This is my curated list of fridge and pantry essentials that turn a busy week into a breeze. These are the ingredients I always have on hand to create quick, delicious, and healthy meals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. I've personally tried ...
Sections
4
The Foundation: Building Blocks for Any Meal
Quick-Fix Proteins: Your Time-Saving Heroes
Flavor Boosters & Superfoods: The "Wow" Factor
Smart Snacks & On-the-Go Fuel: My Daily Go-To's
The Foundation: Building Blocks for Any Meal
These long-lasting, versatile staples are the secret to always having a meal waiting for you. By keeping these on hand, you can build a nutritious base for countless dishes, from hearty salads to comforting grain bowls, in minutes.
I always have this on hand. It cooks up so quickly and is a complete protein, which means a simple scoop turns any roasted veggie dish into a full meal.
Lundberg Family Farms Organic Quinoa
I'm never without a few cans of their chickpeas and black beans. They're in BPA-free cans and are perfect for a quick salad or adding to soups without any extra cooking.
Eden Organic Canned Beans
This is my secret to a quick, flavorful tomato sauce. The quality is a cut above, and it makes my weeknight pasta taste like it's from a restaurant.
Cento San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes
On my busiest days, I grab one of these. They're a healthy, organic option that helps me stay on track when I don't have time to cook from scratch.
Amy's Kitchen Frozen Meals
This is a non-negotiable in my pantry. Unlike other brands that are full of sugar, Rao's is made with simple, high-quality ingredients. It's the perfect base for a quick pasta dish or to top a pizza, saving you hours of simmering.
Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce
Having a low-sodium, high-quality broth on hand is a secret weapon. It’s perfect for adding flavor to quinoa, making a quick soup, or braising vegetables, all in a fraction of the time.
Pacific Foods Organic Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Quick-Fix Proteins: Your Time-Saving Heroes
When you need a meal fast, these are your go-to items. Whether it’s a post-workout snack or a last-minute dinner, these proteins require minimal preparation and can be added to almost any meal to make it more substantial and satisfying.
An incredibly easy source of Omega-3s. I can turn these into a quick snack on crackers or a simple lunch salad in minutes.
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
These are a lifesaver. I can have a complete, healthy meal ready in about 15 minutes by just heating these up with some sauce and pasta.
Trader Joe's Frozen Turkey Meatballs
Cooking brown rice from scratch can be time-consuming. These individual frozen packets are a game-changer. They microwave in just 3 minutes, making a healthy base for a grain bowl or a side dish instantly.
Trader Joe's Frozen Cooked Brown Rice
Found in the freezer aisle, these shelled edamame beans are ready to eat and full of plant-based protein. They’re great for adding to stir-fries or just a quick snack when you need a protein boost.
Good & Gather Organic Frozen Edamame
For those who don't eat fish, this is a perfect alternative. It's a clean, ready-to-eat protein that's perfect for a quick chicken salad, adding to a wrap, or topping a green salad.
Wild Planet Canned Chicken Breast
A total game-changer for pasta night. This is my go-to because it's packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and easy dinner.
Banza Chickpea Pasta
Flavor Boosters & Superfoods: The "Wow" Factor
These are the items that add a punch of flavor and a boost of nutrients with almost no effort. They can take a simple dish from bland to brilliant, allowing you to create restaurant-quality meals right from your pantry.
The squeeze bottle makes this a genius pantry staple. It's so easy to use for a quick sauté or to drizzle over a finished dish for a boost of flavor.
Graza "Sizzle" Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I love how these dressings are made with avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. It's an easy swap that adds healthy fats and a great flavor to any salad.
Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Dressings
This is my favorite brand. It's a key part of my morning routine, and it's a zero-sugar way to stay hydrated after a workout.
LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes
A simple but high-impact ingredient. Unlike grocery store brands, Spicewalla's spices are incredibly fresh and vibrant. A sprinkle of these red pepper flakes adds a powerful punch of heat and flavor to anything from pizza to pasta.
Spicewalla Crushed Red Pepper
This is my go-to healthy salad dressing. Made with avocado oil and superfoods like turmeric, it’s a quick way to add both flavor and anti-inflammatory properties to any salad or roasted vegetable dish.
Primal Kitchen Lemon Turmeric Vinaigrette
Smart Snacks & On-the-Go Fuel: My Daily Go-To's
Life is busy, and these are the smart, healthy snacks that keep me going. I always keep these on my shelf to stay energized and satisfied, whether I'm headed out the door or need a quick bite between meals.
I always keep a box of the "Nuts & Spices" variety in my pantry. They're low in sugar and packed with nuts to keep me full between meals.
KIND Bars
These bars are so simple and clean—just a few whole food ingredients. They're my favorite quick protein snack to grab on my way out the door.
RXBAR® - Protein Bars, Breakfast Bars, and Nut Butters
A perfect little treat. They satisfy my sweet tooth without being overloaded with sugar, and I love that they're still a great source of protein and healthy fats.
SkinnyDipped Almonds
A savory snack that satisfies my crunchy cravings without the junk. These puffs are made from chickpeas, so they offer a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a much healthier alternative to chips.
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs
Perfect for when I'm on the go. I can just squeeze it directly into my mouth or pair it with an apple for a fast, filling, and healthy snack that’s packed with protein and good fats.
Justin's Almond Butter Squeeze Packs
These bars are made with only two ingredients: fruit and fruit! They are a fantastic, no-sugar-added way to get a quick dose of vitamins and natural energy when you need a little something to hold you over.