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dinners with pantry staples for quick meals to make
March 18, 2020

Healthy Pantry Staples List (+ Recipes with Pantry Items)

15 Minute Meals Main Dishes Mix + Match Recipes
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I have a post for you guys today that I hope will be helpful: a healthy pantry staples list and easy, throw-together recipes with pantry items (and frozen food) that you can always keep on hand! This post was originally published in 2017, but I have updated it and thought it was probably extremely good timing to re-share it right now. 

As you all know, I am a huge fan of dinners that can be on the table in 15 minutes. The less time spent hovering over the stove at the end of a busy day, the better! I hear all the time from AnneTheRD nutrition clients that they don’t have time to cook a healthy dinner every night. Or, that they don’t buy fresh veggies because they’ll go bad before they cook them.

Well, my friends, I have a solution! Keep these 15 healthy pantry staples on hand all the time and combine them with a couple fresh/frozen ingredients (like frozen veggies and fresh eggs) to make 15 minute dinners any night of the week. 

A pantry staples list with canned fish, canned beans, spices, frozen vegetables, pasta, and sauces

Healthy Pantry Staples List

Okay, so while not every item on this list is technically a “pantry” staple, nothing on this list will go bad before you get the chance to cook it. So you don’t have to worry about planning way ahead for dinner. 😉

With each pantry staple on the list, I’ll also link to some of my favorite blog recipes that use these ingredients. If you want to just see meal ideas that use only the pantry staples, scroll down to the very end of the post!

And now, here are 15 healthy pantry staples you can stock up on for super quick meals.

1. Instant Brown Rice

cooked brown rice in a bowl

90-second microwaveable pouches of brown or wild rice are probably my favorite healthy-in-a-hurry meal hack. They’re the easiest way to add whole grains to your meal in no time at all!

I keep a few pouches on hand at all times to use as a side dish for some of my favorite entrees like my Salmon with Lemon Mustard Dill Sauce.

2. Spices

A bowl of various spices as pantry staples for flavoring food

Spices add tons of flavor to a dish instantly, and keeping your spice cabinet stocked means you’ll have flavorful meals at your fingertips every night. So of course I had to add them to my pantry staples list!

Here are my favorite versatile spices for quick recipes with pantry staples:

  • ground cumin – I love the brightness cumin adds to dishes like my Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Stew.
  • chili powder – The savory, warming flavor of chili powder makes for delicious chili like my Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili.
  • garlic powder – I use garlic powder to add garlicky flavor without having to peel and chop garlic. It’s great on my easy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes!
  • smoked paprika – The smoky sweetness of smoked paprika makes even vegetarian dishes taste meaty and rich. (Like in my Vegan & Gluten Free Shepherd’s Pie and Walnut & Mushroom Enchiladas.)
  • curry powder  – Flavorful curries come together in no time with the addition of curry powder. It adds bold flavor to my Quick and Easy Coconut Curry for a meal that’s ready in just a few minutes.

3. Canned Beans

Canned kidney beans, black beans, white beans, and chickpeas in a bowl

Beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them great additions for balanced vegetarian meals. I keep canned chickpeas, black beans, white beans, lentils, and kidney beans on hand to mix and match for versatile meals.

Kidney beans and black beans make my Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili super quick, filling, and delicious!

4. Frozen Vegetables

A bag of mixed frozen vegetables with broccoli, carrots, and edamame

Okay, so not a pantry staple, but not something that will go bad quickly so I wanted to include frozen veggies on the list!

Frozen vegetables have all the same health benefits as fresh vegetables (as long as you buy plain frozen veggies without salt and sauces added). But they’re often cheaper, already chopped up, and they certainly last a lot longer before going bad.

That makes them perfect for veggie-packed meals without a ton of effort!

5. Canned Seafood (Tuna, Salmon, etc.)

Canned fish pantry staples: tuna, salmon, and sardines

You probably know by now that I am a huge fan of canned seafood. It’s chock full of protein, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats, but is already prepared and ready to go. So of course I had to include it on this pantry staples list!

I love making my Healthy Tuna Salad to top a green salad for instant protein. My Salmon and Brown Rice Cakes with Fresh Salsa use both canned salmon and instant brown rice for a super quick dinner. And I promise you’ll be a canned sardine convert once you try my Scandinavian Sardine Sandwiches!

6. Eggs

Even though eggs don’t sit on your pantry shelf, they have a long shelf life and are a high-quality protein source. Plus, they can be prepared in many ways!

Their versatility (and deliciousness) make them perfect for on-the-spot dinners. My Scrambled Egg Muffins work just as well for an easy dinner as they do for a make-ahead breakfast!

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple in any kitchen. It’s great for sautéing, roasting, or making salad dressings, and it’s full of healthy unsaturated fats.

