I usually love making 4 servings for dinner, so there are plenty of leftovers for Adam and me for lunch the next day. Somehow the last few days I ended up making 2-servings type dinners, which meant I had to get creative for lunch. 
Yesterday morning I dug deep into the fridge and, freezer and combined a whole bunch of leftovers to create this wholesome lunch:
In the mix: leftover brown rice, leftover mushroom sauce, tiny bit of leftover grilled chicken + rest of opened packet of TJ’s black lentils, frozen peppers + frozen peas. I defrosted the frozen veggies straight in the pan (took just a few minutes), then added the rest of the stuff to the pan to combine. The flavors worked great together, and it took literally less than 5 minutes. Closeup…
This morning I was faced with the same dilemma – buy lunch or get creative. I dug into the freezer for a protein and found some lagostino tails. I defrosted them in the sink under cold water while making breakfast, then threw them on an EVOO sprayed pan to warm them up and combine them with cajun spices. So here is what’s for lunch today: romaine lettuce, cajun lagostino tails, cucumbers, fresh zucchini, black beans, tortilla chip crumbles, salsa. Can’t wait! 
Getting cozy together 
Operation “empty the freezer + fridge” is underway in our house, and I think I’m doing quite well so far. There is no reason to buy lunch – you can definitely make a nutrious meal in minutes with a little creativity and some help from your freezer
Yummmm. Looks so delicious.
You make me want to jump out of my comfort zone and be more creative!!!
great post! I try and pack a lunch every day so this freezer method is right up my alley!
i never bring food to work you make me want to change my ways, but what else is new
Getting creative in the kitchen is a great way to whip up new meals – those two dishes sound fantastic!!
Innz, I think it’s easier to buy lunch in NY – there are just so many great options! You know I never used to bring lunch to work when I was there, but here most healthy foods that I buy just don’t taste right. I’d rather make it myself, save money and know what’s in my food.
Glad you ladies like my idea of getting a little creative with leftovers and freezer stuff
ha i love days like that. seriously if it’s all food i like then why not eat it together!
Love the lunch! I really like the challenge of using the randoms left in the fridge or freezer to create a delicious meal.
I love dinner leftovers for lunch the next day too, but your “new” lunches look so good! Especially the langostine salad…that’s out of a restaurant!
2 creative, delicious, and healthy meals!
[...] A nutritious meal can be minutes away [...]
those look great! i’m going to be trying to use what i have more too