Ten Healthy Meals in 30 Minutes or Less

Mediterranean Quinoa Photo via Shutterstock

After a long day at work, and probably some time stuck on the T, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Step away from the microwave, and try these healthy recipes, all of which can be made in 30 minutes or less. 

1. One Pot Mediterranean Quinoa
via The Iron You

This one pot meal is as easy as it gets. Simply put in the ingredients, turn on the stove, and wait. This recipe will be sure to fill you up because quinoa is a superfood that’s high in fiber and protein. It will take only 20 minutes, and is easy to alter by adding chicken or egg to it. Also, only using one pot means you’ll save time on dishes, too.

2. Messy Noodles with Broccoli Spinach Pesto
via Veggies Don’t Bite

Although this quick pasta recipe is not boxed mac n’ cheese, the kids will still love it. This broccoli spinach pesto is healthier than your average pesto because it’s full of veggies and has no dairy in it.

3. Shaved Butternut Squash Salad
via Sixtyone45

This fresh salad is raw, vegan and packed with flavor. The light dressing will enhance, not cover, the flavor of the fresh butternut squash, carrots, and arugula, making it a great springtime meal.

4. Pumpkin, Mushroom, and Fresh Herb Cheat’s Risotto
via Southern In-Law

Got some leftover rice in your fridge? Here’s a tasty and healthy way to use it. This “cheat” risotto uses roasted pumpkin and mushroom for a warm taste, perfect for those April showers. The recipe is also gluten free, low fat, and can be made vegan.

5. Chicken, Bok Choy, and Basil Stir-fry
via The Iron You

This Asian inspired stir-fry will take you 30 minutes and is only 150 calories and 22 grams of protein per serving. It can also be made Paleo friendly if you follow the suggestions.

6. Spicy Cilantro Grilled Chicken
via Pink Parsley

Here’s a simple and healthy Mexican-flavored meal made with all natural ingredients. When you marinate the chicken in the puree of cilantro, lime, and jalapeño, it sure won’t taste simple though.

7. Paprika Shrimp and Sausage Quinoa Paella
via Domestic Fits

This recipe sounds too good to be true; in 20 minutes and with one pot you can make this dairy and gluten free delicacy. It’s so good, it even won a contest on the Today Show. This spicy paella uses low-fat chicken sausages, quinoa instead of rice, and lots of spices, which makes this dish delicious and only 380 calories per serving.

8. Greek Quesadillas
via A Couple Cooks

Mexico meets Greece in this healthy quesadilla recipe. The recipe takes the Mexican classic and uses Greek flavors like olives, spinach, and feta. If you are looking to cut back on cheese, but not on flavor, you can trying swapping half of the cheese for hummus instead.

9. Fish with Sautéed Spinach
via With a Spin

Here’s one where the secret is in the spices that elevate the flavors of both the spinach and the fish. This easy recipe is great for when you are running out of groceries because it’s mainly comprised of kitchen staples, and you can use any kind of fish you may have in the freezer.

10. Harissa Smashed Avocado Egg Toast
via Half Baked Harvest

This isn’t your average toast ‘n eggs. It’s a refined version that will take you 10 minutes to put together, and it’s great for any meal of the day. The recipe blends spicy, sweet, and rich all on one piece of toast. Also, the healthy fats in the avocado and the high protein egg are quite filling.