Many people love to beat the meal-planning drum. I would know; I am one of them! And while it is true that making your diet chart in advance can help you eat healthier in the real world, pre-planning your family's food is not always realistic. So how to do it? The answer is simple—fill your pantry and fridge with the right and essential food items. This way, creating wholesome meals becomes much easier. Here Is What You Should Store In Your Fridge To Make Nutritious Dishes At Your ComfortCanned ChickpeasA can of chickpeas opens the door to countless dishes. Add them to soups or stews for an easy boost of protein and fiber, or mash them with lemon, dill, and celery to fill wraps. Think chickpea cakes, tacos, and hearty salads. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them after drying for longer storage. One cup offers 12.5g fiber, 14.5g protein, and important nutrients like manganese and folate.Chicken BreastAs one of the most widely available meats, chicken breast is a go-to for stir-fries, sandwiches, pastas, and more. Pair it with a whole grain and a veggie for an easy dinner. Enhance the flavor with pantry herbs like rosemary or garlic powder. Raw chicken freezes well in individual foil packets, while cooked chicken lasts up to 9 months in the freezer. Its high-quality protein supports muscle growth, immunity, and healing.Smoked SalmonAlready cooked and packed with omega-3s, smoked salmon is perfect for wraps, pastas, or salads. It pairs well with lemon, dill, and even cream cheese. Leftovers can be refrigerated for a week or frozen for a month. Just watch out for its high sodium content — around 600-1,200 mg per 100g.Extra-Firm TofuPressing tofu helps it crisp up nicely in stir-fries and noodle dishes. Its mild flavor makes it a great canvas for sauces and spices. Keep it in the fridge for 5–7 days or freeze for 4–6 months. With 17g of protein per 3.5 ounces and over 50% of the DV for calcium, tofu is also linked to a lower risk of hormone-related cancers.Red LentilsWith a cooking time of 20–25 minutes, red lentils shine in dishes like daal. Their earthy flavor is mild and slightly sweet. Once cooked, they can be stored for up to 7 days and used in salads or with sautéed greens. Dried lentils pack an impressive 46g of protein per cup and are great for heart health.Whole Wheat Spaghetti & QuinoaWhole wheat spaghetti and quinoa serve as solid meal bases. Spaghetti is fiber-rich, aids digestion, and pairs well with Mediterranean ingredients. Quinoa, a protein-rich grain, is easy to prepare and contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids and key minerals.Quick Oats & Bone BrothQuick-cooking oats make for customizable, heart-friendly breakfasts, while bone broth adds collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin to soups and sauces. Store bone broth in ice cube trays for easy use.Sweet Potatoes & Frozen SpinachSweet potatoes are versatile and potassium-rich, while frozen spinach is great in quiches, smoothies, and pastas, offering iron and antioxidants for eye health.Grape Tomatoes, EVOO, Onions & ApplesRoast grape tomatoes for deeper flavor, sauté onions for savory bases, and use extra-virgin olive oil for its heart-healthy MUFAs. Apples offer fiber, antioxidants, and a long shelf life.