On the Go Dinner Ideas for Busy Families
As a mom, I understand the struggle of juggling weekday schedules packed with sports practices, music lessons, and homework. It seems like there's never enough time to prepare a decent meal, especially when you're rushing from one activity to another. Instead of defaulting to the drive thru line (no shame, we still do that too!), we’ve started to prepare on the go meals! In fact, I loved these so much that we launched them as a product for Cookonnect last year. If you want to give it a try yourself, I've compiled a list of nutritious and convenient dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weekdays, especially when you’re on the go!
Try these out and you’ll be on your way to a less stressful evening (and dinners you can feel good about)!
Pesto Pasta with Sautéed Shrimp
Enjoy a flavorful bowl of pasta tossed with pesto (the jared kinds are great!) and sautéed shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and with the right, bite size pasta this becomes very easy for a little one to devour. If they’re up for it add in some more veggies like tomatoes too!
Salmon and Avocado Sushi Bowls
Skip the hassle of rolling sushi and opt for sushi bowls instead. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and creamy avocado, these bowls are a nutritious option and super easy for dinner on the sidelines.
Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Thread teriyaki marinated chicken and colorful veggies onto skewers for a delicious and portable meal. Simply bake them ahead of time for a quick dinner solution that is all in one.
Turkey Meatball Subs
Whip up a batch of homemade turkey meatballs (I love to make and freeze these!) and serve them in whole-grain sub rolls with marinara sauce and cheese. These subs are hearty and perfect for eating on the run.
Asian Noodle Salad
Combine cooked noodles with crunchy vegetables and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing for a refreshing salad that's both nutritious and portable. I love this one because it tastes amazing at room temperature.
Mini Whole-Grain Pita Pockets
Honestly, this one works for lunch or dinner. Fill mini whole-grain pitas with your choice of protein, veggies, and hummus for a handheld meal that's perfect for munching on during car rides between activities. If you need a sideline activity for the tag-a-long child, put all ingredients into a ziploc and let them create their own!
Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups with Veggie Pasta Salad
Roll sliced turkey and cheese in whole-grain tortillas for a simple yet satisfying meal. These roll-ups are mess-free and packed with protein, making them ideal for busy evenings. Then add a simple cooked pasta with an assortment of colorful veggies and a light vinaigrette dressing for a nutritious salad that pairs perfectly.
With these quick and nutritious dinner ideas, hectic weekday evenings don't have to mean sacrificing wholesome meals for your family. Next time you have a week of rushing between activities, whip up a few of these convenient dinner options, put them into some grab and go containers, and you’ll have a stress-free mealtime solution. Or, just reach out to us at Cookonnect and we’ll do it for you :)!