When life gets busy, meal planning can feel like just another overwhelming task on the to-do list. But what if it didn’t have to be? These five easy and healthy meals are here to save the day—and your sanity. They are delicious, approachable, and perfect for anyone trying to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.
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I shared with you all in my 2024 recap that I was ready to bring back all things food to this blog, and this is my first go! It feels like a true full circle moment, as I started my first blog and business a few years ago that was dedicated to all things food. Now, I feel a little rusty, so I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments! If you like these posts, or are looking for different food content, please let me know! Okay, enough chatting, let’s dive into a few easy healthy meals for this week!
La Scala Chopped Salad
This salad has a cult following, and for good reason. It’s a crunchy, tangy masterpiece that feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner or lunch. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time and have a restaurant-worthy meal ready to go.
I absolutely love the La Scala chopped salad recipe because it’s like enjoying all the best parts of a classic Italian sub—minus the bread. Don’t get me wrong, we’re big bread lovers in our family (there’s always room for fresh baguettes and crusty loaves), but fancy Italian bread isn’t something I always have on hand. This salad is super simple to make, packed with protein, and loaded with healthy fats (we love that energy boost!).
Quick tip: Double the dressing and store it in a jar for salads all week long. Trust me, it’s life-changing.
Chicken Parmesan Soup with Pappardelle
If I could recommend just one cookbook to everyone, it would hands-down be Shelf Love by Ottolenghi Test Kitchen. Every single recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly simple. In our house, we cook at least one recipe from this book every week, and that’s where this incredible chicken parmesan soup comes from. Creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and pappardelle, this soup feels like a warm hug after a long day. Bonus? It’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze.
Also, please don’t be scared of the whole, boiling a whole chicken thing. It’s super easy and the meat falls right off the bone. I popped this in around 4pm, left my husband in charge of checking it two times, and went on a run. When I came back the chicken was done and we were ready to get started on the soup!
Why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for meal prep (hello, leftovers!). Seriously this made enough for 8-10 servings.
- It’s hearty but still feels light.
- Great way to use up pantry staples.
Quick tip: Save half the chicken for the next recipe!
High-Protein Chicken Salad
This is the ultimate “what’s in my fridge?” kind of meal. Using leftover chicken from the soup above, you can whip up a high-protein, veggie-packed chicken salad in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces shredded chicken breast
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup of chopped celery
- 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup red of chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper, to taste
This is my own recipe, so I hope you’ll like it! I love making this version of chicken salad because it’s loaded with protein thanks to the Greek yogurt, and it’s super versatile: you can eat it in a wrap, on toast, or over greens. Plus it takes less than 10 minutes to make!
Quick tip: Add a handful of fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) if you have it on hand to elevate the flavor and give you a little extra nutritional boost! It’s an easy healthy meals you’ll love.
Tempeh and Cauliflower Tacos
Okay, hear me out: these tacos are a game-changer. Crispy tempeh & roasted cauliflower are a pair you didn’t know you needed—these tacos are so satisfying, you won’t even miss the meat. Plus, they’re a fun way to mix up your weeknight dinners. NOTE: this recipe doesn’t call for tempeh, but don’t worry. All you do is chop it into cubes and roast it alongside your cauliflower! It’s my own edition to this delicious recipe.
If you don’t follow me on social media, which you should! But, if you don’t then you’ve missed out on my Portland, Oregon days convincing everyone to try and love tempeh. Now, it’s been a while since I’ve talked about it, so here we go. Tempeh is my FAVORITE protein. I feel in love with it on my first solo trip to Bali, which let me know if you want to hear about that. But, it’s just the best.
What is Tempeh?
If you aren’t familiar, tempeh is a nutrient-dense plant-based protein made from fermented soybeans. It’s loaded with protein, around 20g per 100 grams serving, and it’s a complete protein. Meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans! It’s also a good source of iron, fiber, and calcium.
Quick tip: Roast the cauliflower ahead of time to save yourself an extra step during busy evenings.
Curry Salmon One Pan
This salmon curry is one of those recipes that feels like a lot of effort—but secretly isn’t. It’s bold, creamy, and full of vibrant flavors. Bonus: it’s made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. NOTE: another edition I made to this recipe was adding 1 can of rinsed chickpeas. It gives it a boost of protein and makes it a little more filling! I also sub the veggies for whatever I have on hand! This time it was zucchini.
Why you’ll love it:
- A perfect balance of healthy and indulgent.
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with omega-3s and nutrients.
Quick tip: Serve it over rice or with some naan bread to soak up all that dreamy coconut curry sauce.
I hope you’ve all enjoyed these easy healthy meals for this week. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. These five meals are proof that you can nourish your body, enjoy what you’re eating, and save time in the kitchen. Whether you’re prepping ahead for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, these recipes are here to simplify your life.
What are your go-to meals for a busy week? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to try them out!
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