I like to keep a basic lighter-colored olive oil around for cooking, and one bolder one on hand to add lots of flavor to salads and simple pasta dishes.

If you want to mix up your oil choices but aren’t sure what to use, this post may be helpful: What Oils to Use When. 

8. Canned Tomatoes

Canned sauces to keep in your pantry

I use canned tomatoes all the time to add body to some of my favorite stews and chilis.

I used canned tomato sauce in my Veggie-tastic Minestrone Soup, and diced tomatoes in pretty much every chili I make. That includes my Turkey, Veggie, and Barley Chili – so satisfying!

9. Whole Wheat (or Alternative Grain) Pasta

Pasta is a classic quick-cooking go-to dinner, and there are so many fun variations both in terms of shape and ingredients nowadays that you will never get bored! 

I love whole wheat rigatoni in my Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole and Rigatoni with Slow Cooker Stewed Lamb and Veggies.

10. Jarred Salsa

I love using jarred salsa to add a spicy Mexican twist to meals without having to buy all the flavorful ingredients separately.

I use salsa in meals like my Mexican Lasagna and Quinoa Taco Salad for an awesome flavor shortcut!

11. Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Rather than just sprinkling regular salt, I like to use soy sauce because it adds lots of flavor at the same time. It adds a savory Asian flair to dishes like my Sheet Pan Asian Salmon with Veggies and Peanut Noodles with Tilapia.

12. Sweet Potatoes

pantry staples: pile of sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a great base for meals. Even though they can take a while to cook in the oven, you can use a fork to poke a few holes in the skin and make microwave “baked” sweet potatoes in just 5 or 6 minutes!

They’re key to my Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili (I love this recipe because it makes a ton – and the leftovers are so good!) and super-easy Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

p.s. To save a ton of time (like, 50+ minutes!), check out my How to Cook a Sweet Potato in the Microwave post!

13. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to dishes while keeping them dairy free (and keeping you from ending up with spoiled dairy).

It works great in dishes with an Asian flair, like my fast Thai Coconut Chicken Soup. Or, try it as a vegan cream alternative in my Creamy Garlic and Herb Pasta (which also uses frozen peas for a veggie boost!).

14. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar adds great tangy flavor to dishes.

I love making a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Or, try adding it to tomato sauces for extra richness.

15. Low Sodium Chicken or Veggie Broth

pantry staples of vegetable and chicken broth in a jar

Adding broth to soups and stews instead of water adds a ton of flavor without taking any more time. Look for low sodium broths to keep the salt level in check, and keep a few containers on hand.

I hope this healthy pantry staples list has been helpful!

—

Now, what meals can you make using mostly items from this list (that don’t require lots of fresh extras)?

Here are some of my favorite recipes with pantry staples:

  • Quick Fried Rice: Saute frozen shelled edamame, brown rice, and mixed veggies in olive oil with a splash of soy sauce. Stir in beaten eggs; cook until the egg is scrambled and cooked through.
  • Curried Chickpeas and Spinach: Heat drained chickpeas, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, frozen chopped spinach, curry powder, and garlic powder in a pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Serve over instant brown rice.
  • Mediterranean Tuna, White Bean and Spinach Pasta: Cook pasta according to package. Drain, then add the pasta back into the hot pan with frozen chopped spinach, drained white beans, canned tuna, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
  • Loaded “Baked” Sweet Potatoes: Follow my How to Microwave a Sweet Potato method, then, when tender, split them open and fill with drained black beans, salsa, and thawed frozen veggies.
  • Mexican Baked Eggs: Stir together drained black beans, salsa, and frozen mixed veggies in a baking dish. Make wells in the mixture and crack eggs into the wells. Bake at 375 until everything is heated and the egg whites are cooked through (I like this with a runny yolk, but you can totally bake it until the egg yolks are cooked through, too!)

Soups & chili recipes to make with items from this pantry staples list:

  • Quick Minestrone Soup: Cook pasta in a large pot of chicken or veggie stock. When there’s just a few minutes left in the cook time, add in kidney beans, frozen mixed veggies, garlic powder, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Keep cooking until the pasta is done and everything is heated through.
  • Black Bean Chili: Heat drained black beans, canned diced tomatoes, salsa, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in a pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Serve over instant brown rice.
  • Curried Sweet Potato Soup: Poke holes in whole sweet potatoes with a fork, then microwave for 6 minutes or so, until tender. Scoop out the flesh and add it to a blender with coconut milk, chicken or veggie broth, curry powder, garlic powder, cumin, and a splash of soy sauce. Blend until smooth, then heat in a pan until heated through.

What pantry staples do you always have in your kitchen?

Any other go-to recipes with pantry items to share?

