All tagged Meal Prep

Light and Fluffy Zucchini Bread

This Light and Fluffy Zucchini Bread is just that- incredibly light and fluffy, almost like a sponge cake! Traditional recipes call for a lot of oil and sugar, but this recipe subs in apple sauce for most of the oil, and cuts down on the sugar, while still creating a moist and sweet bread. The hint of lemon juice and zest adds a nice brightness, and a slice (or two or three) is delicious warm with butter or a slather of almond butter. Meal prep these loafs for quick and easy breakfasts, snacks, or even dessert to enjoy throughout the week 😊

Salted Margarita Energy Balls

These Salted Margarita Energy Balls will have you thinking “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” Perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, afternoon energy boost to power you through that 3 PM slump, or an after-dinner treat, this recipe for Salted Margarita Energy Balls is the answer 😊 Meal prep once, enjoy all week!

Serves: 10 (22 energy balls)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup raw cashews

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Zest and juice of 1 lime

Pinch of salt

8 medjool dates (softened in hot water for 5 minutes if not already soft)

To serve: Maldon sea salt

How (your directions):

To a food processor, add the cashews, oats, coconut flakes, zest and juice of 1 lime, a pinch of salt, and the dates.

Pulse 10-15 times, then blend on high until a dough ball forms or the mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers.

Roll a heaped tablespoon of the mixture into a ball between the palms of your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Serve by topping the energy balls with Maldon sea salt (to mimic the salted rim of a margarita).

Why (the science): These energy balls are incredibly filling and satisfying due to the balance of healthy fats (coconut), fiber-rich starch (oats), and protein (cashews).

Parmesan Pasta Salad with Fresh Tomatoes

Parmesan Pasta Salad with Fresh Tomatoes is one of the EASIEST recipes- simply boil pasta, slice fresh cherry tomatoes, and toss with salty parmesan and high-quality olive oil. It’s great warm, room temperature, or cold, which makes it perfect for weekly meal prep. Enjoy as a super quick dinner after a busy day, or store in glass containers for a week of grab-and-go lunches.

Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash Soup (Vegan)

Creamy Roasted Acorn Squash is the quintessential cold-weather meal!  It’s savory from the onion, garlic, and veggie broth, and sweet from the carrot, squash, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.  Acorn squash becomes incredibly creamy when blended, and the oat milk adds an extra touch of plant-based creaminess.  Enjoy this soup immediately, or meal prep it for the perfect comforting lunch or easy heat-and-eat dinner.  It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months!

Serves: 6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 acorn squash, sliced in half and seeds removed

2 cups boiling water

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

2 large carrots, sliced into small pieces

¼ teaspoon salt

2 cloves garlic, finely sliced

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

½ teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons flour

3 cups veggie broth

1 tablespoon coconut sugar

½ cup oat milk

How (your directions):

Heat oven to 400°F.

Place acorn squash, cut side down, into a baking dish.  Pour 2 cups boiling water into the baking dish, then roast the squash for 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.

Add diced onion, carrots, and salt.  Sauté and stir for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.

Add finely sliced garlic, ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.  Sauté for one minute.

Add flour and stir for one minute.

Slowly add veggie broth, stirring continuously as the mixture thickens.

Lower heat to low and simmer until acorn squash is finished roasting, stirring occasionally.

When the squash is done, remove from the oven, and allow to cool for 5 minutes.  Then, using a spoon, scoop out the tender squash flesh and add to the soup.

Using an immersion blender, or carefully adding to a blender, blend the soup until smooth.

Add the coconut sugar and stir until dissolved.  Add the oat milk and stir until combined. 

Serve hot!

Why (the science):  Acorn squash is high in fiber, making this satisfying soup great for digestion and disease prevention. 

