Simple and Healthy Recipes
Simple and Healthy Recipes for Busy Stay-at-Home Moms
Hey there fellow stay-at-home moms! Life can get pretty hectic, and finding the time to whip up nutritious meals can be a challenge.
But fear not, because I’ve got your back!
As a mom who loves to cook and create a warm, comforting home for my family, I’ve gathered 10 simple and healthy recipes that are perfect for those busy days.
Plus, I’ve sprinkled in some tips, tricks, and hacks to make cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Let’s dive in!
Simple and Healthy Recipes
One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet.
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta around the chicken.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Hack: Encourage the kids to help with assembling the ingredients on the baking sheet. It’s like creating a delicious canvas together!
Veggie-Packed Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 1 cup tofu or chicken, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cups brown rice, cooked
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced tofu or chicken, and stir-fry until browned.
- Add mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Stir-fry until veggies are tender.
- Serve over cooked brown rice.
Tip: Invest in pre-cut veggies to save time. Delegate the veggie chopping to the little helpers – it’s a great way to introduce them to cooking!
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a baking sheet surrounded by broccoli, bell pepper, and lemon slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
Trick: Use parchment paper on the sheet pan for an even easier cleanup – just crumple it up and toss it!
Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Chickpeas– Simple and Healthy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- an avocado, diced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced avocado, chickpeas, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently until well combined.
Hack: Pre-cook a batch of quinoa and store it in the fridge for the week. It’s a versatile base for many quick recipes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Taco shells and toppings of choice
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour salsa and taco seasoning over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken and serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Tip: Set up a taco station and let the kids assemble their own tacos. It’s a fun and interactive way to involve them in the kitchen!
Easy Veggie Omelette- Simple and Healthy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add mixed veggies and sauté until tender.
- Pour whisked eggs over the veggies, cook until set, then fold in half.
Trick: Use frozen veggies for the omelette – no chopping required!
Homemade Pizza Night– Simple and Healthy Recipes
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Assorted toppings (pepperoni, veggies, olives)
Instructions:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Spread pizza sauce and add toppings.
- Bake according to the dough instructions.
Hack: Opt for pre-made pizza dough to cut down on prep time. The kids will have a blast customizing their pizzas.
Pasta Primavera
Ingredients:
- 8 oz whole-grain pasta
- 2 cups mixed sautéed veggies (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms)
- 1 cup tomato or pesto sauce
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté veggies in olive oil until tender.
- Toss cooked pasta with sautéed veggies and sauce.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Tip: Choose whole-grain pasta for an extra nutritional boost.
Berry Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- Granola and sliced fruit for toppings
Instructions:
- Blend frozen berries, yogurt, and milk until smooth.
- Pour into a bowl and top with granola and sliced fruit.
Trick: Freeze leftover smoothie mix in popsicle molds for a tasty and refreshing treat!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Yogurt-based dipping sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
- Serve with yogurt-based dipping sauce.
Hack: Get the kids involved in seasoning the sweet potato fries – it’s a hands-on activity they’ll love!
There you have it –
10 simple and healthy recipes…
to make your life as a stay-at-home mom a little easier.
Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Get the kids involved, experiment with flavors, and savor the joy of creating delicious meals for your family.
Happy cooking!
Go check out The Lazy Dish for their take on recipes for busy moms!
Simple and Healthy Recipes
