On busy days, meals often happen wherever you can fit them in. Maybe breakfast comes with you in the car, lunch gets squeezed between meetings or an afternoon snack has to hold you over until dinner. The good news is that eating on the go can still be delicious and satisfying. A little prep and a few go-to recipes can make all the difference.
Make Breakfast Easier to Take With You
If mornings tend to be a rush, take breakfast prep off your morning to-do list. Keep a few grab-and-go options ready in the fridge or pantry to make it easier for you to eat, even on your busiest mornings.
Recipes to Try:
- Walnut Cranberry Granola Bars: Chewy bars packed with oats, walnuts, coconut, dates and cranberries that you can make once and enjoy throughout the week.
- Walnut Chia Overnight Oats: Prep these the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast made with oats, chia seeds, walnuts, maple and vanilla.
- Creamy Egg Cups: A make-ahead breakfast packed with creamy eggs, cheese, veggies and crunchy walnuts that’s ready to grab on busy mornings.
Give Your Usual Lunch a Little More Life
When you’re tired of your usual lunch lineup, switch things up with recipes that bring more flavor without requiring a complicated midday meal. Make a larger batch ahead of time, portion out the leftovers and you’ve already answered the “what’s for lunch?” question for another day.
Recipes to Try:
- California Walnut Curry: Colorful vegetables, Thai red curry and creamy walnuts come together over black rice for a flavorful lunch worth looking forward to.
- California Walnut Low-Carb Veggie Shepherd’s Pie: A veggie-packed spin on the comfort-food classic, featuring a hearty walnut and lentil filling topped with creamy cauliflower mash.
Turn Snacking Into Something More Satisfying
The best snacks are the ones you’ll actually look forward to eating. Keep a mix of sweet, savory and crunchy choices around so you have something that sounds good when afternoon hunger hits.
Recipes to Try:
- Dark Chocolate Energy Bites with California Walnuts: These no-bake bites combine dark chocolate, dates, oats and walnuts for a sweet snack you can keep in the fridge or freezer.
- Dill Pickle Roasted Walnuts: Crispy roasted walnuts get a savory, dill pickle-inspired twist in this 15-minute snack.
- Walnut Ranch Dressing: Pair fresh veggies with this creamy, walnut-based take on classic ranch for a snack that makes dipping a little more interesting.
Create a Go-To Stash for Your Busiest Days
Consider your fridge and freezer a favor to your future self. A few homemade options tucked away can come in handy when you need something substantial but don’t have the time or energy to start from scratch.
Recipes to Try:
- Picadillo-Style California Walnut Meat Empanadas with Chimichurri: Savory walnut meat empanadas paired with fresh chimichurri make for a flavorful handheld option you can prep ahead.
- Stovetop Walnut Meat with Mushrooms: A versatile mix of walnuts and mushrooms that can be prepped ahead and used in tacos, bowls and other quick meals.
- Mini Mexican Slow Cooker Meatloaves: Individual meatloaves with Mexican-inspired flavors offer a convenient, portioned option to have ready for a busy day.
