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26 Healthy Recipes with Minimal Prep Work That will Make your Life Easier

26

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

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Baked Eggs with Kale and Herbs by Real Living Nutrition

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Banana Coconut Oatmeal with Pistachios by Real Living Nutrition

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Snacks

Blueberry and Coconut Cream by Nourish Breathe Thrive

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Two Ingredient High Protein Cottage Cheese Berry Ice via Abbey’s Kitchen

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Lemon Herb White Bean Dip by Dietitian Debbie Dishes

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Entrees

Pistachio Crusted Trout by Real Living Nutrition

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Apple Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker by Whole Food Real Families

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Super Easy BBQ Pork Sandwiches by Lose Mama

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5 Ingredient Orange Maple Salmon Recipe by Nutritioulicious

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Roasted Chicken with Maple Smoked Paprika by Nourish Breathe Thrive

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Lemon Orzo Kale with Almonds by Salubrious RD

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Crockpot Mexican Quinoa with Chicken by the Average RD

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Peanut Butter Sriracha Noodles by Food Pleasure and Health

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Easy Curried Noodles with Tofu by Karla Lydon

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Salmon Salad by Robin’s Bite

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Soups/chilis/Stews

Pea Soup with Rosemary and Thyme by Real Living Nutrition

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Beef and Mushroom Stew by Better is the New Perfect

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Slow Cooker BBQ Chili by  The Nutritionist Reviews

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Heirloom Bean and Spinach Soup by Shaw Simple Swaps

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Oooo Baby, it’s Chili Inside by Chef up to the Plate

Sides

Succotash with Fava Beans by Real Living Nutrition

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Wilted Spinach Salad with Onions and Goat Cheese by Real Living Nutrition

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Easy Edamame Salad by Rebecca Bitzer

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Arugula Salad with Strawberries, Radishes, Macadamia Nuts and Gorgonzola Dressing by Italicana Kitchen

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Simple Tomato Salad by Whole Foods Real Families

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Shaw says

    February 15, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    Thanks so much for including my Heirloom Soup in this roundup! I love minimal prep recipes!

    Reply
    • Meri Raffetto says

      February 15, 2016 at 8:58 pm

      You bet! This recipe looks like it comes together so easily, can’t wait to try it out!

      Reply
  2. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

    February 17, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Meri Raffetto says

      February 17, 2016 at 6:03 pm

      Thanks for contributing Jessica! I love seafood for quick meal options.

      Reply

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