If you think adding salmon to your weeknight dinner rotation will be a bust (kids won’t eat it, don’t know how to cook it, too fancy for weekdays), think again. Not only is it a great source of Omega-3s, but it’s a fish a lot of kids like or are willing to try; you can make it with all sorts of seasonings and sauces, and the best part is that it usually takes no longer than 30 minutes from start to finish. To help you decide which salmon meal ideas you want to try with your family, we found—and tested a few—of the best recipes for busy nights. Try one or all of them, and be prepared to want to make a version of this popular seafood once a week. 

Check out our favorite sheet pan chicken recipes, one-pot meals, and our best 30-minute meals for more quick dinner recipes.

Restaurant-Style Pan Seared Salmon

a picture of pan seared salmon, one of our favorite salmon meal ideas
Once Upon a Chef

This salmon meal idea from Once Upon a Chef is perfect for weeknights because it only uses olive oil, salt, and pepper and is finished in 15 minutes. Pair it with a sauce, your family’s favorite veggies, and a side, and dinner is done.  

Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

It wouldn’t be a round-up of amazing salmon recipes if we didn’t include one with a lemon-dill sauce! This recipe from Vikalinka has all the flavors of the popular combo but is a bit healthier since she cuts down on the amount of butter used.

Baked Teriyaki Salmon

a picture of teriyaki salmon, one of our favorite salmon meal ideas.
Erin Clarke at Well Plated

We’ve decided that teriyaki anything is a kid-favorite dinner, and this teriyaki salmon from Erin Clarke at Well Plated is near perfection. 

Easy Oven Baked Salmon

picture of easy oven baked salmon
Kristine's Kitchen

This recipe is perfect for busy families looking for easy weeknight dinner ideas. Be sure to use parchment paper or tin foil when making this easy oven-baked salmon from Kristine’s Kitchen to eliminate a step when cleaning up. 

Honey Mustard Pecan Crusted Salmon

a picture of baked salmon with honey mustard crust
Once Upon a Chef

Don’t be turned away by the fancy crust on this salmon from Once Upon a Chef. It takes a few minutes to prep and is a great way to get picky eaters to try new things, like fish! You can omit the nuts if necessary; the whole meal is ready in 20 minutes.

Honey Garlic Salmon

a picture of honey garlic soy salmon
Sally’s Baking Addiction

Two of our favorite flavors come together in one of our favorite salmon meal ideas from Sally’s Baking Addiction. It only uses six ingredients, the marinade becomes a glaze, and you bake it on a sheet pan, so it’s the perfect family dinner—in our opinion, anyway. 

Tuscan Salmon

tuscan salmon from carlsbad cravings is one of the best salmon meal ideas
Carlsbad Cravings

Heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic combine to make a wow-worthy sauce with this salmon recipe from Carlsbad Cravings. Made in one skillet, you can leave the sauce on the side for picky eaters. 

Lemon Brown Butter Salmon

Getting the butter just brown enough is the most challenging part of this fantastic salmon recipe from How Sweet Eats. You have to watch it closely, and when it’s ready for the fish, it takes almost no time after that. Plus, the flavor is so good that your family will want this dish regularly.

Salmon Tacos

a picture of salmon tacos
Chelsea’s Messy Apron

You know and love your regular fish tacos, so mix it up with these fantastic salmon tacos from Chelsea’s Messy Apron. The prep work and marinating time might throw you off if it’s a busy weeknight, so make things in advance (like the salsa) or save this dish for a weekend. It’s worth it.

Coconut Curry Salmon

picture of coconut curry salmon which is a good salmon meal idea
Pinch of Yum

You might think “hot” when you think of curry, but this salmon meal idea from Pinch of Yum has a sauce that is sweet more than spicy. Serve it over a bed of rice for a perfect dinner bowl!

Air Fryer Salmon

Raise your hand if you love your air fryer. The must-have appliance of busy families everywhere is perfect for salmon, too. This recipe from Feel Good Foodie is complete in 10 minutes, which leaves you time to do one of the other hundreds of things on your list. Or to do nothing at all! 

Baked Salmon in Foil

a picture of baked salmon in foil
Erin Clarke at Well Plated

This collection of our favorite salmon meal ideas wouldn’t be complete without at least one made in foil! A classic cooking method for fish, you can easily throw in vegetables for a complete foil-packet dinner. Plus, there are many different ways to season it: butter and lemon, dill, pesto, teriyaki, and more. Get the recipe from Erin Clarke at Well Plated

Poached Salmon

Another classic way to cook salmon is to poach it. This might bring back memories of Sunday brunches, and it’s popular for a reason. This recipe from Downshiftology calls for a little wine mixed with the water, but you can skip it if you like. 

What do you get when you combine the versatility of chicken with easy meal prep and almost zero clean-up? Only the best sheet pan chicken dinners out there! After all, it’s no secret that being able to toss a family-favorite protein in the oven with a side or two is a meal come true for busy families. We looked for recipes we want to try (or already have) and came up with 13 sheet pan chicken dinners so easy that you’ll want to cook during the week. After bookmarking a few, check out our easy family dinner ideas when you’re burned out and our best 30-minute meals.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

courtesy Lemon and Zest

Let’s be honest; parmesan anything is fantastic. But as a sheet pan chicken dinner, it’s close to perfect. You get flavorful chicken, potatoes, and green beans with this recipe from Lemons and Zest. Was there ever a better family meal?

Basic Baked Chicken Breasts

There’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple, and picky eaters will rejoice when eating this juicy sheet pan chicken full of flavor. The real trick is to cook it just right so you avoid dry chicken, and if you make enough, you can have plenty of protein for quick lunches during your work week. Get the recipe from Family Style Food.

Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan

You can’t argue with a classic. And you know this version from Damn Delicious will be precisely that.

