Easy, Healthy Meal Ideas for Busy Creatives
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Why does it feel like a Herculean task to find meal options that strike that perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, surpassing the humble realms of the beloved PB&J sandwich (and don't get me wrong—I love a good PB&J once in a while)? If you’re a busy creative looking for recipes that are accessible and that you’ll actually be excited to eat, I'm here to share 7 ideas to bookmark. Each one promises:
A prep time of 30 minutes or less, because your muse shouldn't have to wait
A nutritious, vegetarian meal that doesn't skimp on flavor or heartiness
The versatility to use up those random veggies in your fridge, ensuring nothing goes to waste
Let’s get into them!
Spinach and Feta Pastry
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: Puff pastry, 1 bag of fresh spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1 egg (plus one for egg wash), pinch of nutmeg, salt, pepper.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Sauté spinach until wilted, let cool, then mix with feta, one egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Cut puff pastry into squares, add spinach mixture, fold into triangles, seal, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Rice Bowl
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: 1 sweet potato, olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 cup brown rice, 1 can black beans, 1 avocado, Greek yogurt, lime, cilantro, diced tomatoes (optional), diced onions (optional).
Microwave pierced sweet potato for 5-8 minutes and cut into cubes when cooled. Cook rice according to package instructions. Warm beans with cumin and chili powder.
Assemble with rice, sweet potato, beans, avocado, yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and optional tomatoes and onions.
Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: 1 eggplant, salt, flour, 2 eggs, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, marinara sauce, slices of mozzarella cheese.
Salt eggplant slices, rinse, dip in flour, eggs, then breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Fry until golden.
Layer with marinara sauce and mozzarella, bake at 375°F until bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
Falafel Wrap
Prep Time: 20 minutes (using pre-made falafel)
Ingredients: Whole-grain wraps, falafel, tahini sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, optional additional vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions).
Warm wraps, spread tahini, add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, falafel, and any other veggies.
Drizzle with tahini, wrap, and serve.
Mediterranean Couscous Bowl
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: Couscous, pine nuts, roasted red peppers, black or Kalamata olives, fresh basil, cheese (feta or mozzarella), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
Prepare couscous, let cool. Mix with toasted pine nuts, chopped roasted red peppers, olives, torn basil, and cheese cubes.
Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Veg Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: Whole-wheat pasta, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, arugula, pesto sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Roast chopped vegetables at 425°F until tender. Cook and cool pasta.
Toss pasta with vegetables, arugula, and pesto. Season as needed.
Sushi Wrap
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori sheets, avocado, cucumber, carrot, optional smoked salmon or cooked shrimp, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce.
Prepare sushi rice. Spread over a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, leaving a border. Add avocado, cucumber, carrot, and optional seafood. Drizzle sweet chili sauce as desired.
Roll tightly, cut into larger pieces or enjoy as a sushi burrito. Serve with soy sauce.
I hope you’re eyeing up several or all of these as some of your next culinary ventures that will brighten up your busy days!
xx, Danae