🍴 Meal Ideas for When You Just Can’t 🍴

It’s nearing the end of September, which means I’ve been back at uni for almost a month now. That also means near thirty days of prepping (hopefully) nutritious lunches and coming home late in the evening, drop-dead tired but dinner already on my mind.

You know how it is. You want that good, healthy lifestyle but you also really want that good, relaxing sleep. It gets tempting too fast to toss a Hot Pocket in the microwave and call it a night.

My preferred move when it comes to lunches is to make a giant dish of something I like, such as pasta, shepherd’s pie, or pasta salad, at the beginning of the week. Then at night I just have to scoop some into a smaller dish, add snacks, and my lunch is set. (Of course, you have the people that ask, “Wow, the same thing again?” Buuut I prefer the same thing again when it means extra sleep!).

This post is about dinner meals, though, and I’ve gathered several quick and/or yummy dishes together for you to browse. Don’t expect some extreme cuisine! I’m thinking filling with minimal effort. Now shall we?

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Chipotle Chicken Fajitas

Click here to view the recipe.

Fajitas are so easy to make, but this version uses chipotle, which everyone is super addicted to right now. The recipe suggests using chopped chipotles, but chipotle sauce will work equally well.

Skip the tortillas and toss the chicken and vegetables into a microwaveable container for a lunch!

This recipe takes: 30 minutes

 

 

 

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Sheet Pan Fajitas

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I offer this fajita alternative because who doesn’t prefer oven over stove? Once something is in the oven, there is often a lot less maintenance involved — just wait for the timer and your food is done!

This recipe takes: 30 minutes.

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Roasted Parmesan Chicken

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I have such a weak spot for breaded chicken. This recipe has few ingredients and all can easily be found at a supermarket.

This recipe takes: 25 minutes

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Buddha Bowl* [VEGETARIAN]

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Like a salad but prettier. Who can’t get behind a Buddha Bowl? Also, the only thing not vegan about this recipe is the dressing (which I’m never a fan of, personally) so it can be adapted.

This recipe takes: 15 minutes.

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Potato Wedge Nachos

Click here to view the recipe.

I know I said nutritious and nothing about this screams healthy healthy healthy when you see fries coated in cheese loaded with bacon. Buuuut it’s super easy to make and we do deserve to treat ourselves aaaand personally I would be removing the bacon (not a fan, and I know, I’m Canadian. What can I say).

This recipe takes: 30 minutes.

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Sugar Snap Stir Fry

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Yum, yum, yum! I love seeing bright foods on my plate. You might need to stop at a specialty store to pick up some of these ingredients, but after you make this dish, you’ll want to make it again.

This recipe takes: 30 minutes.

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Black Bean Tacos *[VEGAN]

 

Click here to view the recipe.

My friend intro’d me to black bean tacos three years ago and I’ll admit, I prefer my beef tacos, but black beans are still preeeetttyy good. Would recommend to those who haven’t tried!

This recipe takes: 20 minutes

 

 

 

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Ciabatta Pizza

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You can follow the recipe instructions as listed, or make up your own toppings. What I fell in love with is the idea of using ciabatta bread as pizza crust. Easy to get your hands on and perfect for thick crust lovers!

This recipe takes: 15 minutes.

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Bucatini with Sweet Potatoes* [VEGETARIAN]

Click here to view the recipe.

If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop kale and parsley, then mix with Parmesan, garlic and lemon zest in a large Ziploc bag. It’s what I do at home and works all the time! Saves money too.

This recipe takes: 20 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

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Grilled Shrimp

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This recipe may be a little too easy, since there’s just one actual step involved. But when you’re hungry, the less steps the better!

This recipe takes: 25 minutes.

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Pasta Putanesca

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Who remembers this classic from A Series of Unfortunate Events? It’s actually really simple to make, which is why the Baudelaires could make it even in Count Olaf’s nasty and ill-kept kitchen.

This recipe takes: 17 minutes.

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Anyone hungry yet?

Which recipe from above is your favourite? Do you do all or any of your own meal prep? How ready are you to intro new meals into your dinner routine? Let’s discuss!