Introduction
The kitchen clock reads 7:15 PM. My work laptop is still open, emails half-answered, and my stomach growls with that desperate hunger that happens after a day when meetings consumed every possible breathing moment. This is the witching hour of weeknight cooking—when takeout seems inevitable and energy feels impossible.
Context / Why this Works
Weeknight cooking isn't about perfection. It's about survival, nourishment, and creating something delicious without requiring a culinary degree or hours of preparation. The best quick meals aren't just fast—they're strategic, using smart techniques and minimal ingredients to transform simple components into something genuinely satisfying.
Main Content
The 10-Minute Salmon Power Bowl
When registered nutritionist Sarah Martinez needs a lightning-fast meal, she turns to her signature salmon power bowl. It's less a recipe and more a culinary lifeline—protein-packed, loaded with healthy fats, and assembled faster than you can scroll through food delivery apps.
The magic starts with pre-cooked salmon (either leftover or from a high-quality packaged source) and a bag of pre-washed greens. A can of chickpeas waiting in your pantry becomes instant protein. The secret weapon? A three-ingredient dressing that transforms everything.
Dressing that Does the Heavy Lifting
Whisk together:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A dash of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
This isn't just a dressing. It's liquid gold that turns basic ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. The tahini adds richness, the lemon cuts through with brightness, and the olive oil creates a silky texture.
