Easy Weeknight Meals for Busy Renters

As you walk into your apartment after a long day at the office, the last thing you probably want to do is cook dinner. While there’s no shame in popping a frozen pizza in the oven every now and then, you can prepare easy weeknight meals–even if you’re on a budget (and we don’t mean heating up another packet of ramen noodles). Try these quick healthy recipes to give your microwave a break and increase the deliciousness-factor of your evening meal:

Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad, from Greatist

What You’ll Need:

Salt and pepper

4 sprigs fresh oregano, chopped

1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

10 fresh basil leaves, rolled into a log and sliced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 cups water

1 cup quinoa

2 tomatoes, diced

10 kalamata olives, diced

What to Do:

1. Bring the water to a boil before adding the quinoa. Stir. After the water returns to boil, cover and simmer on low head for about 15 minutes.

2. Combine the tomatoes, olives, oregano and parsley.

3. Once the quinoa is fully cooked, add your mixture. Stir to combine, and add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Top your creation with basil and serve as a side dish for chicken or fish, or enjoy it plain!

Fajita-Style Quesadillas, from Better Homes and Gardens

What You’ll Need:

Nonstick cooking spray

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon snipped, fresh cilantro

2 thin slices of tomato, halved

1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 medium red sweet pepper, seeded and cut into strips

1 fresh serrano pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

4 six-inch white corn tortillas

What to Do:

1. Heat the sweet pepper, onion and serrano pepper in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for three to five minutes. Once the vegetables are tender, remove the skillet from the heat.

2. Coat one side of each tortilla lightly with cooking spray. Divide the cheese in half and sprinkle it on the uncoated side of two of the tortillas. Top with the mixture from the skillet, tomato slices, cilantro and remaining cheese. Cover with the remaining tortillas.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the quesadillas for four to five minutes per side. Then, cut the quesadillas into quarters and dig in!

Give these easy weeknight meals a try, and be sure to let us know how it goes!

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