As a new mom I had to rethink how I cook and prepare food given the new demands of my little one. I strategized meals that allowed for flexibility, convenience, and minimal-to-no cooking time that still boasted bold flavors and were crave worthy—meals I actually wanted to eat versus just shoving whatever food I had on hand into my mouth out of necessity. Here’s my list of 10 meals that are fast, easy, and delicious—perfect for busy moms or anyone looking to put food on the table in a hurry, while maintaining taste and quality.
10 Easy Meal Ideas for Busy Moms
- Charcuterie and Cheese Board
Charcuterie and Cheese Board with Pickled Vegetables and Apple Chutney
I often rely on a cheese and charcuterie board on nights when I don’t have time or energy to cook. Not only does it taste great, the ingredients can be bought ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you need them. Think of this as your emergency back-up plan; it’s on hand when you need it.
I had a huge hankering for prosciutto after not being allowed to eat it for 9 months (one of the many foods I missed during my pregnancy), so a charcuterie board featuring prosciutto and my other favorite cured meats was one of the first meals I prepared for myself after giving birth.
There are infinite variations of meat and cheese boards to fit your fancy and keep things exciting. Pick your favorite cheeses and cured meats. Serve them with a selection of crackers, marinated olives, sliced fruit, pickled vegetables, and condiments of your choice.
- Hummus Greek-Style Flatbreads
Hummus Greek-Style Flatbreads
My mom first made these for me when I was on bed rest. They’re genius; it’s like having all the best parts of a Greek salad—pepperoncini, capers, anchovies, tomatoes, radish, and cucumber—on top of a pita with hummus. It comes together in a matter of minutes and is healthy and delicious. Just toast some pitas or sandwich thins, spread on the hummus, top with desired toppings, and drizzle some Greek salad dressing or oil and vinegar over the top.
- Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter Sauce
Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter Sauce and Capers, Garlic-Roasted Asparagus and Boiled New Potatoes
Fish dishes are always a good option when you want flavorful meals on the quick because they have short cooking times. This dish cooks up in minutes and has crispy skin and a luxurious butter-caper sauce and fresh dill. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again. Get the recipe here.
- Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi Fried Rice Topped with Sesame Seeds
You can’t go wrong with kimchi fried rice. It’s quick comfort food that warms your soul. Keep a jar of kimchi and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) in your fridge, and you’ll be ready to go when your mood for Korean food strikes (if you’re like me, that’s often). You can find the recipe here.
- Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese
Lox Platter with Capers, Radishes, Cucumber Slices, and Fresh Dill
A bagel platter with lox and cream cheese is another great no-cook option for busy moms. It’s easy to throw together, looks beautiful, and contains the healthy fat needed for infant development. My favorite combo is smoked salmon on an everything bagel with cream cheese, capers, and fresh dill.
- Mozzarella Bar
Celebratory Dinner Mozzarella Bar Spread
A mozzarella bar is the perfect meal solution for a celebratory dinner with minimal effort. My husband and I made this for New Year’s Eve when our daughter was only 3 weeks old (that’s not to say she didn’t make her presence known during our dinner).
Choose a few different types of mozzarella and serve them with pesto, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olives, crackers, and baguette slices. If you’re feeling extra fancy, pick out some caviar to go along with the meal. What’s great about this dinner is that you can buy everything pre-prepared, so all you have to do is set the table and slice the baguette.
- Sashimi Seaweed Salad
Sashimi Salad–An Easy No-Cook Meal
This sashimi seaweed salad features 5 ingredients—cucumber, raw sushi-grade fish (I used a combination of tuna and salmon), seaweed salad, flying fish roe, and ponzu sauce. I could eat this salad every day! I love this play on textures and the citrusy, soy flavor of the ponzu sauce. Here’s the recipe.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned Beef and Cabbage Crockpot Dinner
Corned beef is one of my-all-time favorite foods. I’ve been having it since childhood when my grandfather would make it for me. I’ve made a few versions over the years, but the simplest method and a staple of my college years is to put a layer of red potatoes in the bottom of a crockpot, top with a layer of green cabbage wedges, followed by a corned beef topped with the seasoning packet it comes with. Finally add 2-inch carrot slices and a beer to the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Serve it with a stout beer and enjoy!
- Coriander Fish with Lemon Rice
Coriander Fish with Lemon Rice One-Pot Meal
This is another healthy, quick, and flavorful dinner. It’s a one-pot meal and requires minimal active cooking time. You basically sauté zucchini slices and then steam spice-rubbed fish over basmati rice. Poppy seeds and lemon juice flavor the rice. Find the recipe here.
- Tuna Tartare
Tuna Tartare with Avocado and Radish
You know what’s faster than cooking seafood, eating it raw. Sushi and sashimi were the foods I missed the most while pregnant. So I was so happy when I could have them again. This dish features my favorite fish—tuna—and pairs it with a sweet and tangy ginger sauce that comes together fast in a blender. Chili oil and Korean red pepper powder provide a subtle heat. Find the recipe here.
I hope these recipes help you whip up delicious foods in a hurry. As a new mom, I know how hard it can be to find time to eat, let alone prepare a meal. These meals are great for busy moms with limited time on their hands.
Share with me in the comments the meals you like to make when you’re pressed for time. I’d love to hear from everyone and get some new ideas. Thanks and happy cooking!
