The best homemade salad dressings are easy, delicious, and healthy (most of the time!) Here are 10 of our faves.

Everyone loves a good salad dressing, especially when it is easy to make at home. And honestly, most of them are! It's not tricky to make a good dressing. Homemade salad dressing is perfect for salads, marinating, and as a sauce for chicken or pasta. Sometimes they make for tasty dips while providing some variety and healthy fats in your diet. We have put together a list of super easy, delicious, 10 do-it-yourself (DIY) homemade salad dressing recipes for you and your family to enjoy! Prep them and keep them on hand.

Ranch Dressing

DIY Healthy Homemade Ranch Dressing that you can make ahead and store in your fridge. We love it with chicken (and bacon), and on this Chicken Bacon Ranch Meal Prep!

(Carbs: 4g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 1g)

Balsamic Vinaigrette

This recipe for the Best Balsamic Vinaigrette is one that's been tweaked over the years to be perfectly tangy-sweet and silky in texture.

The tantalizing flavor is based on good quality aged balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, a touch of dijon mustard, and herbs. It is fabulous over robust spinach and kale salads, romaine salads, and even over roasted vegetables!

And you can easily make larger batches of this balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and keep it in the refrigerator for several weeks.

(Carbs: 5g - Protein: 0g - Fat: 6g)

Blue Cheese

This better-than-store-bought blue cheese dressing (bleu cheese dressing) is incredibly simple to make and you probably already have most of the ingredients you need to make it in your kitchen. This creamy dressing is easy to make!

(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 2g - Fat: 8g)

Caesar Salad Dressing

Not overly garlicky or fishy, this tasty Caesar salad dressing is perfectly balanced. The dressing will keep well in the fridge for about a week.

(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 2g - Fat: 19g)

Vegetarian Caesar Salad Dressing

This vegetarian Caesar Salad recipe is quick to make and perfect for serving as a delicious and healthy side dish. Perfect for those who are squeamish about anchovies, yet still just as flavorful, creamy, and tangy.

(Carbs: 17g - Protein: 9g - Fat: 36g)

Red Wine Vinaigrette

This Red Wine Vinaigrette is easy and fabulous. 5 pantry ingredients (including salt!) are all it takes for the easiest vinaigrette.

(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 18g)

Greek Salad Dressing

This Greek salad dressing is fresh, flavorful, easy to make, and tastes better than anything you can buy in the store. Whip up a fresh batch and store it in your fridge!

(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 14g)

Honey Lemon Vinaigrette

This easy and healthy Honey Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is perfect for all your favorite salads, and it's simple to make with only a few basic ingredients!

(Carbs: 6g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 9g)

Honey Mustard Dressing

Slightly sweetened, creamy, tasty, tangy, vibrant, mustard dressing. Quick and easy to make, using only 4 ingredients.

(Carbs: 7g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 15g)

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

This Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing only takes a few minutes to make and is so much better than a store-bought salad dressing! It is great for salads, chicken, fish, steak, vegetables, tacos, and more!

(Carbs: 2g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 10g)

Lime juice and chile powder are a great combo for prepping salmon! Gluten free, and can be made as a paleo or keto friendly meal prep!

Chile Lime Salmon Meal Prep Recipe

We love providing you with easy meal prep recipes. If you haven't noticed, it's kind of our thing. This salmon meal prep comes in at the top of the "easy" list, with only 7 ingredients and a twenty-minute total prep and cook time. YES, it's Monday night dinner. And yes, it can be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday lunch. This recipe is quick and easy and perfect for meal prepping, but without skimping on all the flavor and nutrition you expect.

What's so great about salmon?

Salmon is a nutrient powerhouse! First off, it's an excellent source of lean protein- offering approximately 21 grams per 3 oz serving. Salmon also supplies our bodies with a high dose of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support a healthy inflammatory response and assist in cellular regeneration. A serving of salmon provides more than half our recommended daily value of selenium (another protector against free radicals), and Vitamin E, which neutralizes harmful free radicals that can lead to cancer and cellular damage. Salmon is also rich in Vitamin D, B12, B6, and other trace minerals. You're on board, right? You get it? Salmon is great, especially when included in your meal prep recipes! That way you're getting all these great benefits, multiple times per week.

