With the many responsibilities we have in our day-to-day lives, it’s not uncommon for cooking dinner to fall to the bottom of the priority list. Researching recipes and compiling grocery lists can seem overwhelming sometimes, but before you order a pizza or takeout, there are some easy alternatives that may surprise you.
PartnerMD’s in-house wellness team loves to help our patients design meal plans and healthy dinner solutions, so we wanted to share a few of our favorite ideas.
Here are five of our favorite healthy dinner recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less:
Our Secret Ingredient: Rotisserie Chicken
You know those rotisserie chickens you see all the time at the grocery stores? Pick one up and you're halfway to making a variety of meals. Start by shredding up the chicken and keeping it in your fridge for a quick source of protein to your meals. Once you've got chicken easily accessible in the refrigerator, there's a huge list of quick and healthy ways you can utilize it.
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a great way to experiment with different fillings until you find one that works well for you. Use a large, sturdy lettuce leaf like a Boston or bibb lettuce so you get more of the "wrap" feeling.
- 2-3 ribs of celery
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 3 tablespoons lower-sodium teriyaki sauce
- Red pepper flakes
Dice the celery, onion and carrot and sauté in a pan with the coconut oil. Once the onions are translucent, add in the shredded chicken to heat through. Add a pinch of the red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Once the chicken is heated, add the teriyaki sauce to coat. You can also create your own sauce with some fresh ginger, garlic and a little low-sodium soy sauce. Serve inside lettuce leaves.
Other Lettuce Wrap Ideas
The Asian chicken recipe above is just one way you can create a quick and healthy dinner. Looking for some more inspiration for how you can add variety to this idea? Here are some more ingredients you can use to fill up your lettuce wrap:
- Avocado
- Matchstick carrots
- Sprouts
- Spinach or spring mix
- Sliced bell pepper
- Pickles
- Banana pepper slices
Interested in working with an in-house Health Coach? Contact PartnerMD today.
Chicken Salad
We love making a single batch on the weekend that can be repurposed multiple ways throughout the week.
- 1 small, ripe avocado (mashed)
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- Juice from half a lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy. You can add a scoop onto a bed of spring mix or spinach for a filling salad, make it into a sandwich between two slices of multigrain bread with some vegetables or serve it alongside a fruit salad.
Thai Salad
Salad doesn't have to be boring. Start with a good base of spring mix and shredded chicken and mix up the rest of your ingredients to keep things interesting. The Thai salad below gives you a little sweet with the addition of mandarin oranges. Look for orange sections in juice, not heavy syrup.
- ½ cup shredded chicken
- 3 cups spring mix
- ¼ cup of mandarin orange segments, drained of juice
- 2 tablespoons lightly salted peanuts or cashews
- Handful of matchstick carrots
- Fresh cucumber slices
- A pinch of Thai basil or cilantro
- 2 tablespoons ginger vinaigrette
Mix all ingredients and enjoy.
Fiesta Salad
If you want to add some crunch to this salad, try adding thinly sliced jicama.
- ½ cup shredded chicken
- 3 cups of spring mix
- 3 tablespoons cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Generous serving of sliced black olives
- A pinch of cilantro
Mix all ingredients and enjoy.
Salsa Chicken
This easy meal can be served in a bowl or with a lettuce leaf if you're in the mood for a wrap.
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken
- Can of low-sodium black beans, drained
- Kernels from two ears of cooked, fresh corn, cut off the cob
- ½ cup low-sodium salsa (heat level to taste)
- ¼ cup shredded, 2% milk sharp cheddar
- Non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
Mix all ingredients together and serve with a dollop of yogurt in place of sour cream.
Although it may seem difficult at first, preparing meals that are quick and simple but still healthy is easily attainable with a little creativity and planning. Whether you're trying to lose weight, maintain your current weight, or just need some inspiration, these recipes are here to help. With options like these incorporated into your routine, you’ll be on track to a healthier lifestyle with ease.
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