Amidst the rush of daily life, there’s something magical about crafting a meal that’s both nourishing and invigorating—especially when you’ve been pounding the pavement and logging miles. Picture this: you’re back from a long run, muscles pleasantly tired yet buzzing with the day’s exertion.
You crave something hearty, packed with goodness, a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a brisk evening jog. These energizing dinner recipes are just the ticket, promising to refuel your body and tantalize your taste buds. And, who knows?
Maybe they’ll become your post-run ritual, each bite a reminder of the miles behind you and the ones yet to come.
Steps
- Baked Granola Apples
- Arrange apple halves cut side up in a microwavable dish. Top each with tart cherries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dot with butter. Cover and microwave for about 4 minutes until tender. Serve with granola sprinkled on top.
- Good Morning Sweet Potato
- Pierce the sweet potato with a fork and microwave until soft, turning occasionally. In a saucepan, cook walnuts, maple syrup, and salt until coated. Slice open the sweet potato and mash the nut mixture on top.
- Gingered Winter Greens Smoothie
- In a blender, combine coconut water, yogurt, kiwi, kale, ginger, honey, salt, and ice. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.
- Simple (or Stuffed) Omelets
- Heat butter in a skillet until melted. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper, then pour into the skillet. Cook, lifting edges to let uncooked egg flow underneath. Add fillings, fold the omelet in half, and serve.
- Blueberry-Walnut Pancakes with Maple Yogurt
- Microwave blueberries, rinse, and drain. Mix yogurt with maple syrup. Prepare pancake batter, add blueberries, and cook pancakes. Serve with maple yogurt and walnuts.
- Turkey Taco Bowls
- Cook turkey with taco seasoning in olive oil. In another skillet, sauté cabbage and kale, then add lime juice and salt. Cook eggs sunny side up, warm tortillas, and assemble bowls with turkey, egg, tortilla strips, feta, avocado, and salsa.
- Kara Goucher’s Kitchen Sink Pizza
- Preheat oven and place naan on baking sheets. Spread marinara and pesto, then add mozzarella, veggies, chicken, and Parmesan. Bake until golden, then top with basil before serving.
- Vietnamese-Style Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
- Mix sesame oil, fish sauce, and soy sauce; brush on rolls. Toast rolls in a skillet. Fill with onion, cilantro, chicken, kimchi, lettuce, and mayonnaise. Close sandwiches and serve.
- Lettuce-Wrapped Asian Salmon Burgers
- Process half salmon with soy sauce, Sriracha, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Mix in chopped salmon, wheat germ, scallions, and cilantro. Form patties and grill with pineapple rings. Serve on lettuce with hoisin sauce.
- Pizza Margherita
- Preheat oven and prepare pizza dough. Brush with olive oil, add sauce, mozzarella, and bake until crust is golden. Top with basil, olive oil, Parmesan, and pepper before serving.
- Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- Toast almonds in a skillet and boil pasta. Process almonds, tomatoes, oil, anchovies, garlic, and herbs into a sauce. Toss pasta with sauce and Parmesan.
- Fattoush Salad
- Blend chickpeas with flaxseeds, lemon juice, and spices. Form balls and cook in olive oil. Toss lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber with vinaigrette. Add chickpea balls and feta.
- Spaghetti Carbonara
- Fry bacon and boil pasta. Cook onion in bacon fat. Mix eggs with salt and pepper. Combine pasta, peas, eggs, and onions. Add Parmesan and bacon before serving.
- Loaded Sweet Potato
- Cook sweet potatoes in olive oil until golden. Add beans and spices, cook until soft. Serve with yogurt and cilantro.
- Soba Noodles with Peanut-Sesame Sauce
- Cook soba noodles, adding snow peas at the end. Blend peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Toss noodles with sauce and scallions, garnish with sesame seeds.
- Shrimp, Grits, and Collard Greens
- Cook grits with corn, butter, and salt. Season shrimp and cook in a skillet, then add greens. Serve shrimp and greens over grits.
- Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto
- Boil pasta and peas. Cook garlic in olive oil, then add pasta, peas, and pasta water. Toss with pepper, cheese, and lemon juice. Top with prosciutto and serve.