Chile Lime Salmon Meal Prep Ingredients

• 1lb Sizzlefish Coho Salmon
• 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 limes, juiced
• ½ Tbsp. honey
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Chile and lime is a classic flavor combination: a little heat, a little zest. We love it on chicken, veggies, steak, portobello mushrooms, and omelets, but especially in this salmon meal prep. Chiles are powerful antioxidants due to the significant presence of Vitamin C in them. Whole oranges just happen to be a lot easier and more pleasant to eat than whole chiles, unless you're into that sort of thing? But we wanted to incorporate them into this salmon meal prep, both for the flavor pop and the nutrition boost. Don't think your immune system is the only thing benefiting from the chiles though- they also contain capsaicin, a natural pain reducer and supporter of a healthy inflammatory response. Maybe this salmon meal prep is the perfect addition to your gym routine?

How to Store and Serve Chili-Lime Salmon Prep

Once this is prepped, just store it in meal prep containers (airtight, naturally), in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven, tented with foil (that will help prevent the salmon from drying out or overcooking). This prep will keep for up to 4 days. If you want, you can certainly freeze this meal prep.

Cook up some steamed broccoli along with rice to go with this meal prep and keep them in the other compartments of the meal prep containers. You can do regular rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice. Quinoa or other grains such as farro would work, too.

More Salmon Meal Prep Recipes to Try!

• Simple Low Carb Salmon Meal Prep
  Salmon Cakes with Mango Salsa
• Salmon & Bacon "Rice" Meal Prep
• Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies Meal Prep

Get more nutrition facts here

Why Should I Make Baby Food At Home? 

Several factors contribute to new mothers switching to homemade baby food as opposed to store bought. One obvious factor is the rising cost of store bought baby food. The cost of baby food has always been on a steady increase, each year only increasing by small increments. However, in 2021, baby food prices skyrocketed compared to the fairly consistent trend of the past ten years. 

Although fresh produce costs are on the rise too, buying produce in bulk and using meal prepping techniques can yield extra savings. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of how you can start making baby food today! 

What Materials Are Needed?

Making homemade baby food will require some equipment to get started. Yeesh, already spending more money. I know! But these are one time purchases and will save you more than it costs to buy them. Not to mention it is possible to find these items for a good price. To make it even easier there are brands that sell baby food prep systems which include all necessary equipment; brands like Nutribullet Baby (pictured below). 

Shop Now- $99

Otherwise, the equipment you'll be needing to get started is:

• 4-ounce BPA-Free Plastic or Glass Baby Food Storage Containers 

Shop Now- $9

• Vegetable Steamer Basket

Shop Now- $8

• Food Processor

Shop Now- $49

• Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray

Shop Now- $10

Transitioning from breastfeeding or formula feeding to solids is not as simple as it may sound. It is a long process. Essentially, your baby is learning how to eat as a new functioning human and will need lots of patience, understanding, and time. Therefore, guidelines have been created to help new parents navigate this process. There are three stages to introducing solid foods to growing babies.

• Stage 1: Single Ingredient Purees (4-6 months) 
• Stage 2: Combination Purees (7-9 months)
• Stage 3: Small, Soft, And Chewable Pieces (9-12 months)

What Should I Not Feed My Baby? 

It is wise for new parents to research the foods babies need to avoid. I'd suggest taking some time to become familiar with that list but here is a few important points new parents should be aware of:

• No excess salt
• No water under the age of 6 months 
• No honey under the age of 1 year 
• No cow milk under the age of 6 months
• No thick peanut butter or peanut butter-like spread

What Should I Feed My Baby?

Stage 1

There is no evidence suggesting there is a "right order" of foods when introducing your newborn to solids. Introducing common fruits and vegetables is best. After all, these will be the foods present throughout your baby's life. The only thing to remember is to feed single ingredient purees. This will help pinpoint any allergic or digestive reactions. Great fruits and vegetables to puree are: 

• Bananas 
• Sweet Potatoes 
• Apples/Applesauce 
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Prunes
• Zucchini 
• Carrots
• Mango
• Pears
• Peas
• Butternut Squash
• Green Beans
• Kiwi

Stage 2

Now you can begin combining fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of spices! Good spices to introduce to your baby are: 

• Cinnamon
• Ginger 
• Garlic 
• Turmeric
• Black Pepper
• Basil
• Parsley
• Oregano 

You can also add cooked meat into purees. For example, boiled chicken breast can be pureed easily. It is very important to triple-check for bones in the meat, as they can be potential choking hazards. 

