Simple and Nutritious Meals for Busy Weeknights

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's essential to have some go-to recipes that are not only simple to whip up but also provide the nourishment our bodies need. The following recipes ensure you don’t compromise on health with these Nutritious Meals for Busy Weeknights. They are all designed to be on your table in under 45 minutes!

1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 2 teaspoons mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Mixed salad greens

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Cucumber, sliced

• Feta cheese, crumbled

• Balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken in this mixture for at least 15 minutes.

2. Preheat the grill. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side or until done.

3. Slice the grilled chicken. On a plate, lay out the salad greens, add tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese. Top with chicken slices and drizzle with vinaigrette.

2. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, any color

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth until fluffy.

2. In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.

3. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff each pepper with the quinoa mixture.

4. Place the peppers in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.

3. Spinach and Feta Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 egg

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine turkey, spinach, feta, egg, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

2. Shape mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.

3. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

4. Serve with warm marinara sauce.

Healthy weeknight dinners don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With some staple ingredients and a bit of planning, you can have a nutritious and delicious meal on the table in no time. So, when the week gets hectic, turn to these recipes to ensure you're fuelling your body right while also satisfying your taste buds!