Make these 4 recipes from pantry ingredients any time, no matter how bare your fridge is! These fun and healthy pantry recipes use shelf-stable pantry staples and are super quick and easy.

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So you've stocked your pantry, but what are you actually going to make with all that stuff?

I've put together a roundup of some of my favorite recipes from pantry ingredients. You can eat healthy and delicious food even when fresh isn't an option!

Paleo Oatmeal

This grain-free oatmeal (or “noatmeal” as I like to call it) is full of healthy fats and protein. It provides such a comforting breakfast without any grains.

The recipe calls for milk, but feel free to use water or a dairy-free milk if you don't have any. You can also use dried fruit in place of the apple if you want to keep this totally pantry-based.

Pantry Staples Used:

Coconut Flour, Shredded Coconut, Flax Meal, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Pecans, Honey

Tuna (or chicken!) Salad

This protein-packed pantry recipe makes a perfect lunch or dinner! Serve it on lettuce wraps if you have lettuce or in a wrap or with crackers.

You can omit the grapes or use diced apples instead, as apples last a long time and are quite shelf-stable for a fruit.

Pantry Staples Used:

Canned Tuna or Chicken, Sunflower Seeds, Mayo*, Dried Cranberries

*Mayo of course is not shelf stable once opened and should be stored in the fridge.

Almond Butter Protein Bites

These little bites are so tasty and make a perfect breakfast or snack. They are super kid-friendly too (both in terms of making them and eating them!).

Protein bites freeze very well so I recommend making a double batch. You can then flash freeze half by placing them on a plate or baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours before transferring them to a container or freezer bag.

Pantry Staples Used:

Oats (can sub w/ almond flour), Coconut Oil, Almond Butter, Maple Syrup, Vanilla, Salt, Almond Flour, Chocolate Chips (or dried fruit)

Sunbutter Bites

Sunbutter bites are the perfect treat to make with your kids when they want something sweet but you want to avoid the dreaded sugar rush. These healthy bites are sweetened with dates so they're a treat you can feel good about!

Pantry Staples Used:

Medjool Dates, Shredded Coconut, Hemp Seeds, Sunflower Seed Butter, Cinnamon, Chocolate Chips (optional), Dried Cranberries (optional), Cacao Nibs (optional)

What should I keep stocked to make Recipes from Pantry Ingredients?

So I tend to have a very well stocked pantry because I love to cook! That said, these are the top ten pantry staples I recommend stocking to allow you to throw together a pantry meal anytime:

1. Canned Salmon or Tuna:

It's so important to make sure you get enough protein, even when you're eating out of the pantry. Canned fish is a great way to do that as it's shelf-stable and can still be really tasty.

2. Nuts / Nut Butters:

Another great source of protein (and deliciousness), nuts are great as a snack or to throw onto an otherwise boring salad to liven it up.

3. Almond Flour:

I don't know about you, but sometimes I just get the urge to bake and nothing else will do! Almond flour is a great choice but coconut flour is also good to have on hand.

4. Coconut Milk:

Coconut milk is a perfect example of a super versatile pantry staple. It can easily be used in entrees like a quick curry or soup, or can be used in sweet concoctions or breakfasts.

5. Brown Rice & Quinoa:

If you eat grains, keep a variety in your pantry! Brown rice and quinoa are of course pantry staples, but there are many gluten free grains out there that can make your pantry recipes hearty and interesting.

6. Beans & Lentils

Either canned or dried beans and lentils make an excellent pantry staple because of their fiber, protein, and versatility. Beans are a great way to bulk up a soup or use as the base for a vegetarian chili or vegetarian tacos!

7. Marinara or Canned Tomatoes:

While many canned vegetables aren't so tasty, canned tomatoes are really useful for making sauces and soups.

8. Olives

I think it's important to include a few fun extras when stocking your pantry. After all, you're not going to want to eat plain rice and beans all the time! Olives are full of healthy fat and add a lot of flavor to salads or pasta dishes. Jarred artichokes or roasted red peppers are other examples of flavor-boosters you can stock!

9. Bone Broth

There is something so comforting about bone broth when it's cold out or when you're not feeling well. Bone broth is packed with Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin A, Iron and more! You can of course make your own, but when it comes to stocking your pantry, Thrive Market (<< affiliate link) has some good choices.

10. Dates / Dried Fruit:

When you want something sweet, dried fruit is great to have around. It satisfies that sweet tooth without making you feel sick or jittery. Dried fruit is also excellent for baking or a homemade trail mix!

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