Stage 3

It will be much easier to feed your baby when your baby has a few teeth and is starting to chew. Puree foods for less time to leave soft chewable chunks or cut fruits and veggies that are soft enough to be bit into, like bananas, mangoes, and avocados. You know your baby best. Just like breast or bottle feeding, this journey is still between you and your baby. It is okay to ignore anyone making comments like, "Your baby should be eating __________ by now". If you are aware your child has trouble chewing certain foods then it is okay to hold off longer while they develop their chewing technique with safer practice. 

How To Make Homemade Baby Food 

Making homemade baby food is very simple once you understand the basic rules. The biggest rule being: make foods soft to blend easier.

Basic Rules: 

• Always wash your fruits and veggies, preferably in a fruit and veggie wash
• Remove dangerous seeds ( ex. Apple, orange, lemon seeds)
• Peel tough or unnecessary skins (ex. mango, bananas, potatoes)
• Make hard fruits and veggies soft ( ex. boil potatoes, steam broccoli, cook apples, etc.)
• Add a few ounces of water or milk before blending
• Debone and fully cook meat

When it's time to start making your baby food and you've prepared your fruits and veggies using the basic rules, it's then as simple as adding ingredients to blend in the food processor. Make bigger quantities, store what is needed for the next few days in jars, and freeze the rest. Baby food can last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge and up to 4 months in the freezer. When preparing leftovers for the freezer, use a freezer tray like the one discussed earlier. This will result in multiple baby sized portions of food that can later be separated into jars and stored to thaw in the fridge. Now, it's time for you to get started! Here are 15 recipes to spark some inspiration!

Stage 1 Baby Food Recipes

Banana Puree Recipe

Banana puree is both a great meal for your baby and a sweet treat! 

(Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 1g)

Sweet Potato Puree

No one loves and appreciates sweet potato puree like babies do. See for yourself with this super simple recipe.

(Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g)

Avocado Puree

As a parent you are allowed to apply a tax to all foods prepared for the baby. This is one of those recipes you'd like to tax. Avocado Puree for the baby and Guacamole for the adults!

(Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 11g)

Peach Puree

Give your baby a taste of summer with this sweet and refreshing peach puree.

(Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 1g)

Carrot Puree

A carrot puree is a tasty nutrient dense meal which is perfect for developing babies. 

(Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 1g)

Stage 2 Baby Food Recipes

Apple Cinnamon Puree

Apple and Cinnamon is an odd match when you think about it but the combination is so effortlessly delicious it somehow seems not so odd at all.   

(Carbohydrates: 9g)

Apple, Spinach, and Broccoli Puree

It is good practice to introduce vegetables that don't taste the best but are nutritious to your baby. Some say this can help prevent a picky eater. Pro tip: Mix veggies with Apple and the sweetness will make the vegetables taste better.

(Carbohydrates: 18g)

Chicken Puree

Chicken breast is the easiest meat to prepare and blend. Add seasonings into the mix and your baby will love this savory meal.

(Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 14g)

Chicken, Squash and Cauliflower Puree

This wholesome recipe has meat, veggies, and tastes amazing!

(Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 1g)

Carrots and Butternut Squash

Having a baby makes you try new things. If you haven't tried Butternut Squash yet, this is a great way to. It's subtly sweet and packed with nutrients. 

Stage 3 Baby Food Recipes

Sliced Avocado 

Avocados taste great and are the perfect texture for babies learning to chew. 

Scrambled Eggs, Strawberries, and Avocado

This is a great meal for your growing baby and a great meal for you too! 

Strawberries and Blueberries

Some babies refuse to eat anything good for them. It makes it a struggle to provide a variety of whole foods. Berries will become your new best friend! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and so many more to choose from.

Peach Rice Pudding 

You don't want to miss trying this recipe. You and your baby will enjoy this sweet, creamy, and delicious pudding.

Chunky Summer Veggie Pasta

A great way to sneak veggies into your baby's diet is through pasta! Works like a charm.

Corn and edamame succotash is your new favorite side dish, great for any time of the year. Vegetarian and loaded with protein.

Forgive us if we make a Warner Brothers joke here, but "sufferin' succotash," this dish is GOOD STUFF! If you're looking to use up some frozen veggies like edamame and corn, along with new ways to enjoy them, this side dish is for you. It comes together really quickly and couldn't be simpler. You can make it ahead, you can make it at the last minute, but whatever you do, just make this plant-based, high-protein meal prep!