Lemon Rosemary Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

picture of rosemary lemon sheet pan chicken dinner
Courtesy Boulder Locavore

If you love chicken thighs as much as we do, bookmark this recipe from Boulder Locavore. You get the rosemary-lemon flavor combo without marinating the meat, and dinner is ready in 30 minutes.

Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken

This recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod is at the top of our must-try list. Made with bone-in chicken thighs, this one might take a little longer in the oven, but it’s worth the wait.

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadilla

Courtesy Gimme Some Oven

This recipe from Gimme Some Oven is sheet pan perfection. How else would you get the cheese the right amount of gooey? As a bonus, this recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken, so your prep work is simple.

Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Soy Chicken and Broccoli

Your favorite stir-fry just got easier with this recipe from Half Baked Harvest. 30 minutes later, serve it with rice, and dinner is done. We suggest adding a cornstarch slurry to the sauce to make sure it thickens properly.

One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes

picture of sheet pan chicken and potatoes
Courtesy Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Another winner, winner, chicken dinner recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron; you probably have everything you need to make it right now. Easy and filling, this will be a family favorite from the start.

Pretzel Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

picture of pretzel chicken sheet pan dinner
Courtesy Carlsbad Cravings

Honestly, the idea of sheet pan chicken served with a pretzel crust sounds fantastic, so including this recipe from Carlsbad Cravings was a no-brainer. Served with a side of honey mustard dipping sauce, it sounds like something we need to add to our recipe rotation ASAP.

Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos

If you haven’t had sheet pan nachos, you’re missing out. The oven toasts the chips in the exact right amount, and clean-up is a breeze. See what ingredients you’ll need from Once Upon a Chef.

Sheet Pan Chicken with Rainbow Vegetables

One of the best things about sheet pan dinners is that you can throw almost any veggies in with your protein, and BAM! You have an incredible meal. This one from Well Plated is one of the best. You can separate the veggies for picky eaters, and she has great cooking tips if you want to swap out her suggestions for other options.

Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki

picture of sheet pan chicken pitas
Courtesy Pinch of Yum

Getting the exact flavor you want in this sheet pan dinner from Pinch of Yum is simple with a bit of pre-prep work (marinate for 30 minutes), and we love that you can serve up the toppings on the side, so everyone can make their pitas as they like.

Baked Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are always a fun snack or appetizer for a party. This recipe from Budget Bytes has tips for getting them perfectly crispy and includes great ideas for accompanying sides and dips.

 

When it comes to trying to be creative in the kitchen these days, it’s always smart to have quick and easy family dinner ideas up your sleeve. That’s why we’ve collected dynamite dishes that take very little prep work and guarantee to satisfy the whole family. Even better? Some of these quick meal ideas call for the slow cooker!

If you need more easy family dinner ideas, check out our favorite sheet-pan recipes, easy recipes for when you’re burned out, one-pot dinner ideas, and chicken breast recipes everyone will love.

Cheesy Pasta

Cheese? Check. Pasta? Check. Sounds like a total kid-pleasing easy dinner. Throw some rotisserie chicken in at the end of this recipe from The Cozy Cook to make it a one-pot meal.

Easy Dinner Recipe for Cashew Chicken

We’re always looking for recipes that taste just like (better?) our favorite take-out items. This recipe for Cashew Chicken fits the bill, and it’s made in one skillet. Get the recipe from Modern Honey.

Shrimp Fried Rice

So maybe your kiddo hates peas. Or carrots. Or both. The good news is, this easy family dinner idea from The Cozy Cook is super adaptable, so you can throw in whatever the kids will actually eat.

Instant Pot Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is one of the ultimate comfort foods. This easy dinner recipe from Easy Chicken Recipes uses an Instant Pot to get the meal done in under 30 minutes, so we’re huge fans.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

ground beef stroganoff is an easy dinner recipe
Chelsea's Messy Apron

Beef stroganoff is a classic pasta dish, and this ground beef version from Chelsea's Messy Apron comes together quickly. It's a meal that even picky eaters can get behind. Get the recipe here

Crock Pot Chicken from Heaven

crock pot chicken recipe
Stock the Crock

It's right there in the title. This chicken is a little bit of heaven. It's also convenient, delicious, and can be adapted for Paleo diets! Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Chicken Fajitas

chicken fajitas are an easy dinner recipe
Weelicious

One of the best easy family dinner ideas, it's perfect for picky eaters because they can build their own plates. Get the recipe from Weelicious

Ham and Swiss Pasta Roll Up

The View from Great Island

Ham and Swiss cheese nestled into pasta and baked to perfection? Yes, please! This surprisingly simple recipe can be made ahead of time and popped into the oven before dinner time. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island. 

Chicken Cordon Blue Sandwiches

You’ll be able to serve up warm, tangy sandwiches in no time with this 30-minute recipe for Chicken Cordon Blue from Sprinkles and the Smiths. Best of all, it can be made in an air fryer, which makes it (almost) healthy.

Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet pan nachos are a good option for busy families because you can add what you want, divide it up into sections for picky eaters, and of course, they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Get the scoop from Maple + Mango.

Grilled Cheese with Apple and Jam

Garlic My Soul

Give your classic grilled cheese a major upgrade with two ingredients you probably have on hand: apples and jam! Get the tasty recipe here.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

A bowl of honey garlic chicken made in a slow cooker
Hello Spoonful

This chicken recipe is a keeper when it comes to weeknight dinner recipes! It only has a few ingredients, so you can get this into the Crock Pot in the morning in less than ten minutes! Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Chili

The Bearded Hiker

Love your Instant Pot? Then you'll love this weeknight dinner recipe! Just sauté your beef, add veggies, beans, and spices and the pressure cooker will do the rest. Click here for the recipe.

