My Go-To “Whatever’s in the Fridge” Dinner Formula

My Go-To “Whatever’s in the Fridge” Dinner Formula

Let me paint you a picture:
It’s 6:15pm. You’re hungry. You’re tired. You open the fridge and stare.
A few wilting greens. Half a block of cheese. A random leftover sweet potato.
Panic sets in. The siren song of takeout gets louder…

But hold up—this is your moment.

This is where improvisational cooking steps in like a superhero in yoga pants.
Because you, my friend, are about to make something delicious with what you already have.

Enter: My “Whatever’s in the Fridge” Dinner Formula

I call it The Balanced Bowl, and it’s saved my sanity (and my budget) more times than I can count.

Here’s the magic formula:

1. Veggie Base (50%)
Roasted, steamed, raw, stir-fried—whatever you’ve got! Think broccoli, spinach, carrots, zucchini, even frozen mixed veg.
Pro tip: Toss tired veggies on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and garlic. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 min. Instant glow-up.

2. Protein Power (25%)
Eggs, beans, rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, leftover meat, tofu, lentils—whatever’s hanging out.
Got an egg? You’ve got dinner.

3. Carby Comfort (25%)
Brown rice, quinoa, sweet potato, corn tortillas, leftover pasta—use what you’ve got.
Bonus points if it’s already cooked.

4. Flavor Punch (to taste)
This is where it gets fun. Add something tangy, spicy, creamy, or herby.
Ideas: Hummus, hot sauce, salsa, pesto, a drizzle of tahini, lemon juice, fresh herbs, or even a fried egg on top.

5. Crunch or Texture Bonus (optional)
Crushed nuts, toasted seeds, tortilla strips, chopped pickles, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Because texture = joy.

A Real-Life Example from My Fridge Last Week:

  • Shredded carrots and cabbage

  • Shredded rotisserie chicken

  • Leftover brown rice

  • Soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, oil, and sugar (for asian sesame dressing)

  • Handful of almonds on top

I call it “The Cozy Bowl of Tangy”… and it was divine.

Why This Formula Works Like Magic:

No stress. It’s flexible and forgiving.
Less waste. You use what you’ve got.
More nourishment. You build balanced meals without overthinking.
More YOU in your kitchen. It becomes a creative act instead of a chore.

Cooking doesn’t have to be fancy.
It just has to work for you—and feed your body with love.

So next time you open the fridge and see a whole lot of nothing?
Smile. You’ve got options. You’ve got skills.

You’ve got dinner.

Welcome

I’m here to help you release self-doubt then hone your unique strengths so you can live the life you’ve always dreamed of. 

Instagram

Get help, if you need it.

I am always here to help you. Schedule a free 30-minute ASK ME ANYTHING call, or book a coaching session with me.

YOU CAN DO IT!

What are your strengths? Find out here.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You might also like…

How I Plan Dinners That Turn Into Next-Day Lunches

How I Plan Dinners That Turn Into Next-Day Lunches

When I was in my 20s, I thought meal planning had to be this big, overwhelming thing.Grocery lists. Meal prep Sundays. Color-coded containers. (Spoiler alert: I never stuck with it.) But over the years, I discovered a much simpler way to feel nourished without the...

How to Build a Bliss List – 20 Tiny Joys That Shift Your Mood Fast

How to Build a Bliss List – 20 Tiny Joys That Shift Your Mood Fast

Let’s face it—some days feel heavy for no clear reason.You're not in a full-blown crisis, but something’s just… off.You’re stuck in your head. The spark is missing. You feel blah. That’s when you need your Bliss List.✨ A personal menu of simple, soul-soothing things...

Why Gratitude Is the Gateway to Bliss—Even When Life Feels Blah

Why Gratitude Is the Gateway to Bliss—Even When Life Feels Blah

Let’s be honest—some days just feel meh.Your coffee’s lukewarm, your to-do list is overwhelming, your vibe is somewhere between “blah” and “can I just hide under a blanket?” I get it. I’ve had those seasons too.And I used to think I had to wait until life felt good to...

Unlock Your Best Life: Snag My 7 Game-Changing Tips to Thrive in Your 20s (and Beyond)!

Navigate life’s transitions with confidence, clarity, and love.

Success! Your tips are on their way! Be sure to check your inbox in a few minutes (and your junk/spam folder, just in case) for an email from coach@katfrati.com. Can’t wait for you to dive in—these insights are going to help you thrive!