Between busy schedules and rising food costs, having a go-to list of meals you can make with just a few ingredients can be a lifesaver. These recipes are quick and easy. They can also help you stretch your budget without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Luckily, Food Hero has a category for recipes that use only a few ingredients. Here are some of our favorites!
Breakfast
Starting off the day with a healthy breakfast is important, but tight morning schedules can make preparing a healthy breakfast a challenge. Here are some quick, simple recipes to power your mornings:
Smoothies like Peanut Power Smoothie provide protein to keep you full for hours. Or try Banana Berry Smoothie to add some fruit to your day. Fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables all work great in smoothies!
Baking your own breads can help you save money on food. One quick option is our Whole Wheat Yogurt Rolls. Try making a batch ahead of time and freezing some to make them last longer! Pair them with a smoothie or our tofu Tofu Scramble to add a delicious boost of protein.
Feeling like a parfait? Berry Blast Off is easy to prepare the night before. You can make it with any fresh, frozen or canned fruit!
Lunch
Do you or your kids eat lunch away from home? If so, we’ve got some portable, make-ahead recipes for a filling and tasty midday meal.
Food Hero’s Bean Salad recipe can be made with canned beans for a quick-to-assemble meal, or with dried beans prepared in advance. Add baked salmon or tofu on the side for added protein. Use extra beans in soups or blended into dips. For more information on dried beans, check out our Food Hero Monthly on beans.
Create your own salad with ingredients you have on hand. Pack them in a resealable bag or container for an easy, portable lunch option.
Canned tuna is a cost-effective protein source. Combine it with cheese in a tortilla for a satisfying quesadilla. Pack it in the morning and reheat it when the lunch bell rings.
Dinner
After a long day, it can be hard to motivate yourself to cook dinner, especially when there are lots of ingredients to keep track of. Luckily, these recipes keep things simple and flavorful!
Mix and Match Grain Bowl is a customizable recipe that provides protein, grains and vegetables. It’s a great meal option for families that have different food preferences. After preparing the ingredients, each person can assemble their personal grain bowl!
My Personal Pizza makes pizza night simple and fun! Let kids help prepare the pizza and get creative with the toppings. Make it a go-to recipe for using up leftovers!
Oven Baked Salmon is a lean protein dish that requires only a few ingredients. Pair it with a simple grain like brown rice and some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Zucchini Zowie is a veggie-packed delight! Zucchini is typically available year-round. For the lowest prices, check out farmers’ markets from June to October.
Snacks
Snacks are part of a balanced diet. A good snack can help you stay focused and alert in between meals.
Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip can be paired with fruits or vegetables for a quick and enjoyable snack.
Frozen Raspberry Banana Yogurt is a sweet treat and a great energy booster! It can be ready in five minutes, but is better chilled, so try making it the night before you want to enjoy it.
Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are easy to make and so delicious! Plus, they can be stored for later or packed to go!
Looking for more ideas? Go to the Food Hero Healthy Recipes page and click on the “5 Ingredients or Less” category.
