TODAY’s nutritionist Joy Bauer shares her tips on how to be the boss of your pantry – from the best organization tips to the healthiest things to stock up for quick, easy, and healthy meals.
With limited trips to the grocery store due to the pandemic, this year I had to be really creative with canned beans, canned fish, oatmeal, and nut butters. Here are some of my favorite recipes that will go from the pantry to the table in no time!
oats
1. Chocolate Banana Oats overnight
No time for breakfast? You can prepare this healthy and tasty breakfast the night before.
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2. Jumbo oatmeal pancakes
Pancakes are a real crowd-puller and can be conjured up quickly. This version contains ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, requires just a simple toss and mix of, and tastes amazingly delicious.
3. Banana-strawberry-oats overnight
You will be looking for those sweet and satisfying oats overnight. Just prepare them the night before and you will wake up in the morning to a delicious breakfast.
Strawberry and Cream SmoothieCourtesy of Joy Bauer
4. Strawberry and cream smoothie
This “breakfast milkshake” is filled with creamy goodness, feels indulgent, and is packed with nourishment.
5. Peanut butter cup smoothie
Creamy and delicious, this smoothie tastes more like dessert than breakfast. Adults and children alike will sip the sweet sip!
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Canned fish
6. Veggie tuna salad
This salad is filled with protein, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. It’s the perfect crunch lunch and can be served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves or on a halved and toasted English muffin.
Open face tuna meltCourtesy of Joy Bauer
7. Open-faced tuna melt
This candid Sammie is nostalgia in one bite! I gave the classic tuna melt a healthy makeover with high-fiber whole grain bread, light canned tuna (canned albacore white tuna has more mercury) mixed with light mayo (and maybe a little spicy sauce for extra heat), and topped with cheese.
8. Wild salmon and chickpea salad
Everyone seems to have a favorite tuna salad recipe, but making fabulous canned salmon salads is just as easy, which is way more omega-3 fats and vitamin D.
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Nut butter
9. Joy Bauer’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bites
Not only are these chocolaty, fudgy bites delicious, but they’re also perfect for weathering the afternoon burst of energy.
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10. Cold sesame noodles with 4-ingredient peanut sauce
These cold sesame noodles are a family favorite in my house. They’re ridiculously easy to make, and the peanut butter sauce only requires four simple ingredients – one of them is water!
11. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Squares
This tasty treat contains 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. So it’s a sweet treat that is sure to have some stamina.
legumes
12. Lentil hummus
This recipe is a nice twist on the classic dip that uses lentils instead of chickpeas. Lentils are a brain boosting ingredient and have been shown in some studies to help clear brain fog and improve cognition.
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13. Black bean tacos
Taco time! I made black beans the star of this recipe because they’re full of nutrition – and they’re a great source of vegetable protein and fiber.
14. Quinoa casserole with black beans
This creative twist on my Triple Veggie Quinoa recipe makes a great family-style meal for meatless Mondays! The addition of eggs and cheese gives this dish a unique Mexican twist that your whole gang are sure to love.
15. Three beans veggie chilli
This hearty vegan chilli gets a hefty dash of protein and fiber from the beans, making it a tasty and satisfying meal.
Quinoa chickpea tabboulehCourtesy of Joy Bauer
16. Quinoa and chickpea tabbouleh
Tabouleh is an oriental salad made from couscous or bulgur, tomatoes, cucumber and fresh herbs such as parsley and mint. I substitute for quinoa as a grain and add chickpeas to increase protein and turn this side dish into a hearty meal.
17. Slow cooker chicken and black bean chili
This slow cooker chilli is incredibly tasty on its own, but also makes a delicious filling for enchiladas and tacos. You can even top it over a platter of whole grain tortilla chips for a healthier rendition of “loaded nachos”.
18. Salsa Verde Chicken Chili
I love this chicken chili with salsa verde. I add a can of dark red kidney beans along with a can of white cannellini beans, but you can trade in any beans you have on hand to make a filling and fibrous all-star dish.
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