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It happens to everyone from time to time: You’ve been having a crazy, busy, overwhelming week at work and when you finally get home/move to another room -if you are working from home- and have absolutely no energy to make dinner.

I've been there, done that! However, maintaining a balance between work and healthy eating is important. In order to do so, you need to take a break from takeout and focus on homemade meals.

Sometimes, ordering is inevitable, but in many cases, if you have 10-20 minutes to dedicate, you can make wonders in the kitchen! Your future self and your body will be extremely thankful!

If you are a busy woman, then the recipes below may be exactly what you need after a long day at work!

Bon Appétit!

1. One Pot Greek Chicken & Orzo

For some reason, orzo is the most overlooked pasta type, even though it makes amazing dishes. Go for the Greek way and try this easy, one-pot chicken and orzo recipe! It's delicious and healthy!

https://damndelicious.net/2024/01/26/one-pot-greek-chicken-and-orzo/

2. Shrimp and pickled cucumber sandwich

This recipe requires only 15 minutes of your time, and -we promise- it’s the most delicious sandwich you will ever taste!

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/8042/tost-me-garides-kai-aggouraki-toursi

3. One-pot Moussaka beef rice pilaf

If you are a fan of Greek cuisine, you may have heard about moussaka. Moussaka is a classic Greek dish but it takes a lot of time and preparation. However, we found this easy alternative which will taste like moussaka, but it’s done easily, and most importantly in one single pot.

https://www.recipetineats.com/one-pot-moussaka-beef-rice-pilaf/

4. Greek stuffed peppers in 30 minutes

Greek cuisine is fun, easy, and, most importantly, healthy. Spend only 30 minutes while listening to your favorite podcast, and make these easy stuffed peppers. Plus: make some more, and have your lunch for the following day ready!

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/8070/gemista-se-30-lepta

5. One-Pot Pasta

Let’s admit that nothing can go wrong with pasta: pasta is tasty, pasta is easy, pasta is versatile. If we need to count how many recipes you can make with pasta, no blog space is enough. However, for those days that everything seems too much, this comforting, light and delicious one pot pasta recipe will make the difference.

https://thegreekfoodie.com/one-pot-fresh-tomato-pasta/

6. Greek Eggs Kayanas

Ok, this recipe is never enough. It’s so easy to make yet so amazingly tasty that it will change your view towards eggs completely.

https://thegreekfoodie.com/greek-eggs-kayanas-my-way/

7. Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Not only, is it easy, it’s extremely healthy too. Full of vitamins and colors, this salad is the best solution to your unwillingness to spend much time in the kitchen.

https://thegreekfoodie.com/broccoli-cauliflower-salad/

8. 15-minute salmon and sesame rice superfood bowls

It takes only 15 minutes to make an entire dish full of nutrients while not even spending time in the kitchen. What more can you ask from a recipe?

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/15-minute-salmon-sesame-rice-superfood-bowls-recipe/kff7vz1k

9. One Pot Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Pasta is the best solution to time managed cooking. Mushrooms are your vegan protein in case you want some meat detox. All in one pot!

https://www.allrecipes.com/one-pot-spinach-mushroom-pasta-recipe-8611738

10. Greek Omelette with Tomato, Potatoes, and Feta

Traditionally, omelet is related to breakfast, but this version is an ideal, light, and healthy dinner.

https://thegreekfoodie.com/greek-omelette-with-tomato-potatoes-and-feta/

11. Easy Garlic-Lemon Scallops

Your weekly dose of omega-3, along with an amazing combination of garlic and lemon, these scallops are easy to make and equally tasty.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/132358/easy-garlic-lemon-scallops/

12. Air fryer fried rice

Rice is so easy to make and such a source of nutrients. Try this air fryer recipe and find more reasons to add rice to your recipes.

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/air-fryer-fried-rice-recipe/o43bsut1?r=dinner/smvpwnkp

13. Egg sandwich

With only 10 minutes of preparation time, this sandwich can be the ideal “I am tired and I am hungry” dinner!

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/8239/egg-sandwich

14. Tuna and cream cheese pasta

Creamy, healthy and super easy to make, this recipe will for sure be starred as one of your favorites when you are looking for an easy dinner during busy days!

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/7978/zymarika-me-tono-kai-tyri-krema

15. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Your easy dose of protein, our favorite protein source, chicken in an easy and tasty recipe!

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/272858/air-fryer-chicken-thighs/

16. Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tortellini is always good, and salad is usually the best solution for a light and quick dinner. Plus, you can meal-prep easily this dish!

https://misscookalot.com/tortellini-pasta-salad/

17. Vegan potato salad

Whether you are vegetarian or vegan, or you just want to have a meatless meal, this vegan potato salad is exactly what you wish for!

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/7889/vegan-patatosalata

18. One-pan creamy Tuscan salmon

Busy weeks and one-pan are interconnected. Add a creamy salmon and enjoy your evening!

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/one-pan-creamy-tuscan-salmon-recipe/a8nzko4x?r=dinner/smvpwnkp

19. Quick and Easy Chicken Spaghetti

If you need a quick recipe but not want to spend more than 20 minutes for it, then try this extremely quick and easy chicken spaghetti recipe.

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/26286/quick-and-easy-chicken-spaghetti/

20. Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Legumes are so healthy and versatile that you can use them pretty much in every recipe. Try this wholesome and easy salad and say hello to new Mediterranean flavors.

https://thegreekfoodie.com/black-eyed-peas-salad-mavromatika/

21. Orzo Pasta Salad

Orzo is as well so versatile and the ideal ingredient for quick recipes and busy, healthy working gals!

https://www.budgetbytes.com/orzo-pasta-salad/

22. Air Fryer Quesadillas

If you feel like you want Mexican, try these easy air fryer quesadillas in only 20 minutes!

https://www.allrecipes.com/air-fryer-quesadillas-recipe-8651442

23. Tuna, capers and orange pasta

Did you know that capers are rich in antioxidants? Well, now you have no excuse not to make this interesting recipe and satisfy your appetite!

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/7745/zymarika-me-tono-kapparh-kai-portokali

24. Easy pressure-cooker spinach and rice

Spinach and rice (Spanakorizo as called in Greece) is a classic wholesome dish, full of iron and vitamins. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you will definitely be adding this recipe to your favorites.

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/7595/efkolo-spanakoryzo-sth-chytra-tachythtas

25. One-pan feta and chili chicken

A busy night needs tasty and comfort food. This is the 15-minute recipe to do so!

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/easy-one-pan-feta-chilli-chicken-recipe/l9jfb0ua

26. Strawberry Spinach Salad

If you are a fan of spinach (why wouldn’t you be?), this is a super and quick alternative to your lettuce salad. Enjoy!

https://www.budgetbytes.com/strawberry-spinach-salad/

27. Healthier frittata tray bake

Healhty, fast and easy to make, this frittata is ideal for busy gals and limited-time meals.

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/healthier-frittata-tray-bake-recipe/m585g6qk?r=dinner/smvpwnkp

28. Easy Vegetable Soup

Fall is coming, and soup season is coming, too! If you want to try something new, instead of your classic tomato soup then why not do it with this easy vegetable soup, full of nutrients?

https://www.inspiredtaste.net/37646/vegetable-soup-recipe/

29. 2-minute noodle pepperoni pan pizza

Pizza is good, but homemade pizza is even better!

https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/2-minute-noodle-pepperoni-pan-pizza-recipe/rxmyc37d?r=dinner/smvpwnkp

30. Light veggie pasta salad

Yes, a meal without meat can be tasty! And this salad proves it!

https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/7216/light-makaronosalata-me-lachanika