Lunch & dinner ideas

lisa_barile

I need some simple lunch and dinner ideas. I’m a college student and I don’t like cooking much and dinners are especially the hardest for me. Thank you!

GrumpyHeadmistress

Cheats Caesar salad - chopped lettuce, grilled chicken breast and low calorie dressing. Add cheese and croutons if you have the calories

changeconsumeme

I like putting together quick bento boxes when I don't feel like cooking, each with a "theme." A Greek bento box would have pita chips, kalamata olives, precooked grilled chicken, Hummus, veggies for dipping, babybel cheese, etc.

Salad in a jar. I buy rotisserie chicken to avoid cooking any. Add veggies, cheese, seeds and greens.

For breakfast I like to take plain Greek yogurt, add protein powder and sprinkle some cereal on it for a quick fix. Buy preboiled eggs, ham, cheese or avocado and put it on an English muffin or toast.

You can cook eggs in a ceramic mug in the microwave with some cooking spray for 3-5 minutes depending on how much you use. Throw some chopped veggies, herbs and cheese in it for a mug omelette.

Tuna pouches are convenient. Bring some crackers, some mayo or olive oil, veggies and fruit.

Pinterest is chock full of ideas! That's where I get everything.

changeconsumeme

I saw what I wanted to see and thought you said breakfast and lunch

You don't have to have dinner food for dinner! But you could buy most grains like rice and quinoa frozen to cook in the microwave, frozen veggies, precooked proteins like chicken and even steak. Sandwiches. Soups. Salads. KISS...keep it simple, sunshine!

RodaRose

What equipment do you have for cooking?

amusedmonkey

I cook most of the time, but when I'm very busy or very lazy I just open a bunch of cans or things I already have and mix them together. Examples:
Instant noodles with chicken strips or tuna.
Canned beans, canned corn, with olive oil and lemon juice.
Oatmeal with canned fruit salad in light syrup (yes, I eat oatmeal for lunch/dinner).
Canned tuna and tomato salsa with pressed garlic and lemon juice.
Instant noodles, softened in hot water (no flavor packs added), strained and mixed with Italian flavored prepared pasta sauce.
Luncheon and cheese sandwich.
Hummus and canned chickpeas wrap.
All kinds of wraps and sandwiches: just throw whatever on bread and you're done.

These were near-zero prep stuff. Some things that require a bit of cooking but don't need too much fuss, examples:
Simple pasta dishes.
Simple grilled vegetables with grilled chicken/fish.
Omelet.
Stir fries with pre-cut vegetables.
Baked/boiled potatoes with sausage/any protein.
Top a pita with whatever and warm through in the oven.

You can also batch-cook things that keep well like stews and not worry about cooking for a while.