One-Pot Orecchiette, Sausage, and Broccoli Pasta

Chelsea's Messy Apron

The flavor of the sausage, parmesan cheese, and olive oil gives this dish all the seasoning it needs, which means there's no heavy sauce to make on the side. Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Bites

Catherine McCord from Weelicious

These meatloaf bites from our friend Catherine McCord of Weelicious are petite versions of your favorite comfort food. And you can bet they're perfect for kids' taste buds!

Hawaiian Barbecue Pizza

Kim's Cravings

With BBQ sauce, pineapple, and rotisserie chicken, this pizza couldn't be more simple. Get the kids in on the cooking to make dinnertime extra fun! Click here for the recipe.

Related: 18 Easy One-Pot Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

tomato basil pasta is an easy dinner idea
iStock

This pasta dish isn't too fancy, sports kid-friendly ingredients, and is sure to be a weeknight dinner recipe that you'll make again and again. Bonus: It only gets one pot dirty! Get the how-to here.

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Bake Me Some Sugar

Everyone's favorite party app also makes a great dinner-in-a-pinch! And with just two ingredients and four steps, kids can help whip these up! Make your own with this recipe from Bake Me Some Sugar.

Fettuccine Alfredo

fettucine alfredo for 30 minute meals
Engin Akyurt via Unsplash

Creamy fettuccine Alfredo that's healthy, too? The secret to this recipe is sneaking spinach into the sauce and adding pre-cooked chicken. Get the recipe here.

Grilled Cheese Rollups

My Little Gourmet

Think outside the grilled cheese! These rollups have the classic taste kids love, with just a bit of a twist. And they only take 10 minutes to make! Find out how here.

Related: 31 Make Ahead Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Korean Beef Bowl

Ambs Loves Food

You can fulfill your Korean food cravings in 15-20 minutes with this beef bowl recipe. And you probably have the ingredient list in your pantry! Click here for the recipe.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Fish

panko fish is tops for weeknight dinner recipes
iStock

Want to introduce the kiddos to fish? Try this mild white fish covered in a crunchy parmesan crust. The ingredients are simple, and the flavors are excellent! Get the recipe here. Or, if you want to try salmon, check out our family-friendly salmon recipes here. 

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

chicken and rice is an easy dinner recipe
Scrummy Lane

Is there anything more comforting than chicken and rice? We don't think so. This quick one-pot version from Scrummy Lane is one of our favorite easy family dinner ideas. 

Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

crock pot chicken teriyaki is an easy dinner recipe
iStock

Fact: Kids love teriyaki. Another fact? This recipe from Our Little Acre uses the slow cooker and is super simple to make. What's not to love? 

 

 

Everyone knows Trader Joe’s is the best spot for fresh flowers, sweet greeting cards & cool treats

Trader Joe’s wins out for easy dinner ideas and cheap wine, and they’re really pulling out all the stops to deliver lots of great options for gifting this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re shopping for your little ones, your kid’s teacher, your best friend, or your significant other, there’s a great gift option for everyone. Plus, they have some of the cutest cards in town. Check out the best Trader Joe’s Valentine’s Day goodies spotted for 2024.

Jelly Bean Hearts

trader joe's valentine's day jelly beans

You can’t pass up these cuties that ring in at just $1.49 each.

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Mini Heart Cookies

Dark chocolate mini heart cookies are on our list of best Trader Joe's valentines day products

Snag some of these candy-topped cookies to put a smile on your kid’s face when they open their lunchbox.

Cachet Candy Assortment

Trader Joe's Valentines Day boxes of chocolates

With three types of chocolate in each box, your valentine will love this heart-shaped gift this Valentine’s Day. There are pink and red boxes, and each has 14 chocolates inside.

Cocoa Truffles

Simple and delicious. You can’t go wrong when you choose these to say, “I love you.”

Trader Joe’s For the Love of Chocolate Mousse Cake

Trader Joe's chocolate mousse cake

Perfect for sharing, these heart cakes go great with fresh berries.

Heart-Shaped Macarons

You’ll find these raspberry and vanilla creme desserts in the freezer section. Just leave them at room temp for a bit before enjoying.

Orchids

Orchids are among Trader Joe's Valentines day products

Live plants are a lovely option for Valentine’s Day and Trader Joe’s is offering loads of different colors including white, pink, yellow, and purple blooms. A nice gift for teachers!

Related: Check Out These Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods with a Cult Following

Handcrafted Felted Wool Heart Wreath

felt wool heart wreath from Trader Joe's

Those wreaths we loved so much last year are making a comeback for Valentine’s Day in a cute heart shape. At $19.99, they could make a fun addition to your front porch.

Trader Joe’s Gummy Xs & Os

Trader Joe's gummy x's and o's are a big hit

These soft gummies are “love at first bite” according to Trader Joe’s, and we agree.

Flower Bouquets

Go the extra mile (and save a few bucks at the same time) by purchasing your Valentine’s Day flowers at Trader Joe’s. We like to get a few different varieties, like tulips, hydrangeas, and a mixed bouquet, and then make our own arrangement. You’ll spend $20 for this one-of-a-kind gift (and Trader Joe’s flowers are known to last for a long time so you’ll be a winner for weeks).

Related: 16 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes That Take 15 Minutes or Less

Trader Joe’s Heart-Shaped Pasta

Get your favorite red sauce simmering alongside this cute pasta for a festive Valentine’s Day dinner. Tip: Cook to al dente so they will keep their shape better!

A Rose is a Rose Scented Candle

trader joe's valentine's day rose candles

This season’s newest scented candle will help set the scene.

Chocolate Berry Lip Mask Set

trader joe's valentine's day chocolate berry lip mask

We love this sweet set for gifting to the skincare people in our lives. Those in the know say it’s a solid dupe for Laneige.

