Take the rush out of fall with weeknight recipes you can make ahead.
It’s almost September. That means back to school, back to work and back to hectic schedules. It’s hard to find time for healthy weeknight meals that are ready fast, and the kids will eat. Here are my list of 10 Lifesaving Back-to-School Weeknight Meals that really bring down the stress.
PB & J Breakfast Parfait – Let’s start with breakfast. I’m not a morning person, so sometimes it’s really hard to get the nutrition we all need while rushing out the door. That’s why I love this idea for yummy (and healthy) make-ahead overnight oats.
Weeknight-Spinach-and-Gnocchi-Bake – I love casseroles! Any day that you can bake dinner all in one pan and carry it proudly out to your table, scoop it, and then devoured it, that’s a good day. No time to cook the sauce from scratch? Save 15 minutes by using store-bought meal sauce.
Weeknight Buffalo Turkey Tacos – Take advantage of leftovers and simple pantry basics to have dinner on the table in 15 minutes. The kids will love you for this one!
Turkey Taco Pizza – Packed with protein from the turkey and refried beans, this is a great meal to serve the kids. I used a store-bought thin crust pizza and piled on the toppings… fast and yummy.
Quinoa and Apple Stuffed Bell Peppers – If you don’t have 45 minutes to cook the peppers in the oven, you can shorten the overall time by simply pre-cooking them in the microwave for 5 minutes on high the night before. Then you’re just finishing the peppers and re-heating the already cooked stuffing… 25 minutes tops!
Weeknight Beef & Mushroom Stir-Fry – I love this stir-fry mostly because of the rice noodles. They help to make this a really speedy weeknight meal.
Weeknight Salmon & Kale Pie – Sometime you need dinner fast but there’s nothing fresh in the fridge… this quick and easy recipe comes to the rescue with ingredients everyone has in the pantry.
Healthier Shake’N Bake Chicken – Fast and tasty… chicken legs are simple and low-cost. Who doesn’t love chicken legs… moist and tender inside, crisp and flavourful outside.
Steak & Egg Salad – Take a break from cooking with this ‘big salad’ that uses leftover steak from the weekend barbecue.
Grilled Fall Veggie Wrap with Red Pepper Hummus – Some nights call for a lighter vegetarian option. I made the red pepper hummus from scratch and grilled the veggies. Having said, that if you’re in a rush, use store-bought hummus and simply stir-fry the veggies. A great kid-friendly meal in 15 minutes!
10 Lifesaving Back-to-School Week Meals
EMAIL Recipe Share on FacebookIngredients
FOR 1 WRAP:
- 1 tsp canola oil
- ¼ bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
- ¼ yellow zucchini, cut into matchsticks
- ¼ green zucchini, cut into matchsticks
- ¼ bosc pear, cut into matchsticks
- 1 wrap or tortilla – plain, whole wheat or spinach
- 1/3 cup Red Pepper Hummus – store bought or see recipe below
- 1 tsp pumpkin seeds
- handful of fresh baby spinach
- handful of fresh pea spouts
Homemade Red Pepper Hummus
- 1 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 15 oz. 425 g can of chick peas, drained
- 1/3 cup tahini
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup roasted red peppers
- ½ tsp cumin
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, toss bell pepper, zucchini and pear with oil to coat. Place in a grilling pan over medium-high heat and cook 1-2 minutes per side.
To Assemble Wraps: Spread hummus on 1/3 of the tortilla. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over hummus. Layer with slices of grilled veggies and pear, spinach leaves and sprouts. Fold wrap tightly, rolling firmly. Cut in half to serve.
Homemade Red Pepper Hummus: In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl, cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
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