15-Minute Meals That Will Save Your Weeknights

An awesome collection of healthy 15 minute meal ideas that are easy to get on the table and loved by kids and adults alike.

These 15 minute meal ideas

Do you often feel like you just don't have enough time in your life to create healthy meals for yourself and your family? You know that you feel amazing when you are eating whole foods with plenty of plant-based ingredients. But you just can't seem to carve out 30 to 40 minutes each night to prepare that kind of meal. Many of our families have this same struggle. (Hi, I'm Ashley, and I have 3 kids and a busy schedule, too! I totally get it!)

This collection of 15 minute meal ideas was created with our busy clients in mind! Meals that take just a quarter of an hour to put together, and that fit with the palates of our young diners. (If you are looking for dinners that don't require any cooking at all, check out our No-Cook Meals for Busy Weeknights.)

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Chickpea Waldorf Salad

Swapping chickpeas for the traditional chicken often found in Waldorf salad is great for upping the fiber content of the meal—and helping it come together quickly. This meal uses no mayonnaise, relying instead on heart-healthy avocado and Dijon mustard. The fresh grapes and vegetables make it incredibly refreshing. Serve over salad, with whole wheat pita chips, or stuffed into a pita. You can find this recipe (and more!) in our FREE Quick & Easy Family-Friendly Recipe Book.

Greek Salad Hummus Flatbread

This is an easy, flavorful, light meal that uses store-bought hummus and Naan to come together quickly. We love recipes that give each family member the ability to create their own meal. It’s especially great for picky eaters (like kids). Having some control of what goes on their plate ensures that kids are much more likely to eat the meal that you prepare. We think that the adults will love this one too.

Salmon and Herbed Bean Salad

Canned salmon is the star in this inexpensive, quick meal. You’ve probably heard that salmon is full of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are amazing for brain health and heart health. It also contains plenty of protein to keep you feeling fuller, longer. The beans and veggies add in fiber and vitamins, and you’ve got yourself an incredibly heathy, super easy dinner.

Zucchini Pasta Pesto

Zucchini turns into noodles and then gets coated in a creamy, tangy sauce in this awesome dish. Kids might like to help spiralize the zucchini or work the blender if they are old enough (have a kitchen aid? This spiralizer attachment works wonders!). Or they can simply set the table—that’ll take just about as long as whipping up this fast meal. Feel free to buy the zucchinis pre-spiralized to save time swap or to swap them for chickpea spaghetti noodles if your family prefers.

Parmesan Garlic Crumbled Fish

We love this super easy fish dish that requires no messy dredging or coating. Simply place the fish in a non-stick pan and then cover it and coat it to perfection. A quick bake in the oven, and your dinner is ready! Great news: kids tend to love anything covered in breadcrumbs (chicken nuggets, anyone?). Also, white fish is a pleasantly mild flavor for young palates. You will love this one!

10-Minute Pumpkin Soup

Enjoy the flavors of fall with a pumpkin soup that only tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Between the canned pumpkin and the boxed stock, you have a warm, filling meal that only takes a few minutes from start to finish. We love to serve this with a crusty whole wheat baguette and fall-appropriate apples on the side.

Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is hearty and filling, full of heart-healthy fiber, folate, potassium, and phytonutrients. Eating this soup is like a warm hug! Make sure to choose salsa that has no added sugar and is lower in sodium. If you are serving this meal to kids (or adults who don’t love spicy foods), choose a mild salsa. This meal goes great with whole wheat rolls and a side of fresh fruit or salad.

Peanut Chicken Coconut Curry

The kid-friendly flavors of peanut butter and cream (the recipe uses coconut cream, rather than dairy) gel together deliciously in this warm, cozy dish. We recommend adding steamed vegetables to the bowls of rice to make this a completely balanced dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Easy Shrimp Tacos

You will hardly believe that these fantastic shrimp tacos only take 15 minutes! With store-bought shredded slaw and quick-cooking shrimp, dinner comes together quickly but doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition. Shrimp are a powerhouse protein. The recipe does call for some mayo—we recommend using mayonnaise made with 100% avocado oil or swapping the mayo with Greek yogurt.

What's your favorite way to get dinner on the table quickly? Share with us below! If you loved these 15 minute meal ideas, don't forget to check out our favorite Crockpot Meals.

PS Looking to save even more time in the kitchen?

If you love great, healthy meals and want to make your life easier, check out our Mediterranean Meal Plans. Fast, easy, and delicious recipes, just like the ones you see above! Every month you'll receive your recipes and shopping lists directly to your inbox. Each meal plans comes complete with an organized grocery list to save you time and features Mediterranean Diet principles.