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Caramel Hearts

trader joe's valentine's day dark chocolate caramel hearts

Pop a few of these in your kid’s lunch and they’ll be feeling the love all day!

Raspberry Mousse Cakes

trader joe's valentine's day raspberry mousse cake

These aren’t necessarily specific to Valentine’s Day, but we think they make a perfect addition to your dessert board.

Raspberry Hearts

Tea time anyone? These cute cookies are fun to add to a lunchbox or to snack on with your coffee.

Belgian Chocolate Hearts

trader joe's valentine's day belgian chocolates

We love these sophisticated chocolates that don’t have the upscale price tag.

Cheese

Have a sweetheart who isn’t too keen on sweets? We personally love a gift of cheese, and Trader Joe’s has tons of options to choose from.

Trader Joe’s Greeting Cards

Trader Joe's greeting cards

If you aren’t shopping exclusively at Trader Joe’s for your greeting cards, we can’t be friends. They have so many funny and punny options that you’re guaranteed to find one that fits the bill. At 99 cents each, you should just grab a few for your stash whenever you shop.

We’re trying the baked honey mustard chicken ASAP

Every family knows that chicken breasts are the weeknight hero of the kitchen. They can be baked, sauteed, shredded, or thin-sliced, as long as the recipe isn’t too complicated. We’ve rounded up 18 kid friendly chicken breast recipes that are go-to for families who want a stress-free dinner that’s far from basic. Need more easy dinner ideas? Check out these quick meal ideas that take just 30 minutes or less.

Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken

Weelicious

Our love for Crock Pot dinners runs deep, and this Hawaiian Chicken from Weelicious tops the list. The sauce is a perfect mix of sweet and savory, while the star of the show—the chicken—stays tender and juicy. When the afterschool schedule is hectic and you want something warm and tasty ready when you get home, this dinner recipe is perfect for you.

Buddy’s Crispy Chicken

If you want your kids to love what’s for dinner—get them involved in cooking it. Bashing the chicken in this Jamie Oliver recipe before you coat it in flavored crumbs makes it more tender, and it’s a task kiddos love. Pair with your favorite side dish for a guaranteed hit.

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach, Bacon, and Mushrooms

mushroom, spinach, pepper jack cheese chicken breast recipe
Julia's Album

If you love stuffed chicken breasts, you’ll love this easier “smothered” version of the stuffed chicken. The assembly is straightforward: just put the creamed spinach, bacon, mushrooms, and Pepper Jack cheese on top of seasoned chicken breasts and bake everything uncovered to perfection. This kid friendly chicken breast recipe from Julia’s Album is anything but boring!

Bruschetta Chicken

Customize this bruschetta chicken with your family’s favorites, like avocado, bacon, or minced olives. Also, the balsamic marinated chicken can be used in any meal prep dishes and is great as leftovers. Hop over to One Lovely Life for all the scrumptious details.

One Pan Chicken Pizzaiola

Scrummy Lane

A quick, easy Italian dish that’s sure to be a mid-weeknight favorite. Bonus: It only gets one pot dirty! Get the how-to at Scrummy Lane. 

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Chicken breasts, a handful of other ingredients, and a sheet pan are all you need for these Chicken Fajitas from Camille Styles. For a party (or picky eaters), set out the fillings and garnishes with a stack of just-charred tortillas and let everyone dig in. It’s super easy and fun.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets

This one is a fast food favorite made healthier at home. Choose the air-fryer or baking options; they’re both equally delicious. Check out the full recipe from Every Day Dishes. Bonus points for whipping up some homemade dipping sauce to go with them.

Almond Crusted Chicken

This gluten-free, kid friendly chicken breast dinner checks all the boxes. It’s high in protein, packs a lot of flavor, and only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. For all the yummy details, check out Every Day Dishes.

Related: 21 Simple Dinners That Use One Pan

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Calling all Instant Pot lovers! This Buffalo Chicken from Boulder Locavore must be in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s a versatile way to get the flavor of buffalo wings on anything from a sandwich or pizza to an appetizer. The buffalo sauce can be store-bought or homemade, depending on preference and time.

Chicken Fingers on a Stick

homemade chicken tenders are a good chicken breast recipe for kids.
Weelicious
They’re on a stick and it’s got dipping sauce. Sounds like a total kid-pleasing, easy dinner. Get this classic chicken breast recipe here.

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Let’s be honest; the best recipe is one that’s barely a recipe at all. This baked honey mustard chicken from Scrummy Lane will be on the table in a flash, and you only need three ingredients. Now, that’s a weeknight hero!

One Dish Chicken Bake

You can’t go wrong when you nestle your chicken between a bed of tomatoes and a blanket of mozzarella. Serve on top of pasta for a simple and easy Italian-inspired dinner. Click here for the recipe.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Is there anything more comforting than tortilla soup? We don’t think so. Make it in a crock pot or stovetop and customize it with your favorite toppings. The recipe from The Cozy Cook calls for chicken breasts, but a rotisserie chicken works great, too.

Crispy Baked Chicken Schnitzel

Easy Chicken Dinner, Family Favorite Recipes

Simple Home Edit

Here’s a slight twist on the traditional German Schnitzel. Usually, the meat is pounded thin with a meat tenderizer, coated with breadcrumbs, and then lightly fried. This kid friendly chicken breast recipe from Simple Home Edit is baked instead to make it healthier and easier to clean up. Don’t miss the tips in the recipe to keep the chicken from drying out and on how to get the perfectly crispy golden skin.

Chicken Fried Rice

chicken dinners, family favorite recipes, easy weeknight dishes

Simple Home Edit

This one comes together quickly, is made with pantry staples, and tastes like an indulgent takeout dish. Yes, please! Simple Home Edit’s Chicken Fried Rice is the perfect comfort dish the whole family will enjoy.

