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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » 18 Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Recipes

    LAST UPDATED: February 4, 2018 • FIRST PUBLISHED: August 16, 2015 By Toni Dash 30 Comments

    18 Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Recipes

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    18 Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Recipes title imageThis is about the time I start getting panicked emails from mom-friends who are paralyzed like a deer in the school bus headlights, having completely forgotten how to make a weeknight meal with substance that doesn’t require hours slaving in the kitchen to make it. I befall this same fate, believe me. The transition to the school year is digital, leaving no transition for kids and moms alike. We have to spring into action to pack exciting, nutritious lunches AND make evening recipes that fuel and satisfy in a boot camp sort of fashion.

    For me personally I like to feature a main recipe that I can easily build around with a simple green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, fast grains like quinoa or rice. At this time of year there are many fresh, raw options too of ‘crudité’ (with or without a dip), sliced fruit or a relaxed fruit salad of whatever is in season. Weeknight dinners for those working, or parents, doesn’t need to be a big to do; it just needs to be filling, taste good and hopefully avail some nutrition in the process.

    I’m sharing a little round up of some of my favorite quick recipes, all but a few are done start-to-finish in 30 minutes. I’m a big fan of marinating meat overnight and have included a few of those too. To me if I can spend 5 minutes before bed and then just cook the next day for dinner, even if it’s a few minutes over 30 minutes, it’s worth it.

    At the risk of being considered a Grill-a-Holic after my summer full of grilling recipes, don’t forget something simple on the grill is a great choice too. Keeps the kitchen cool, adds great flavor and most simple proteins like burgers, hot dogs, sausages, steaks, and chicken breasts are done in far less than 30 minutes (especially if using a gas grill where you can set the temperature and allow it to heat unattended like an oven).

    Baked Coconut-Pecan Chicken Tenders

    Baked Coconut-Pecan Chicken Tenders

    Butternut Squash Noodles in Sage Brown Butter

    Butternut Squash Noodles in Sage Brown Butter

    Tarragon Pesto Chicken salad

    Tarragon Pesto Chicken Breast with Dressed Greens

    Fast and Healthy Orange and Romanesco Stir Fry with Clementines

    Orange Chicken and Romanesco Stir Fry with Clementimes (broccoli or cauliflower can be substituted if romanesco is not available)

    Mini Taco Meatballs With toothpicks

    Mini Taco Meatballs (originally developed as an appetizer a serving of these along with a taco-themed iceburg lettuce-tomato salad would make a full meal; or add them to your favorite pasta with a simple spiced tomato sauce)

    Smoky Ham Cheese Potato Frittata

    Smoky Ham and Cheese Potato Frittata

    Muffin Tin Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

    Muffin Tin Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

    Hawaiian Chopped Ham Salad

    Hawaiian Chopped Ham Salad

    Jalapeno Ham Hash in skillet

    Jalapeno Ham Hash

    Cheesy Ham and Black Bean Nachos

    Cheesy Ham and Black Bean Nachos (for a more casual one dish meal that is very filling)

    Spiced Indian Cauliflower and Potatoes {Aloo Gobi} in bowl

    Spiced Indian Cauliflower and Potatoes Aloo Gobi (this hearty vegetarian dish could be augmented with sausage added into the dish itself or on the side for some more protein)

    Spicy Garlic Sriracha Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in a white bowl

    Spicy Garlic Sriracha Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Thai Chicken Thigh Basil-Quinoa Bowl.

    Thai Chicken Thigh Basil Quinoa Bowls

    Lean Turkey Black Bean Quinoa Burrito Bowls

    Lean Turkey Black Bean Quinoa Chipotle Burrito Bowls

    Batch of Spicy Southwestern Steak Stir Fry in a white bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice and lime juicer

    Spicy Southwestern Steak Stir Fly with Cilantro-Lime Rice

    Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

    Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

    Spicy Cumin-Lime Pork Tenderloin

    Spicy Cumin-Lime Pork Tenderloin

    Peanut Encrusted Asian Pork Tenderloin

    Peanut Encrusted Asian Pork Tenderloin

    « Smoky Grilled Chicken & Vegetable Quesadillas
    Strawberry Stuffed French Toast »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Corie Jones says

      September 09, 2015 at 6:16 pm

      Toni,

      I hate cooking so this will make it quick and tasty all at the same time so please feel free to send all your 30 minute recipes our way, because I am sure i am not the only one whi would rather be crafting or playing with the kids instead of cooking ha ha. Thank you for posting this.

      Reply
    2. Chris Scheuer says

      August 19, 2015 at 9:03 am

      What a great round up! I want to taste everyone, pinning, pinning, pinning!!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        August 19, 2015 at 9:06 am

        Thank you Chris!

        Reply
    3. Dawn says

      August 18, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      I think the Frittata sounds super delicious! I love all the cheese added.

      Reply
    4. Kelly Hutchinson says

      August 18, 2015 at 1:13 pm

      I think the Butternut Squash Noodles in Sage Brown Butter sounds really yummy. My kids would like the taco meatballs.

      Reply
    5. Ann Bacciaglia says

      August 18, 2015 at 10:22 am

      These recipes all look so delicious. I will have to try the Taco Meatballs this week. My kids are going to love them.

      Reply
    6. Jeanine says

      August 18, 2015 at 9:39 am

      Wow this is so awesome. Lots of great meals I will be book marking for busy school nights!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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