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Dinner prep is one of those things that will never go away. It doesn’t matter how old your children are, what stage you are in, or what the season is. You always have to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After a long and busy day, many people are just too tired to think about putting together a balanced and nutritious dinner. Meal prepping is a great way to combat the “what should I make for dinner” issue, and it also allows you to purchase the necessary ingredients when grocery shopping.
These five ideas are perfect options for quick, easy and nutritious meals and are great for families of all sizes. So add them to your meal prep and dinner rotation and enjoy! Bon appetit!
Chicken and Rice Casserole
This recipe from The Pretty Bee is an excellent one-pot meal that takes only a few minutes to prepare. All you need to do is add rice to an oven-safe pan and enough water to cover it. Place any type of chicken on top of the rice and season with your favorite spices. Add vegetables for the extra nutrients, such as cut up tomatoes and onions. All you have to do is cover and bake for one to one and a half hours and voila! Dinner is ready!
The best part, besides the incredible smell that will fill your home when this dish is in the oven, is that it can be prepped in advance and left in the fridge (even overnight) and placed in the oven an hour or two before dinner.
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Classic Chili
Lemon Pesto Pasta
This quick and easy pasta dish is ready in just 15 minutes and will be loved by the whole family. The recipe from BBC Good Food combines broccoli, basil, spinach, pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices blended to make a paste. Just pour the pesto on top of any type of cooked pasta and serve. This easy and nutrient-filled dish is ready in no time.
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Salmon Salad
If you are thinking about healthy meal ideas, salmon must make it on the list, as it is incredibly rich in protein, iron, potassium, vitamin B2, and healthy omega 3 fatty acids. You can cook and flake some salmon in advance and all you need to do before dinner is cut up some lettuce and other vegetables, add the salmon flakes and serve with your favorite salad dressing, or follow this simple option from Delicious Meets Healthy. This dinner option will be a huge hit with your family and even with guests or at a dinner party.
Burritos or Burrito Bowls
This dinner idea comes from the Kidding Around blog. It is jam packed with protein from the meat and beans. Burritos are a great way to use whatever ingredients or leftovers you have in the fridge, such as rice, any type of meat, beans, cheese, avocado, salsa, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Or make a vegan burrito. Keep your favorite type of tortilla or wrap on hand for this spicy meal, and just take the rest of the ingredients out of the fridge a few minutes before dinnertime. No need for preparing in advance, so this is perfect for those long and tiring days.
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