Zesty Pineapple Chicken

Salty Pot

With BBQ sauce, pineapple, and chicken breasts, this dish is a kid favorite. It also takes minimal effort, so you’ll love it too. Visit the Salty Pot here for the recipe.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

If you’re having a few extra people at the dinner table or if you’re just craving a little comfort food mid-week, try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole from Kristine’s Kitchen. It’s make-ahead friendly and every bite is packed with flavor. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

One Pot Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes, veggies, spinach, and chicken come together to make this one-pot pasta dish from Gimme Some Oven. The garlic basil cream sauce is one you’ll want to go back to time and again.

Ever get that feeling that although you’re super busy, nothing ever seems to get done? Sure, you’ve changed baby’s diaper at least 10 times today (and probably done just as many loads of laundry because of it), sat down for so many feedings you’ve lost count (hey, there’s an app for that), and if you’re lucky you managed to squeeze a shower in there somewhere, but probably not. And now you’re left wondering how it’s already time to make dinner. Whether you’re too busy, too tired, or both, we’re working to take meal planning off your plate. These meals for moms don’t take much prep and will fuel your busy days—from breakfast through dinner.

Breakfast Ideas

Overnight Oats

The trick to this recipe from @cleanplatemama is that you make it ahead of time. Stick it in the fridge before bed and wake up to a filling breakfast that appears like magic.

Perfect Scrambled Eggs

Whip up a simple scrambled egg in under five minutes—@cookwithnabeela will show you how. Once you’ve perfected it, throw in veggies, cheeses, and herbs to flavor them the way you like. Our favorite is with French thyme.

Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookie

Cookies for breakfast? Registered Dietician @preventionrd gives the green light to these that include apples, carrots, and oatmeal. Make a batch to get you through the week (and beyond).

Smashed Avocado & Poached Eggs

Avocado toast is always an easy one for breakfast or lunch, and this version created by @foodandhomesa fits the bill. The frozen peas add a little pop that’s unexpected, and although this recipe includes homemade spinach soda bread, we’re here to tell you it’ll taste just as good on whatever bread you’ve got.

Acai Bowl

The great thing about acai bowls is that you can top them with just about anything you’d like. Bananas, granola, and honey are pretty standard, but feel free to scoop in a nut-butter for extra protein or heap on the fresh fruit when it’s in season. Find out how to make this one @chelseasmessyapron.

Lunch Ideas

Celery Soup

This simple soup from @atasteofmadness1 can be made in under 30 minutes with just six ingredients (we’re betting most are already in your fridge). Our tip? If you’re not into transferring hot liquid into your blender, use an immersion blender instead.

Mango Spinach Smoothie

If you’ve got a blender, you can whip up one of our favorite easy meals for moms—a mango spinach smoothie from @cleanplatemama. It’s loaded with 20 grams of protein and healthy fats (from the avocado) all new moms need to get through the day.

Obsessively Good Avocado Cucumber Salad

A few fresh ingredients and the time to chop them all up is what it takes to make @smittenkitchen‘s avocado cucumber salad (and yes, it’s obsessively good). We love that you can use the leftover avocado to make it for lunch the next day, too.

Spaghetti Salad

Make this tasty salad created by @theveiwfromgreatisland for yourself for lunch and you’ll have plenty leftover for dinner. It combines crave-worthy carbs with tons of fresh veggies—a great excuse to hit the farmer’s market in the summer.

Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese

If you didn’t get too many of these during your pregnancy cravings, you’ll love them on this inventive grilled cheese sandwich @pitchforkfoodie dreamed up. Really, you could top this grilled cheese with just about anything and it would be good.

Dinner Ideas

Beef Lettuce Wraps

What should every mom’s go-to dinner include? Something quick and something healthy. That’s what we love about these beef lettuce wraps from @momsdish. Putting them together is as simple as browning your protein (ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even tofu are simple substitutes to make) and assembling the rest of the ingredients atop a fresh bib lettuce leaf. Roll and enjoy.

Vegetable Pancakes

What’s not to love about this simple way to use up leftover veggies from @tiffy.cooks? Take a deep dive in the fridge (yep, all the way to the back) hunting for half-finished carrots, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes—whatever is taking up space. Shred, squeeze, and pan fry them before topping with a tasty sauce.

Greek-Inspired Hump Day Salad

It doesn’t have to be Wednesday to make this Hump Day dish we found @easy_salad_recipes, but it doesn’t hurt. Open a bag of lettuce, toss on the toppings, and you’ve got yourself a healthy meal in minutes. Hint: pickle red onion on your countertop by placing sliced red onions in vinegar, then adding a bit of salt and sugar. They should be ready in about 30 minutes.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Pick up a pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts from the store (or pull them from the freezer in the morning) to make this meal for moms from @themediterraneandish. Season them, drizzle some olive oil on top, then throw it in the oven. If you’re feeling really fancy, add a bag salad to this meal.

Chipotle Chicken Tostadas

Ground chicken is the base for this easy-to-assemble recipe from @preventionrd, but you can easily sub ground turkey if it’s easier to find. The avocado and pineapple salsa add a little something extra—a tropical flair that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation.

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili

Who doesn’t love a meal you can start around lunch time and enjoy five hours later for dinner? This simple white chicken chili by @damn_delicious takes about 10 minutes to put together. The rest is up to your crock pot. Note: if you’re nursing or just want to avoid spicy foods, cut down on the green chilies.

Squash & Chickpea Moroccan Stew

Dicing the potatoes is probably the heaviest lift in this hearty recipe from @smittenkitchen, but the rest of the ingredients don’t involve too much prep. Serve it over couscous or not—it’s up to you. Either way, you’ll have leftovers to enjoy the next day.