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Rice with Capers (Vegan, GF)

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Rice with Capers (Vegan, GF) is a flavor powerhouse, and could not be easier to make! Simply roast the peppers and tomatoes, toast and cook the brown rice with garlic, garnish with capers and spring onions and voila! Dinner (or the perfect side dish) is served 😊 This dish makes great leftovers and meal prep easy! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, since it can be enjoyed room temperature, cold, warm, or hot.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

I grew up eating and loving my Mom’s banana bread, which was so delicious and sweet, it should have (maybe) been dessert 😉 I healthified banana bread by making it with fiber-rich whole wheat pastry flour and oat flour (which you can make at home by blending rolled oats in a blender) and cut the sugar tremendously by using monk fruit sweetener.  The Cinnamon Swirl in the middle and top of the banana bread is unreal and a MUST for the recipe!  The center is gooey, like the center of a cinnamon roll, while the top becomes crunchy, almost like crème brûlée.

Summer Tomatoes Two Ways!

Local tomatoes from QuintaMKE (@quintaMKE) taste like sweet summertime! Roasted Tomato Couscous Salad pairs perfectly with big slices of heirloom tomatoes, dressed with olive oil and fresh basil.  Serve for lunch, a light dinner, or as a stunning addition to brunch with family and friends!

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

Couscous:

1 1/3 cup Israeli couscous

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt

1 1/3 cup boiling water

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:

1 pint cherry tomatoes

Drizzle of olive oil

Pinch of salt

Pinch of dried thyme

Dressing for Roasted Tomato Couscous Salad:

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon white wine vinegar

10 basil leaves, thinly sliced

Pinch of pepper

Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes:

2 heirloom tomatoes

Sprinkle of seasoned salt (Crazy Jane’s Mixed Up Salt or Garlic Salt)

Pepper to taste

5 basil leaves, thinly sliced

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 400 °F.

Meanwhile, in a large pan, sauté couscous and olive oil for 3-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly.

When couscous is toasted and slightly brown, add salt and boiling water.

Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12 minutes.

Add cherry tomatoes to a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and dried thyme. 

Toss to combine, then roast for 10 minutes.

Once the couscous is finished cooking, turn the heat off, and add the roasted cherry tomatoes (and juices from roasted tomatoes!).

Add the couscous dressing ingredients (olive oil, vinegar, basil leaves, pepper) and stir to combine.  Set aside.

Slice the heirloom tomatoes into large slices and place onto a large platter.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, drizzle with olive oil, and top with fresh basil.

Pour the Roasted Tomato Couscous to the platter next to the fresh heirloom tomato slices.

Enjoy warm, room temperature, or cold!

Why (the science):  Roasted tomatoes are high in lycopene, which helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Hemp Dip with Dill and Parsley (Vegan, GF)

Hemp Dip with Dill and Parsley is the perfect meal prep dip that can last 3-4 days in the fridge.  It’s highly versatile, too!  Serve with your favorite veggies on a crudité platter, spread on a sandwich, or even dress a salad with it.  And what’s even better is that Hemp Dip with Dill and Parsley get whipped up in a blender or food processor in 30 seconds 😊

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

½ hemp seeds

¼ cup water

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh dill

2 tablespoons fresh parsley

¼ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

How (your directions):

Add all ingredients to a blender or small food processor, and blend on high for about 30 seconds.

Serve with your favorite veggies, as a salad dressing, or even spread on your next sandwich!

Why (the science):  Hemp hearts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are a heart-healthy fat that can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Omega-3’s are also important for healthy brain development!

Mexican Fiesta Quinoa Salad

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Colorful and delicious, Mexican Fiesta Quinoa Salad is the perfect recipe for healthy meal prepped lunches, quick weeknight dinners, or part of a festive summer BBQ!

Serves: 6-8

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

1 15.5 oz can black beans

1 cup fire roasted corn

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 spring onions, thinly sliced

How (your directions):

Add quinoa and vegetable broth to a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then cover, lower heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, add black beans, corn, olive oil, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, and salt to a large bowl.  Stir to combine.