And let's just pause for a moment about the origins of this dish. You may be wondering, cartoon jokes aside, where this came from. It's a dish that is believed to have been introduced to the colonists by Native Americans and typically includes corn and lima beans. Ours is a bit of a twist on that.

Corn and Edamame Succotash Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive or avocado oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 1 ½ cups frozen shelled edamame
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice
• Optional ingredient: chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make Corn and Edamame Succotash

Cook the garlic, onion, and peppers together in a skillet with a bit of oil. This will only take a few minutes, just until the ingredients have softened a bit and become aromatic. Then, add in the frozen corn and shelled edamame and stir together with the rest of the ingredients, adding the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Again, this cooks fast. The heat of the pan will quickly defrost the frozen veggies. Finish it off with fresh lemon juice and optional chopped fresh cilantro. And that's that!

How to Serve and Store Corn and Edamame Succotash

We love this for an easy meal prep. This will keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or so. You can eat this cold, at room temperature, or warm it back up if you like. But it feels like a simple side dish you don't really need to do too much with to make it delicious. Sometimes fewer ingredients are better, as long as those ingredients are really good ones.

This succotash is a side dish that goes with a lot of mains. Try it with something like fried, barbecued, or roasted chicken, spicy shrimp, fried catfish, ham, or even a grilled flank steak. It goes with a lot of different foods, but we keep feeling like chicken is the winner here. I mean, we did put it in the photo with the prepped containers and everything.

Substitutions and Alterations

Corn is traditional, and so are lima beans, so feel free to swap limas for edamame. You could also use something pretty neutral tasting like white beans if you've got those on hand, but they're not as firm as edamame. The texture will be different, and you'll want to add the white beans separately, after the corn cooks, because otherwise, they'll get too mushy. They'll just need to be heated through.

You could also use parsley instead of cilantro (we understand, cilantro can be divisive), and lime juice instead of lemon juice, and it will still be flavorful and work ok.

Regular paprika can be swapped for smoked, or a good chili powder would work if you don't have paprika at all or want to try something a little different.

And of course, feel free to use an orange, yellow, or green bell pepper instead, but we're fond of the red ones because it brings another colorful veggie into the mix here. But use what you've got and it'll still be great.

MORE CORN, EDAMAME, AND OTHER DELICIOUS COMBOS!

• $4 Edamame Pasta with Tofu and Veggies
• Sheet Pan Butter Herb Shrimp Corn and Potato Bake
• Mexican Street Corn Dip

Best Waffle Recipes Ever! They're not tough to make and cook really fast. The trick is to have what you need on hand. These are 12 of our faves!

Waffles are a classic breakfast dish consisting of a batter or dough cooked between hot plates that leave squared impressions. Brought to the Americas by the Dutch, French, and Belgians, the waffle is surely an international delight. By the 1930s, waffle irons were a standard kitchen appliance produced primarily by General Electric. Waffles are typically fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, buttery, and drizzled with maple syrup. We have put together a list of our favorite 12, delicious, waffle recipes for you and your family to enjoy. We even threw in a few healthier options for those who crave waffles but are on dietary restrictions!

Freezer Friendly Chocolate Waffles

Breakfast is a breeze with these freezer-friendly chocolate waffles. Reheat these on busy mornings. They're made with antioxidant-rich cacao powder for a guilt-free chocolate fix!

(Carbs: 63g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 17g)

Protein Freezer Waffles

These protein freezer waffles are so easy and delicious! With just six ingredients, this recipe is easy and high in protein. Double or triple the batch and keep them in the freezer for upcoming weeks.

(Carbs: 49g - Protein: 26g - Fat: 16g)

Sweet Potato Hash Brown Waffles

Switch up your normal breakfast routine with these sweet potato waffles made with this herb-forward Paleo seasoning.

(Carbs: 26g - Protein: 14g - Fat: 6g)

Savory Waffles with Kale & Bacon

Waffles get a savory Paleo makeover in this hearty recipe topped off with smoky bacon and sautéed kale.

(Carbs: 17g - Protein: 13g - Fat: 32g)

Kabocha Squash Waffles

Kabocha Squash Waffle Meal Prep is a unique, paleo-friendly twist on regular waffles that will turn your breakfast into a vitamin-A packed, sweet and healthy meal. Gluten-Free. 

(Carbs: 22g - Protein: 17g - Fat: 11g)

Sweet Potato Waffles

We are declaring this Sweet Potato Waffle Meal Prep recipe the ultimate breakfast idea! Two crispy sweet potato waffles filled with eggs and fresh spinach.

