In today's fast-paced world, finding the time to prepare a healthy and delicious meal can be a challenge. Between busy weekdays and event-filled weekends, the question, "What can I make for dinner fast?" often arises. The good news is that creating nutritious and satisfying meals in under 20 minutes is entirely possible with the right recipes and a well-stocked pantry.
The Foundation for Speedy Cooking
Having a drawer full of spices and a pantry stocked with simple ingredients is key to transforming almost anything in your fridge or freezer into a standout meal in no time. Plain chicken breasts can be quickly seasoned and baked, while frozen cod fillets can be enhanced with butter and herbs. Even a simple salad can become extraordinary with a variety of ingredients on hand.
Speedy & Delicious Recipes
Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry
A simple stir-fry is always a reliable option, especially when infused with fresh Mediterranean flavors. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients.
Ultimate Chicken Salad
A creamy yet crunchy chicken salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, regardless of the season. Eat it by the spoon or wrap it in butter lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal.
Taco Soup
This budget-friendly meal is both healthy and flavorful, incorporating all your favorite taco elements in a comforting soup. It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a satisfying dish.
Read also: Easy Dinner Recipes
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Give fresh or frozen shrimp a burst of flavor with a quick honey garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're short on time.
Teriyaki Chicken
Homemade teriyaki sauce is surprisingly easy to make and adds a delicious glaze to chicken. Serve with rice and vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Zucchini Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Utilize your spiralizer to create a veggie-heavy pasta dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Zucchini noodles tossed with lemon garlic shrimp offer a light and flavorful alternative to traditional pasta.
Quick Chicken Creations
Whether you prefer chicken breasts or thighs, these recipes are quick to prepare and absorb savory-sweet flavors exceptionally well.
Best Baked Chicken Breast
This reader-favorite recipe is a foolproof way to cook chicken breasts. With a little prep work and the help of six awesome chicken marinades, you can have a seriously flavorful dinner on the table in no time.
Read also: Nutritious Dinner Ideas
Coconut Curry Chicken
Curry spices elevate any meal, especially when combined with coconut milk and herbs. This dish is aromatic, flavorful, and satisfying. Leftover spices can be used to create a curried egg salad for another quick and easy meal.
Chicken Stir Fry
Enjoy a healthier and tastier version of your favorite Chinese takeout with this chicken stir-fry. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a crowd-pleasing option for the whole family.
Chicken Fajitas
Juicy seared chicken coated in homemade fajita seasoning, paired with sautéed bell peppers and sweet onions, is a surefire way to spice up your dinner routine.
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a fantastic choice for a healthy and quick meal. These Asian-inspired wraps are packed with flavor and offer a light yet satisfying option.
Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A classic chicken and veggie soup is a timeless recipe that's easy to make, flavorful, and comforting. It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a nourishing meal.
Read also: Easy Healthy Recipes
Seafood Sensations
Seafood requires minimal preparation to taste incredible and cooks even faster than other meats, making it an ideal choice for quick and healthy meals.
Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Bacon Slaw
Since searing shrimp is quick, focus on making the flavorful cilantro lime bacon coleslaw. This combination of textures and flavors will elevate your taco night.
Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
Homemade poke bowls are surprisingly easy to assemble. Combine fresh ahi tuna with your favorite toppings and a flavorful sauce for a vibrant and healthy meal.
Shrimp Fajitas
When you're in the mood for fajitas, this shrimp version is just as delicious as the chicken recipe. The shrimp cooks quickly, making it a perfect option for a speedy dinner.
Best Baked Salmon
All you need for the best-baked salmon is lemon, garlic, butter, herbs, and 12 to 15 minutes in the oven. The result is tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Creamy Chipotle Shrimp
This quick-and-easy dish features a creamy, homemade chipotle sauce that delivers incredible flavor. It's a restaurant-quality meal that you can make at home in minutes.
Grilled Fish Tacos
During grilling season, fish tacos are a must-make. They're easy to grill, and the citrus slaw adds a refreshing bite of summer.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Contrary to popular belief, spring rolls are not difficult to make. These fresh and vibrant rolls are a healthy and delicious option for a light meal or appetizer.
Salad Solutions
Salads are a go-to for a fast and healthy meal. Utilize what you have in your fridge and pantry by tossing greens with leftover proteins, seeds, nuts, and easy-to-make dressings.
