24 super healthy after school meals that are quick to prepare
The kids are back at school and that calls for quick and easy to prepare meals that are loaded with veggies and nutrients.
Providing nutritious meals for the family that they’ll actually love is easy with these healthier dinners up your sleeve. Hand-picked by Taste.com’s nutritionist, these 24 child-friendly recipes are packed with veg and can be made-ahead or quickly prepared on the night. And most importantly, they’re delicious!
From delicious apricot chicken to healthy and nutritious spins on classic faves like chow mein, there are plenty of recipes to choose from that will keep the family happy once school kicks off again.
Here are some of taste.com.au’s best back-to-school dinner ideas you simply have to try.
Mexican-style baked sweet potatoes
These delicious Mexican-style baked sweet potatoes take jacket potatoes to a whole new level. Top them with corn, shredded cabbage and salsa for a spicy alternative to traditional potatoes.
For low calorie comfort food try this healthier version of classic tuna pasta bake.
Better-for-you sweet potato tacos
Using lean beef mince and loaded with 5.5 serves of vegies, this healthier take on tacos will be a new family favourite.
Zucchini and sweet potato zoodle bake
With only 15 minutes prep, this vegetarian zoodle bake makes a delicious midweek dinner.
Revamp traditional apricot chicken with this nutritious, reduced fat and high fibre recipe.
If your family loves meatballs, whip up this easy meatball tray bake that will have them begging for seconds - or even thirds!
Lentil cottage pie with spiced vegetable mash
This vegetarian version of cottage pie gets its hearty flavour from lentils, mushrooms and spiced vegetable mash.
Sticky pork with zucchini noodles
Tossed with crisp veg, zucchini noodles and aromatic herbs, this marinated sweet and sticky pork feels indulgent but it’s under 500 calories!
5-ingredient maple-glazed lamb and sweet potato tray back
Sunday roasts aren’t just for weekends. This sweet and flavoursome lamb roast is quick enough to enjoy during the week!
Salmon, chia and broccoli fish cakes
Canned salmon is a budget-friendly and healthy addition to these gluten-free fish cakes.
Give the classic beef stroganoff a healthy makeover with this better-for-you recipe.
Sticky Japanese salmon tray bake
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy Japanese-inspired salmon tray bake is loaded with sweet potato, tomato and broccolini, and is covered in a delicious maple syrup, soy sauce and mirin dressing.
Cheesy beef and lentil meatballs
Made with lean mince and lentils, these cheesy meatballs are under 500 calories per serve.
Healthy creamy zucchini and mushroom pappardelle
A dish the whole family will love try this quick and easy pasta packed with mushrooms and zucchini.
10-minute chicken fajita tray bake
Need dinner in a flash? This spicy Mexican-inspired tray bake will be ready in under 10 minutes, just chuck it all on the pan and you’re ready to roll.
Ready in 30 minutes, this Indonesian fried rice is packed with pork fillet, prawns and vegies, and makes for a family-friendly dinner.
We’ve made popular Chinese lemon chicken better for you, so you can enjoy it any night of the week!
Everyone’s favourite Chinese takeaway dish – beef chow mein – gets a healthy makeover in this easy recipe.
Speedy zucchini and ricotta pizza
Ready in 25 minutes, this healthier pizza uses Lebanese bread as the base and is loaded with vegies and ricotta. It’s also budget-friendly costing less than $4 a serve.
Healthy minestrone with power greens
This rich broth minestrone is packed with greens and is the perfect warm meal for a cold winter night.
Packed full of flavour, this healthier version of the classic yellow chicken curry is under 500 calories.
Ginger pork stir-fry with veggie noodles
From wok to plate in 20 minutes this easy pork and noodle stir-fry is a weeknight winner.
Family-favourite zucchini fritters just went vegan! With no egg or dairy, they’re ready in just 25 minutes making them perfect for midweek meals.
This speedy mid-week dinner is ready in just 45 minutes.
For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.
Originally published as 24 super healthy after school meals that are quick to prepare
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