Spice things up on school nights with these easy, healthy recipes that just may become new family favorites!
When I was a kid, the first day of school was always pretty exciting. My friends and I would figure out what we were going to wear – typically a new outfit saved just for the occasion – and plan to meet at least an hour before the first bell so that we could claim lockers all in a row. Bagging the best lockers was a strategic process. First, we’d talk through the prime location, ranking the top three. As soon as we reached the best location, we slapped our combination locks on a group of six lockers before anyone else could descend on the area. Mission accomplished.
Both of my boys are in middle school this year (ack!) and the process is a heck of a lot more boring for them. Lockers are assigned and posted on each person’s private account on the school district website. Not only do they miss out on the plotting and planning inherent with “locker takeover”, but they typically end up far away from their friends. Where’s the fun in that?!
While they’re talking about lockers, friends and classes, my attention is focused on getting back into a routine. Waking up early, homework in the backpacks, breakfast in the bellies, school dropoff and pickup, homework, activities, lunches packed. Lather, rinse, repeat.
It always takes a couple of weeks of growing pains before we have the routine down to a science. It’s hard to leave summer behind and jump back into the reality of the school year! For me, the most challenging part is getting a healthy meal on the table on time, without breaking the bank and without boring my family with the same meals week in and week out.
As a food blogger, it seems that I would have a huge variety of meals “at the ready” because I’m always making something new for the blog. But on those days when I’m not cooking for the blog, I just want something easy. And easy usually means something that I’ve made 4057 times before. There’s comfort in familiar meals but, man, things need a little spicing up around here sometimes.
So, here are my favorite healthy school night recipes, the ones that I’ve made 4057 times. They are tried and true, tested recipes and are adored by my family (as long as I don’t overdo it). Hopefully your family loves them just as much as we do!
Rice Noodles with Chicken, Asparagus & Soy Ginger Sauce
Maple Dijon Baked Salmon
Easy Braised Balsamic & Herb Chicken
Roasted Tomato & Chicken Sausage Whole Wheat Pasta
Crispy Baked Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Tenders
30-Minute Rice Noodle Soup with Mushrooms & Kale
Baked Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Turkey Taco Twice-Baked Potatoes
Chicken Puttanesca with Spaghetti Squash
Hummus-Crusted Baked Fish
Hearty Mushroom, Farro & Ginger Soup
Vegetarian Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Seared Shrimp Salad with Jicama, Strawberries & Avocado
Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken
Spice Rubbed Lime Salmon
Pork Chops with Dijon Maple Sauce
Southwestern Breakfast Quesadilla with Eggs, Black Beans & Salsa
One-Pot Chicken Sausage & Bean Ragout
BLT Naan Pizza with Bacon, Arugula & Tomato
Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry with Sweet Potato & Chickpeas
If you make any of these recipes, I’d love to see them on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I’ll be sure to find your posts.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
We don’t have any kiddos in school but I’m still always looking for quick and easy meals because after working all day I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen making dinner! May have to give the 30-Minute Rice Noodle Soup with Mushrooms & Kale a try this week!!
heather | girlichef
My kids go back this week! These are all delicious and healthy options, I see a few I want to add to my menu right away.
Isabelle @ Crumb
What a great roundup! There are some real keepers in here. Especially those pork chops with maple dijon… they look like they’d be right up my alley.
PS: It’s hard to believe that back-to-school is around the corner… in my head, it feels like summer only just got started. 🙁
Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Oh Dara, this is just what I have been looking for! I am sharing this today 🙂
The Food Hunter
I’m with you….when I’m not cooking for the blog I want something easy!
Martha @ A Family Feast
Great collection – we start school in two weeks. These recipes will come in handy!
Christi @ Love From The Oven
What a fantastic resource! I think I need to start with the Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken, it looks amazing!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
I am always looking for new dinner recipes that are healthy and easy. Loving this round-up!
Dana @ Foodie Goes Healthy
Thanks so much for the timely roundup. I’m always looking for new inspiration. Can’t wait to dive it. The one pot and slow cooker meals sound good to me!