25 Flex Meal Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less

Balancing a busy schedule with maintaining a healthy diet can often seem like a daunting task. However, we’re here to show you that it’s not only possible but also deliciously simple with our range of quick and easy meals that require just five ingredients or less!

These 5-ingredient recipes are perfect for those constantly on the move, taking mere minutes to prepare. For the meals that require a bit more time, the oven does the heavy lifting, allowing you to multitask and get other things done.

Our selection ranges from delightful breakfast paninis to hearty wraps and indulgent desserts. Each recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy cooking can be effortless and calls for just five ingredients—or fewer!

Explore our collection and discover your new favorite Flex meal among these flavorful options. Every dish we’ve curated is a tasty treat but also a healthy option flexible enough to fit into any meal plan. Satisfy your cravings without compromising on health or time with these simple, 5-ingredient meals.

1. Fiesta Breakfast Panini

Salsa, avocado and zesty Mexican cheeses may not be your typical breakfast ingredients. But when you pair these quintessential south-of-the-border flavors with cooked egg whites, you’ve got the makings of one very tasty (and pretty) morning meal. Just stack the colorful combo between slices of ciabatta bread and press to a golden crisp. No panini maker? No worries. This satisfying sandwich cooks just as well on a stovetop or grill.

Get the Fiesta Breakfast Panini recipe.

2. Vegetable Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust

Do not be intimidated by this fancy-sounding dish: it’s actually way simpler to make than your standard quiche. That’s because you don’t have to mix, measure and knead your own dough; instead, just cut sweet potatoes into thin slices, arrange in a pie dish and bake to create a much healthier, low-carb crust. Pour in a package of mixed vegetables and eggs, top with shredded cheddar, and pop back in the oven until the quiche is set. Each serving is loaded with nutrients and tons of flavor.

Get the Vegetable Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust recipe.

3. 4-Ingredient Chocolate Muffin

Chocolate muffin on a diet and only four ingredients needed to bake? We know—it sounds too good to be true. But rest assured, it is not. All it takes to create this decadent treat is one serving of Chocolate Nutrisystem Shake Mix, a banana, peanut butter and water. Less than a half hour in the oven and you’ve got a warm chunk of chocolate heaven, packed with protein and ready for indulging. Enjoy as a healthy dessert, sweet midday snack or on-the-go breakfast.

Get the 4-Ingredient Chocolate Muffin recipe.

4. Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Pinwheel Wraps

Pinwheel sandwiches make for a very pretty presentation—and this one, in particular, looks too good to eat. Do not deny your taste buds, however. Slices of lean turkey pair deliciously with roasted red peppers, baby spinach leaves and tasty hummus, all within the circles of whole wheat tortillas. The color combo is gorgeous, and the mix of nutrients in the ingredients—even more impressive.

Get the Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Pinwheel Wraps recipe.

5. 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Quesadilla

Tortilla, cheese, filling: that’s the magic trio for this quintessential Mexican meal. Make it with a whole wheat tortilla, reduced fat cheddar and uber-healthy broccoli, then feast on this family favorite with zero guilt. Want to up your Veg count for the day? Add some peppers and onions to the mix. Need a little extra spice? Simply sub pepper jack instead of cheddar for the cheese.

Get the Broccoli Cheese Quesadilla recipe.

6. Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich

No need for mayo in this chicken salad—healthy avocado brings all the creaminess you crave in this lunch standard, plus a whole bunch of healthy fats, vitamins and fiber. Just mash and combine with two ounces of cooked Rotisserie chicken, a squeeze of lime and shake of salt and pepper. Enjoy between a whole wheat sandwich thin.

Get the Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe.

7. Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad

Not only does this delicious strawberry salad melt in your mouth, but it is it incredibly easy to put together. Start with a healthy bunch of spinach leaves, then top it with slices of sweet strawberries and crumbles of tangy feta cheese. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic to finish and voila—a healthy salad that’s pretty and perfect for lunch. It could also be a fantastic light yet filling dinner with the quick addition of chicken or nuts.

Get the Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad recipe.

8. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sticks

With your handy-dandy, diet-friendly air fryer, you can turn a stick of string cheese into your favorite restaurant appetizer—minus all the extra fat and calories. Just season the mozzarella cheese stick with a little garlic powder and roll it in a flattened piece of whole grain bread. Give it a quick spray of olive oil and 10 minutes in the air fryer. Then give it a dip in salsa if you desire, and sink your teeth into the ooey, gooey stick of air-fried cheese.

Get the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sticks recipe.

9. 5-Ingredient Easy Banana Nut Muffin

The name doesn’t lie—you only need five ingredients for these yummy muffins: bananas, oats, raisins, cashews and cinnamon. The “easy” part is true, too. You just need one bowl to mix, and then bake for about 15 minutes. And the taste? Totally delicious. What’s even more awesome about this recipe is that you can shake up the flavor with every batch. Swap in cranberries for raisins one time, or try dried apricots the next. Replace cashews with almonds, if you prefer, or even walnuts for a different crunch. Whichever your flavor combo, these muffins make the perfect grab-and-go snack.

Get the Easy Banana Nut Muffin recipe.

10. Healthy Apple Nachos

Looking for a fun way to fit more fiber-rich fruits into your family’s diet? Enter: apple nachos—a light and sweet take on the classic appetizer. The crunchy “chips” are thin slices of fresh apples, and the “cheese” is replaced by a drizzle of warm and gooey nut butter. A tasty combination of chopped pecans, dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips complete the inspired snack.
Get the Healthy Apple Nachos recipe.

11. Easy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

No need to order takeout—with just five ingredients, minimal prep and less than 10 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a warm pizza pinwheel faster than it takes for delivery, and for far fewer calories and fat. Simply lay out two whole wheat tortillas on a flat surface. Top with sauce, turkey pepperoni, Italian seasoning and shredded mozzarella. Roll, bake and slice into guilt-free pinwheels to satisfy that hankering for a slice of pepperoni.

Get the Easy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels recipe.

12. Creamy Blueberry Smoothie

Blueberries are one of our favorite superfoods. These little fruit jewels are nutritional powerhouses, packing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into each sweet orb. Blend them with a serving of Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix, Greek vanilla yogurt and ice cubes to create a refreshing, super healthy smoothie you’ll feel good sipping.

Get the Creamy Blueberry Smoothie recipe.

13. Roast Beef Bites

You get all the flavors of an open roast beef that you’d expect—shrunken down into the perfect, bite-sized portion. A combo of mayo and horseradish bring the tang to each slice of hearty pumpernickel. Arugula adds a peppery bite and juicy slices of lean beef provide a tasty pop of protein. Enjoy it as a snack or make a tray as a party platter app.

Get the Roast Beef Bites recipe.

14. Healthy Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap

Chicken and ranch aren’t usually in the same sentence as healthy. But when the chicken is grilled, the creamy ranch is reduced fat, the wrap is whole-wheat and each serving is only 267 calories, it certainly earns the moniker. Shredded mozzarella helps meld the flavors, and cool iceberg lettuce rounds out the five ingredients for an added crunch. Enjoy the wrap cold or warm and crispy when grilled on a pan or panini press.

Get the Healthy Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap recipe.

15. 2-Ingredient Strawberry Froyo

Strawberries are as beautiful as they are delicious. But what you may not realize is that each juicy fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, loaded with fiber and particularly high in antioxidants. Pair that healthy combo with protein-rich yogurt, and you’ve got a refreshing snack that’s sweet enough to satisfy your dessert craving, while keeping your weight loss goals on track.

Get the 2-Ingredient Strawberry Froyo recipe.

16. Coconut Lime Energy Bites

We put the lime in the coconut in this delish recipe to create the perfect little energy bite. But don’t let its small stature fool you. Each tropical-tasting treat is loaded with a combo of protein, fiber and healthy carbs. And they take just minutes to make. Pulse dates, cashews, shredded coconut with the juice and zest from a lime in a food processor until blended. Then roll them into balls, coat in shredded coconut, and pop in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. You won’t be able to stop at one—and the best part is that you don’t have to! One serving equals three of these sweet bites.