(Carbs: 23g - Protein: 27g - Fat: 25g)

Allrecipes' Waffles

This waffle recipe is the only one you'll need to make homemade waffles with your waffle iron. Serve waffles hot with whipped cream and fresh fruit or with butter and maple syrup for either breakfast, brunch, or a snack.

(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 9g - Fat: 22g)

The Salty Marshmallow's Belgian Waffles

This Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe is easy and makes delicious, authentic, Belgian waffles. These waffles are perfectly crisp and golden on the outside while being light and fluffy on the inside.

(Carbs: 35g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 17g)

Spend With Pennies' Fluffy Waffles

Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these waffles are delicious drizzled with melted butter and syrup. The perfect start to any weekend morning!

(Carbs: 40g - Protein: 8g - Fat: 13g)

Classic Waffles

We have been making these delicious classic waffles nonstop at our house. I'm not joking when I say that my kids request them every weekend. Pair these waffles with buttermilk syrup and fresh fruits. It's a match made in heaven.

(Carbs: 48g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 18g)

Jessica's Vegan Waffles

When made properly, homemade vegan waffles taste like they're fresh from your favorite diner or breakfast spot. These are the BEST Vegan Waffles! They are crispy, so fluffy, and very simple.

(Carbs: 36g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 10g)

Keto Waffles

Learn how to make the BEST keto waffles in under 15 minutes and I promise they're so much better than the "regular" stuff. These waffles are a keto dieter's dream come true at only 2 net carbs each! And yes, there is keto-friendly syrup for your waffle enjoyment!

(Carbs: 5g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 27g)

5 Ways With Greens! We love them raw, but they're so versatile and once the seasonal produce rolls in, we can't use them fast enough! Here are 5 favorite ways to use them!

There are many ways to cook your favorite green vegetables; you can keep many of them raw like in salads. Many people seek ways to incorporate more green vegetables in their diet, whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, because of the benefits that come with eating them. Green vegetables pair well with many dishes and can be served as the main course of a meal. Some examples of green vegetables include (but not limited to) spinach, arugula, watercress, Swiss chard, mustard greens, lettuce, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, endives, microgreens, and broccoli.

What's So Great About Green Veggies?

Green vegetables are usually high in fiber, vitamins (e.g. A, C, K, etc.), magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. Green vegetables can help with overall health, as well as specifics like aiding heart health, potentially fighting cancers, may help slow the aging process, create glowing skin, assist in fighting diabetes, and so much more. To help you with your meal prepping and recipe needs, we have put together a list of 5 ways of cooking some greens for you and your family to enjoy. We have plenty more available throughout the website!

Sautéed Greens

Sautéing is a method of lightly cooking on a hot pan with a small amount of fat, usually from oil or butter, and tossing back and forth in order to evenly brown the surface. The word sautée originates from the French, meaning 'jump.' This dry-heat cooking method is used for thinner cuts of meats, fish, and vegetables. Since it does not cook intensely throughout the food, it is a great way to retain more nutrients than other cooking methods. 

Vegan Mushroom Quinoa Breakfast Hash

This Vegan Mushroom Quinoa Breakfast Hash is a high-protein recipe that replaces traditional eggs with a complete protein, quinoa. Quick to make and gluten-free. 

(Carbs: 29g - Protein: 7g - Fat: 6g) 

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This Paleo-friendly spinach dip is rich and filling, perfect for curbing midday hunger without any gluten. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without the lactose of regular dairy cheese.

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 3g - Fat: 25g) 

Baking with Greens

Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that usually incorporates putting items into an oven to cook. Many dishes that are baked are associated with bakery products such as bread, pastries, muffins, cookies, and turkeys. However, many dishes outside of these can be cooked with the baking method. 

Watercress Leek Butternut Squash Quiche

This autumn quiche comes complete with a gluten-free buttery crust. The crust is filled with sautéed watercress, leeks, and butternut squash before baking adding a hefty dose of vitamin C. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a protein-packed meal.

(Carbs: 30g - Protein: 15g - Fat: 23g)

Boiling 

Boiling is a method of cooking that submerges the food in water at the boiling point which is around 212°F (~100°C) and cooks until the food is thoroughly cooked. Slow boiling is when the boiling water is moving with small bubbles, while a full boil is when the water is moving quickly with larger full rolling bubbles. 

