11 Quick Meals for After-School Activities This School Year

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One-Pan Chicken Fajitas

One-Pan Chicken Fajitas are a quick and flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, especially during the back-to-school rush. This dish combines tender chicken with colorful bell peppers and onions, all cooked together in a single pan for easy cleanup. Serve with warm tortillas for a delightful family dinner!

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix sliced chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Quick Veggie Stir-Fry

Quick Veggie Stir-Fry is a vibrant and nutritious meal that can be thrown together in no time, making it ideal for those busy back-to-school nights. Packed with colorful vegetables and a simple savory sauce, this stir-fry is both healthy and delicious, perfect as a main dish or a side.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli, bell peppers, carrot, and snap peas; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
4. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas

Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas are a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy back-to-school evenings. These cheesy, savory quesadillas are packed with wholesome turkey and can be customized with your favorite veggies, making them both delicious and nutritious. They can be served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and layer half of it with turkey slices and cheddar cheese; add bell pepper if desired.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown.
4. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from skillet, slice into wedges, and serve with salsa.

Mini Pita Pizzas

Mini Pita Pizzas are an easy and fun meal option that can make back-to-school evenings a breeze. They are perfect for kids and adults alike, allowing everyone to customize their own pizzas with their favorite toppings. With a crispy pita base and gooey cheese, these Mini Pita Pizzas are a tasty way to sneak in some veggies while ensuring everyone gets a meal they love.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place mini pitas on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each pita.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by your choice of bell peppers, olives, and Italian seasoning.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, slice, and serve hot.

30-Minute Salmon Skewers

Minute Salmon Skewers are a quick and healthy meal option that can be prepared in no time, making them perfect for busy school nights. These delectable skewers feature tender salmon, which can be complemented by a variety of colorful veggies. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they also provide a delicious and appealing presentation that kids will love.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes and chop the bell peppers and zucchini into similar-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, toss the salmon and veggies with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Thread the salmon and veggies onto skewers alternately.
5. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from grill, let cool for a moment, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Easy Pasta Primavera

Easy Pasta Primavera is a delightful and vibrant dish that showcases fresh vegetables tossed with pasta in a light, flavorful sauce. This quick meal is not only satisfying but also offers a multitude of nutrients from the colorful veggies, making it a perfect choice for busy school nights when you want to serve your family something wholesome and delicious.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet; cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in the cooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well to combine.
5. Remove from heat, top with Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Taco Bowls

Sheet Pan Taco Bowls are a fun and customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines seasoned ground meat, vibrant bell peppers, and onions, all roasted together on a single sheet pan, making it a quick and easy option for families. Serve the delectable mixture over rice or lettuce and top it with your favorite taco fixings for a well-rounded dinner that everyone will love.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve the taco mixture over rice or lettuce, and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Breakfast for Dinner: Spinach Omelette

A Spinach Omelette is an easy and nutritious dish that perfectly fits the breakfast-for-dinner theme. Packed with proteins and vitamins from the eggs and spinach, this meal comes together quickly and can be customized with various toppings like cheese or herbs, making it a delightful option for busy weeknights.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and cook until the edges start to set, then gently lift the edges with a spatula to let uncooked eggs flow underneath.
5. If using, sprinkle cheese on one half of the omelette and fold the other half over.
6. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts and the omelette is fully set. Serve immediately! Enjoy your quick, healthy dinner!

Baked Chicken Tenders

Baked Chicken Tenders are a healthy and easy-to-make alternative to fried chicken, perfect for busy weeknights or school lunches. These tender strips of chicken are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are both delicious and nutritious. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun meal that the whole family will enjoy!

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg and add a splash of water.
4. Dip each chicken strip into the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy!

Simple Veggie Fried Rice

Simple Veggie Fried Rice is a quick and versatile dish that combines colorful vegetables with fluffy rice for a nutritious meal. It’s an excellent option for using up leftover rice and makes for a fulfilling side dish or a main course. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this meal can be prepared in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or school lunches.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, then crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble until fully cooked.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, pour in the soy sauce, and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for another minute, then serve warm. Enjoy your delicious veggie fried rice!

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits are a delicious and healthy option for a quick breakfast or snack, perfect for busy mornings or school lunchboxes. With layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola, these parfaits are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients to fuel your day. They can be customized with your favorite fruits and toppings, making them a fun and tasty treat for everyone.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a cup or glass, add a layer of Greek yogurt at the bottom.
2. Next, layer a portion of mixed fresh fruits on top of the yogurt.
3. Add a sprinkle of granola for crunch.
4. Repeat the layers until the glass is full, finishing with a layer of fruits and a drizzle of honey, if desired.
5. Top with chia seeds for added nutrition, then serve and enjoy your delicious fruit and yogurt parfait!