My Favorite Simple Recipes for You

I’m all about making things simple, and while I love carving out time to work on a more labor-intensive meal, sometimes (okay, most of the time), I just can’t do that. I need something faster, easier, and, let’s face it— simpler. That’s really my goal around here— to make everything simpler for all of us.

So today I’m sharing some simpler recipes with you. Of course, feel free to adapt them to suit your needs or those of your family. Pick and choose whatever works for you!

I have personally tried all of these and recommend them. :)

Fast Recipes

I love cooking, but I don’t love spending all my time on my feet in the kitchen, so fast recipes are a lifesaver when I’m short on time or patience, or when I’m just especially hungry!

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp from Paleo Running Momma

5-Minute Spicy Chickpea Salad from Pinch of Yum

Best Easy Fish Tacos from Pinch of Yum

Quick Balsamic Chickpea Salad from Food52

Veggie Fried “Rice” from Well + Good (get pre-riced cauliflower to really speed up the prep!)

Limited-Ingredient Recipes

Recipes that use just a handful of ingredients are great because you don’t have to buy a lot of groceries to make them!

Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice from Pinch of Yum

Easy Creamy Tomato Soup from Ambitious Kitchen

Garden Summer Pasta from Fit Foodie Finds

Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon from Ambitious Kitchen

Seriously Tender Baked Potato from Fit Foodie Finds

One-Bowl/Pan/Pot Recipes

Who wants to have to wash a big pile of dishes? Not this girl!

Okay, I’ll admit I do wash quite a few with all the cooking and baking I do, but I’m always drawn to recipes that only take one bowl or pan!

1-Pan Mexican Shredded Chicken from Minimalist Baker

Easy 1-Pot Vegan Spaghetti from Minimalist Baker

Kimchi Fried Rice from Pinch of Yum

One Pan Thai Coconut Yellow Curry Chicken & Rice from Ambitious Kitchen

One Skillet Harvest Chicken from Paleo Running Momma

Slow Cooker Recipes

Because sometimes I just want a recipe to be (mostly) hands-off. Yes, sometimes I still have to brown the meat or something before I throw it all together, but I like that these recipes can usually be 1) prepped ahead, and 2) left alone for a while so I can do other things.

Easy Turkey Tacos from Ambitious Kitchen

Incredible Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sandwiches from Ambitious Kitchen (you can always get store-bought slaw to make it easier!)

Turkey Picadillo from Ambitious Kitchen

Crockpot Buffalo Cauliflower Chili from Kitchen Treaty

Summer Slow Cooker Lasagna from Oh My Veggies

Kitchen Cleanout Recipes

These kinds of recipes are wonderful because they’re so flexible and customizable. You can use whatever you have and adapt them to use up the last little bit of things, which is really helpful in preventing food waste and making last-minute meals and snacks without having to run to the store.

stir fry— with whatever grain (rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, quinoa), protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, salmon, beans, nuts), and veggies you want! Add a store-bought or homemade sauce (with some kind of oil, some vinegar, some lemon or lime juice, and some garlic), and voila!
tacos— pick your protein (chickpeas, black beans, chicken, ground turkey, beef, lentils, tofu…), add some veggies (cauliflower, sweet potatoes, lettuce, tomato), and some kind of sauce (salsa, guac, salsa verde, some kind of herby green sauce…), add whatever toppings you might like (cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, onion…), and you’ve got a completely customizable taco situation that’s going to taste great and clean out the fridge detritus! It’s a win-win!
salads— some kind of greens (spinach, kale, arugula, romaine, iceberg lettuce, you name it), some tomatoes or onion or veggies of choice (I’ve put anything from broccoli to peas to artichokes on salads), some kind of protein to make you full (rotisserie or grilled chicken— or even breaded chicken strips!, deli turkey slices all ripped up, bacon…), and some dressing (from a bottle, an actual recipe, or just some oil + vinegar!).
pasta— you can top your pasta with anything! Cook up your favorite noodles of any shape, add some sauce (tomato, meat, alfredo, pesto— store-bought or homemade by blending a few ingredients), and top with whatever you’re trying to get rid of— chicken strips, grilled chicken, meatballs, ground beef or turkey, roasted veggies, whatever you have!
pizza— similar to the pasta options, you can whip up a pizza and top it with leftovers or random remains from your fridge. I have a recipe I love for a paleo crust, but you could make your own if you have a favorite recipe, or you could stock up on dough to make sure you always have it on hand for leftovers night. Then you just add sauce— pesto, marinara, alfredo, olive oil & garlic. And toppings! Cheese of just about any kind will help hold it together, but I’ve learned it isn’t 100% necessary if you’re willing to eat your pizza with a fork or are fresh out of cheese.

Non-Recipes

The final group is kind of a cheat, as these things aren’t true recipes. There are no specific ingredient lists or instructions. It’s really just an idea of things you can throw together to make fast, simple meals and snacks!

yogurt and granola (homemade or store-bought)
carrots (or crackers) and hummus (homemade or store-bought)
veggies and dip
apples and peanut butter (Smucker’s Natural is my favorite, preferably the creamy variety)
nachos/taco salads— salsa, tortilla chips, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, guac, ground meat— any or all of the above!

And if you’re in need of a better way to plan and prep your meals to accommodate a busy lifestyle (who isn’t?), then check out my meal planning toolkit to help you do just that so you can spend more time doing more of what you love!