Once quinoa has finished cooking, turn heat off and allow to sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. 

Add quinoa to the black bean and corn mixture.  Top with thinly sliced spring onions.

Enjoy warm, room temperature, or cold!  Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Why (the science):  Quinoa and black beans are rich in protein, making this a satisfying lunch throughout the week!

Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan, GF)

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the bomb!  They have no processed sugar, are gluten-free, and vegan, so you can feel good about eating them any time of day.  Made with wholesome ingredients, they can be meal prepped and enjoyed for one-the-go breakfasts, snacks, or as a yummy dessert with a piece of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate on the side.  Bonus: they’re made in the food processor!  Ahem, minimal clean up 😊

Serves: 6

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 ripe bananas

6 dates, pitted (make sure they’re soft and sticky)

1 tablespoon coconut oil, not melted

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups rolled oats

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Add bananas, dates, coconut oil, salt, baking powder, and vanilla to a blender.  Pulse 10 times, then blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Add rolled oats and pulse 5-8 times.  You want the rolled oats slightly broken down to form a dough, but not blended so much that you end up with a paste or completely smooth dough.  Leave a little oat texture.

Spoon six cookies onto lined baking sheet.  Smooth edges, and create a flat top to the cookies using the back of your spoon.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Enjoy warm! 

Store remaining cookies in an airtight container for a week.  Reheat and serve with a drizzle of peanut butter and a side of fruit for breakfast.

Why (the science):  Oats and bananas are prebiotics, which means that feed the healthy bacteria in our gut, which improves our mood and immune system.

** Recipe inspired by Nutrition Refined

5-Ingredient Creamy Broccoli Soup (Vegan, GF)

This 5-Ingredient Creamy Broccoli Soup comes together in less than 30 minutes and couldn’t be easier to make!  It has a silky-smooth texture, made creamy from the red potatoes, and is the perfect meal prep recipe.  5-Minute Creamy Broccoli Soup is nutritious, freezer-friendly, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tablespoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

½ teaspoon salt

5 medium red potatoes, diced

6 cups veggie broth

8 cups broccoli florets

To serve: freshly cracked pepper

How (your directions):

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add diced yellow onion and salt.  Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent.

Add red potatoes, veggie broth, and broccoli.

Bring to a boil, then cover, turn heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Turn off heat.  Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth and creamy.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer soup carefully to a blender and blend until smooth.

Enjoy hot with freshly cracked pepper!

Why (the science):  Broccoli is a cruciferous veggie, meaning it has powerful anticancer effects!

Italian Inspired Egg Muffins

If you’re in search of a healthy, freezer-friendly meal prep recipe that can be enjoyed for on-the-go breakfasts or afternoon snack, then this recipe is for you!  Italian Inspired Egg Muffins freeze beautifully, but they also last in the fridge for 5 days.  Serve them with toast and fresh avocado, or serve with a salad for a light lunch.

Serves: 6-12 (1-2 egg muffins per serving)

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

½ freshly grated parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

12 eggs

¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk

Pinch of salt and pepper

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with parchment paper muffin liners. 

In each muffin cup, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh spinach and a few pieces of diced tomato.

Sprinkle each muffin cup with Italian seasoning.

Top each muffin cup with 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese.

In a large Pyrex measuring cup, whisk eggs, plant milk, salt and pepper.

Distribute egg mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Enjoy hot, room temperature, or even cold!

Why (the science):  Herbs are rich in antioxidants, so don’t skip the addition of Italian seasoning.  It adds both flavor and nutrition!