Boiled Leafy Greens

Boiled greens, or horta vrasta (HOR-tah vrah-STAH), are a staple in any Greek household. They are easy to prepare, and when dressed with a bit of olive oil and lemon, you will really enjoy the clean, pure taste.

(Carbs: 19g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 8g) 

Steaming

Steaming is a method of cooking where water is boiled and the steam vapors released are what cook the food held over the boiling water. The steam cooks the food thoroughly and leaves it moist. An easy method of steaming includes filling a pot with water, setting it to boil, with a steam basket resting on top, and putting the food to be steamed into the basket over the boiling water. Steaming is also a great way of preserving more of the health benefits of cooked food. There are steaming devices for kitchens for home and commercial use. 

Vegan Broccoli Arugula Pesto Pasta

Pasta of your choice is dressed with a quick homemade arugula pesto and tossed with zucchini, green peas, and broccoli. This vegan pasta dish tastes great chilled or hot.

(Carbs: 62g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 34g) 

Fry 

Frying is traditionally a cooking method that immerses the food in hot fat or oil. With modern technological advancements, the same outcome of crisping the food can be accomplished without the use of fat or oils, but instead with an air fryer. Air fryers circulate air rapidly around the food producing a crispiness while saving calories. 

Air Fryer Spinach Chips

If you love spinach, you're going to go crazy for these air-fried spinach chips! They are the perfect healthy snack that is both delicious and guilt-free. Plus, they're really easy to make - you only need a few minutes and an air fryer!

(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 1g) 

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad solves your craving for something spicy and is ready in a jiffy thanks to pre-cooked chicken (psst, grab a rotisserie bird from the grocery store!)

If you love Buffalo chicken, you're going to love this pasta salad. It's super flavorful, of course, but it's also DEAD EASY because you start with pre-cooked chicken. Don't have any lying around in the fridge? Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Done and done! And need to make it gluten-free? Change out the pasta. You'll love how easy this is and the fact that it's a great addition to any barbecue, picnic, or outdoor gathering. It's a super quick healthy meal prep.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 8 ounces rotini pasta
• ½ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup buffalo-style hot sauce
• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. ranch seasoning 
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• ¾ cup thinly sliced celery
• ½ cup sliced green onion
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast 

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Start with cooking some rotini pasta and setting it aside. You can do this ahead of time if you like.

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, along with the Buffalo-style hot sauce, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning. So much flavor! Then add the carrots, celery, green onion, cheddar cheese, and cooked chicken. Toss it all together so it's evenly distributed and eat immediately. Or chill it.

How to Serve and Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Once this Buffalo chicken pasta salad comes together you can meal prep it like we've shown in the photo. There's something especially nice about packing this up with strawberries; the sweetness is a delicious contrast. Store this in the fridge for up to 4 days. The best part of this meal prep is that you can eat it cold right out of the fridge. We love this for lunch, for that very reason!

You can certainly serve this as it is, or alongside a green salad instead of the strawberries. Or maybe split the difference and add strawberries to a salad, and top it with some blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Substitutions and Alterations

This Buffalo chicken salad pasta is easy to adapt. You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, no problem there. Feel free to substitute any other short stubby pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or even cavatappi (which is a pretty fun shape).

Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack. If you can't get enough heat, up the spice level and use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno in it. Or, take a total detour from the cheddar/jack situation and go classic by mixing in some crumbled blue cheese.

You can add other veggies to this pasta salad, but it will take it out of the territory of a traditional Buffalo chicken profile. Finely chopped bell peppers would complement the other flavors, however. In some cases, it's often best to keep it simple. Right?

You can turn this whole dish vegan by using vegan mayo, yogurt, and cheeses, and changing it to tofu instead.

Want ALL the Buffalo Chicken Dishes? Read ON!

• Whole30 Baked Buffalo Chicken Casserole
• Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins
• Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pepper Meal Prep
• Minute Rice Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

When we are looking for meals to meal prep, we are often looking for recipes that are quick and easy to make, cost-effective, and delicious. After all, one of the main goals of meal prepping is to save time, money, and stress! By using one skillet, or pan, you can eliminate much of the mess and cleaning time that comes with more elaborate cooking recipes. In addition, when using ground meats such as ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork, you can save money with these cost-effective meats and cooking time since they cook so much faster. If you love saving time, money, and stress when meal prepping, you're going to love this list. We have put together a list of 17 delicious recipes that only use one skillet, or pan, and use ground meat for you and your family to enjoy!

