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Top No Cook Meal Prep Recipes

Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

No cook meal prep recipes are a must for long term routines. They’re fast, easy to put together, and perfect for a variety of situations that other meals simply don’t work in. Meal prepping for lunches that you know will be in a place without a working microwave, oven, or grill tend to be a boring sandwich and a bag of chips. These no cook meal prep recipes bring the flavor and the nutrition without the need to be reheated. Not to mention the time save on meal prepping during busy schedules. No cook recipes are a well deserved break from the constant cooking, prepping, and cleaning. These recipes are also delicious and nutritious. The fresh ingredients mean maintain more of their varied macro nutrients and removes the cooking oils and butter.

1. Smoked Salmon English Muffin

The smoky, savory salmon complements the creamy richness of the ripe avocado, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The slightly salty salmon with the buttery, nutty tasting avocado creates an all together new experience that dances on the taste buds. This open-faced sandwich not only satisfies the palate but is also stunning visually. It’s a sophisticated yet simple dish that effortlessly elevates breakfast. The avocado provides healthy fats for your diets while the smoked salmon offers low calories for high protein and additional nurtients.

This is a great option for people who don’t have a lot of time to cook breakfast. You can throw this together quickly, run out the door, and eat it on the way to work.

White round plate with open faced english muffin topped with sliced avocado, smoked salmon, and sliced cucumber.

This open-faced Smoked Salmon English Muffin is the perfect healthy meal for busy mornings or an afternoon snack. It combines delicious smoked salmon with sliced avocados and comes together in less than 10 minutes for a great start to the day! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why…

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2. Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

Smoked salmon and fruit are a great combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients. The rich, smoky salmon carries savory and salty flavors that is balanced out by the sweet and tangy fruit. Instead of fighting each other, every bite is balanced. It’s also a lot of fun to mix and match the combinations with the smoked salmon so each bite is unique. This combination not only offers a delightful flavor experience but also provides a textural adventure, as the soft, silky salmon complements the crisp and juicy textures of the fruit. The avocado and vinaigrette dressing round out the meal for a super easy no cook meal prep recipe.

Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

Smoked salmon with fruit salad sounds like an unlikely pairing however if you haven’t tried it you will be amazed. The smoky, salty salmon mixes perfectly with the medley of fruit. The fruit brings out the flavor of the salmon and the salmon highlights the sweetness of the fruits.

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3. Asian Salmon Salad 

A new take on tuna salad that is packed with protein, tastes fresh, and super easy. this no cook meal prep recipe is a favorite for work lunches. It’s robust flavors from the salmon and sesame ginger vinaigrette are a delight on the palette and fills you up fast. This is great for meal prepping as portioning it out and making exactly as much as you want is very easy. The vegetables create a balanced nutritious meal that will have everyone at the office asking for the recipe.

asian salmon salad

Asian salmon salad is a take on tuna salad over a bed of fresh greens topped with corn, edamame, and cherry tomatoes with sesame ginger vinaigrette drizzled over top. This super simple no cook meal prep recipe is a favorite for lunches. The fresh vegetables balance out the salmon, mayonnaise, and red onion which packs…

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4. Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs

It’s a whole new take on the classic deviled eggs recipe. The richness of the tuna pairs seamlessly with the velvety texture of the egg yolk mixture, resulting in a luscious and flavorful filling. Tuna stuffed deviled eggs retain all of the original flavors with the addition of the bold, savory tuna that is not only packed with flavor but with protein as well. This can be a great change up for your meal prep routine or for a party or pot luck. The addition of canned tuna brings a classic to the modern age.

To ensure your Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs stay fresh and flavorful, here are some storage tips: Store the deviled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days.If you plan to eat them later in the week, consider storing the filling and the egg whites separately. Assemble them just before eating to maintain the perfect texture.

round plate with deviled eggs and arugula salad

Greetings, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a fabulous recipe that not only adds a burst of flavor to your meal prep routine but also offers numerous health and cost benefits. Get ready to indulge in the delectable goodness of Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs, a low carb meal that will keep your…

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5. Refreshing Watermelon Prosciutto Sandwich

Watermelon and prosciutto is a fun mix of flavors and textures that balance each other out while retaining their unique flavor profiles. The sweet, crisp watermelon is balanced with the salty, smooth flavors of the prosciutto for a complete meal that is unlike any other sandwich you have ever had. Watermelon, the star of this show, is not only incredibly refreshing but also packed with vitamins A and C, along with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

watermelon with prosciutto and spring mix

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a refreshingly delicious lunch idea that’s perfect for those scorching hot days. Today, we’re diving into the realm of culinary creativity with a delightful watermelon prosciutto sandwich that will make your mouth water. Trust me, folks, this recipe is an absolute game-changer for meal prep! This post…

