Thanks to marketing, the idea of a 3-minute meal to many of us would be instant noodles or a quick, all-in-one cereal powder mix.

Can we tempt you with something refreshingly different, yet nutritious and great tasting? Read on for some 3-minute ideas.

Anyone Can Do It with the SSS Formula

First off - sandwiches. Use the SSS formula - slices, spread and selections of toppings to create a variety of delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For instance, you can interchange whole meal with white or rye bread as a base. Then, choose from mayonnaise, butter or peanut butter as spreads. Add on the leafy greens (prepared the night before) and meats such as turkey ham or salami (precooked and ready to eat from the local supermarket). For toppings, you can add olives, cheese or whatever you fancy; season with pepper and herbs.

Otherwise, if it’s something light that you seek, try the simple bread and olive oil starter. All you need is a loaf of thinly sliced French bread, olive oil, vinegar and a dose of goat cheese to give that edgy taste. It also goes well with olives.

For the Italian version, add chopped tomatoes and you have your own bruschetta!

Salads – Lean, Mean & Green

Salads are another awesome quick meal choice. You can go for the all-veggie variety or throw in some eggs and shredded meat for added protein. Either way, they’ll be a treat.

The basic salad should have iceberg lettuce and tomato. Both can be prepared in a cinch. Wash and chop and you are done! You can always add green peas or carrots if you want more bite and nutrition.

For a protein packed salad, add on the boiled eggs or chicken strips. Always remember to keep chicken leftovers or use roasted chicken. With the chicken in tow, add goat cheese or cheddar, alongside the olives. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with pepper and herbs such as oregano, rosemary or mixed herbs for a full flavored salad.

Another light delight would be the tuna and cheese melt on crackers. All you need is a dollop of tuna, crackers and to top it off - mozzarella or cheddar cheese. Pop it into the oven for 2 minutes at the right heat and you’ll have a wonderful, flaky tuna temptation with melted cheese delight. To garnish, add a small piece of parsley.

Super Soup

Miso soup with chopped tofu and vegetables would be the Japanese way of a quick meal. Get the ready made paste from the supermarket. Set to boil, throw in the chopped tofu or vegetables and put in the soba or buckwheat noodles for extra energy.

Three-minute delicious healthy meals are definitely doable!

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