From dinner in a pumpkin to creepy hot dog fingers, we’ve got tasty Halloween dinners that’ll satisfy your trick-or-treaters before they hit the candy trail

Before the inevitable sugar rush of trick-or-treating, we try (note: try) to fill our kids up with a somewhat nutritious dinner. These healthy Halloween dinner ideas combine our favorite things about the holiday (think charming jack-o’-lanterns, friendly ghosts, and spooky Halloween decorations) with ingredients that kids will actually eat. (Okay, yes, we also sometimes rely on these go-to pumpkin recipes and CrockPot recipes, too.) 

Skeleton Charcuterie Board

If everyone is too excited to sit down to eat, whip up a Halloween charcuterie board instead! We’ve even got a fun Halloween treat board for any upcoming parties.

Deviled Egg Spiders

Make these spider deviled eggs for your Halloween meal
Weelcious

Our friends over at Weelicious know what kids want to eat and it's definitely deviled egg spiders. A tiny bit creepy and super tasty, these are an easy addition to your Halloween festivities. 

Jack O'Oranges

Five oranges that are "carved" to look like jack-o-lanterns is a fun Halloween dinner idea
HelloFresh

Another fun option from HelloFresh for when you’ve carved all the pumpkins and apples in sight. Get started on the citrus and scoop out the insides, but don’t throw them away! You could always blend them into a juice or smoothie. Then, carve eerie faces and overload the insides with berries, apples, kiwis, and whatever else you have on hand.

Pizza Mummies

Pizza mummies are a cute Halloween dinner idea
Weelicious

Take the kid-favorite pizzas and mummify them for a fun Halloween dinner idea like these from Weelicious. Bonus: it's perfect for group gatherings when you want some single-serving options. 

Related: Fun Halloween Meals for Kids: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A jack-o-lantern cup is filled with pumpkin macaroni and cheese
Tara’s Multicultural Table

Pumpkin isn’t just for pie! Halloween is the perfect time to try out a savory pumpkin dish, and this one from Tara’s Multicultural Table is bound to be a hit. The pumpkin adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, and the whole Halloween dinner idea will take less than half an hour to make. 

Mummy Dogs

Three hot dogs are wrapped up to look like mummies
Weelicious

Combine your two favorites—hot dogs and pizza dough—and you've got these too-cute-to-eat mummy dogs from Weelicious that make a perfect Halloween meal. You could even put the kids to work making these. 

Creepy, Crawly Toasts

A bunch of pieces of toast that look like they have spiders on them is a creative Halloween dinner idea
HelloFresh

Ewwwwww spiders. But also, YUM. These creepy toasts are the creation of our friends over at HelloFresh and are made by slathering a layer of either goat cheese or cream cheese on thick slices of toasted French baguette. Then, one half a black olive is placed in the center of the body while four smaller slices are placed on either side as legs. Sprinkle with finely chopped basil, and you’re done!

Monster Burgers

How cute is this pair? All you need to get your monsters started are olives and toothpicks. These would be super adorable as sliders as well! We are definitely adding this Halloween dinner idea to our October recipe rotation.

Skeleton Mushroom Pasta

This brilliant Halloween dinner idea for a spooky pasta dinner has you carving little skeleton faces into your mushroom slices. Added to squid ink pasta, this Halloween dinner is scary good.

Halloween Shepard’s Pie

We love this idea for a ghoulish shepherd’s pie from @rachplusfive—check out this YouTube video for more tips. This is a hearty meal to serve before the candy onslaught begins.

Goulish Fruit and Veggie Tray

If this doesn’t get your kids to eat some fruit and veggies, we don’t know what will! This super cute veggie tray from @foodbites will have everyone snacking in no time.

Halloween Hot Dog Worms

Do you think the kids will be creeped out by this spooky take on hot dogs? Head on over to Holley Grainger’s website for the full scoop. (Spoiler alert: You just need to cut thin strips of hot dogs and they will curl up when cooked).

Frankenstein Avocado Toast

Up your avocado toast game with toasted seaweed, olives, and tomatoes for a creepy meal. This fun recipe from @veganchowdown is perfect to bust out for a Halloween dinner.

Pumpkin Soup in a Pumpkin

You’ll want to eat all of your soups out of a pumpkin after you give this recipe from the Pioneer Woman a try. Serve it in a large pie pumpkin when you’ve got a group coming, or use mini ones so each kid gets one of their own.

Related: Easy Halloween Treats to Make This Year

Spooky Stuffed Peppers

How cute are these stuffed peppers from Pinch of Parsley?! Filled with a Mexican-inspired mixture of ground beef, rice, salsa, and cheese, they’re a perfect healthy Halloween dinner to keep your kiddos going through a long night of trick-or-treating. 

Mummy Sammies

Two sandwich kebabs are stacked to look like tall monsters for a Halloween dinner
Feel Good Foodie

Transform sandwiches into edible art with this fun idea from Feel Good Foodie. Topped off with a cute pair of candy eyes, these kabobs (along with three other suggested Halloween-y snacks!) are sure to make your kids smile. 

Chicken Fingers

Chicken fingers are a fun Halloween dinner idea
Create Eat Happy

We’ve never seen chicken fingers quite like this before! These super crispy bites from Create Eat Happy are called karaage, aka Japanese fried chicken. With a bit of strategically placed ketchup, you’ve got a fun twist on (literal) chicken fingers that’ll be gobbled up in no time.

 

Halloween Pizza

For a tasty meal that comes together in no time, spice up a frozen pizza with this fun idea from Chewable Structures. A few carefully placed veggies become spooky witches’ fingers—easy peasy! 