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More about No Cook Meal Prep:

  • Balanced flavors: The real trick to no cook meal prep recipes is balancing powerful flavors on the plate. When you cook, you can blend flavors but with fresh ingredients you need to know the right combinations to make a harmonious meal.
  • Time-Saving: No-cook meal prepping is a time-efficient approach, streamlining the meal prep process. By eliminating the need for cooking, it minimizes kitchen time and makes it easier to plan and assemble meals quickly.
  • No Cook is Fresh: No-cook meal prepping often involves using fresh, raw ingredients, which helps retain their natural nutrients and flavors.
  • Versatility: No-cook meal prepping caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions, making it accessible to a wide range of lifestyles and nutritional plans.
  • Accessibility: Some people don’t have access to a kitchen all of the time. If you’re on the go, kitchen is out of order, or you simply don’t have an adequate kitchen for you meal prep needs. No cook meal prep recipes are super easy for anyone with basic tools and a little bit of space.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

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Top 10 Seafood Meal Prep Recipes

Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

Seafood meal prep recipes can be some of the most delicious and varied meals in your routine. Seafood is versatile and pairs with a unique set of flavors so different from beef and chicken. Tilapia, Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, and so much more. The seafood aisle at your local grocery store has so many amazing choices and each ingredient can be used in so many ways. Start your seafood meal prep adventure with our top 10 most popular seafood meal prep recipes.

1. Easy Shrimp Ramen

By far our most popular seafood meal prep recipe is our Easy Shrimp Ramen recipe. We can’t recommend it enough!

Ramen is easily one of our favorite dishes at PrepYoSelf, especially heading into fall. As the weather cools there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade ramen noodle soup. Even better, our Easy Shrimp Ramen is loaded with healthy ingredients with powerful benefits like the antioxidants in mushrooms and vitamins in bok choy. Antioxidants…

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2. Baked Salmon with Butternut Squash

Fresh baked salmon is one the best seafood meal prep recipes. The nutrition and flavor is unbeatable. Paired with butternut squash noodles makes for a light meal that satiates the appetite. Salmon is always a great choice of fish for meal prep.

This meal prep Baked Salmon with Parmesan Butternut Squash Noodles is easy and simply perfect for a light and refreshing weekday lunch. It’s a great low carb meal with minimal ingredients that you can make in less than 20 minutes. Easy of Making: Easy When it comes to eating healthy, it’s all about including a…

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3. Tilapia with Zucchini and Bell Peppers 

One pan meals are great for cooking food simply. Simpler can be better for seafood as well. It’s easier to get the cook on the fish right when there is less to pay attention to. The zucchini and bell peppers provide a great contrast and healthy side to the Tilapia.

pan-seared-tilapia-with-zucchini-and-bell-peppers

Sheet pan meals are great for meal prepping. Our Tilapia with Zucchini and Bell Peppers meal prep recipe is quick and delicious. The perfect seafood recipe for dinner on a busy week.

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4. Air Fryer Shrimp and Pineapple Kebabs

Shrimp kebabs are a favorite. The vegetables and pineapples work perfectly with the shrimp and it’s a beautiful dish. This is seafood meal prep recipe is great for impressing on week nights. Looks like a lot of work but it’s really actually simple.

shrimp kebab

Quick and easy Air Fryer Shrimp and Pineapple kebabs filled with tropical flavors that you’re going to love for your weekly meal prep. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why We Enjoy These Air Fryer Shrimp Kebabs Food on skewers always just makes it more fun to eat!…

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5. Grilled Balsamic Salmon with Watermelon Salad

This unlikely trio of flavors is an amazing contrast of flavors and colors. The balsamic drizzle blends the savory flavors of the salmon with the sweet watermelon. The juicy fruit and light, flaky fish is delicious and light. This recipe is a great way to mix up the routine as it’s very different and the experience is unique.

salmon and watermelon salad

If you’re looking for a way to figure out what to do with so much watermelon, try this refreshing watermelon and mozzarella salad served with grilled salmon. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Watermelon is such a refreshing fruit that provides so many nutrients. We replaced tomatoes with…

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6. Baked Pine Nut Crusted Tilapia with Spinach

Pine nut crusted tilapia is a wonderful preparation and this super healthy meal is very light and quick to make. This is a great seafood meal prep recipe as it’s easy to reheat and keeps well.

pine nut fish and spinach

If you’re looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal, then you’ll enjoy this healthy baked white fish with a pinenut crust served with sauteed spinach. This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy. Meal prepping can help you learn more about nutrition and how to treat food as fuel. Here’s a simple meal prep…

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7. Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

This interesting take on salads will definitely be a mix up in your routine. The unique pairing of smoked salmon and fruits and veggies.

Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

Smoked salmon with fruit salad sounds like an unlikely pairing however if you haven’t tried it you will be amazed. The smoky, salty salmon mixes perfectly with the medley of fruit. The fruit brings out the flavor of the salmon and the salmon highlights the sweetness of the fruits.

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8. Healthy Shrimp And Bacon-Wrapped Broccolini

What’s better than shrimp? It’s bacon. Bacon wrapped Broccolini. This is a great side for a meal or a full meal prep. Tasty and easy to eat with your hands.

shrimp and asparagus

Perfect for a party appetizer, side dish, or as a pre-meal snack to impress, our shrimp with turkey bacon wrapped broccolini is a crowd pleaser no matter the crowd you’re trying to please. Who doesn’t love bacon? Psychopaths that’s who. (Sorry vegans, we will let you slide.) Ease of Making: Easy In this recipe, we…

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9. Smoked Salmon English Muffin

The classic breakfast of smoked salmon and an English muffin. The avocado and cucumber help round out the flavor and creates a buttery texture on the muffin. The fatty avocado and salmon is a delicious blend of flavors that features a very satisfying eating experience.

White round plate with open faced english muffin topped with sliced avocado, smoked salmon, and sliced cucumber.

This open-faced Smoked Salmon English Muffin is the perfect healthy meal for busy mornings or an afternoon snack. It combines delicious smoked salmon with sliced avocados and comes together in less than 10 minutes for a great start to the day! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why…

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10. How To Make Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad

Shrimp and noodle salad is a different take on the usual salad recipe. This seafood meal prep is easy, visually stunning, and delicious. It’s a great choice for an office meal or a meal on the go. It’s also a versatile recipe as the vegetables can all be substituted out easily to fit your taste preference.

shrimp soba noodles

Shrimp soba noodle salad is one of our favorite Japanese recipes and is incredibly easy-to-make, so it’s perfect for beginners. The soba noodle is in an underrated noodle that falls second to ramen in popularity and use. However, this buckwheat based noodle is as versatile as it is healthy, move over ramen there’s a new…

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More about Seafood Meal Prep:

  • Choose the right seafood: Fresh seafood is preferred and picking the right seafood takes practice. The cost can fluctuate significantly as well as quality. Experiment with different types of seafood and different stores.
  • Safe storage: Seafood is highly perishable storage is crucial. Try to use any thawed seafood within a couple of days of purchase. You’ll find the smell of the seafood very telling about the freshness. It’s better to be safe and buy what you’ll use soon or freeze it.
  • Cook lightly: Seafood typically cooks quickly and has a tight window for the optimal internal cooking temperature. This takes practice and learning the cooking tools that you’re using. How your stove heats up, how your pan reacts, it all makes a difference.
  • Seafood safety: Seafood has a different set of rules from steak and chicken. In some ways it can be easier but in others it can be strict. If you’re not comfortable cooking seafood, do your research and test as you go.
  • A whole new world of flavors: Seafood meal prep is amazing. It opens up a whole new set of flavors and combinations that you can work into your routine. We highly suggest mixing up your choice of protein to keep your meal routine fresh.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

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Top 10 Breakfast Recipes

round plate with glass meal prep container with breakfast pizza with egg, naan bread, and vegetables

Breakfast can be one of the easiest meal prep meals to make however variety is important to keep you smiling every time you open the fridge. Our top 10 breakfast recipes will do just that. There is a ton of variety, perfect for every diet type. They’re also delicious and nutritious!

For many people, breakfast is the meal you grab on the way out of the house. It’s a quick meal that’s just there to hold you over until lunch. These recipes will have you looking forward to breakfast.

1. Oven Baked Oats with Apricots & Berries

Whether it’s cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven, baked oatmeal is a healthy meal prep breakfast that you can combine with creative toppings for a healthy breakfast or delicious snack.

It is an excellent source of soluble fiber that promotes improving LDL and cholesterol levels. Oats contain antioxidants that can help reduce blood pressure. Oatmeal helps you keep full by slowing down the emptying of the stomach which can help with weight loss and decrease the risk of obesity. It is also a great vehicle for nutritious fruit toppings such as bananas, apples, pears, and strawberries

Get the recipe:
Oven Baked Oats with Apricots & Berries Recipe

2. Smoked Salmon English Muffin

This open-faced Smoked Salmon English Muffin is the perfect healthy meal for busy mornings or an afternoon snack. It combines delicious smoked salmon with sliced avocados and comes together in less than 10 minutes for a great start to the day!

