Monday rush meals are a by-now predictable event for most college students. The weekend is over, and you haven’t had time to eat. It’s Sunday night, you’re still hungover, and your roommate’s idea of being an organized person means leaving the dishes in the sink. Before you panic, take a deep breath. Those dishes, and your week, are not doomed. Even the most inexperienced home cook can whip up a delicious meal in 30 minutes or less—and 10 of those minutes could be spent sautéing vegetables.

Asparagus with creamy mustard dip

Asparagus is a new favourite vegetable of mine. I love it on salads, but lately, I’ve been putting it in sauces. This creamy asparagus dip is a great addition to any menu.

Artichoke & pepper grilled cheese 

When making grilled cheeses, some vegetables and spices may be a little tough to break down. If you are in a hurry, this Grilled Artichoke and Pepper Sandwich is just what you need. It is an easy dish that you can make in about 15 minutes. The Artichoke and Pepper Grilled Cheese are both savoury and sweet at the same time. It’s easy to make, requiring only four simple ingredients.

Sauteed balsamic peppers

Sautéed Balsamic Peppers are one of the easiest vegetables to prepare, thanks to simple ingredients and a quick three-step method. The peppers take on a rich, sweet, savoury flavour by sautéing ripe, red bell peppers, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and crushed red pepper. The peppers are the perfect foil to the vinegar’s acidity, imparting a warmth that complements the dish.

Braised shanghai bok choy

Shanghai Bok choy (Brassica Rapa var. Chinensis) is a type of Chinese cabbage known for its wonderful flavour. It has a nice crunchy texture and mild flavour and is often referred to as “damp Bok choy” due to its ability to absorb the flavours of any accompanying dish. It’s best cooked in a flavourful stock, which brings out the best of the Bok Choy’s naturally sweet aroma and flavour.

Steamed broccoli rabe

Broccoli rabe is a tender green leafy vegetable that is cooked by steaming and is surprisingly easy to prepare. It is commonly served warm or at room temperature on the side of the main dish. Broccoli rabe, also called rapini, is a type of turnip, but the taste is bitter. It is commonly used as a vegetable component in Italian cuisine, where it is sauteed with oil and garlic and served with pasta.

Carrot & fruit oatmeal slump

Cooking healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. One easy way to add fresh, nutritious vegetables to your meals is to cook them in oatmeal. The two main ingredients in this recipe are oatmeal and carrots. We like using rolled oats, but steel-cut oats or old-fashioned oats will work just as well. If you’re in a rush, just grab an oatmeal box from your pantry; it’s super easy.

Roasted cauliflower

Many of my recipes are one-pot meals, and this Roasted Cauliflower recipe is too easy not to share. Roasting cauliflower is similar to roasting broccoli. Top it with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 or 30 minutes at 400 degrees until tender. I like to add diced tomatoes, chopped peppers, and kalamata olives to the roasted cauliflower, giving the dish a Mediterranean flavour. This Roasted Cauliflower is easy to make and can be eaten as a side dish or a vegetable course.

Watermelon & celery salad with honey-lime vinaigrette

Summer is here, and with it comes a host of fresh produce. Watermelon and celery are both easy to cook, and they pair well together in this refreshing salad. Best of all, it’s as easy to whip up as a quick salad that packs a refreshing kick of flavour.

We get it: you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. You want to eat healthy, fast, and frugal. That’s why we put together this list of the best (and easiest) vegetables to cook for rush meals because we all have those days when it’s time to eat, but you don’t have a ton of time. Whether you’re running late to work, rushing to pick up your family after school, or trying to fit in a healthy snack before dinner, these vegetables are staples of healthy, quick, and cheap meal options when time is tight. Plus, a lot of them can be prepped ahead and stored in the refrigerator.