20 Flex Meal Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less

Article posted in: Nutrisystem for Men
Two halves of a healthy sandwich, plated

From a beautiful breakfast panini to hearty wraps and decadent sweets, you’re sure to find a new favorite Flex meal in this flavorful bunch to satisfy any craving. What makes this mix of dishes particularly appealing: each recipe only calls for just five ingredients—or less! Who says healthy cooking can’t be easy?

1. Fiesta Breakfast Panini >

Fiesta Breakfast Panini

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

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. Click here for the full recipe.

2. Vegetable Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust >

Vegetable Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust

On Nutrisystem, Count As: ½ SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable

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. Click here for the full recipe.

3. 4-Ingredient Chocolate Muffin >

4-Ingredient Chocolate Muffin

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and ½ SmartCarb

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 Nutrisystem Chocolate 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. Click here for the full recipe.

4. Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Pinwheel Wraps >

Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Pinwheel Wraps

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras

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. Click here for the full recipe.

5. 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Quesadilla >

3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Quesadilla

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel

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. Click here for the full recipe.

6. Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich >

avocado chicken salad sandwich

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

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. Click here for the full recipe.

7. Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad >

Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, 2 Vegetables and 1 Extra

Beautiful, refreshing and so (so) simple to make: start with a healthy bunch of spinach leaves, top with slices of sweet strawberries and crumbles of tangy feta. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic to finish and voila—a healthy salad that’s pretty and perfect for lunch. Click here for the full recipe.

8. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sticks >

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sticks

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb

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. Click here for the full recipe.

9. 5-Ingredient Easy Banana Nut Muffin >

Banana Nut Oat Muffins with Raisins

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

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. Click here for the full recipe.

10. Healthy Apple Nachos >

Healthy Apple Nachos

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, ½ PowerFuel and 1 Extra

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. Click here for the full recipe.

11. Easy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels >

Easy Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

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. Click here for the full recipe.

12. Creamy Blueberry Smoothie >

Creamy Blueberry Smoothie

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb

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 Nutrisystem Vanilla Shake Mix, Greek vanilla yogurt and ice cubes to create a refreshing, super healthy smoothie you’ll feel good sipping. Click here for the full recipe.

13. Roast Beef Bites >

Roast Beef Bites

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

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. Click here for the full recipe.

14. Healthy Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap >

Healthy Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras

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. Click here for the full recipe.

15. 2-Ingredient Strawberry Froyo >

2-Ingredient Strawberry Froyo

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb

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. Click here for the full recipe.

16. Coconut Lime Energy Bites >

Coconut Lime Energy Bites

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

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. Click here for the full recipe.

17. Artisanal Grilled Cheese >

Artisanal Grilled Cheese

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

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. Click here for the full recipe.

18. Chicken Pita Pocket >

Chicken Pita Pocket

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 1 Vegetable and 2 Extras

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. Click here for the full recipe.

19. Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Milk Shake >

Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Milk Shake

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

It tastes just as indulgent as it sounds: rich chocolate flavor, courtesy of a Nutrisystem Chocolate Protein Shake, 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. Click here for the full recipe.

20. Healthy Late Night Chicken Taquitos >

Healthy Late Night Chicken Taquitos

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

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. Click here for the full recipe.