This 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
Butternut Squash Noodles in Sage Brown Butter
Tarragon Pesto Chicken Breast with Dressed Greens
Orange Chicken and Romanesco Stir Fry with Clementimes (broccoli or cauliflower can be substituted if romanesco is not available)
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 and Cheese Potato Frittata
Muffin Tin Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Ham and Black Bean Nachos (for a more casual one dish meal that is very filling)
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
Thai Chicken Thigh Basil Quinoa Bowls
Lean Turkey Black Bean Quinoa Chipotle Burrito Bowls
Spicy Southwestern Steak Stir Fly with Cilantro-Lime Rice
Spicy Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
Spicy Cumin-Lime Pork Tenderloin
Crystal says
I’m so ready for fall flavors. Butternut squash, pumpkin, loads of cinnamon–send it all my way. Those butternut squash noodles are the first recipe on my list to try.
Toni Dash says
Those are so delicious too Crystal! Everyone in our house loves them.
Penelope says
Those nachos are just what I need right now. I could go for something cheesy and delicious.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Thanks so much for sharing these! I’m busy all the time, so I need quick meals that are also delicious. Yay!
Kiwi says
What a great list of yummy weeknight recipes! I would love to make the taco meatballs!!
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! says
Not only is this a terrific bunch of recipes for school nights, but it’s a great round up of your work! Sensational job, Toni!!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I really need to NOT surf the web before I eat breakfast, these are all making me all kinds of hungry right now! Those Baked Coconut-Pecan Chicken Tenders sound like a must try I would even do that with Shrimp too! YUM!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
There are tons of great ideas here. Those Baked Coconut-Pecan Chicken Tenders sound amazing.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Wow I just had a major pinning party! I need all these recipes in my recipe line up. Sharing on Facebook too!
Colleen Cayes says
Toni, your timing could not be more perfect (as usual). I don’t have children going back to school, but I do have two sets of houseguests coming in the next few weeks, and your beautiful photos and easy recipes will inspire me to select a variety that they will appreciate. And that will be easy and fun for me! Thank you.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Wow, I have completely fallen off the dinner bandwagon, we tend to pick at leftovers and takeout over the summer…this list will save me this fall!
Toni Dash says
Us too Sue. The prospect of an organized dinner, timed perfectly to fit into homework and bedtime is a bit unbelievable to me; and the need begins tomorrow for my youngest. I’ll be using the list myself!