Close
Making a balanced meal doesn’t have to be complicated or require lots of ingredients. That said, a little planning can go a long way in helping you make something delicious and creative that you feel truly excited to eat. When I plan my meals for the upcoming week, I want something that’s simple to make and that also relies on budget-friendly ingredients like beans, grains and eggs to help my dollar go as far as possible at the store. Along with staples like salt, pepper and olive oil, these five-ingredient recipes help me whip up healthy meals all week without making my grocery list too long. Dishes like our Miso-Glazed Salmon and Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms are satisfying, nourishing and so flavorful that I make them again and again. And if you want more beginner- or budget-friendly cooking tips, check outThrifty.
01of 125-Ingredient Miso-Glazed SalmonPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster5-Ingredient Miso-Glazed SalmonThis miso-glazed salmon is quick but jam-packed with flavor thanks to red miso, which has a stronger, more distinct flavor than sweet miso. You can easily double the recipe when serving guests without tacking on additional time. Serve with steamed broccolini and a side of brown rice.
01of 12
5-Ingredient Miso-Glazed Salmon
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
This miso-glazed salmon is quick but jam-packed with flavor thanks to red miso, which has a stronger, more distinct flavor than sweet miso. You can easily double the recipe when serving guests without tacking on additional time. Serve with steamed broccolini and a side of brown rice.
02of 12
Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms
03of 12One-Pot Pasta with TunaOne-Pot Pasta with TunaUse the one-pot pasta cooking method to make this tuna pasta recipe that calls for just five ingredients and is ready in just over half an hour. For extra crunch and a tuna noodle casserole feel, sprinkle this speedy pasta dish with toasted whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs.
03of 12
One-Pot Pasta with Tuna
Use the one-pot pasta cooking method to make this tuna pasta recipe that calls for just five ingredients and is ready in just over half an hour. For extra crunch and a tuna noodle casserole feel, sprinkle this speedy pasta dish with toasted whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs.
04of 12Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Radish-Apple SlawPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterSesame-Crusted Tofu with Radish-Apple SlawWe coat slices of tofu with sesame seeds for a delightfully crunchy crust and serve them with a tangy, refreshing slaw. We love the look of black and white sesame seeds combined, but if you have only one variety on hand, that will work well too. Serve this ultra-quick recipe with brown rice or soba noodles on the side.
04of 12
Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Radish-Apple Slaw
We coat slices of tofu with sesame seeds for a delightfully crunchy crust and serve them with a tangy, refreshing slaw. We love the look of black and white sesame seeds combined, but if you have only one variety on hand, that will work well too. Serve this ultra-quick recipe with brown rice or soba noodles on the side.
05of 12Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with KaleBaked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with KaleYou can make these three-ingredient tomato-simmered eggs with things you probably already have on hand in your freezer and pantry. To make these baked eggs more like eggs in purgatory, look for a spicy tomato sauce and don’t forget some whole-wheat bread for dipping.
05of 12
Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale
You can make these three-ingredient tomato-simmered eggs with things you probably already have on hand in your freezer and pantry. To make these baked eggs more like eggs in purgatory, look for a spicy tomato sauce and don’t forget some whole-wheat bread for dipping.
06of 12
Arugula & Cucumber Salad with Tuna
07of 12
Black Bean Fajita Skillet
08of 125-Ingredient Peanutty Soba NoodlesPHOTOGRAPHER: JEN CAUSEY, FOOD STYLIST: MELISSA GRAY, PROP STYLIST: SHELL ROYSTER5-Ingredient Peanutty Soba NoodlesNutty soba noodles team up with peanut butter in this easy vegetarian pasta dish. Chile-garlic sauce adds nice heat, while lime juice and zest brighten the flavor. Enjoy this quick dish warm, or serve it chilled for an easy lunch. We like the firm texture and flavor of soba noodles, but regular whole-wheat pasta will work well too. For a boost of protein, serve with shredded chicken or shrimp or tofu.
08of 12
5-Ingredient Peanutty Soba Noodles
PHOTOGRAPHER: JEN CAUSEY, FOOD STYLIST: MELISSA GRAY, PROP STYLIST: SHELL ROYSTER
Nutty soba noodles team up with peanut butter in this easy vegetarian pasta dish. Chile-garlic sauce adds nice heat, while lime juice and zest brighten the flavor. Enjoy this quick dish warm, or serve it chilled for an easy lunch. We like the firm texture and flavor of soba noodles, but regular whole-wheat pasta will work well too. For a boost of protein, serve with shredded chicken or shrimp or tofu.
09of 12Stuffed Potatoes with Salsa & BeansStuffed Potatoes with Salsa & BeansTaco night meets baked potato night with this simple recipe for loaded baked potatoes with salsa, beans and avocado. This easy, healthy family dinner comes together with just 10 minutes of active time, so you can make it on even the busiest of weeknights. This recipe is just as delicious with sweet potatoes in place of russets.
09of 12
Stuffed Potatoes with Salsa & Beans
Taco night meets baked potato night with this simple recipe for loaded baked potatoes with salsa, beans and avocado. This easy, healthy family dinner comes together with just 10 minutes of active time, so you can make it on even the busiest of weeknights. This recipe is just as delicious with sweet potatoes in place of russets.
10of 12Chicken & White Bean SoupChicken & White Bean SoupOnce again, rotisserie chickens can really relieve the dinner-rush pressure—especially in this Italian-inspired soup that cries out for a piece of crusty bread and a glass of red wine.
10of 12
Chicken & White Bean Soup
Once again, rotisserie chickens can really relieve the dinner-rush pressure—especially in this Italian-inspired soup that cries out for a piece of crusty bread and a glass of red wine.
11of 12
One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Spinach
12of 12Chipotle-Orange Broccoli & TofuChipotle-Orange Broccoli & TofuChipotle peppers add kick to this tofu and broccoli stir-fry recipe. If you’re shy about spice, cut back on the amount or leave them out completely. Serve over brown basmati rice.
12of 12
Chipotle-Orange Broccoli & Tofu
Chipotle peppers add kick to this tofu and broccoli stir-fry recipe. If you’re shy about spice, cut back on the amount or leave them out completely. Serve over brown basmati rice.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