There is no cooking involved! All you need to do is slice up some ingredients and assemble it all together. Definitely a major timesaver!

White round plate with open faced english muffin topped with sliced avocado, smoked salmon, and sliced cucumber.

Get the recipe:
Smoked Salmon English Muffin

3. Cinnamon Toast Quinoa Crunch with Strawberries 

If you enjoy oatmeal for breakfast, try this healthy breakfast alternative. It is a sweet and nutty cinnamon-toasted quinoa recipe. Feel good and start the day off with this super healthy bowl of nutrients!

While we often enjoy quinoa as a stand-in for rice at dinner time, we’re sharing the love for this superfood and giving it a deserved spot at our table as a healthy breakfast option

  • It is super nutritious just like oatmeal. It’s high in protein and contains high fiber, it is gluten-free, and easy to digest.
  • This breakfast quinoa is a great vegetarian, gluten-free option for breakfast.
  • It’s super fluffy and you can dress it up with whatever toppings and other nutritious fruits you enjoy.

Get the Recipe:
Cinnamon Toast Quinoa Crunch with Strawberries

4. Open Faced Omelette

Omelettes are a staple of any home kitchen for busy people and cost focused grocery shoppers. This versatile dish can be made with any toppings it’ll probably be good. Our version uses a mix of healthy and delicious additions which also bring a bit of color to the plate. The savory style omelette is high in protein and easy on the calories. It’s also incredibly quick to whip up and cook. Our top 10 breakfast recipes list wouldn’t be complete without it.

Get the Recipe:
Open Faced Omelette

5. Cranberry Oatmeal Muffin Bars

These fruity cranberry oatmeal muffin bars are a treat that you can enjoy for breakfast, snacks, and even dessert!

We enjoy prepping make ahead breakfasts for the week so that we always have something on hand to start off the day with fuel and energy. And actually, the cranberries, oats, and a pinch of cinnamon make this recipe enjoyable to eat any time of they day.

Get the recipe:
Cranberry Oatmeal Muffin Bars

6. Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Kale

Everyone has had some variation of this dish. It’s a classic eggs, meat and veggie breakfast. There are many ways to make it but our version maximizes the flavors from each component while staying healthy. The eggs and sausage are a great source of protein while the kale and tomatoes provide Vitamin C and other nutrients. This recipe is sure to fill you up without making you feel sluggish and sleepy. We had to include a classic dish in our top 10 breakfast recipes list.

Get the recipe:
Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Kale

7. Baked Breakfast Egg Stuffed Peppers

Baked breakfast stuffed peppers are perfect for a low-carb breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack.

We love the natural sweetness of bell peppers, and using them as a vessel to bake eggs in them is an added bonus! And to level it up, we are topping it off with bold flavors such as harissa and pistachio pesto.

Savory breakfast is definitely something we look forward to in the mornings. And it’s even better when it’s nutritious and flavorful in one bite. Here are the ingredients we used for our egg-stuffed peppers:

Get the recipe:
Baked Breakfast Egg Stuffed Peppers

8. Breakfast Potatoes with Taco Meat


Imagine combining the crispy goodness of pan-fried potatoes with the savory deliciousness of taco meat. Trust me, it’s a match made in culinary heaven! Not only will this dish tantalize your taste buds, but it will also help you make the most of your leftovers. Get ready to transform that extra taco meat into a breakfast delight that will make your mornings brighter. Let’s dive in!

Variety and Convenience: One of the reasons I adore making pan-fried potatoes with taco meat for meal prep is the amazing variety it adds to your weekly menu.

Versatility: The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Not only can you savor taco meat as a main course, but you can also repurpose the leftovers into a delightful breakfast.

Time and Money-Saving: Let’s talk about the practical benefits, shall we? Making pan-fried breakfast potatoes with taco meat is a fantastic way to save time and money. By incorporating leftovers into your meal prep routine, you’ll reduce food waste and stretch your budget further.

Get the recipe:
Breakfast Potatoes with Taco Meat

9. Healthy Breakfast Pizza

This breakfast pizza is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day. You’ll feel energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. And let’s face it, breakfast pizza is just plain fun to eat and it’s a healthy pizza!

  • Breakfast pizza can be a healthy pizza, if you choose nutritious ingredients. Start with a whole grain crust and lots of vegetables to boost the nutrients in your pizza.
  • Prepping it in advance makes it convenient for you to have a healthy option readily available for the mornings. You can store it in the refrigerator or freezer and just heat it up quickly for busy mornings when you don’t have time to prepare breakfast in the mornings.
  • You also have the flexibility to add a variety of toppings such as eggs, sausage, cheese, vegetables, and herbs you have on hand.

