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21 Simple, Quick, & Easy Meals
All tagged Vegetarian
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!”
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!
This recipe for Palatschinken is my grandmother’s recipe. A native Austrian, she made the best Palatschinken, which is an Austrian crepe. I’ve updated her classic recipe to be a touch more nutritious and sustainable, using whole wheat pastry flour in place of all-purpose white flour, and almond milk instead of dairy milk. Classic Palatschinken is filled with apricot jam, but I love raspberry preserves paired with the pucker of fresh lemon juice and a dusting of powdered sugar. A super quick and easy breakfast or dessert, you can have Palatschinken with Raspberry Preserves and Fresh Lemon Juice on the table in 10 minutes!
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 😉)
Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash is the quintessential cold-weather meal! It’s savory from the onion, garlic, and veggie broth, and sweet from the carrot, squash, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Acorn squash becomes incredibly creamy when blended, and the oat milk adds an extra touch of plant-based creaminess. Enjoy this soup immediately, or meal prep it for the perfect comforting lunch or easy heat-and-eat dinner. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months!
Serves: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
What (your ingredients):
2 acorn squash, sliced in half and seeds removed
2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, sliced into small pieces
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons flour
3 cups veggie broth
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
½ cup oat milk
How (your directions):
Heat oven to 400°F.
Place acorn squash, cut side down, into a baking dish. Pour 2 cups boiling water into the baking dish, then roast the squash for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, and salt. Sauté and stir for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Add finely sliced garlic, ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sauté for one minute.
Add flour and stir for one minute.
Slowly add veggie broth, stirring continuously as the mixture thickens.
Lower heat to low and simmer until acorn squash is finished roasting, stirring occasionally.
When the squash is done, remove from the oven, and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Then, using a spoon, scoop out the tender squash flesh and add to the soup.
Using an immersion blender, or carefully adding to a blender, blend the soup until smooth.
Add the coconut sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the oat milk and stir until combined.
Serve hot!
Why (the science): Acorn squash is high in fiber, making this satisfying soup great for digestion and disease prevention.
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 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!
If you’re trying to eat less red meat and more plants, but still get enough protein, then lentils are a must-have staple in your kitchen! Simply marinate the sprouted lentils like you would taco meat, and top with diced tomatoes and radish microgreens, an elegant and fresh twist to the classic taco toppings of salsa and thinly sliced radishes.
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
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!
I love a Pear and Almond Tart for dessert, but it’s not an everyday indulgence. So, to enjoy one of my favorite desserts, I made a smoothie version that I can enjoy as breakfast, as a light and simple dessert on a weekday evening, or as an afternoon pick-me-up! It comes together in less than 5 minutes, and is incredible for digestion, as well as for keeping energy levels up and stable 😊
Serves: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 Bartlett pear, core and stem removed
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 cup oat milk
1 pitted date
How (your directions):
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.
Enjoy immediately!
Or pour into an ice-cube tray, freeze, and blend with water or oat milk when ready to drink.
Why (the science): Pears are incredible for digestion! If you’re suffering from constipation, the fiber in pears promotes regularity and healthy digestion 😊
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.
Light and fluffy Vegan Raspberry Muffins are the perfect meal prep breakfast to enjoy throughout the week. You’ll be absolutely adored if you make these for someone special on Valentine’s Day! These muffins are significantly lower in sugar than traditional muffins, and the raspberry preserves help sweeten the muffin and add extra raspberry flavor. The whole wheat pastry flour is my secret nutrition weapon when it comes to baking- it’s whole wheat (hello, health benefits of fiber and vitamin E for blood sugar control) but is light and fine like all purpose flour.
Serves: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 tablespoon flax meal
3 tablespoons water
1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 tablespoons cane sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
2 tablespoons raspberry preserves
1 cup raspberries
How (your directions):
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Line a muffin tin with 8 liners, then set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together flax meal and water. Set aside while preparing dry ingredients.
To a large bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
Once the flax egg has thickened, add almond milk, melted butter, and raspberry preserves to the flax egg. Stir to combine.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until flour is just moistened.
