Life can get hectic, and preparing nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen often feels impossible. If you’ve got a family, you’re often starved for ideas, trying to cater to fussy appetites and find simple meals everyone will love. It’s easy to get into a routine of cooking the same thing and sticking to your staple recipes. This guide is designed to help you create delicious and healthy dishes with as little fuss as possible.
Whether you’re balancing work, family, or personal commitments, we’ve covered you with some of the best-rated meals that have gone viral on TikTok and are good for you. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let’s start making your mealtime healthy and hassle-free. Bon appétit!
Jennifer Aniston’s ‘healthy salad’ gained popularity after sharing her favourite salad recipe, which she reportedly ate almost daily while filming Friends. The salad is nutritious, well-balanced, and easy to make. It’s bound to taste better than the trifle she whipped up in the famous Thanksgiving episode. Here’s how you can prepare it:
Jennifer Aniston’s Healthy Salad For Busy People
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked bulgur wheat (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
- 2-3 cups chopped fresh vegetables (such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley)
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Follow the package instructions to cook the bulgur wheat (or quinoa). Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.
- While the bulgur is cooling, chop your vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the cooked bulgur wheat, chopped vegetables, chickpeas, mint, parsley, feta cheese, and pistachios in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the salad. Toss everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss the salad again.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later. This salad keeps well in the fridge for a day or two.
This salad is delicious and packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats, making it a perfect meal for a healthy lifestyle.
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of feta cheese
- 400 grams of cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 30-45 millilitres of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
- 225 grams of pasta of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the centre of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Remove the dish from the oven once the feta and tomatoes are done. Use a fork to mash the feta and burst the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta, adding some reserved water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in fresh basil if desired for added flavour and garnish.
Notes:
- You can add additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
This baked feta pasta recipe is a perfect example of a simple, quick, and healthy meal that has taken TikTok by storm. Anna has even made her own version of this with prawns, you can view it here. Enjoy
Enjoy your delicious and quick Baked Feta Pasta!
Quick and Healthy Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
This sheet pan chicken and veggies recipe is perfect for a family dinner. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 2 cups capsicum, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the centre of a large baking sheet. Surround the chicken with broccoli florets, baby carrots, capsicum, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over everything. Toss the vegetables lightly to coat them in the seasonings and olive oil.
- Place lemon slices over the chicken breasts and around the vegetables for extra flavour.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken and vegetables hot, straight from the sheet pan.
This sheet pan chicken and veggies recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious option for a family meal. It’s easy to customise with your favourite vegetables and seasonings. Enjoy!
Quick and Healthy Banana Oat Pancakes
These banana oat pancakes are a viral hit for a reason! They are healthy, quick to make, and require only a few ingredients. Ready in just 5 minutes, they make for a perfect breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Olive oil or cooking spray for the pan
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the ripe banana, egg, rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon (if using), vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend until you get a smooth batter.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Pour small amounts of batter onto the pan to form pancakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve the pancakes warm with your favourite toppings, such as fresh berries, sliced banana, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of Greek yoghurt.
These banana oat pancakes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are a great way to start your day or to enjoy as a healthy snack. Enjoy this quick and viral recipe!