Got a busy weekend ahead with no time to think about what to put in your lunchbox?
Don’t worry, here are some tasty and healthy ideas you can whip up in 15 minutes.
Don’t forget there’s nothing like a well-stocked pantry to come to the rescue in cases like these, so make sure you’ve got plenty of handy tins, vinaigrettes, readymade sauces, pasta and cheese in your kitchen cupboard.
Chicory with apple and cheese
Peel off a few chicory leaves, wash and strain well. Cut the apple in half, core and chop into thin slices. Don’t remove the vitamin-packed skin! You can add whatever cheese you’ve got to hand: brie, blue cheese, mild, mature, etc. Cut it into cubes or slice it with the vegetable peeler. Add some walnuts on top. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and add later; to make it you need extra-virgin olive oil, a dash of lemon juice, a teaspoonful of honey and half a teaspoonful of wholegrain mustard.
Green beans with vinaigrette and feta cheese
To make things quick and easy, we’ll use tinned green beans, which are perfect for these occasions. Strain them while you cut some red onion and red pepper in chunks of your choosing. Mix everything together and add some cubes of feta cheese. You can use readymade vinaigrette or make your own with extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Spaghetti with courgette and turkey
While you’re boiling the pasta in salted water (read this tip on how to add flavour to pasta while cooking), you can be making a light, healthy sauce combining protein and vegetables, such as turkey and courgette. Gently fry some chopped garlic and the thinly sliced courgette. Stir well and add the pieces of turkey, together with salt and pepper. It will be ready in no time at all—as soon as the courgette has softened. Add the cooked spaghetti and a couple of spoonfuls of pesto.