One-Skillet Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

This quick and easy one-skillet spaghetti squash and meatballs recipe requires only a few simple ingredients. It's the ultimate comfort food! Gluten Free. Grain Free. Low Carb.

(Carbs: 13g - Protein: 38g - Fat: 15g) 

Taco Skillet

Packed with Keto-friendly ingredients, this simple-to-make Taco Skillet Meal Prep is perfect for any day of the week! 

(Carbs: 18g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 44g) 

Korean Beef Bowl II

15 minutes to meal prep delicious Korean beef bowls, and with only one skillet to clean this makes it a perfect go-to.

(Carbs: 48g - Protein: 34g - Fat: 41g)

Carrot Meatballs with Mint Cauliflower Rice

These easy 15-minute prep meatballs are loaded with Italian flavors and a hidden veggie. Pair it with lemon mint cauliflower rice for a filling, low-carb meal!

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 15g)

Keto Parmesan Chicken Patties

These Keto cheesy patties are a low-carb way to satisfy your craving for chicken parmesan, complete with a marinara sauce for dipping!

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 29g)

Beef & Vegetable Fried Rice

The versatility of Ground Beef has made it one of America's all-time favorite go-to cuts. From burgers to lasagna, tacos to meatloaf, pasta sauce to wraps, Ground Beef offers quick, easy, and delicious options for any meal and any occasion.

(Carbs: 46g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 11g)

Greek Meatballs

These herb-filled meatballs are an exotic spin on classic meatballs with robust herbs like dill, mint, and oregano. Served alongside tangy lemon rice, fresh tomato, cucumber, and olive salad, it's like a trip to the Greek islands without leaving your house!

(Carbs: 64g - Protein: 40g - Fat: 21g)

10-Minute Chili

It doesn't get any easier than this! Keeping a recipe on hand for 10-Minute Chili Meal Prep makes for a fast and easy Sunday meal prep, a quick 10-minute weeknight dinner, or even a fast game day meal. Paleo. Gluten-free. Whole30. 

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 24g - Fat: 18g)

One-Pan Asian Turkey Meatballs

These tender and juicy hoisin meatballs are high in protein and feed a hungry appetite with 4 meatballs per serving, white rice, and pea pods. They're browned on the outside and cooled before storing in a zip-top bag with an Asian hoisin sauce. This makes for less work on busy days. Just thaw and simmer in the sauce!

(Carbs: 73g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 20g)

Taco Seasoned Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Hash

This one-pan sweet potato and ground beef hash is full of protein, fiber, and vitamins to start the day off right. Seasoned with taco seasonings and served with salsa, you don't have to wait until dinner to get your taco fix!

(Carbs: 23g - Protein: 38g - Fat: 23g)

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl comes together in one-pan in 15 minutes! It's a delicious low-carb Keto Asian meal packed with protein

(Carbs: 46g - Protein: 31g - Fat: 3g)

Mongolian Beef Meatballs

If you're following an AIP diet and missing takeout, this Mongolian beef meatball recipe will curb a craving with AIP-friendly cassava breading and a sweet and savory sauce made with ginger and coconut aminos!

(Carbs: 16g - Protein: 25g - Fat: 25g)

Low-Carb Hamburger Helper

This better-than-boxed low-carb hamburger helper ditches wheat noodles in favor of hearts of palm noodles for a protein and veggie-rich dish complete with cheesy flavor in every bite.

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 40g - Fat: 20g)

20-Minute Paleo Thai Almond Butter Turkey Meatballs

20 Minute Paleo Thai Almond Butter Turkey Meatballs are a combination of lean ground turkey with a sweet & savory Thai-inspired sauce. Baked to juicy perfection. Gluten Free. Low Carb.

(Carbs: 10g - Protein: 36g - Fat: 19g)

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.

(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 24g - Fat: 19g)

Country Hamburger Skillet Dinner

Country Hamburger Skillet is a quick easy dinner made with freshly sliced potatoes, ground beef, seasonings, and grated cheese. Sometimes the BEST dishes are the most simple! A true meat and potatoes meal!

(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 26g - Fat: 19g)

One-Skillet Ground Beef Stroganoff

One Skillet Ground Beef Stroganoff is filled with hearty ground beef, mushrooms, and tender egg noodles in a delicate, yet simple sauce.

(Carbs: 25g - Protein: 22g - Fat: 26g)