Do you ever find recipes labeled “easy” can still be time consuming? The other night I was putting together a casserole, which was very simple but by the time I cooked the rice, chopped all the vegetables and cut up my chicken it took about an hour of prep work. I know for myself as well as what our clients report, the amount of time it takes to put a meal together is often as important as the ease of skills. A recipe may be incredibly simple but if it takes 25 minutes or more to prep it may be a difficult one to pull together for a busy week night.
I’ve also noticed many food blogs tend to underestimate prep time. I’ve seen countless recipes that state 5 min of prep but then instruct you to chop 4 or more vegetables. I cook a lot and I can’t wash and chop that many veggies in 5 min so I know anyone who’s venturing into cooking for the first time may also struggle with this as well.
Personally on busy days I prefer a longer cooking time than a lot of prep work. I can easily throw a few ingredients in a crock pot or in a pot on the stove top and be free to help my kids with homework or get some household chores done.
I asked some of my fellow blogger friends to share some of their favorite minimal-prep-work recipes to provide some inspiration for week day meals. Give some of these recipes a try to get healthy snacks and meals on the table in little time.
Breakfasts
Cherry Oatmeal Bowl by Amy Gorin Nutrition
Baked Eggs with Kale and Herbs by Real Living Nutrition
Banana Coconut Oatmeal with Pistachios by Real Living Nutrition
Snacks
Blueberry and Coconut Cream by Nourish Breathe Thrive
Two Ingredient High Protein Cottage Cheese Berry Ice via Abbey’s Kitchen
Lemon Herb White Bean Dip by Dietitian Debbie Dishes
Entrees
Pistachio Crusted Trout by Real Living Nutrition
Apple Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker by Whole Food Real Families
Super Easy BBQ Pork Sandwiches by Lose Mama
5 Ingredient Orange Maple Salmon Recipe by Nutritioulicious
Roasted Chicken with Maple Smoked Paprika by Nourish Breathe Thrive
Lemon Orzo Kale with Almonds by Salubrious RD
Crockpot Mexican Quinoa with Chicken by the Average RD
Peanut Butter Sriracha Noodles by Food Pleasure and Health
Easy Curried Noodles with Tofu by Karla Lydon
Soups/chilis/Stews
Pea Soup with Rosemary and Thyme by Real Living Nutrition
Beef and Mushroom Stew by Better is the New Perfect
Slow Cooker BBQ Chili by The Nutritionist Reviews
Heirloom Bean and Spinach Soup by Shaw Simple Swaps
Oooo Baby, it’s Chili Inside by Chef up to the Plate
Sides
Succotash with Fava Beans by Real Living Nutrition
Wilted Spinach Salad with Onions and Goat Cheese by Real Living Nutrition
Easy Edamame Salad by Rebecca Bitzer
Arugula Salad with Strawberries, Radishes, Macadamia Nuts and Gorgonzola Dressing by Italicana Kitchen
Simple Tomato Salad by Whole Foods Real Families
Thanks so much for including my Heirloom Soup in this roundup! I love minimal prep recipes!
You bet! This recipe looks like it comes together so easily, can’t wait to try it out!
Thank you for including my 5 ingredient salmon! Can’t wait to try some of these other recipes. Love minimal prep recipes – they’re so necessary for life w kids.
Thanks for contributing Jessica! I love seafood for quick meal options.