Get the recipe:
Healthy Breakfast Pizza

10. Baked Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata

Hello, my breakfast-loving friends! Let’s talk about the sheer ease of making this delightful Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a delicious and satisfying meal. Get ready to savor every bite and start your day on a scrumptious note! Happy Prepping!

This recipe also caters to those with diabetes or anyone looking to maintain a balanced blood sugar level. With its low-carb profile and nutrient-packed ingredients, the Baked Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata won’t send your glucose levels on a rollercoaster ride. Asparagus is a superstar vegetable with a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause drastic spikes in blood sugar. Combined with juicy tomatoes and protein-rich eggs, this frittata strikes the perfect balance to keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout the day. A perfect recipe to round out our top 10 breakfast recipes that’ll have you looking forward to waking up every morning.

Get the recipe:
Baked Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata

More about Breakfast Meals:

  • Breakfast sets the tone for your day and provides the essential nutrients and energy to kick-start your metabolism. When you meal prep breakfast, you can ensure that your meals are balanced and nutritious, incorporating a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
  • Meal prepping breakfast can also be cost-effective. Buying ingredients in bulk and preparing them yourself can save money compared to purchasing pre-made breakfast options or eating out regularly.
  • A nutritious breakfast can enhance mental clarity, focus, and productivity, which are essential for a productive day ahead.
  • Plan your recipes, make a grocery list, prep all of your ingredients and cooks as much in advance as you know you’ll use.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

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Most Popular Meatless Recipes

plate of vegetables and fruits - popular meatless meals

Our most popular meatless recipes are great for everyone. Even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, you’ll be amazed by the flavors of the vegetables, fruits and spices that you usually miss out on. Making these ingredients the stars of the show provides a unique mix of flavors to balance out a meal and spruce up the vibrancy of your plate. The colors are stunning from the rich greens to the deep reds, the sight alone will have your mouth watering.

These meals often provide a more light and fresh taste that fills you up without making you sluggish. Of course they’re great options for anyone looking for a healthier diet but they also offer a lot in terms of variety and taste profile.

1. Oven Baked Oats with Apricots & Berries

Whether it’s cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven, baked oatmeal is a healthy meal prep breakfast that you can combine with creative toppings for a healthy breakfast or delicious snack.

It is an excellent source of soluble fiber that promotes improving LDL and cholesterol levels. Oats contain antioxidants that can help reduce blood pressure. Oatmeal helps you keep full by slowing down the emptying of the stomach which can help with weight loss and decrease the risk of obesity. It is also a great vehicle for nutritious fruit toppings such as bananas, apples, pears, and strawberries

Get the recipe:
Oven Baked Oats with Apricots & Berries Recipe

2. Roasted Broccolini with Dried Cranberries

This is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that dance on your taste buds while providing a filling meal, packed with nutrients. The vibrant colors of the broccolini and cranberries are appetizing at first glance to the last bite. The bitterness is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cranberries and onions. The garlic and balsamic vinegar round out and develop the overall flavor to create a beautiful meal.

The wonderfully balanced flavors deliver a hearty meal. This popular meatless recipe can be a side or a main dish.

broccolini - meatless recipes

Get the recipe:
Roasted Broccolini with Dried Cranberries Recipe

3. Roasted Rainbow Carrots and Green Beans 

This beautiful mix of colors and flavors is a great addition to any meal. As one of our most popular meatless recipes, the taste of the carrots, mixed green beans and drizzled balsamic dressing is a gorgeous medley. The crisp bite on the vegetables provide texture and the light salting enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies. The overall taste is fresh, hearty and well balanced. Meatless recipes are exciting, delicious and nutritious.

Get the Recipe:
Roasted Rainbow Carrots and Green Beans Recipe

4. Cranberry Oatmeal Muffin Bars

We enjoy prepping make ahead breakfasts for the week so that we always have something on hand to start off the day with fuel and energy. And actually, the cranberries, oats, and a pinch of cinnamon make this recipe enjoyable to eat any time of they day.

Rolled oats are a type of whole grain that provides a good source of fiber and nutrients. Cranberries are a rich source of vitamin C which is good for your skin, muscles, and bones. These are two healthy ingredients that you should stock up on as a solo cook

Get the Recipe:
Cranberry Oatmeal Muffin Bars Recipes

5. Cinnamon Toast Quinoa Crunch with Strawberries

If you enjoy oatmeal for breakfast, try this healthy breakfast alternative. It is a sweet and nutty cinnamon-toasted quinoa recipe. Feel good and start the day off with this super healthy bowl of nutrients!

