Let’s Dive In: How I Make Simple, Healthy, and Delicious Meals
Most days, getting a healthy meal on the table for my family feels like a win. It’s not always gourmet, and it’s not always Pinterest-worthy, but it’s food that nourishes and satisfies. Unless it’s the weekend and I’ve got some extra time, I’m usually not perusing cookbooks or following complicated recipes. But here’s the funny thing—despite cooking on a whim, family and friends often tell me how creative and delicious my meals are. My secret? I’ve learned a few tricks over time to make quick, healthy meals that hit the spot every time. Also a bonus, I’ve come to enjoy cooking which makes it so much more manageable.
When a meal is well received and I’m asked to put it on the repeat list, I snap a photo because, let’s be real, that’s the only way I’ll remember the combinations later. And honestly, there’s nothing extraordinary about these meals, but they always seem to be a hit. They’re quick, simple, and satisfy everyone’s hunger without a ton of effort.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not following recipes or obsessing over exact measurements. I like to improvise and keep things flexible. But I will say, the whole family—especially my tweens—genuinely enjoy these dishes. I don’t buy into the idea that tweens will only eat chicken nuggets. While my girls do love them, they don’t have access to them regularly. We consider them a “depaneur” in French – a quick fix when there’s no time to prepare a proper meal or when I’m simply too tired (yes, it happens!). Sure, some tweens can be picky eaters, but with a bit of creativity and a gentle push, you can get them to explore a whole world of flavors beyond their usual favorites. I do encourage them to try things at least twice. That’s our little family joke—“At least twice!” Sometimes, the first time a flavor doesn’t hit right, but the second time, it’s a totally different experience due to a completely different flavor profile. It’s all about keeping an open mind.
Now, I know some people love a detailed recipe with precise measurements, and that’s awesome. But my goal here is to give you a little inspiration for quick, easy meals you can whip up on any given night, even when you’re short on time. Some might think my family eats like royalty, but I promise, it’s minimal effort to make a flavorful dinner that hits the mark every time.
Here are a few things I do to keep meals simple, healthy, and totally satisfying:
1. Keep the Basics on Hand
The foundation of my weeknight meals starts with a few fresh basics I always have stocked. That way, I’m never scrambling to throw something together. My essentials include:
- Onions and garlic – I use these in nearly everything to build flavor.
- Herbs – Cilantro, parsley, or whatever’s in the fridge for a fresh pop.
- Tomatoes – Whether fresh or canned, they always add something special.
- Lemon and Limes – For a burst of acidity and freshness.
- Dry Spices – Like cumin and italian seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper – The simplest and most effective way to season everything to perfection.
These few ingredients can take a meal from bland to bold in no time.
2. Pick a Lean Protein
Next, I choose a lean protein to build the meal around. Here’s what I usually go for:
- Salmon or shrimp – Quick, flavorful, and easy to cook.
- Chicken breast – A crowd-pleaser and super versatile.
- Ground beef or turkey – Great for so many dishes.
- Scallops – When I’m feeling fancy (but still quick!).
- Chuck roast or flank steak – For when I’ve got a little more time, or I toss it in the slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
I love using a different protein each day during the week—keeps things interesting!
3. Add Some Greens
Green veggies are my go-to for making any meal feel complete. Plus, they add a burst of color and health benefits! I always have a few kinds of greens on hand:
- Broccoli – Quick and always a winner.
- Asparagus – Fancy but still simple.
- Green beans – A classic side that goes with everything.
- Brussels sprouts – I love the crispy edges when these are roasted.
- Spinach – Great for salads or sautéed.
- Kale – I do eat kale, but I’m not a fan of it raw. I prefer it cooked, especially when sautéed or added to soups and stews.
Green veggies make the meal feel wholesome and complete, without taking up too much time.
4. Balance Is Key
I keep the plate balanced with a healthy carb. A few staples I keep stocked:
- Sweet potatoes or yams – Super easy and nutritious.
- Rice – Brown or white, it really just depends on the night.
- Lentils – Great for plant-based protein.
- Other potatoes, squashes or pastas – Quick and always satisfying.
I find that one simple carb is all you need to round out a meal.
5. Cooking Methods: Keep It Simple
I enjoy cooking but due to time constraints, like to keep things simple during the week. Here are my go-to methods:
- Baking in the oven – Perfect for chicken breast (425°F for 15 minutes on each side, trust me!). I’ll share that recipe!
- Air fryer – If you haven’t tried it, it’s a game changer for crispy proteins (we use it for salmon all the time).
- Stovetop – When I’ve got a few extra minutes, I’ll give proteins some attention on the stove. Otherwise, scallops/shrimps do very well on the stove for a quick weeknight dinner.
For veggies, I either:
- Flash cook them (quick boil with salt and pepper).
- Roast them for that caramelized sweetness.
- Air fry them for a crispy finish.
Here you Have it: Quick, Simple, and Ready in 25 Minutes
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to spend an hour in the kitchen every night. I sure try not to! Most of these meals can be put together in under 25 minutes. So whether you’re pulling together a quick shrimp stir-fry, roasting chicken with sweet potatoes and broccoli, or tossing together a simple pasta dish with ground beef sauce, the key is to keep it simple and focus on fresh ingredients. Have fun with it and don’t stress so much about perfection. Experiment! In time, You’ll master this skill.
If you’re short on time, there’s no need to overcomplicate things. With a few basic rules and a bit of prep, you can have a delicious, healthy dinner on the table in no time. And who knows—your family might just start thinking you’re a kitchen genius too!
So here’s my challenge to you: Try mixing and matching these ideas this week and see where it takes you. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you’ll be able to create quick, satisfying meals that the whole family (yes, even your tweens) will love.
Stay tuned as I’ll be sharing at least one of our different weeknight combinations each week! Enjoy!