Ingredients
- “Baked” Granola Apples:
- 2 large crisp apples (e.g., Gala), halved and cored
- 2 tablespoons chopped dried tart cherries
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ? teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 teaspoons butter
- ½ cup granola
- Good Morning Sweet Potato:
- 1 medium sweet potato
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Gingered Winter Greens Smoothie:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
- ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
- 1 kiwi fruit, peeled
- 1 large kale leaf, center rib removed
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup ice cubes
- Simple (or Stuffed) Omelets:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- Desired fillings
- Blueberry-Walnut Pancakes with Maple Yogurt:
- ¾ cup frozen blueberries
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Part-whole-grain pancake mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
- Turkey Taco Bowls:
- 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 4 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups chopped kale
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 4 eggs
- 2 whole-wheat tortillas
- 1 tablespoon crumbled feta
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon salsa (optional)
- Kara Goucher’s Kitchen Sink Pizza:
- 4 whole wheat naan flatbreads
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 4 teaspoons pesto
- 1 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms, such as cremini (about 2 ounces)
- 1 grilled chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 large fresh basil leaves, cut into thin ribbons
- Vietnamese-Style Pulled Chicken Sandwiches:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 4 soft hoagie, Portuguese, or Cuban rolls (5 inches long), split
- ¼ red onion, cut into ¼-inch-thick rings
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast (without skin)
- 1 cup kimchi, drained
- 4 butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Lettuce-Wrapped Asian Salmon Burgers:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other chili-garlic sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup toasted wheat germ
- 3 scallions, chopped
- ? cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 4 fresh or canned pineapple rings
- 4 large lettuce leaves, such as Bibb, Boston, or other butter lettuce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- Pizza Margherita:
- – 1 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough
- – 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- – 1 cup homemade or jarred tomato sauce
- – 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, patted dry and torn into ¾-inch pieces
- – 6 large basil leaves, roughly torn
- – ¼ cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
- – ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- – ½ cup almonds
- – 1 box (1 pound) bucatini or spaghetti
- – 1 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- – ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- – 2 anchovy fillets
- – 1 clove garlic
- – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried
- – ½ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or a pinch of dried
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fattoush Salad:
- – 15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- – 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
- – 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- – 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- – 1 tablespoon harissa (or 1/2 tsp. each ground cumin, garlic, paprika, and salt)
- – ½ cup rolled oats
- – 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- – 1 ½ teaspoons honey
- – ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt, black pepper
- – 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- – 1 cup tomatoes, halved
- – 1 cucumber, coarsely chopped
- – ¼ cup crumbled feta
- Spaghetti Carbonara:
- – 6 slices bacon, chopped
- – 1 box (1 pound) spaghetti
- – ½ sweet onion, chopped
- – 3 large eggs
- – ¼ teaspoon salt
- – ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- – 1 cup frozen peas
- – ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Loaded Sweet Potato:
- – 2 teaspoons olive oil
- – 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- – 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- – 1 teaspoon each paprika, garlic powder, cumin
- – ½ teaspoon each cinnamon, kosher salt
- – 1 tablespoon apple-cider vinegar
- – ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- – ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Soba Noodles with Peanut-Sesame Sauce:
- – 1 package (8 ounces) buckwheat soba noodles
- – 1 cup (3 ounces) snow peas, halved
- – ¼ cup no-sugar-added creamy peanut butter
- – ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- – 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- – 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- – 1 clove garlic
- – ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- – 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- – 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Shrimp, Grits, and Collard Greens:
- – ? cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
- – ½ cup thawed corn
- – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- – 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- – ½ teaspoon each paprika, garlic powder
- – 24 raw medium peeled and deveined shrimp
- – 2 cups collard greens or kale, chopped
- – ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto:
- – 1 box (1 pound) cavatappi or other spiral pasta
- – 1½ cups fresh spring peas
- – 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- – 2 cloves garlic, minced
- – ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste
- – ½ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- – Juice of ½ lemon
- – 4 ounces (about 8 thin slices) prosciutto, torn into bite-size pieces
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of apple for the “Baked” Granola Apples recipe?
- Absolutely! While Gala apples are recommended, Braeburn, Cortland, or Rome apples will work just as well.
- What are some alternative toppings for the Good Morning Sweet Potato dish?
- You can try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, a drizzle of honey, or even a spoonful of almond butter to enhance the flavors.
- Is there a substitute for kale in the Gingered Winter Greens Smoothie?
- Yes, you can use spinach or Swiss chard as a substitute for kale if you prefer a milder taste.
- How can I make the Simple Omelet fluffier?
- For a fluffier omelet, you can add a splash of milk or water to the eggs before whisking them. This will introduce more air and create a lighter texture.
- Can I prepare the Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before mixing it with freshly cooked pasta.
Tips
- Microwave Cooking for Speed: Use the microwave to quickly steam fruits, like apples, to achieve tenderness in a short amount of time. This method helps you get dishes on the table faster.
- Customize Your Omelet: For omelets, adjust the cooking time to get your preferred texture. For a classic creamy French style, leave the inside slightly wet, or cook longer for a more set omelet.
- Grill or Rotisserie Chicken Flexibility: When making flatbread pizzas, use leftover grilled chicken or grab a rotisserie chicken for convenience. This saves time and ensures your pizza is packed with flavor.
- Quick Pasta Sauces: While your pasta is boiling, prepare no-cook sauces in a blender to save time. This allows you to create delicious meals without waiting for sauces to cook.
Equipment
- Microwavable dome lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap – For steaming “Baked” Granola Apples in the microwave.
- Melon baller – Useful for coring apples.
- Blender – Needed for making the Gingered Winter Greens Smoothie.
- Food processor – Required for making Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Lettuce-Wrapped Asian Salmon Burgers.
- Grill pan or outdoor grill – For grilling Lettuce-Wrapped Asian Salmon Burgers and grilled pineapple.
- Pasta pot with colander insert – Useful for cooking and draining pasta dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara and Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto.
- Skillet with lid – Useful for cooking various recipes like Turkey Taco Bowls and Loaded Sweet Potato.
- stocked kitchen.