Scary-Delicious Spinach Feta Pie

What’s the best way to get kids to eat their greens? Add cheese to it and bake it in puff pastry! This spinach-feta pie from .@in_anastasias_kitchen is sure to be a hit with your whole crew, and it doesn’t hurt to get some veggies in before everybody pigs out on candy.

Spider Sammies

A grilled cheese sandwich is formed to look like spiders is a fun Halloween dinner idea
Rachel Cooks

Looking for the easiest Halloween dinner ever? Make these cute grilled cheese sandwiches from Rachel Cooks. With pretzel legs and dried cranberry eyes, they only take a couple of minutes longer to make than normal grilled cheese, and that’s a win in our book. 

 

Spooky Soba

This soba-centric idea from Bento Monsters is equal parts creativity, adorable details, and tastiness. Despite looking like a work of art, these Halloween dinner ideas are easy to make for your little monsters.

Candy Corn Quesadilla

Three chicken quesadillas that look like candy corn sit on black and orange plates for a Halloween themed dinner
Boulder Locavore

Candy for dinner? Well, not quite—but these quesadillas from Boulder Locavore do channel classic Halloween candy corn in a big way. The best part? There’s triple the cheesy goodness.

Related: 8 Frightfully Easy Halloween Cupcakes

Spirited Pizza

Boo! We’re digging the ghostly genius of this pizza idea from Tastes Better From Scratch. It’s got gourmet impressiveness, and kid-friendly flavors, and can be made with a team effort from the whole family.

Spider Web Soup

We want to award extra Halloween points to The Foodie and the Fix for coming up with a Halloween-themed dinner that has tons of fall flavor and a simple spider decoration (Hint: for your awesome webbing, it’s all about the coconut yogurt!).

Eyeball Pasta

We guarantee giggles when you serve up this Halloween dinner idea from Boulder Locavore. The kids will get a kick out of “eyeballs” in their pasta—and you’ll love that it’s got a healthy twist.

Severed Fingers

Hot dogs are made to look like severed fingers in a bun for a Halloween themed dinner
Party Tipz

We’ve got to hand it to Party Tipz for coming up with a truly creative way to serve up hot dogs on Halloween. Add ketchup for an extra “bloody” Halloween-themed dinner that little ghouls will love.

Pumpkin-Inspired Pizza Pockets

Your kid crew will go gaga for these homemade pizza pockets from Dinner at the Zoo. They’re inspired by jack-o’-lanterns and are the perfect pepperoni addition to your Halloween-themed dinners.

Witchy Veggies

Vegetables arranged to look like a screaming witch as part of a Halloween themed dinner
Boulder Locavore

Need a magical way to get the kids to eat their veggies? How about this idea from Boulder Locavore, which involves arranging crudité edibles to look like a screaming witch? Now that’s what we call fun with food!

Related: 15 Easy Homemade Snacks for a Healthy(ish) Halloween

Skull Lasagna

Lasagna in a pan with a scary face on it for a Halloween dinner
Brick Star

Take your Halloween-themed dinners to a new level with this spooky lasagna from Brick Star. Your pint-sized chefs will love getting creative with the toppings—but they’ll love eating the cheesy result even more.

 

Goulish Pasta Salad

Looking for an easy way to make Halloween a little healthier? Smile Sandwich has you covered with this festive and oh-so-cute pasta salad. The flavors are light and refreshing but the star of the show is the jack-o-lantern cucumber slices (Psst! Don’t like cucumber? Sub in zucchini instead!).

Everyone has that go-to dinner meal when time is limited and tummies are rumbling. The best part? This mustard and maple syrup glazed chicken recipe only requires four ingredients. The sweetness infused by the maple syrup appeals to those with sweet tooths (and picky eaters!). If you’re more about the bite and less about the sweet flavor, be sure to load up the glaze with mustard. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Check out our 3-ingredient recipes for more easy dinner ideas.

Ingredients for Mustard and Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use bone-in too)
one large shallot, minced
3 tablespoons of real maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard with seeds

Method:
1. Pre-heat broiler. Sautee shallot with olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken on a foil-covered baking sheet.

2. After shallot softens (about 1-2 mins), add maple syrup and mustard until glaze thickens and bubbles, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 mins. You can use as much maple syrup or mustard as you like — we suggest making it so it’s 2:1 ratio of syrup to mustard.

3. Brush one side of the chicken with glaze and broil for 5-6 mins. Turn chicken over and cover with glaze. Broil another 5-6 mins until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice and veggies.

 

Skip the fast food and enjoy these meals you can easily eat in the car

If your kids are involved in any organized sports or after-school activities, chances are you find yourself eating in the car multiple times a week. Whether it’s the commute to the field straight from school or a late-night dinner on the way home from the studio, your kid’s gotta eat! We’ve been there, and that’s why we’ve rounded up some of the easiest dinner ideas for the car that are nutritious and won’t make a huge mess. If you’d rather have something ready at home, try our list of make-ahead meals instead.

Salad in a Jar

salad in a jar is an easy dinner in the car idea
Mariana Medvedeva via Unsplash

It does a parent’s heart food to know they’re feeding their kids something nutritious before rushing off to a strenuous practice or game, and that’s why salad in a jar is a great option. With so many options, from kale, spinach, and iceberg lettuce to proteins like steak, chicken, or tofu, not to mention the plethora of dressing options, there is something for every type of eater in this dinner-in-the-car idea. The best news? You can contain the mess by layering everything in a jar! Just make sure you leave enough room so you can shake everything up and give it a good mix.

Mini Corn Dog Muffins

corn dog muffins are good dinner in the car idea
Shutterstock

These adorable corn dog muffins are a nice twist on the stick version and are perfect for eating on the go. Our recipe uses homemade cornbread and produces a soft and delicious blanket around sliced hot dogs. Pack some sauce in a small container and let your kids dip their hearts out on the way to their activities.

