Modern life often feels like a whirlwind, leaving us with very little time to cook nourishing mid-week meals. The good news is that there are a whole host of recipes you can make that take the stress out of the end of the day, making healthy eating easier and more delicious. So, if you’re looking for dishes that are not only quick but also packed with flavour, nutrition, and, if possible, a touch of creativity then you’ve come to the right place. In under 20 minutes, these 20 dinners beautifully demonstrate the intersection of ease and flavour.
The stir-fry, a culinary treasure that hails from Asian cuisines, has become a cornerstone of speedy dinners. Whether it's a busy weeknight or you simply crave something savoury and satisfying, stir-fries come to the rescue. Stir-frying is all about high heat, swift movements, and a harmonious blend of vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. Our Speedy Weeknight Stir-Fry is a flavourful alternative to traditional takeout, ready in no time and crammed full of fresh vegetables and plant-based protein.
Forget the takeaway and choose this hearty noodle dish, crammed full of fresh vegetables and plant-based protein. Ready in no time, it will soon become a regular on your weekly menu. (This recipe uses leftovers from dinner on day 4 of the plan.)
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We love almond butter on almost anything, and this stir-fry is no exception. Noodles are mixed with vibrant, crunchy vegetables in a creamy almond butter and tamari sauce. A quick, easy and satisfying supper or lunch. Feel free to substitute any noodles or vegetables you like.
View RecipePasta, a universal favourite, is a go-to comfort food that knows no boundaries. Whether it's a classic Italian recipe or a fusion of flavours from around the world, pasta has an uncanny ability to please in a hurry. You’ll find that our Easy Balsamic Tomato Pasta graces the table in just 15 minutes, promising to be a midweek favourite. Likewise, our One-Pan Creamy Spinach Pasta combines convenience with nutrition, offering a creamy and iron-rich meal that's also bursting with vitamin C — all in 15 minutes.
Soon to be a midweek favourite, this easy budget-friendly storecupboard dish will be on the table in 15 minutes.
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It’s hard to resist a creamy pasta that's ready in just 15 minutes. This green beauty also boasts over 40% of your recommended daily iron intake and over 50% of your vitamin C (which helps to improve the amount of iron that the body absorbs).
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When it comes to easy comfort food for busy days, this pasta dish is a weeknight winner — the sweet roasted peppers combined with soft orzo, make it supremely satisfying, plus it's packed full of flavour. If you don't have orzo, simply swap for risotto rice or pearl barley.
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Tender melt-in-the-mouth aubergine, fresh rocket, red chilli and lemon, deliver a flavoursome accompaniment to spaghetti in this quick and easy supper. Cutting the aubergine into small pieces means dinner will be on the table in no time.
View RecipeVeggie bowls and speedy salads are perfect for layering flavours, textures, and nutrients to create a satisfying, balanced meal. Super convenient and easy to customise, these sorts of recipes are ideal when you’re busy and looking to nourish yourself quickly without sacrificing flavour. From a 10-Minute Simple High Protein Bowl to a Simple Chickpea & Edamame Bowl, these recipes highlight the beauty of simplicity when it comes to healthy eating.
Looking for a simple way to pack more protein into your diet? This nutritious bowl is the answer. It’s brimming with plant-based protein sources including black beans, quinoa, edamame beans and tahini — and will be on the table in just 10 minutes.
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Looking for a tasty dish, guaranteed to power you through a busy day? This quick and easy salad is big on flavour and combines protein, healthy fats and fibre, leaving you feeling satisfied and full of energy.
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Feel free to use whichever grain you'd like. Keep in mind if using brown rice, it must be cooled appropriately by letting it cool quickly and then immediately put it into the fridge. We recommend spreading the rice onto a large plate or baking tray for faster cooling, rather than keeping it in the pan. Then, as soon as it's cooled, put it into an airtight container in the fridge — never let it sit at room temperature.
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This is a great 20-minute, high-protein lunch. The onion, garlic, cumin and turmeric add flavour to the chickpeas, edamame and wilted spinach; while the coconut yoghurt, tahini and lemon juice make a lovely, creamy dressing. Serve with brown rice or quinoa to complete the dish, or a side of roasted broccoli for extra greens.
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This festive themed Caesar salad is such a crowd pleaser. It's the perfect dish to use up any left over brussels sprouts after the big day or even to just keep the festive cheer going long into January. We love to serve it with a side of our chestnut hummus or alongside a hearty warming stew.
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This simple salad is packed full of flavour and fresh ingredients. We love to make a big batch of our roasted almond pesto and mix it through, but you can use whatever pesto you have at home.
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This flavour-packed warm salad is quick, easy and versatile — enjoy with flatbreads or in a toastie for a hearty lunch; or pile high on a baked jacket potato for dinner.
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Searching for the perfect meal? This vibrant salad bowl could be just the answer. Packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables and drizzled with a rich dressing, this crispy fried tofu is both indulgent and nourishing.
View RecipeSometimes, we crave meals that are a departure from the ordinary, recipes filled with unique flavours and textures. While you might assume these sorts of dishes require hours in the kitchen, we've found that creativity can flourish even in a time crunch. Meet Green Miso Noodles and Miso Mushroom Coconut Noodles, which prove that extraordinary flavours can be achieved in as little as 15-20 minutes. These recipes blend traditional ingredients with innovative combinations, demonstrating that quick cooking can be a flavourful journey in itself.
These green miso noodles are a quick and simple recipe for a busy day. The creamy green sauce is full of flavour thanks to coriander, cashews, sunflower seeds and miso. We've kept this recipe simple, but you can easily add any veg that you have at home.
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These sweetcorn fritters couldn’t be quicker and easier to make. They make a great breakfast served with some smashed avocado or add then to a lunch bowl alongside your favourite salads and some sweet potato wedges!
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These miso mushroom coconut noodles are our idea of heaven. A creamy flavoursome broth loaded with spring onions, sesame seeds and chilli flakes. They really take just 15 minutes or so to make, we think you'll love them too.
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Polenta is such a quick and easy option for a satisfying midweek meal. Served here with garlicky greens, it will be on the table in under 15 minutes.
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Make this speedy spicy fried rice in just 20 minutes. Big on flavour, low in effort, you can use pre-cooked rice and whatever veggies you have to hand. The addition of lime and spring onions adds freshness to this great midweek meal.
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This colourful and hearty dip is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Great as a side, served with tortilla chips, there’s a reason it's been a viral recipe.
View RecipeIn a world where time is a precious commodity, the desire for convenience often clashes with our desire for delicious, nutritious, and diverse meals. There are recipes, however, that do it all – they’re as delicious as they are speedy, and they’re saviours on busy weeks. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a dash of creativity, it's entirely possible to whip up quick plant-based dinners that not only satisfy your palate but also nourish your body. So, the next time you find yourself short on time but unwilling to compromise on flavour, turn to this article for inspiration. Your taste buds — and your busy schedule — will thank you for it.
