5 Quick and Easy Healthy Food Recipes for Busy Weeknights

As many of us have busy work schedules, finding time to prepare healthy meals can become a challenge. The last thing we want is to sacrifice our health for convenience. Fortunately, there are plenty of quick and easy healthy food recipes that you can make on busy weeknights, without compromising your health. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best healthy food recipes that you can make in under 30 minutes.

1. Turkey Quinoa Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large stir-fry pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking the meat up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, and minced garlic and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the cooked quinoa, soy sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir everything together until well-combined, and serve.

2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add the chopped broccoli, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir everything together.
5. Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, and serve.

3. Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (such as carrots, kale, and bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and stir everything together until well-combined.
5. Remove from heat, and serve.

4. Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers), chopped
• 1 cup uncooked lentils, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped mixed vegetables to the pot and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the lentils, broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, and stir everything together until well-combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and fully cooked.
6. Remove from heat, and serve.

5. Vegetarian Pasta with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the saucepan and cook until they are soft and starting to burst, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan, along with the crumbled feta cheese, and stir everything together until well-combined.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

Conclusion

Making healthy meals during busy weeknights doesn’t have to be difficult. By using a few simple ingredients and following these quick and easy recipes, you can create delicious and healthy meals in under 30 minutes. These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthy without sacrificing taste or convenience. Try them out and see how easy it can be to eat well during a busy week!

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