 

Quinoa Crusted Quiche with Roasted Tomatoes and Thyme | GF, Dairy-Free |

Quiche is typically not a healthy meal- it’s usually loaded with heavy cream, half and half, butter, cheese, and sometimes bacon or ham.  This Quinoa Crusted Quiche with Roasted Tomatoes and Thyme is super healthful and rich in protein and antioxidants!  The quinoa crust holds its form with the help of omega-3 rich flax meal, and the eggy center is dairy-free.  This quinoa crusted quiche can also be meal prepped for a week of healthy breakfasts that you can simply heat and eat 😊

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 50 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

2 tablespoons flax meal

4 tablespoons water

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 teaspoon olive oil

½ teaspoon dried thyme

6 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¾ cup unsweetened almond milk or Ripple (pea protein milk)

Cooking oil spray

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 425 °F.

Add 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water to a large sauté pan.  Set heat to high, bring to a boil, then cover, turn heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, add cherry tomatoes to a baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and thyme.  Roast at 425 °F for 15 minutes.

Add flax meal and 4 tablespoons water to a large bowl.  Stir to combine and set aside.

To another large bowl, add eggs, salt, pepper, and dairy-free milk.  Whisk to combine.

When the quinoa has finished cooking, add quinoa to the bowl with the flax meal.  Stir to combine.

Spritz a tart pan or pie dish with avocado oil to prevent quinoa crust from sticking.  Add quinoa and flax mixture to the pie dish, then press evenly into dish and up the sides to create a crust.

When the tomatoes have finished roasting, place them evenly on top of quinoa crust. 

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.

Pour egg mixture over the tomatoes.

Bake the quiche for 35 minutes.

Serve hot or warm!

Why (the science):  Roasted tomatoes are high in lycopene, which is especially healthful for men in helping reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

 

Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Fresh Mint and Creamy Goat Cheese | GF |

Who doesn’t want to make a recipe in under 30 minutes that can last all week in the fridge, and be enjoyed at any meal, be that breakfast or dinner!  This Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Fresh Mint and Creamy Goat Cheese is rich in antioxidants, as well as protein to keep you full and satisfied.  Make once, enjoy all week!  The perfect simple meal prep recipe 😊

Serves: 6

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

3 tablespoons orange juice (juice from 1 blood orange)

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 lb. strawberries

20 fresh mint leaves

2 oz. goat cheese

Walnuts to serve

How (your directions):

Add 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water to a large sauté pan.  Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, create an easy vinaigrette by adding orange juice, olive oil, and salt to a large bowl.  Whisk and set aside.

Slice strawberries and chiffonade the mint.  Add to bowl with the vinaigrette.

When the quinoa has cooked for 15 minutes, turn off the heat, but leave the quinoa in the covered pan for 5 minutes.

Fluff the quinoa with a fork, then add to the bowl.  Stir to combine.

Place in refrigerator for a few minutes to cool.  Once cooled, crumble the goat cheese into the quinoa salad.

Serve room temperature or cold, and top with walnuts.

Enjoy for lunch or dinner (or even breakfast!) throughout the week.

Why (the science):  Mint and other herbs are high in antioxidants, which helps reduce inflammation and boost your immune system, which helps you feel better in general!

Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding Parfait

Chia seed pudding is an excellent meal prep recipe, as it lasts in the fridge for 5 days!  The Strawberry Sauce is delicious layered with the chia seed pudding, and can also be stirred into yogurt (or poured over ice cream (shh I won’t tell!). Cheers to a breakfast that you can make in advance, grab and go, enjoy as a dessert, or devour as a midafternoon snack 😊

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes (+ soaking overnight)

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

Chia Seed Pudding:

½ cup chia seeds

2 cups almond milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Strawberry Sauce:

8 oz. strawberries

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of ½ lemon

How (your directions):

In a large bowl, add chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.  Whisk immediately, then allow to sit 5 minutes.

Whisk chia mixture once more, then cover and refrigerate overnight.

To make the strawberry sauce, simply add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

To assemble, create layers of chia pudding and strawberry sauce.  Garnish with additional sliced strawberries.

Why (the science):  Chia seeds are incredibly high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, so they’re great for both digestion and heart health.

