Turn Your Random Pantry Items Into Meals

Published June 26, 2018
Updated January 15, 2026

How can you turn pantry items Into meals? If your pantry looks anything like mine, it has a lot of random items that seem like they don’t go together. My pantry is also full of canned food and sauces and oils, so why not put them together? I decided to put my creativity to the test and made meals out of these random ingredients! All of these recipes turned out to be delicious and very easy to make!

For a more recent blog on using pantry staples, take a look at this blog. Six dietitian approved recipes to make with pantry staples by Kaitlin Eckstein, RD, LD.

Ten Minute Pantry Recipes 

Chick Pea and Tomato Salad help turn pantry items Into meals

I love chick peas, so my pantry is stocked with at least 10 cans at all times. However, I never know what to do with them besides putting them in the oven to roast. I gathered these items I have around my kitchen and put them together to make a delicious chick pea tomato salad!

diabetes friendly chickpea salad

Corn and Bean Salsa Recipe 

I honestly wasn’t quite sure how this one would turn out, but it was delicious! If you don’t have a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies in your pantry, I would recommend using fresh or canned cut up tomatoes and some extra chili powder! I decided to add chili beans to this at the last minute and it really made the dish wonderful!

Corn and Bean Salsa Recipe

English Muffin Pizza Recipe

I thought I invented something, but it turns out English muffin pizzas have been around for a while! No pizza dough? No problem! You can still make a delicious pizza with all of your favorite toppings.

pantry items Into meals

I hope these easy 10 minute or less pantry recipes sparked your creativity! If you need help with meal planning or prepping make an appointment with one of our nutrition professionals by calling 301-474-2499 or click here

Klara Knezevic has over a decade of experience in the nutrition field and currently serves as the CEO and co-owner of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates. Klara is passionate about sharing practical nutrition tips to help you feel confident in the choices that you make. Coauthor of Cooking with Food Sensitivities Survival Guide and Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating.

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