Keeping your pantry stocked can save you a lot a stress, especially on those busy weeknights when you’re trying to determine what to cook for dinner. No need to fret because we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 pantry staples to keep on hand for making easy 3-ingredient dinners—not including basics like oil, vinegar, salt and pepper—on a whim.
3-Ingredient Pantry Dinners for When You Can’t Get to the Grocery Store
Canned Tuna
A pantry isn’t complete without severalcans of tunaon the shelves. It is packed with protein, it’s inexpensive and it’s extremely shelf stable.Canned tunais a good source of essential nutrients, such asomega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, selenium and Vitamin D.
3-Ingredient Dinner Ideas to Try:
Must-Have Kitchen Staples for Fast & Easy 5-Ingredient Dinners
Beans
Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Beans are a great addition to any meal. They are fiber- and protein-rich and very affordable. Depending on the amount of time you have to spend in the kitchen, you can choose to purchase canned beans, dried beans or both. There are a variety of beans to choose from and don’t forget all the healthy convenience products that contain beans, like soups.
Salad dressing
It’s no secret that salad dressing pairs well with raw veggies, but did you know that it also makes a great marinade? Flavors such as,Balsamic Vinaigrette, Italian andCaesar, are great for adding flavor to any pasta dish or grilled meat. Salad dressing has a long shelf-life so you feel free to stock up on your favorite flavors.
Quinoa
Quinoa continues to grow in popularity due to itsawesome health benefits. This ancient grain is one of the best sources of plant-based protein because it’s classified as a complete protein; meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa can be used as a side or an entrée and depending on your palette, you can choose from red quinoa, black quinoa, white quinoa or tri-color quinoa.
See More:Healthy Quinoa Recipes
Pasta
One of the most useful foods that you can keep on hand is pasta. It’s extremely versatile—you can add it to your favorite soup, salad or combine it with your favorite protein and turn it into a delicious entrée. There’s also gluten-free, whole wheat or vegetable pasta options available. It’s a great way to feed your entire family at an affordable price.
See More:3-Ingredient Pasta Dinners for When You Need a Meal in a Pinch
Soup
Pictured Recipe:Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Spinach & Chickpeas
Canned soup is a staple item for any home. It can serve as a quick and easy meal option, or it can be paired with a sandwich or salad. There are numerous different flavor combinations out there and come with low-sodium and vegan options. Stock up on a few cartons or cans of soup the next time you’re at the store and try jazzing them up with the different combinations below.
3-Ingredient Mediterranean Dinners That Start with Pantry Staples
Tomato sauce
Whether you’re mixing it with pasta, topping pizza dough orsimmering eggs in it to create a shortcut shakshuka, jarred tomato sauce comes in handy in a million different ways. Having a few jars on hand means you’re only two more ingredients away from an easy meal.
3-Ingredient Recipes to Try:
2-Ingredient Pizza Dough
Pesto
Carolyn Hodges, M.S., RD
With a jar of pesto in the pantry, you have the beginnings of a flavorful dinner at your fingertips. You can mix pesto with just about anything and it’ll be delicious! Of course pasta is an obvious choice but there’s more to it that just that. Try one of the tasty 3-ingredient dinners below that utilize a jar of tasty pesto.
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