It’s not every day that we feel like making a lavish dinner for ourselves or our families, and sometimes it’s good to take a break, especially when we’re exhausted or just too busy. Check out this list of 18 easy meal suggestions on the days you don’t feel like cooking!
Sandwiches
Of course, we would make this our first suggestion, as it doesn’t get any easier than a sandwich. They’re quick to make, and they don’t need to be boring. Grab some slices of bread, cheese, or your preferred deli meat and condiments—the possibilities are endless!
Salad wraps
Wraps are just as easy to make as sandwiches; they’re just a little more fun to eat. You can use flatbread or actual store-bought wraps. Add some salad, pieces of chicken or deli meats, mayonnaise, and grated cheese if you like. Chopped veggies make great fillers, too!
Mixed salads
If there’s one thing you can do with almost any type of veggie, it’s a salad. There’s a reason why we have so many different types of salads on restaurant menus. Add some protein options, such as scrambled eggs, tofu, or tempeh, and a salad drizzle for some flavor.
Cereal or granola
Ever heard of the notion of having breakfast for dinner? Despite popular belief, cereal isn’t reserved for breakfast and can be eaten at any time of the day or night. Granola is even better, as you can add some yogurt with a drizzle of honey, some pumpkin seeds, and kefir, a source of probiotics “that offers high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and B12,” according to Megan Maisano, director of nutrition and regulatory affairs at the National Dairy Council.
Omelets
Making an omelet only takes a couple of minutes. Plus, it offers a way to utilize any leftovers from the night before, such as meats and vegetables, while creating something delicious. Whisk an egg, pour it into a pan, and add your desired ingredients. Within no time, you’ll have a meal.
Quesadillas
It may sound complicated, but quesadillas are quite easy to make. All you need is a tortilla and some cheese. To add something extra, whip up some mincemeat or plant-based protein and add in some spices. Cooking them on a skillet instead of a frying pan cuts the time in half. Once the cheese has melted, they’re ready to eat!
Smoothies
If it’s made the right way, a smoothie can fill you up enough so you don’t need to cook anything—plus, it gives your stomach a bit of a break from solid foods. Drinking healthy smoothies has tons of paybacks, says Pure Green: they can give us an increased intake of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which aids in digestion. All they take is a blender and fruits or veggies.
Baked beans on toast
Something that’s been a popular food item to eat at any time of the day or night is beans on toast. It’s a revolutionary meal that fills you up and is good for you. I enjoy it on top of buttered toast, and some people also throw some cheese on top.
Ramen noodles
Noodles are a versatile, quick, and easy meal to prepare: on a cold winter’s night, noodle soup is a great alternative to a hearty meal. All you need is boiling water to cook the noodles and the seasoning that usually comes with it, or you can add your ingredients to it. Crack an egg into it to make it even more flavorful.
Grilled cheese sandwiches
This is a classic in every home. Grilled cheese sandwiches are the favored choice of many who don’t feel like cooking. A slice of cheese between two slices of bread is all they take; you can either cook them in a pan or melt the cheese on the toast in the oven. Once they’re crispy and melted, enjoy.
Microwaveable rice
Nowadays, there are a variety of fast microwavable meals for days when you don’t want to cook. Rice and pasta are two of the most prominent options and can be paired with vegetables, meat, or fish. These are pre-cooked and pre-packaged and offer lots of options for everyone.
Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken
Did you know pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great food option, and you can use it in a variety of ways? You can eat it with some vegetables and rice or pasta, and the leftovers can be used to make a chicken sandwich or chicken salad the next day. You can get creative by making chicken noodle soup as well.
Soup
All it takes is a can of soup and some garlic bread or croutons, and you’ve got a delicious meal. Soup only takes five minutes to heat up in the microwave or on the stove; remember, the ones with less sodium are the healthier options.
Pizza
Most of the time, frozen pizza is the preferred choice for many. You can buy pizzas from the store or make your own; it depends on how much energy you have. There are tons of quick and easy homemade recipes that you can make. All you need is a pizza base and a few simple ingredients.
Eggs
Eggs can be made in a variety of ways, such as scrambled or boiled, and they’re a great source of protein. These can be boiled in a few minutes and can be made in batches to add to salads, toast, and pasta.
Tuna salad
Tuna can be used in many ways to make a tuna sandwich or healthy tuna salad by throwing in some celery, Greek yogurt, and parsley. You can make baked tuna or grilled tuna for a healthier option. Pair them with crackers, and you won’t be sorry.
Classic peanut butter and jelly
How could we not mention the classic peanut butter and jelly—not just for its simplicity but for its sentimental value? It doesn’t require any form of cooking: just some slices of bread (toasted or not), peanut butter (either crunchy or smooth), and some jelly.
Instant oatmeal
Another food item you can make when you aren’t in the mood for cooking is oatmeal. Some oatmeal comes in quick packs, where all you need to do is add boiling water and give it a few minutes to cook, or you can make it in a pot on the stove with some cinnamon and honey for some added flavor. Adding some seeds, nuts, or fruits gives it a healthy kick.
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