While we often enjoy quinoa as a stand-in for rice at dinner time, we’re sharing the love for this superfood and giving it a deserved spot at our table as a healthy breakfast option

  • It is super nutritious just like oatmeal. It’s high in protein and contains high fiber, it is gluten-free, and easy to digest.
  • This breakfast quinoa is a great vegetarian, gluten-free option for breakfast.
  • It’s super fluffy and you can dress it up with whatever toppings and other nutritious fruits you enjoy.

Get the recipe:
Cinnamon Toast Quinoa Crunch with Strawberries Recipe

6. Zucchini Spirals with Corn Medley

This delectable medley of vegetables is a stand out of our most popular meatless recipes. From first glance to the last bite, the flavors are fresh, light, and wholesome. Many of these meatless meals offer vibrant colors and this dish is always a stunner. It’s a great choice for dinner parties as well!

It’s a different take on a normal salad although the idea is the same, this medley fills you up fast without making you feel heavy. It’s a great option for any meal of the day but especially lunch. It keeps your energy up, is easily prepped in advance, and is a welcome meal. The Italian dressing helps tie the overall dish together and blends some of the unique flavors just a bit but other dressings would work as well.

Get the recipe:
Zucchini Spirals with Corn Medley Recipe

7. Mashed Creamy Cauliflower with Roasted Pistachios

This cauliflower mashed “potatoes” is so much creamier than you can ever imagine. It is filled with such great flavor and serves as a great low-carb alternative to your classic mashed potatoes. This would make a perfect side dish for any cold winter feast and will be a great addition to Thanksgiving entrees. If you’re looking for an easy side dish to prep for the holidays, try this dish. No need for peeling and cooks in less time than your classic mashed potatoes.

While the texture may be close, they will not exactly taste the same. Cauliflower will naturally be blander because of the water content. Try roasting the cauliflower instead of steaming for a firmer mash. Roasting it will also give it a sweeter and nuttier flavor. We also added the same herbs that we normally would add to mashed potatoes such as chives.

Get the recipe:
Creamy Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes” with Roasted Pistachios Recipe

8. Cauliflower Fried Rice


This healthier, delicious twist of a traditional fired rice can keep you on your diet without feeling like you’re giving up your favorite foods. Cauliflower Fried Rice is one of our most popular meatless recipes for good reason. The flavorful and satisfying crunch of the cauliflower and carrots provide the texture while the peas and cabbage bring vibrancy and unique flavors to the dish. It’s a well balanced meal that fills you up while staying light. We use sesame oil in the recipe which adds a rich, nutty aroma.

This is a great side dish or main course and is a great option for gluten free eaters. Enjoy a savory vegetable dish like you haven’t had before.

Get the recipe:
Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

More about Meatless Meals:

  • Meatless meals make great side dishes and main courses and provide nutrients that most people are normally missing out on with heavier meat diets. The ratio of calories to nutrients is significantly better so you can fuel your body without feeling bloated or heavy.
  • If you shop right, meatless meals can be more affordable as meat prices tend to be the bulk of the cost per meal.
  • Vegetable and fruit focused meals introduce new and unique flavors that are typically covered up by the protein. This is a great way to expand your meals and the flavors in your life without having to learn whole new recipes. The variations on popular dishes can also keep the food you love in your rotation without it getting old.
  • Look for balanced recipes or flavors that you’re familiar with, especially if you’re newer to meatless meal prep.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

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Most Popular Instant Pot Recipes

most popular instant pot recipes

Instant Pots are a great way to cook delicious meals, so we pulled together our most popular instant pot recipes. It’s easy to cook and clean, fast and the flavors slow cooking releases are amazing. This is a fantastic addition to any kitchen as it really opens up the types of recipes that you can cook.

We love and use our instant pot regularly for pressure-cooking our proteins and soups. Pressure cooking lets you cook tough cuts of protein faster without worrying about burning the meat. Soups are so easy as well. You can add your ingredients and walk away for the entire time it’s cooking. It makes life so much easier. Please enjoy our curated list and check back for new instant pot recipes.

1. Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef

Barbacoa beef is delicious, tender, and incredibly versatile. Barbacoa is typically made with beef, goat, or lamb and traditionally seasoned with chilies and spices for an authentically Mexican flavor. You can add this instant pot barbacoa beef to any kind of meal, next to rice, tacos, or on top of salads.

The instant pot is a great way to prepare this beef recipe as the pressure cooker function lets you cook it thoroughly and quickly. This method also makes the beef tender and seasoned perfectly.