Fold in raspberries evenly through batter.
Using an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute batter among the lined muffin tin.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove muffins from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 3 minutes.
Transfer muffins to a cooling rack.
Enjoy warm, room temperature, or toasted for breakfast throughout the week!
Why (the science): Raspberries are rich in the antioxidant, ellagic acid, which reduces inflammation in the body and repairs DNA.
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.
Red Lentil Stew is the ultimate cozy comfort food that is incredible for your immune system- between the garlic, ginger, leek, and lemon, Red Lentil Stew has several health boosting vitamins and antimicrobial properties! It also makes a great meal prep recipe, as it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Inspired by my favorite food blogger’s (Sarah Britton’s) Four Corners Soup, this Red Lentil Stew is something to look forward to after a long day’s work 😊
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 leek, sliced into half-moons and rinsed
Pinch of salt
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
3 cups veggie broth
½ lemon, sliced into thin rounds
1 tablespoon maple syrup
4 cups spinach
To serve: slices of avocado or grated parmesan cheese and good olive oil
How (your directions):
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add coconut oil, sliced leek, and pinch of salt to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic, ginger, cumin, and cayenne pepper, sautéing for 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, lentils, veggie broth, and lemon slices to the leek mixture. Bring to a boil, then cover, lower heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils reach desired texture.
Add maple syrup and taste for seasoning. With the heat turned off, stir spinach into stew until wilted.
Serve hot with either sliced avocado, or a grating of parmesan cheese and drizzle of good olive oil.
Why (the science): Lentils are a plant-based protein powerhouse, with 20 grams of protein per 1 cup! That’s equivalent to about 3 oz of chicken breast.
Sweet Potato Nests are one of the easiest breakfasts, and you only need a few ingredients to bring this veggie-packed meal together! Protein and fiber keep you feeling energized and satisfied. These Sweet Potato Nests would make a great dinner if short on time.
Serves: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 7 minutes
What (your ingredients):
1 small sweet potato
1 egg
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of: salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes
2 handfuls of fresh spinach
How (your directions):
Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, add egg and set timer for 6.5-7 minutes. Tip: Soft-boiled eggs last 2 days in the refrigerator, so make a few extra eggs and store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Prepare a large bowl filled with cold water and ice, then set aside.
Meanwhile, using a food processor, grate the small sweet potato.
Heat frying pan over medium-high heat with the teaspoon of olive oil. Add grated sweet potato (about 2 cups) to the oil, along with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Stir grated sweet potato consistently for about 5 minutes. Tip: If any grated sweet potato sticks to the pan, add a few tablespoons of water.
Once the egg has finished cooking, add immediately to ice water and allow to cool. Peel the cooled egg.
To serve, add spinach to a plate and top with grated sweet potato. Place peel egg in the center of the sweet potato “nest.” Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.
Enjoy immediately!
Why (the science): Most of a potato’s fiber is found in the skin! Keep the skin on the sweet potato when grating to keep you fuller, longer.
I love tea sandwiches- small, bite-size, dainty and perfect for tea…As a play on an old favorite (cucumber tea sandwiches), I love the idea of creating full size Zucchini Tea Sandwiches! It couldn’t be easier or quicker to cut zucchini into thin ribbons, layer them on toasty bread with cream cheese, and drizzle them with really good olive oil. These are great for a very quick lunch, but would be beautiful to serve to a crowd on a wooden cutting board 😊
Serves: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
What (your ingredients):
2 pieces whole wheat oat bread (or your favorite bread)
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1 small zucchini
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil, to serve
How (your directions):
Toast bread to desired doneness. Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, slice zucchini into long, thin ribbons.
Once bread is toasted, spread one tablespoon of cream cheese (regular or vegan) onto each slice.
Layer the zucchini ribbons lengthwise across each slice. Trim off crust (and eat!), then serve Zucchini Tea Sandwiches on a wooden cutting board.
Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy!
Why (the science): Zucchini is rich in flavonoids, which means it can help slow down aging processes by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals.