- anne
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31 comments
  • eve March 29, 2017 · 11:42AM:
    This is great! (I'd also love to see a "behind the scenes" for this post (or the one about the Avocado toast!) your pictures are great, and it shows that you spent a long time developing int!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 2:49PM:
      Thanks Eve! I have someone working for me that I pay to help with some of these more fancy posts and photos! :)
      Reply
  • Jennifer March 29, 2017 · 12:07PM:
    I usually have at least 10 of these items always on hand. It really has made my life easier. I meal plan, but usually only during the week and have to wing it by friday. you can definitely make a lot out of these things!
    Reply
  • Beth March 29, 2017 · 12:25PM:
    I have almost every single one of these on hand especially the beans with no salt added. I always have a good flavored olive oil (garlic is my favorite with tuscan herb a close second) as it can enhance food and vegetables so quickly by sauteeing in it or topping it lightly at the end. My other go to is storing parmesan cheese in the freezer to grate over a dish whenever it needs a little touch of something.
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 2:49PM:
      Yum, great tip with the cheese!
      Reply
  • Paul
    March 29, 2017 · 12:33PM:
    Great post Anne! I'm eating an unusually large amount of tuna from a can these days. I find it's the perfect post gym snack for me and it's easy. Touch of vinegar and black pepper and I'm happy, haha!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 2:50PM:
      Love it! :)
      Reply
  • Heather @ Polyglot Jot
    March 29, 2017 · 12:35PM:
    What a great list and resource!! I always try to have canned beans and lentils on hand as well as potatoes, onions, spices, and vegetable broth. Tamari and nut butter as well as rice noodles and frozen stir fry veggies are a life saver during the week too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 2:50PM:
      Totally agree on those extras, especially nut butter and rice noodles!
      Reply
  • Alyssa
    March 29, 2017 · 1:55PM:
    oh man - the rice, tuna, salsa, eggs and olive oil all make many appearances throughout the week at our house! Lately, one of my favourite oops-I-don't-have-time lunches is a bag of pre-washed salad + 1/2 avocado + big scoop of hummus + fresh salsa. Bonus if you have tuna or beans to add for some protein!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 2:50PM:
      That's one of my favorite easy salads, too! So good!
      Reply
  • Carrie (This Fit Chick)
    March 29, 2017 · 2:46PM:
    Oh yes to all of these! Spices are the best. I'm currently loving cumin and turmeric. Eggs are a MUST for me- I never get sick of eggs! I also always have parmesan sprinkles because everything is better with cheese :D
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 2:51PM:
      I never get sick of eggs, either!
      Reply
  • Laura March 29, 2017 · 2:46PM:
    Anne, this post is awesome. Thank you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 2:51PM:
      Thanks Laura! :)
      Reply
  • Chiara March 29, 2017 · 3:35PM:
    That is pretty much my weekly grocery list :) I usually add onions (for cooking), regular whole milk and breakfast food (yogurt for my husband, oatmeal for me)
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 3:46PM:
      Ditto :) Plus fresh greens and fruit!
      Reply
  • Kori
    March 29, 2017 · 3:40PM:
    This is such an awesome list!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 29, 2017 · 3:46PM:
      Thanks Kori!
      Reply
  • jordan @ dancing for donuts
    March 29, 2017 · 5:00PM:
    thank you for sharing these!!!! canned beans, sweet potatoes and rice have all been lifesavers for me, but i haven't really added the others into my weekly dinners, which i'm always pressed for time to make!
    Reply
  • Ks March 30, 2017 · 8:35AM:
    What kind of salsa do you use? I find most jarred salsas to be way too sweet for my taste. I like the fresh pico de gallo style but that tends to go bad pretty quickly.
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 30, 2017 · 11:01AM:
      I like the Muir Glen Organic ones -- have you tried those?
      Reply
  • Kelli @ Hungry Hobby
    March 30, 2017 · 10:29AM:
    Yes to every single one of these! Often times we look in the cabinet and feel like we have no food but if you got rice, eggs and frozen veggies you are good to go! Soy sauce and spices can flavor that combo!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 30, 2017 · 11:01AM:
      So true!
      Reply
  • Kris S March 18, 2020 · 2:40PM:
    You're making me feel good about my pantry right now! (although we just stocked up last week).. thanks for the recipe ideas! I think we will need new ideas quickly as we get bored over the next couple of week so yay!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 18, 2020 · 7:41PM:
      Happy to help!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner March 18, 2020 · 8:59PM:
    Wonderful post, thanks. Excellent list of staples to keep on hand, and terrific list of menu options. And particularly timely! Thanks!
    Reply
    • Anne
      March 19, 2020 · 3:10PM:
      Glad you enjoyed it - hope it's useful!
      Reply
  • Amelia April 13, 2020 · 5:31PM:
    I looked away for a few weeks and look what sprouted up! Congrats on your new website. It looks great!
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 13, 2020 · 6:55PM:
      Aw thank you, Amelia!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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