Nutritious, Easy Meal Ideas for In-Between Holidays

We all love the festive season for its whirlwind of gatherings, rich meals, and delicious desserts. But by the time we hit those “in-between” days—the quieter stretches that bridge holiday festivities and get-togethers—it’s not uncommon to feel a little worn out from the constant cooking and feasting. If you’re seeking some nutritious and easy meal ideas to help keep you fueled and nourished during this busy time, look no further. Here are some quick and delicious options that require minimal effort but still deliver big on flavor and nutrition.

1. Quick grain bowls are a perfect solution for easy, nutritious weeknight meals. They’re delicious and satisfying, most can be prepared in under 15 minutes, and they can make use of any leftover veggies. The nutribullet EveryGrain™ Cooker is ideal for prepping the grain base of your bowls, since it’s programmed to deliver perfect results, every time. With specialized presets for white rice, brown rice, quinoa and oats, plus a catch-all “Grains” program for more artisanal selections, you can make any grain your main dish. Pro tip: our 3 Sisters Wild Rice Salad is great for serving at holiday parties, but it makes for even better leftovers.
2. Nourishing soups are such an easy and delicious way to “eat” your veggies, and nutribullet® full-sized blenders are perfect for making pureed soups from your favorite cooked vegetables. Simply roast or sauté your ingredients – or, once again, add leftover cooked veggies – and combine with your liquid of choice. Some of our favorites this time of year include Carrot and Ginger Soup, Creamy Squash Soup,  and Pumpkin Cream Soup. If you’re using a personal blender instead of a full-sized one with a vented pitcher, be sure to let ingredients cool to room temperature before blending. 
3. Homemade juices contain concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep you feeling your best all season long. Even better, juicing requires minimal prep. All you have to do is throw a variety of fruits and vegetables into a juicer for a nutritious pick-me-up. Try the Root Awakening, Sunray All Day, or Sweet Spot Juice – which can all be made with your nutribullet Juicer Pro™.
4. Easy dressings and dips are a game-changer when it comes to elevating a sandwich, pre-made salad, or even a simple snack. We’re obsessed with our Cucumber Dill Dressing. It’s delicious atop salads, grain bowls, salmon, chicken, falafel…basically anything you want to taste more delicious. And you can’t go wrong with Classic Hummus, which is a perfect well-rounded snack when paired with crackers and/or veggies. You can also try adding roasted red peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for flavor variations.
5. Smoothies are one of those options that as a registered dietitian, I’ll never get tired of recommending. They just make it so easy to add a variety of nutrients to your day with minimal effort, and to incorporate nutrient-dense foods that might otherwise be overlooked. Leafy greens, seeds, and even certain vegetables can be blended in without significantly altering the taste of your drink, letting you boost nutrient intake quickly and easily. Plus, the sheer variety of smoothie ingredients means you can create endless flavor combinations, from tropical blends to chocolatey “treats”.

These in-between days don’t have to mean boring meals or endless takeout. With simple, wholesome ideas like the ones shared here, you can nourish your body and delight your taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen. Embrace a little simplicity, and take a moment to unwind amidst the holiday bustle. Here’s to delicious moments and happy holidays!