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Hey there, amazing midlife women! Life is a whirlwind of responsibilities, adventures, and self-discovery. Amidst the hustle and bustle, what do you do when you have no time to prep dinner? Well, fear not, because I’ve got your back!
I’m here to help you reclaim your evenings and savor homemade dinners, all while keeping things casual and stress-free. We know you’re a superstar, juggling work, family, and a gazillion other things, so let’s keep it real and simple.
What to Eat When There’s no Time to Prep Dinner?
- Cold cereal and fruit….there’s no shame in cold cereal for dinner! Or how about a yogurt parfait with yogurt, granola, and fruit?
- Sandwiches and/salad…if you have the ingredients this is a great option….it does not need to be a Pinterest worthy sandwich….we are talking about getting an easy dinner ready.
- Anyone remember lunchables? Create your own version at home using cheese, meat, or hummus and crackers. Add some fruit, carrot sticks, and nuts and you’ve got yourself a quick meal.
- Prep dinner in the morning….If you know ahead of time that your afternoon will be busy then get dinner ready in the morning. I did this a lot when I was the mom of lots of littles….sometimes it is just easier for me to get everything ready before lunchtime.
- Stop at the grocery store instead of the drive thru. Most of the time you can find healthier options that are just as quick at your grocery store. Think rotisserie chicken and a bagged salad. Does your grocery store have a sushi bar? Instead of thinking about the drive through when you have no time to prep for dinner, think about the grocery store!
- Can you plan for leftovers earlier in the week? Prep ahead for those evenings you know are going to be really busy by making some extra portions.
- Do you have any freezer meals ready to throw in the instant pot? These back up meals can be life savers when there’s no time to prep dinner!
- Have ingredients ready for some no brainer dinner ideas….because we all know that sometimes life happens and we still need to eat…even when we have no time to prep for dinner.
Do you still need some more 15 minute dinner ideas?
- Stir-Fry: Throw some thinly sliced chicken, beef, or tofu into a hot pan with veggies and your favorite stir-fry sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles.
- Pasta Primavera: Boil pasta while sautéing a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini in olive oil. Toss them together with some Parmesan cheese.
- Tuna Salad: Mix canned tuna with mayo, chopped celery, onion, and a bit of mustard. Serve it on a bed of greens or as a sandwich.
- Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with cheese, veggies, and cooked chicken or beans. Heat them in a skillet until the cheese is melty and gooey.
- Caprese Salad: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
- Omelette: Whisk eggs, pour them into a hot, greased skillet, add your favorite fillings (cheese, veggies, ham), and cook until set.
- BLT Sandwich: Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches are quick and classic. Add some avocado for an extra twist.
- Taco Salad: Brown ground beef or turkey, add taco seasoning, and serve it over a bed of lettuce with toppings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Miso Soup: Bring chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer, add miso paste, and toss in some tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
- Pita Pizzas: Spread pizza sauce on pita bread, add cheese, and your choice of toppings. Pop them in the oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes.
- Greek Salad: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
- Shrimp Scampi: Sauté shrimp in garlic and butter, then toss them with cooked pasta and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quickly stir-fry your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas with a sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve over rice or noodles.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: Top a bed of romaine lettuce with grilled chicken strips, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
- Smoked Salmon Wrap: Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, add smoked salmon, capers, and red onion. Roll it up and slice into pinwheels.
These dinners are not only speedy to prepare but also delicious and perfect for those busy nights when you have no time to prep dinner but still want a satisfying meal without hitting the drive through.
Make it Happen!
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- Pampered Chef has many tools that make meal prep easier. Reach out and ask me which tools are my favorite when I have no time to prep dinner.
