Written by Mark BaileyAfter a late game, the last thing you want to do is slave away in the kitchen while your baseball star is famished and ready to crash. Here’s a lineup of 11 quick and healthy dinner ideas that will get you out of the kitchen fast and still feed the family something nutritious. Read on and thank me later!
1. Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
Whip up a stir-fry with pre-cooked chicken strips and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Add a splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and serve over instant brown rice. Dinner’s ready in 15 minutes!
2. Turkey and Avocado Wraps
Grab some whole wheat tortillas, spread a bit of hummus, and load them up with deli turkey, avocado slices, and some mixed greens. Roll ’em up and pair with baby carrots or a side salad.
3. Egg Muffin Cups
Prep these in advance and you’ll thank yourself. Mix eggs with chopped veggies, pour into muffin tins, and bake. Keep them in the fridge and pop them in the microwave when you need a protein-packed meal in seconds.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait
Perfect for those nights when dinner seems like too much but you still need something substantial. Layer Greek yogurt with granola, honey, and fresh berries. It’s light, refreshing, and ready in a flash.
5. Veggie Quesadillas
Use whole wheat tortillas, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add whatever veggies you have on hand. Cook in a skillet until golden brown, slice into wedges, and serve with salsa and Greek yogurt.
6. Chicken Caesar Salad
Combine a bag of pre-washed romaine lettuce with pre-cooked chicken, Caesar dressing, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Toss it all together and dinner is served.
7. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
Cook quinoa according to package instructions (or use pre-cooked). Mix with canned black beans (rinsed), corn, diced tomatoes, and a bit of lime juice. Top with avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
8. Spaghetti Squash and Marinara
Microwave a spaghetti squash, shred it into spaghetti-like strands, and top with warmed marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s like spaghetti, but without the carb coma.
9. Frozen Veggie Burgers
Keep a stash of frozen veggie burgers in your freezer. Cook according to package instructions, and serve on whole wheat buns with your favorite toppings. Add a side salad or some baked sweet potato fries.
10. Shrimp Tacos
Sauté shrimp with a bit of olive oil and taco seasoning. Serve in corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and some salsa. It’s like Taco Tuesday on game night.
11. Instant Pot Chicken Soup
Throw pre-cooked chicken, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, and some broth into your Instant Pot. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme. Set it for 5 minutes, and you’ve got a comforting bowl of soup without the wait.
These meals are quick, healthy, and perfect for refueling after a night at the ballpark. So next time you’re scrambling after a late game, remember these ideas and keep your sanity intact. Batter up, dinner’s ready!