It’s important to have a few fast, no-fail meals in your recipe collection!
Recently one of @simplified daily tips for organization was to “list 5 meals you can quickly pull together with what’s already/usually in your pantry/fridge.” I love these daily tips because they’re easy, doable things to make your home feel more functional and less cluttered!
It got me thinking about what my Top Five would be…
So today I’m sharing five go-to healthy recipes! Nothing elaborate, but they’re fast, family friendly, easy, balanced, and delicious. On weeknights, that checks all my boxes! You’ll notice that it’s really all about simple components and delicious sauces. As long as you have dressings, sauces, and condiments you love on hand it’s easy to add flavor to simple meals!
Another thing I love about these recipes is that they’re Whole30 compatible but easily adaptable to include my Food Freedom additions such as tater tots, cheese, sour cream, and Siete chips/tortillas.
1. Buffalo Anything
This is actually a 3 in 1 because I can’t narrow it down! Buffalo spice is a favorite flavor profile and with the right sauce, it’s easy to create lots of recipes with it!
My favorite buffalo sauce is from The New Primal (mild, med, or hot), but if you can’t find it in your local grocery Frank’s original is great and can be found in most stores. (Use ANDREA15 to save at The New Primal) I also love to keep a bottle in the fridge ready to drizzle over eggs or avocado toast…anything that needs a hit of spice!
- 3 Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Dip– A buffalo essential and Whole30 compatible! Serve with veggies (and chips if not doing a Whole30) for dipping. We love Siete Grain Free Dip Chips!
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole– Delicious and great as leftovers too…
- Buffalo Chicken Pepper Poppers – A fun appetizer to make for any gathering…watch them disappear!
2. Salmon or Tuna Protein Salads
I have some version of this Salmon and Avocado Protein Salad for lunch a few times a week! It’s super satisfying and delicious. I serve it over greens or stuffed into an avocado, or just on it’s own…can’t go wrong here!
I like to add lots of chopped celery, dill pickle, and a dash of cayenne pepper for some kick. I like to use Primal Kitchen Plain or Chipotle Lime Mayo. It’s a Whole30 compatible “recipe” but if you’re not doing a Whole30 it’s also great with a side of plantain chips or on top of your favorite bread.
Also try my Curry Chicken and Waldorf Salad recipes…great to prep for the week or serve when entertaining
3. Build Your Own Tacos / Taco Salads
Lots of variations on this idea…simple, but oh so good (and depending on the ingredients can be Whole30 compatible)! Try my Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad (above) if you have a little more time to spend prepping. The Cilantro Lime dressing in this recipe is wonderful ( a Nordstrom cafe dupe!) Your favorite salsa can also be used as dressing or a yummy store bought dressing from Primal Kitchen or The New Primal.
When I’m in a hurry to get something on the table here’s what I do (pic above): brown 2 lbs ground beef or turkey, add a packet of Siete Taco Seasoning (mild or hot). Make a quick batch of guacamole. Serve with options for build your own salads/tacos- crisp romaine lettuce or spinach, favorite jars of salsa, taco shells or tortillas (we love Siete Grain Free), shredded cheese, sour cream, sometimes riced cauliflower and sautéed onions and peppers…
4. Chocolate Chili
This Whole30 Chocolate Chili recipe is a long time favorite from Mel Joulwan of Well Fed, perfect to warm up with on chilly days! Doesn’t taste sweet, but the cocoa powder adds a smooth, savory flavor. Hard to describe but it’s a must try! Serve with diced avocado, onions, not Whole30, obvs: shredded cheese, and sour cream. Not the best pic but it will do!
5. Bunless Burgers (Lettuce Wrapped or Sweet Potato “Buns”)
Bunless Burgers are another weekly fave! Try them open faced salad style with all the fixings, lettuce wrapped, or sandwiched between sweet potato “buns” (roasted sweet potato circles). While burger patties are cooking prep a platter of fixings; lettuce, tomato, purple onion, pickles, avocado, and then everyone gets to build their burger or salad. Set out everyones favorite condiments; ketchups, mustards, etc. So easy!
The recipe above also includes my Whole30 Green Chile Mayo which is an incredible addition to this burger or any sandwich honestly! Serve with oven roasted potato wedges, tater tots, or fries…can’t go wrong here!
6. One more…Vanilla Cinnamon Green Smoothie
AKA the green smoothie that doesn’t taste green! Really though..this Vanilla Cinnamon Smoothie tastes like a snickerdoodle cookie! This is a delicious, balanced smoothie that won’t set you up for a sugar crash. It’s sweetened with just one medjool date and is super creamy (thanks to the frozen avocado) and satisfying! It’s great with a vanilla flavored or unflavored protein powder…
Hope this roundup helps add to or think about your top 5 too! Please share in the comments…
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! xx
