11 Ways to Make Your Girl Dinner Ultra Nourishing

Girl dinner is literally my favorite meal, no matter what’s included. You can’t find a more real + raw act of self care. Too tired/out of spoons but still nourishing oneself – it’s just 🤌

Even if you love to cook, you don’t always want to whip up a full-on gourmet meal. But we do have to eat every day. Let me tell you, “Girl Dinner” is where it’s AT.

What is it? A meal made up of seemingly random foods that require little-to-no prep. A little bit of this, a little bit of that, all piled onto a plate or thrown into a cute bowl.

“Isn’t that charcuterie?” It can be, but the difference between charcuterie and girl dinner is an implied lack of effort. Girl dinner is really thrown together for the benefit of the person eating it, where charcuterie is more of a presentation, something carefully curated for those you’re entertaining.

Also, while charcuterie can be random, it’s absolutely the vibe when it comes to girl dinner.

And yes, I could be very pleased day after day with a plate of crackers, pickles, Doritos, and chocolate chips. But let’s face it, it’s not always the most nourishing option.

If you want to hop on the trend, just follow some of these tips to keep your girl dinner nourishing and satisfying.

1. Balance Your Macros 🍗🥑

You don’t have to over think this. Just include a protein, a healthy fat, and a carb on your plate. Maybe some chicken nuggets for protein, a few avocado slices for healthy fats, and whole-grain crackers for carbs.

2. Color It Up 🌈

The more color, the more nutrients! 🎨 Toss in some bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries to get a whole spectrum of vitamins and minerals.

3. Go Green 🌱

Throw in a handful of spinach or arugula. Greens are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they make your plate look super pretty.

4. All About Those Berries 🍓

Berries are packed with antioxidants. So add some strawberries or blueberries next to those chocolate chips; they’ll still satisfy your sweet tooth!

5. Nothing Better Than Nuts 🥜

Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a nice crunch and some healthy fats. Plus, they’ll keep you fuller for longer.

6. Cheese, Please 🧀

If you’re a cheese lover like me, savor the rich and diverse flavors that different cheeses bring to the table. Whether it’s the creamy texture of brie, the tangy bite of feta, or the richness of cheddar, cheese is a delightful addition that offers calcium and protein.

7. Add Some Spice 🌶️

Spices like turmeric and paprika aren’t just flavorful; they’ve got health benefits too. Sprinkle some on your proteins or veggies!

8. Don’t Forget to Hydrate💧

Add water-rich foods like cucumber or watermelon. They’ll help keep you hydrated and add a nice crunch!

9. Probiotic Powerhouse 🦠

Adding a fermented food like some sauerkraut or a dollop of yogurt not only adds flavor but also provides your gut with some beneficial bacteria.

10. Omega-3s for the Win 🐟

Include a small portion of salmon or flaxseeds to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain health.

Do you enjoy girl dinner? What are your favorite foods to include? Let us know in the comments!

Need ideas for assembling your girl dinner? Here are some ideas:

Mega List of Girl Dinner Foods

Proteins:

1. Chicken nuggets (homemade or organic varieties)
2. Tofu cubes (try them grilled or stir-fried!)
3. Chickpeas (roasted or boiled)
4. Edamame
5. Mini turkey or veggie meatballs
6. Hard-boiled eggs
7. Salmon slices or smoked salmon
8. Greek yogurt
9. Cottage cheese
10. Cheese cubes (like feta, mozzarella, or gouda)

Veggies:

1. Carrot sticks
2. Cherry tomatoes
3. Cucumber slices
4. Sweet bell pepper strips
5. Broccoli or cauliflower florets
6. Snap peas
7. Zucchini slices
8. Asparagus spears
9. Artichoke hearts
10. Pickled veggies (like pickles or pickled onions)

Fruits:

1. Blueberries
2. Strawberries
3. Apple slices
4. Grapes
5. Kiwi chunks
6. Pomegranate seeds
7. Sliced mango
8. Pineapple chunks
9. Dried fruit like raisins or apricots
10. Orange segments

Whole Grains and Carbs:

1. Whole grain crackers
2. Brown rice balls or cakes
3. Quinoa salad
4. Mini whole wheat pita pockets
5. Oat granola clusters
6. Sliced sourdough or multigrain bread
7. Popcorn (air-popped or lightly seasoned)
8. Sweet potato wedges
9. Corn chips
10. Spelt pretzels

Nuts and Seeds:

1. Almonds
2. Walnuts
3. Cashews
4. Pumpkin seeds
5. Sunflower seeds
6. Chia seeds (can be added to yogurt)
7. Flaxseeds (great on salads or yogurt)
8. Pecans
9. Pistachios
10. Hemp seeds

Healthy Fats:

1. Avocado slices or guacamole
2. Olives (green, kalamata, or stuffed)
3. Hummus (traditional, beet, or spicy varieties)
4. Tahini dip
5. Olive tapenade
6. Sliced almonds
7. Nut butters (like almond, cashew, or peanut butter)
8. Coconut chunks
9. Dark chocolate
10. Pesto dip

Extras:

1. Dark chocolate chips
2. Coconut flakes
3. Honey drizzle
4. Spices (like turmeric, paprika, or cinnamon)
5. Fresh herbs (like basil, mint, or parsley)
6. Lightly salted seaweed snacks
7. Flavored mineral water or kombucha for hydration
8. Healthy spreads like tzatziki or bruschetta
9. Sauerkraut or other fermented goodies for probiotics
10. Hot sauce or dips for that extra zing!

Remember, the idea behind a “Girl Dinner” is to keep things fun, whimsical, and satisfying! Mix and match, experiment, and enjoy your colorful plate.🌈🍽️