With the world going through a time of unknowns I wanted to bring back the basics with a dose of comfort and nourishment. I know many of you have been stocking up on non-perishable food items and pantry staples, so I’m sharing over 30 delicious and easy pantry recipes that you can make for yourself and your family for every meal of the day. If you’re wondering “what can I make for dinner from my pantry?” I’ve got you covered.
Because these healthy pantry recipes are made from a lot of non-perishable food items, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. The ones that do have meat are easy to swap with your fav plant-based protein! There are also tons of gluten free options that use gluten free grains, but be sure to check your labels where necessary.
What are some pantry staples?
The pantry meals below use a variety of ingredients that tend to last for a longer time in the pantry (as opposed to going bad quickly in the refrigerator). The great part about all of these recipes is that they’re super customizable. Feel free to add veggies that you have on-hand and need to use up or that are going bad and feel free to mix & match similar grains and proteins. Here are some staples I recommend having on-hand:
To keep in your cupboard or on your counter:
- rice
- quinoa
- bread or wraps (gluten free if desired): keep bread in the freezer if you’ll be eating it for more than a few days!
- pasta
- baking ingredients like flours (all purpose or almond & coconut flours, depending on what you like to use), sugar (I often have brown or coconut sugar), cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder
- honey
- oats: I find that rolled oats are easier to cook and bake with than steel cut
- beans
- lentils
- chickpeas
- canned tuna and/or canned salmon
- nuts
- nut butters and/or tahini
- chia seeds
- flaxseed meal
- chicken or vegetable broth
- tomato sauce
- olive or coconut oil
- non-dairy milk (unopened, shelf stable)
- canned coconut milk
- dried herbs & plenty of spices
- sweet potatoes
- bananas
- herbs, spices, salt & pepper
If you’re able to, I’d recommend checking the bulk section of the grocery store for many of these items for the most affordable options!
To stock your fridge & freezer:
- eggs
- chicken (store some in the freezer!)
- basic veggies: carrots, tomatoes, leafy greens, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage
- basic fruits: apples, oranges
- frozen fruits & veggies
- Optional add-ons: cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, hummus, condiments (BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard)
Tips for prepping and storing
- Extend the shelf life of things like bread and even fresh fruits and veggies by keeping them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
- Double a recipe and store half in the freezer. Breakfast & snack items like muffins, burritos and even pancakes are great to keep in the freezer, as well as soups and chilis for dinner. Be sure to check the recipe’s full blog post for tips on storing and freezing!
I hope you find some new, delicious pantry recipes here that you love and that bring you even just a little bit of comfort in a time of uncertainty. Turn on your favorite music, pick a few to cook and bake this week and enjoy! Sending love to all of you.
Hearty Breakfasts
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Pancakes (made right in the blender!)
Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffin Cups
Veggie Packed Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos
Fluffy Flourless Peanut Butter Chickpea Muffins
Easy, Filling Lunches
Vegan Pecan Apple Chickpea Salad Wraps
Green Goddess Tuna Quinoa Salad
Vegan Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl with Orange Sesame Almond Butter Dressing
One Pot Moroccan Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Honey Mustard Apple Tuna Salad
Avocado Blueberry Quinoa Salad
15-Minute Sweet Potato Salmon Cakes
Green Goddess Tuna Quinoa Salad
Vegan Sweet Potato Burgers
Fiesta Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Better Than Chipotle DIY Chicken Burrito Bowls
Dinners for the Whole Family (or meal prep!)
Vegan Coconut Tomato Lentil Soup
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado Lime Crema
The Best Healthy Turkey Chili
Zucchini Mac and Cheese
Cheesy Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Meatloaf Muffins
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Mom’s Ultimate Vegetarian Lentil Loaf
Classic Minestrone Soup
Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Lightened-Up Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Actually, the Best Vegetarian Chili Ever
Mama’s Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo)
Slow Cooker Taco Lentil Soup
Stovetop Southwest Tuna Mac and Cheese
Healthy White Chicken Chili
30 minute Healthier Pasta Carbonara
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Black Bean, Corn and Quinoa Enchilada Bake (or dip!)
Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Thai Tuna Patties with Cilantro Cabbage Slaw
The Best Healthy Turkey Lasagna You’ll Ever Eat
Desserts & Snacks
Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Flourless Black Bean Brownie Muffins
Chia Banana Bread Energy Bites
Flourless Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
My Absolute Favorite Healthier Hot Chocolate
5-Ingredient Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Vegan No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
5-minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Pat’s 4-Ingredient Paleo Crackers
Crispy Toasted Quinoa Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie Energy Bites with Chia + Cacao Nibs
Homemade Healthy Peanut Butter Cups! (low carb, vegan, gluten free)
No Bake Salted Tahini Cookie Dough Fudge
2-Ingredient Paleo Chocolate Frosting (plus TWO other ways to use it!)
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Healthier Flourless Monster Cookies