Get the Coconut Lime Energy Bites recipe.

17. Artisanal Grilled Cheese

Why settle for a plain ole’ grilled cheese when you can make it fancy, and even more healthy? Spinach adds tons of vitamins and minerals for very few calories. Tomatoes add antioxidants and a little touch of sweetness. And opting for cheddar cheese instead of the regular American brings a deeper flavor to this lunch standard.

Get the Artisanal Grilled Cheese recipe.

18. Chicken Pita Pocket

This chicken pita pocket couldn’t be tastier or quicker to make! It takes just minutes to chop the veggies, stir together the ingredients. Stuff a whole grain pita with a mix of cooked chicken, baby spinach, red peppers and Italian vinaigrette for a hearty sandwich that provides protein, healthy carbs and veggies. Plus, this pocket of goodness is easy to pack for lunch on-the-go.

Get the Chicken Pita Pocket recipe.

19. Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Milkshake

It tastes just as indulgent as it sounds: rich chocolate flavor, courtesy of Chocolate Nutrisystem Shake Mix, combines with sweet cherries to create this delicious shake that fits perfectly into your weight loss plan. Vanilla almond milk provides the creaminess, while spinach adds a bunch of body-boosting nutrients to up the health-factor. Love your shake thick and creamy? Blend in some extra ice cubes and sip to your taste buds’ content.

Get the Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Milkshake recipe.

20. Healthy Late Night Chicken Taquitos

When your stomach grumbles after hours, these tasty homemade taquitos will hit the spot. And you won’t have to wait long to eat ‘em. Simply combine cooked chicken, salsa and chili powder, then let it sit in the fridge for 15 minutes. Scoop some onto a tortilla, add cheese and give it a tight roll. Bake for another 15, and the crispy snacks are ready to enjoy.

Get the Healthy Late Night Chicken Taquitos recipe.

21. Spaghetti Squash Chicken Noodle Soup

Looking for a comforting meal that will warm your heart? Why not give this delicious 5-Ingredient Chicken Noodle Soup a try? It’s made with wholesome spaghetti squash noodles, creating a unique twist on a classic dish. With every spoonful, you’ll be embracing the familiar flavors that make this soup a cool-weather favorite. So, go ahead and indulge in this comforting delight that will surely satisfy your cravings!

Get the Spaghetti Squash Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

22. 5-Ingredient Veggie Frittata

This veggie frittata is a quick and satisfying option for breakfast or one of those breakfast-for-dinner kind of nights. This quiche-like egg dish only requires mixing together egg whites, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers and basil, pouring it into a coated pie dish and popping it in the oven. While it bakes for 45 minutes, finish your morning or evening routine.

Get the 5-Ingredient Veggie Frittata recipe.

23. Turkey Cranberry Salad

Get a taste of Thanksgiving with this light and nutritious salad! Combine shredded turkey with plain Greek yogurt, dried cranberries or cranberry sauce and pepper. Eat this delicious turkey cranberry salad by itself or add a scoop to a bed of mixed greens. Stuffing it into your pita bread is another great way to enjoy this simple salad.

Get the Turkey Cranberry Salad recipe.

24. Simple Eggplant Parmesan

Enjoy a delicious, healthy Italian dinner with another of our favorite five ingredient recipe staples. All it takes is a bit of eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This meal can easily be baked in the oven, affording you some multi-tasking time in the kitchen to wash some dishes, prep the next day’s lunches or help the kids with homework.

Get the 5-Ingredient, Simple Eggplant Parmesan recipe.

25. “Cheezy” Cauliflower Soup

Savor this deliciously cozy cauliflower soup. You’d never guess that it gets its “cheezy” flavor from nutritional yeast, saving you from added calories and fat, while serving up extra nutrients. You’ll want to whip up a large batch of this soup to keep on hand for busy, cold nights when a fast, warm meal is in order. As a 5-ingredient recipe, it couldn’t be easier!

Get the Cheezy Cauliflower Soup recipe.

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