Chewy Trail Mix Bars | Raw, Vegan |

Chewy Trail Mix Bars are so incredibly yummy and nutritious, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them soon!  One of the simplest recipes, Chewy Trail Mix Bars come together in 10 minutes, and will give you a satisfyingly sweet (but not too sweet!) breakfast or snack to enjoy on the go and during your busy day.  And when you make your own bars at home, you can be sure there are no preservatives, artificial and “natural” flavors, and other weird ingredients.  Wholesome and oh so good, these Chewy Trail Mix Bars will please child and adult alike 😊

Serves: 12

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

10 dates

½ cup creamy peanut butter (drippy, natural)

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

2 cup oats

¼ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

¼ cup goji berries

How (your directions):

Line a medium baking dish (7x11) with parchment paper and set aside. 

Add dates to a bowl and cover with water.  Microwave on high for 60 seconds.  Dates should be gooey and sticky.  Remove the pits and add dates to a food processor.

Blend dates on high until a sticky paste forms.  Add peanut butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon.  Blend on high until a dough ball forms. 

In a large bowl, add oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and goji berries.  Stir to evenly distribute ingredients.

Using your hands, take the date and peanut butter dough ball and add it to the dry ingredients.  Knead dry ingredients into the date and peanut butter dough until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Press dough firmly into the parchment-lined backing dish.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes. 

Remove from pan by lifting the parchment paper out of the baking dish.

Slice into 10 bars.  Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for 5-7 days.

Why (the science):  The oats, nuts, seeds, and dates make these bars the ultimate energy boosting snack or breakfast on the go!  Keeping your blood sugar stable throughout the day is the key to improved mood, focus, and productivity. 

Creamy Buckwheat Porridge | Vegan, GF |

Creamy Buckwheat Porridge is a no-fuss, gluten-free breakfast made quickly in a blender.  Think of it as an exciting alternative to overnight oats!  Simply soak the buckwheat to soften this pseudocereal, then blend with oatmeal and chia seeds.  Creamy Buckwheat Porridge is a great meal prep breakfast, too- just fill a few glass jars, top with your favorite fruits and nuts, and grab-and-go.  Buckwheat helps prevent blood sugar spikes, so you won’t feel an energy crash after this naturally sweet breakfast. 

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes (then allow to soak 4 hours or overnight)

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup buckwheat groats, soaked 4 hours or overnight in water

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 pear, roughly chopped

1 ½ cups oat milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

Toppings: sliced kiwi, blackberries, sliced almonds, or any fruit and nut of choice

How (your directions):

Begin by submerging and soaking 1 cup of buckwheat groats in water for 4 hours or overnight.

Once soaked, drain and rinse buckwheat. 

Add buckwheat, cinnamon, pear, oat milk, and chia seeds to a blender.

Blend on high for 60 seconds until smooth.

Spoon smooth porridge into 4 glass jars, then top with your favorite fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Enjoy immediately or refrigerate and enjoy throughout the week.

Why (the science):  Buckwheat contains the antioxidant, rutin, which helps reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls

Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls are the perfect snack to meal prep for the week ahead- they take 10 minutes to make, require zero cooking, lasts 5-7 days, and can be breakfast on the go, a snack, or preworkout fuel.  Does it get any better!? Plus, you know you’re reaching for something healthy when you crave something sweet and grab two of these.  Wholesome and delicious, these Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls will make your meal prep list every week.

Serves: 5 (makes 12-13 energy balls)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup raw whole cashews

Pinch of Himalayan pink salt

6 dates, pits removed

¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

¼ cup dried blueberries

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

How (your directions):

Add all ingredients to a food processor.

Blend for 1-2 minutes, until one large dough ball forms.

Pinch off 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, and roll into an energy ball.

Store in an airtight container for 5-7 days.

Why (the science):  The protein and fiber from oats and cashews will keep your blood sugar levels stable, meaning it’s the perfect pick-me-up snack for steady energy.