Our favourite 4 types of make-ahead meals for easy on-the-go dinners, to help with those extra busy days!
Between hectic schedules and on-the-go lifestyles, it can be such a challenge to get quick and nourishing dinners on the table (or even more on the go: in the car). Since day one, our goal has been simple: to help families take the stress out of healthy eating.
It can be a total circus balancing act (LOL) trying to get your to-do list done AND something healthy in your body. Skip the takeout or drive-thru, and try these 4 types of meals instead.
1. Wraps & Sandwiches
There’s a reason these are such a classic option! Not only are sandwiches and wraps easy to transport, but they are generally quick to prepare, delicious, and simple to pack with nutrition. This Chicken Salad Wrap filling is a great option to make ahead and keep in the fridge for easy assembly wraps or sandwiches, snacking as is, or throwing on a salad. If you’ve got picky eaters in the house, this Classic Club Sandwich is perfect for your recipe bank since its highly customizable.
Meal prep tip: Keep large tortillas on hand to use at the end of the week for a kitchen-sink style wrap using whatever leftover veggies, proteins, and sauces you have in the fridge. The sky is really the limit here with flavour combos so have fun with it!
2. Salads & Pasta Salads
These are really a one-dish wonder, you can serve them as a side dish, enjoy as a snack, or bulk them up for a more filling lunch or dinner. This Rainbow Quinoa Salad is a great option, it keeps well in the fridge and is easily customizable! Add cooked chicken breast or salmon to make it a complete dinner. Need to accommodate a variety of preferences? Separate the ingredients for a mix-and-match style dinner with this Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad. Pasta salads are particularly delicious because they absorb more flavour the longer they sit in the fridge Like this Sweet Chili Noodle Salad for example.
Nutrition Tip: Try a bean-based pasta like lentil or chickpea for a boost of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied longer. These also tend to be a great gluten-free option for anyone who needs it.
3. Egg Bites or Frittatas
Eggs aren't just for breakfast! They make for a quick source of hunger-crushing protein and pair great with any veggies you want. Spinach and feta are a match made in heaven in this Spinach & Feta Frittata, just serve it with some toasted bread on the side for something more filling. Reheat and enjoy these Turkey Bacon Egg Bites on the run with your favourite cut-up fresh veggies and bread.
Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch of your favourite egg bites on the weekend to enjoy as snacks, breakfast, or additions to other meals throughout the week.
4. Reheat & Eat Bowls
Bowls are one of our favourite things to prep ahead, simply prep into individual containers for an easy grab-and-go option! If you prep your meals into glass containers like these, they’re easy to pop in the oven or microwave to reheat. Try these Teriyaki Meatballs or Tropical Chicken Bowls for kid-friendly options.
Nutrition Tip: Aim for ½ your meal to be veggies, ¼ protein, and ¼ fiber-rich carbohydrate when possible, for a variety of nutrients in every bite.
With this list in hand, eating meals on the go no longer means compromising on nutrition or flavour. It can be easy to get stuck in a rut (or lean on drive-throughs) with travel-friendly meals, so try out different flavours and ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Check out our recipe library and favourite your top picks to make your own little recipe book of make-ahead and on-the-go meals at Fraîche Table.