Zucchini Noodle Caprese
Think of this as a fresh caprese salad in veggie-heavy pasta form. Toss zoodles with mozzarella, tomatoes, and homemade basil pesto for a light and flavorful dish.
Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is a classic for a quick and healthy meal. Serve it on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps for a versatile and satisfying option.
Salmon Avocado Salad
Pan-sear a salmon fillet and assemble it on top of leafy greens and fresh veggies for a vibrant and healthy salad. The combination of flavors and textures is both satisfying and nutritious.
Taco Salad
This salad has everything you love about tacos in salad form. Toss leafy greens with ground beef, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and your favorite taco toppings for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Broccoli Salad
This throw-together salad is not only easy to make but also durable, lasting up to 5 days in the fridge. Enjoy it throughout the week whenever you need a quick and easy meal.
Shrimp, Asparagus, and Avocado Salad
Combine asparagus with shrimp, avocado, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful salad. This dish is a celebration of spring flavors.
Vegetarian Victories
A rainbow of vegetarian produce offers endless possibilities for quick and easy meals. Some recipes require only raw ingredients and canned beans, while others cook up in one pot or pan in under 30 minutes.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A can of chickpeas is the base for this salad, which is filled with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. It's a protein-packed and flavorful option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Shakshuka
While often considered a breakfast dish, shakshuka can be enjoyed any time of day. Eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce with spices and vegetables make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Egg Salad
Prepped hard-boiled eggs are convenient for a quick snack, but when diced into egg salad, they become a versatile ingredient. Enjoy it on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Cabbage Soup
This soup is light, healthy, and comforting. It's a great way to use up leftover cabbage and create a nourishing meal.
Additional Quick & Healthy Meal Ideas
Here are some more quick and healthy meal ideas, along with their approximate nutritional information:
Pork Chop with Spinach: A simple and satisfying meal.
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 17g (5g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 607mg
- Carbohydrate: 4g (1g sugars, 1g fiber)
- Protein: 36g
Rotisserie Chicken Salad: A flavorful and nutrient-packed dish using supermarket conveniences.
- Calories: 429
- Fat: 15g (2g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 62mg
- Sodium: 616mg
- Carbohydrate: 38g (13g sugars, 5g fiber)
- Protein: 32g
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A simple recipe with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Calories: 242
- Fat: 6g (1g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 63mg
- Sodium: 605mg
- Carbohydrate: 20g (15g sugars, 1g fiber)
- Protein: 24g
Korean Beef and Rice (Bulgogi): A tasty version of Korean beef served with rice.
- Calories: 413
- Fat: 13g (4g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 647mg
- Carbohydrate: 46g (14g sugars, 3g fiber)
- Protein: 27g
Lamb Chops: A simple yet delicious meal.
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 17g (4g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Carbohydrate: 5g (1g sugars, 2g fiber)
- Protein: 29g
Asian Salmon Tacos: A fusion dish ready in minutes.
- Calories: 335
- Fat: 16g (3g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 57mg
- Sodium: 208mg
- Carbohydrate: 25g (3g sugars, 3g fiber)
- Protein: 22g
Skillet Pork Chops with Apple: A quick and flavorful meal.
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 15g (4g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 82mg
- Sodium: 545mg
- Carbohydrate: 22g (15g sugars, 3g fiber)
- Protein: 33g
Seafood Stir-Fry: A fresh and vibrant stir-fry with garden-fresh ingredients.
Calories: 239Fat: 9g (1g saturated fat)Cholesterol: 138mgSodium: 443mgCarbohydrate: 19g (8g sugars, 3g fiber)Protein: 22g
Tuna Salad Wraps: A quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
Calories: 279Fat: 13g (2g saturated fat)Cholesterol: 31mgSodium: 421mgCarbohydrate: 19g (1g sugars, 7g fiber)Protein: 22g
Goat Cheese and Chicken Skillet: A flavorful and satisfying skillet meal.
Calories: 251Fat: 11g (3g saturated fat)Cholesterol: 74mgSodium: 447mgCarbohydrate: 8g (5g sugars, 3g fiber)Protein: 29g
Herbed Fish Fillet: A simple and tasty seafood dish.
Calories: 124Fat: 4g (2g saturated fat)Cholesterol: 63mgSodium: 359mgCarbohydrate: 1g (0 sugars, 0 fiber)Protein: 21g