Get the recipe:
Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe

2. Homemade Lemongrass Beef Stew

A take on a Vietnamese classic, Bo Kho (Vietnamese beef stew), this instant pot stew may just become an instant pot classic in your kitchen. It’s one of our most popular instant pot recipes. Beef stews are known for their deeply braised beef and aromatic flavors. Traditionally they would be prepared in a clay pot that helps enrich the soup with savory and sweet flavors. However, we will use an instant pot in this recipe. Instant pots cut the cooking time for beef from hours to under an hour.

Get the recipe:
Homemade Lemongrass Beef Stew Recipe

3. Short Rib Noodle Soup

Pho, pronounced ‘fuh’,  is a hearty and comforting soup full of goodness and also has an array of health benefits. It originated in the early 20th century in Vietnam and has become a popular meal in America. The two most commonly known types are beef and chicken and served with hot broth and noodles.

Traditionally, pho is cooked with lots of beef bones, and extra veggies,  and cooks for a long period of time in order to create the rich broth and cozy blend of flavors that we all love. The great thing about making pho at home is that you can really make it your own with your choice of noodles, choice of proteins, and pile it on with lots of fresh garnishes such as basil, green onions, freshly sliced white onions, bean sprouts, and lime. 

Get the Recipe:
Homemade Short Rib Noodle Soup Recipe

4. Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Tostadas

Carnitas is a Mexican pork dish that usually uses inexpensive cuts of pork, making it an ideal ingredient for weekly meal prep. The pork is then braised or simmered for hours with seasonings until it is so tender that you can shred it with a fork. Since we want to keep meal prep quick and easy, we are going to skip the long hours of cooking the pork and take advantage of our Instant Pot and pressure cook it so that it can be ready in just a little over an hour. This is why it’s one of our most popular instant pot recipes.

Get the Recipe:
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Tostadas

5. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

By making your own shredded BBQ chicken in the Instant Pot, you can control your portion size and the ingredients to ensure that they are healthy. Using the Instant Pot to cook your BBQ chicken also saves a lot of time because the pressure cooking feature allows it to cook quickly and thoroughly. You can also make a large batch and freeze them in portioned containers for later use which makes it a convenient option for busy nights when you don’t have time to cook from scratch. The shredded BBQ chicken can be served in a variety of meals. We enjoy eating it with roasted vegetables, in sandwiches or wraps, or even on top of salads. You can use this protein dish in multiple meals throughout the week without getting tired of it.

Get the recipe:
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Recipe

More about Instant Pot Meals:

  • The Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can perform multiple cooking functions. It can function as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and even a warmer. This versatility allows you to consolidate your kitchen appliances and save space.
  • The sealed cooking environment of the Instant Pot helps retain more nutrients in the food compared to other cooking methods that involve higher heat or longer cooking times. This can be particularly beneficial for preserving the nutritional value of vegetables and delicate ingredients.
  • The Instant Pot offers consistent results in cooking, as the temperature and pressure are precisely controlled. This ensures that your meals turn out consistently delicious every time. Additionally, its programmable features allow you to set the cooking time and forget about it until it’s done, providing convenience and freeing up your time for other tasks.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

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Homemade Short Rib Noodle Soup Recipe

Pho, pronounced ‘fuh’,  is a hearty and comforting soup full of goodness and also has an array of health benefits. It originated in the early 20th century in Vietnam and has become a popular meal in America. The two most commonly known types are beef and chicken and served with hot broth and noodles.

Ease of Making: Easy

Traditionally, pho is cooked with lots of beef bones, extra veggies,  and cooks for a long period of time in order to create the rich broth and cozy blend of flavors that we all love.

For most of us cooking at home, we may not always have the time to make it all from scratch. So here is a version using the Instant Pot as a shortcut for your short rib noodle soup. 

The great thing about making pho at home is that you can really make it your own with your choice of noodles, choice of proteins, and pile it on with lots of fresh garnishes such as basil, green onions, freshly sliced white onions, bean sprouts, and lime. 

Meal Prep Tips for Instant Pot Short Rib Noodle Soup

Traditionally, pho is served with super-thinly sliced meat that is placed in the boiling hot broth right before you eat the meal. If you decide to go with this route, it will be easier to thinly slice the protein if you freeze the protein for about 45 minutes in the freezer and then slice it. However, for this recipe, we will be cooking the meat and bones in the Instant Pot with the broth. The bones and flavors from the meat will add to that rich flavor broth that we enjoy from traditional pho.

Pho is traditionally made with thin rice noodles, but if you’re looking for a pantry friendly ingredient, then you can use spaghetti just like in this recipe.

Now the important part of getting the “pho” broth flavor is making sure you use the spices normally used in pho. Star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and coriander seeds. Now if you don’t normally use all these ingredients in all your daily cooking and don’t want to waste money on ingredients for a one time use, then be sure to at least have cloves and cardamom in the recipe. 

