimate gut-health promoting meal. Apple and Pear Breakfast Crisp is also a great meal prep recipe, as it holds for 2-3 days in fridge.
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
What (your ingredients):
For the Filling:
3 red apples
2 red pears
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons corn starch
Pinch of salt
For the Crumble Topping:
1 cup almond flour
1 cup rolled oats
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons coconut oil, solid
3 tablespoons agave
Pinch of salt
How (your directions):
Preheat oven to 350°F.
To make the filling, dice red apples and red pears and place into a medium-size bowl. Add remaining filling ingredients and stir to combine. Pour filling into an 11x7 baking dish and set aside.
Make the crumble topping by adding all topping ingredients into a bowl. Using your hands, pinch the mixture between your fingers until coconut oil is evenly distributed. The crumble topping will look like wet sand.
Evenly distribute topping over the apple and pear mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes. At the 20-minute mark, check the crisp- you may need to cover the crisp with foil to prevent the crumble topping from burning.
Enjoy immediately or throughout the week!
Why (the science): Almond flour is a protein-rich flour alternative! Protein is important for strong immune systems and healthy cell growth.
