Quick and Healthy Dinner Recipe for Busy Working Moms (Salmon and Rice)

As a full-time working mom, my plate is always full (pun intended). Between daycare pickups, work meetings, and squeezing in a gym run, finding time to cook quality nutritious meals can feel like an impossible task. But fear not moms out there! With a quick tactical stop at your local grocery store and the right minimal-ingredient recipe, you can quickly pull together a healthy and delicious dinner that your entire family will appreciate.

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Salmon, Rice and Veggies

This recipe is a lifesaver and one I have on rotation every week for me and my family. It requires minimal prep, just one skillet for easy cleanup, and it’s packed with protein and nutrients to keep your family satisfied.

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 1 pound salmon
• 1 microwavable bag broccoli floret or 2 cups of broccoli (cooked in oven/air fryer/etc.)
• 1 microwavable bag of rice or 2 cups of rice (cooked in rice cooker)
• Your favorite spices for seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Skillet: Start by preheating your skillet to a medium heat, between 300°F and 400°F. While it heats up, you can prep your ingredients—perfect for multitasking.
2. Season and Cook the Salmon: Slice your salmon slab into smaller servings. Sprinkle your favorite spices generously over the fillet. I personally use paprika, lemon pepper, and salt. I cook my salmon for 4 minutes on each side, meat side down first.
3. Cook your Veggies: I prepare my veggies 1 of 3 ways depending on my energy level. When I’m feeling completely depleted I pop a microwavable bag of veggies in the microwave, when I’m feeling a bit extra I’ll spread out my veggies in an air fryer or oven sheet and heat for 15 minutes or so.
4. Prepare your Rice: Similarly to my veggies, my rice prep depends heavily on my energy level for the day. When I’m at 0% I use microwavable rice, when I’m feeling a bit more energetic I use my rice cooker.
5. Serve: Season your veggies and rice to your taste, serve on a plate and enjoy! This simple low-effort dish is well-balanced and packed with nutrients- perfect for a busy working mom to throw together after a long day at the office.

Tips for Success:

• Microwave: When you’re feeling depleted after a long stressful day of work, a quick dish-less food prep will really pull your meal together quickly.
• Meal Prepping: Make extra servings to pack for lunches, that’s one less meal you have to plan for the week!
• Switch It Up: Swap out the veggies or grains based on what you have on hand. This meal formula has many possibilities.

Why This Recipe Works for Working Moms

• Minimal Cleanup: One skillet means fewer dishes to wash, giving us mom’s time back to relax and unwind from the day.
• Healthy and Quick: It’s a complete meal with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and filling grains.

Balancing personal, work, and family life is draining, but making dinner doesn’t have to be. With this easy one-skillet meal, you’ll have more time to focus on what really matters to you and your family. Happy cooking!

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