5 Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas

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5 Quick & Easy Dinners

 

As the summer heat is still upon us and the last thing that I want to do at the end of the day is cook in a hot kitchen. So I’ve been on the look out all summer to find some easy and healthy recipes that don’t require me standing over a hot stove. The #1 thing that I look for when searching for new recipes is simplicity. I’m the girl when looking for new recipes will keep scrolling past the fabulous food pictures and recipes until I find one that is around 6 ingredients AND those ingredients can be found at my usual grocery store. After working all day and having a little one at my feet begging for dinner as soon as we walk in the door, getting dinner on the table has become a struggle. After thinking about what I would suggest to someone else to do in this instance, I decided to start meal planning. Here are my top 5 quick and easy dinner recipes you can make in 30 minutes or less!

Chicken with Watermelon Salad

servings: 4

Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:
2 chicken breast
¾ cups balsamic vinaigrette
2 cups chopped watermelon
¼ cup thin sliced red onions (optional)
4 cups arugula
¼ cup feta or goat cheese
¼ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Directions:
1. For a charcoal grill, place poultry on grill rack, directly over medium coals. Grill, uncovered, until the proper temperature is reached and meat is no longer pink, turning once halfway through grilling. For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place poultry on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill.
2. Test for doneness using a meat thermometer. Thermometer should register 170 degrees. Grilling time approximately 10 to 12 min for breasts.
3. Once chicken has been cooked to the recommended time, remove from heat and let set for 5 minutes.
4. Place the arugula, watermelon, onion, feta, and pepitas in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat the greens lightly and toss well.
5. Dice or slice chicken breast to top salad. Serve immediately.

TIP: Grill chicken on a Sunday evening so you can enjoy cold or re-heated for the next couple of days.


Grilled pizza
Servings: 4

Grilled Pizza

Ingredients:
1 pre-made frozen whole wheat pizza dough (make sure to thaw)
1 small jar pizza sauce
6-8 Canadian bacon slices
1 cups Mozzarella Cheese
Optional toppings: red onions, spinach, basil, black olives, diced peppers, sliced mushrooms

Directions:
1. Heat grill on medium heat. While grill is heating up roll out pizza dough to desired thickness. Be mindful that it will be hard to transfer a thin crust.
2. Wipe down grill with Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil to avoid sticking.
3. Place dough directly on grill. Flip once to cook both sides of your crust. (cooking times will vary depending on thickness of crust and the temperature of your grill)
4. Layer toppings: sauce, cheese, toppings, and more cheese. Close your grill and allow for cheese to melt, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Remove from grill. Let your pizza set for 5 minutes and enjoy!

TIP: Due to time I opted for pre-made whole wheat pizza dough, but if you have the time, homemade is best!


Homemade Burrito Bowl
Servings: 4

Burrito Bowl

Ingredients:
2 cups Black Beans
Brown rice (or zoodles if your low carbing it)
Broccoli florets
Yellow and Red peppers, cut into thin slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salsa
Avocado, sliced

Directions:
1. Boil brown rice as directed on package.
2. Open and drain black beans.
3. In a saute pan, warm olive oil on medium low heat. Add vegetables and saute until they become brightly colored, about 2-3 minutes.
4. In a small pot place black beans and 1/4 cup water. Heat on medium for 5-8 minutes to desired temp.
5. Assemble bowl: brown rice, vegetables, black beans, and top with avocado and salsa.

TIP: Think Chipotle burrito bowl at home! The flavors are endless so open up the spice cabinet and start experimenting!


Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken
Servings: 4

BBQ Chicken

Ingredients:
2-4 chicken breast
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
BBQ sauce, without high fructose corn syrup
1 pre washed bag of salad
1 bag of whole grain buns

Directions:
1. Place chicken broth and chicken breasts in crock-pot. Turn on low for 5 hours. (Mine is usually longer due to work schedule)
2. Once cooked to a temperature of 170 degrees, use a tongs to remove chicken. Place chicken into a large bowl and add BBQ sauce.
3. Place on top of whole grain bun and serve with salad!

TIP: If you want leftovers add more chicken beasts and water. Once cooked I typically put the chicken in three different containers so I can flavor it 3 different ways. #stillchickenfordinner #samebutdifferent

Breakfast for Dinner

We are not talking cereal, however that may need to be an option sometimes! Try putting together an omelet or scrambled eggs with as many veggies as you can. Spice them up with wonderful flavors from herbs and spices! Pair with whole grain bread, English muffin or pita.

TIP: There are also recipes for egg muffins that you can make to cook for the family all at once. Personalize each muffin with the vegetables that your kids and husband enjoy! Click HERE for recipe.

What are some of your quick and easy dinner ideas? Always looking for new and healthy recipes to try!

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