Cold Pepperoni Pasta Salad

pepperoni pasta salad recipe
Dear Crissy

If you want to make dinner in advance and not worry about keeping it warm, a cold pasta salad is the way to go. This pepperoni pasta salad from Dear Crissy has tons of noodles, veggies, and salami, which should entice young pizza lovers. Pair it with a breadstick or two, and eating in the car just got a lot easier.

Related: 14 Creative Bento Box Lunches That Will Totally Inspire You

Air Fryer Lasagna Cups

Wondermom Wannabe

Want to feast on pasta without the huge mess while eating in the car? Try these air fryer lasagna cups! They are easy to make, take only 30 minutes to whip up in large batches, and are the perfect size for eating by hand. The best part is you can use store-bought sauce and noodles, which makes this dinner-in-the-car idea even more time friendly. Get the recipe from Wondermom Wannabe.

Chicken Taco Pinwheels

chicken taco pinwheels are a good dinner in the car idea
Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish

Served cold, these chicken taco pinwheels from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish make a great option when eating dinner in the car. They require only five ingredients, are made easily with rotisserie chicken, and can be made a day in advance. Just slice before you head to the car, and you have a healthy, hearty dinner.

Quiche

Brinner anyone? Whether you take the time to whip up your own mini quiche or go the easy route with the frozen option, this handheld menu item from Scrummy Lane is a sure thing. Depending on the flavor, quiche is packed with protein and veggies, so your kids are filled with energy when it comes time to run those laps at practice.

Sausage & Mozzarella Calzone

sausage calzone is a great dinner in the car idea
Pinch of Yum

Most kids never turn down pizza, but when looking for dinner ideas for the car, parents usually think twice due to the potential mess. This is why this sausage and mozzarella calzone from Pinch of Yum is a great idea because everything is inside the crust. It’s made with FOUR ingredients, one of which is frozen bread (that you don’t have to slave over). It’s also fully customizable, so if your kids aren’t into sausage, swap it for something they like.

Baked Chicken Taquitos

Baked chicken taquitos are an easy dinner you can eat in the car
Kristine’s Kitchen

Freezer friendly and great to make in large batches ahead of time, these baked chicken taquitos from Kristine’s Kitchen make a great option for dinner that kids can eat in the car. This finger food has no-fuss ingredients like rotisserie chicken and is reheated in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a bowl is a good dinner in the car idea
Spend with Pennies

Once again, parents can avoid a mess by dishing up this egg roll in a bowl from Spend with Pennies when looking for dinner ideas for the car. It uses ground meat (your choice of turkey, beef, or sausage), veggies, and that leftover rice you’ve been keeping in the fridge. Store in a thermos, then enjoy when you’re on the go!

Avocado Turkey Wrap

A turkey wrap is a good dinner kids can eat in the car
Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Dinner doesn’t have to be gourmet or difficult to be satisfying, especially when your brain is already packed with pick-up and drop-off times for practice. This simple recipe uses traditional ingredients like turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. If that’s not your kiddos’ jam, Chelsea’s Messy Apron also has versions that include a Southwest Turkey and Greek Turkey Wrap.

Slider Sandwiches

Favorite Family Recipes

Mini sandwiches make the perfect food for eating in the car, and this version can be served either hot or cold. Made with a pack of Hawaiian rolls, you can easily meal prep a dozen sandwiches to round out your week. Make with deli meat and cheese of your choice, then pour the savory sauce over top before baking. Check out this version at Favorite Family Recipes.

Peanut Butter Banana Roll Up

Not all kids need a robust meal before practice, or maybe they’re just picky eaters! That’s where the peanut butter banana roll-up comes in. This simple recipe can be a hearty snack or part of a larger meal and comes together quickly by smearing PB on a tortilla, adding a banana, rolling, and slicing.

Related: 21 Easy Recipes That Even Picky Eaters Will Like

Fried Rice

Chinese fried rice is a good dinner in the car idea
Rasa Malaysia

Fried rice makes a great Thermos meal; it’s packed with meat, veggies, and fried eggs, so it’s also a well-rounded meal. Because your kids will be eating in the car, skip the chopsticks to cut down on the mess. Get the recipe from Rasa Malaysia.

 

Cold Sesame Noodles

dinners you can eat in the car cold sesame noodles
Gimmie Some Oven

Want to skip the worry over serving a hot meal in the car? This cold sesame noodle recipe from Gimme Some Oven makes dinner prep a breeze because you can make it in advance, chill it, and then pack it in a lunch bag.

Walking Tacos

You might be sitting in the car instead of walking while eating these tacos in a bag, but they are still a great option! A walking taco is a deconstructed taco served right out of a chip bag, so it contains the mess and makes it way more fun than a boring meal in a crumbly, messy shell.

Bento Box Dinner in the Car

bento boxes make eating dinner in the car easy
iStock

You can never go wrong with a bento box for dinner, especially if you have a kid who loves to graze or likes options. Check out our roundup of creative bento box ideas that are equally good for snacks or dinner as they are for lunch.

 

This one-pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser

We couldn’t resist this simple Tomato Basil Pasta recipe from Apron Strings—it’s literally made in one pot! Even better, it’s got tons of healthy veggies, making sure your little ones get the nutrition they need. Sounds like a dinner winner. For even more easy dinner ideas, check out our collection of 30-minute meals.

 

Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Ingredients:

12 ounces linguine pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid
1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (regular broth, not low sodium)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cooking Method:

1. Place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a large stock pot. Pour in vegetable broth. Sprinkle on top of the pepper flakes and oregano. Drizzle top with olive oil.

2. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, keep covered, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated – leave about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot–but you can reduce as desired.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of the pot. Serve garnished with parmesan cheese.

Recipe courtesy Apron Strings