Lastly, the garnish toppings are what make the soup and make it feel and taste fresh against all the richness from the broth, meat, and noodles. 

Instant Pot Short Rib Noodle Soup

No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • mallett
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 pieces short ribs
  • 1/4 cup green onions (diced)
  • 1/2 each white onions (sliced)
  • 3 each whole garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 1 each lemongrass stick
  • 4 oz shiitake mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 cups bok choy (cut into chunks)
  • 2 each whole fresh basil leaves
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 each whole clove
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 oz dry spaghetti pasta

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients in the instant pot (but not the pasta). (Note: Crush the lemongrass with a mallett prior to placing in the pot. )
  • Close the lid and place the valve in the sealing position. Cook on high pressure setting for 35 minutes
  • Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside
  • When th beef has finished cooking, let it do a natural release for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to a quick release. Carefully remove the lid.
  • Serve the soup on top of the noodles. Garnish with more fresh basil and other fresh veggies such as bell peppers.

If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:

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Homemade Lemongrass Beef Stew Recipe

beef stew

Instant Pot’s can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time but want to pack big flavors into a meal. It does just that with this Vietnamese inspired lemongrass beef stew. This quick to prepare and painless to cook meal is vibrating with the flavors of lemongrass (obviously), garlic, anise, clove and bay leaves and other spices. Arguably, the instant pot is the best way to make beef stew from scratch, but if you have more time, you can make this in a clay pot or a dutch oven and let it slow cook as well. 

Ease of Making: Easy

How to Make Lemongrass Beef Stew

A take on a Vietnamese classic, Bo Kho (Vietnamese beef stew), this instant pot stew may just become an instant pot classic in your kitchen. Beef stews are known for their deeply braised beef and aromatic flavors. Traditionally they would be prepared in a clay pot that helps enrich the soup with the savory and sweet flavors. However, we will use an instant pot in this recipe. Instant pots cut the cooking time for beef from hours to under an hour. 

How to Cook Lemongrass Beef Stew

There’s not a whole lot you have to do to cook this lemongrass stew with the exception of layering in the beef, seasonings, and water. Close the lid and turn your sealing knob to the locked position. Let the soup cook for 35 minutes before turning off the heat and giving your instant pot time to release, about 10 more minutes. Add in your bok choy and other veggies or toppings you might like and serve or portion in containers to use throughout the week, 

How can I make my stew more flavorful?

Bland stew got you down? We use the Instant Pot to enrich deep flavor into our soup. Using a pressure cooker helps speed up the process of building depth. 

Meal Prep Tips for Lemongrass Beef Stew Recipe

  • Serve over noodles or rice for added heartiness or carbs needed to reach your goals. 
  • Use the beef to make a sort of beef banh mi sandwich with some pickled veggies like cucumber and carrots. 
  • Serve over a salad for a lighter variation of the meal. 
beef stew

Instant Pot Lemongrass Beef Stew

No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • mallet
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chuck roast chunks
  • 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
  • 1 bunch bok choy (rinsed, cut into chunks)
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 3 each garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 1-2 sticks lemongrass (4 inch length)
  • 1 each onion (sliced)
  • 1 each clove
  • 1 each star anise
  • 2 each bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp salt or fish sauce

Instructions
 

  • Place the beef at the bottom of the pan. Use a mallet to crush the lemon grass stick and place it in the pan
  • Next, add the bay leaves, seasonings, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and fresh basil leaves.
  • Then, pour over the water.
  • Close the lid, turning the venting knob to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
  • After it has cooked, allow 10 minutes for natural release before doing a quick release. Carefully remove the lid.
  • Then, add the bok choy into the stew. Stir until it has wilted. Top it off with any other fresh veggies and sauces such as sriracha or hoisin sauce. Eat and enjoy!

If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:

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Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef

beef barbacoa
beef barbacoa

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef

No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Latin
Servings 4

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chuck roast
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 can (3.5 oz) chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 1 small red onion (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 each bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Add chipotle peppers, diced green chiles, onions, garlic, lime juice, vinegar, and water in a blender. Blend until smooth
  • Place chuck roast at the bottom of the Instant Pot
  • Pour in the blended sauce
  • Add seasonings and cilantro. Mix well
  • Securely close the lid and set vent to "sealing". Press "Manual", then press "pressure" until it says "high pressure". Then adjust the timer to 50 minutes. Let it cook, and then follow the manual instructions to turn the vent to "venting" and wait until all the steam has released and the valve drops.
  • Remove the lid. Shred the beef using two forks. Serve with a bowl of rice, on top of nachos, or with salad.