Somehow, it’s already the 2023 holiday season. Although it feels like it snuck up on us especially fast this year, we’re making sure that we’ve got a jump on event prep. From parties to pictures, fests to fairs, these kids’ holiday dresses are ready for anything. It’s the season of sparkling and shining, and our list of kids’ holiday dresses is the perfect place to find seasonal styles that match their unique sense of fashion. On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, on dresses.
The Holiday Frills Dress
Janie and Jack
It's all in the name. The frills of this red plaid dress add some extra detail, and it also comes in a Cream and Sugar Rose print.
We absolutely love the unique bold hues of this stunning dress, Try adding contrasting tights and a sparkly headband for an exceptionally lovely holiday look.
The quintessential holiday dress, the Audrah has a soft tulle petticoat (who says 'stunning' has to be uncomfortable?). It also comes in a dreamy Pebble Grey option.
Everything from Ivy City Co. is a show-stopper, so it's no surprise that the Coco Dress is, too. We're so here for this unique color for the holidays. Oh, and bonus: there's a women's version, too.
Even though it's not officially a holiday dress, we can't think of a single reason why this star-studded dress wouldn't be perfect for all the festivities.
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One-pot meals come together easily and are ideal for quick family meals
Quick and delicious weeknight dinners plus easy cleanup? Yes, please. The fewer dishes to clean during the week, the better—which is why easy one-pot meals really hit the spot. Below, we’ve rounded up some amazing one-pot dinners that come together quickly, and our list includes everything from one-pot pasta recipes to stir-fries and soups. Get ready to break out your Dutch oven or your Instant Pots!
When it comes to one-pot meals, soup is a classic (and a kid favorite). This potato soup from Sweet and Savory Meals has all the good things like bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Even better, it can be made in an Instant Pot. If you’d rather take your time, check out her slow cooker version here.
Juicy chicken thighs and tasty rice come together in this easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a Sunday dinner. Get the recipe from The Wooden Skillet.
This one-pan pork chop recipe from The Chunky Chef is lighter and healthier than a lot of pork chop recipes out there, and it doesn’t skimp on flavor. Even better, it comes together in 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal idea.
You can’t go wrong with a lightning-fast stir fry, and this version from Spend with Pennies is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Everything cooks together in one pan, you can adapt ingredients depending on your family's preferences, and the flavorful soy-based sauce is light but delicious.
Sunday dinner just got even better thanks to this drool-worthy recipe from The Greek Foodie A whole roast chicken might sound like a daunting project, but it’s an easy one-pot meal to pull together. Plus, since there are potatoes at the bottom of the pot to catch all the chicken juices, you don’t need to worry about making separate sides.
We’re always craving chicken parmesan, but it’s a ton of work to make the traditional version with breaded cutlets. That’s why we love this recipe from Erin Lives Whole—you get all those delicious flavors with a fraction of the effort.
It makes sense that if you cook pasta in water, you can switch out the water for stock, add chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices and the pasta will cook just as well with the bonus of a self-made sauce. That's what's going in this super simple veggie pasta dish featured in our archives. Garnish with grated cheese, and dinner's done.
If you don't have a Crock Pot, this sweet pork recipe from our archives might be the incentive you need to get one. With three simple ingredients in one pot, it works great when you've been raced off your feet and want an easy dinner option. Plus, it makes great leftovers. Serve with salsa and salad, and you're done.
Steak and potatoes are a staple almost everyone (even picky eaters) will like, and this version from Carlsbad Cravings comes together in just 30 minutes. Plus, the garlic herb butter gives it something special. Serve with your kids' favorite veggies and you'll have a hearty and easy one-pot dinner.
Here's an easy one-pot dinner you can make with pantry staples. The dish from Well Plated uses canned black beans, canned diced tomatoes, and brown rice. You'll also need some fresh veggies, but the recipe is super versatile so use what you have. Skip the jalapeño if that's too much for the little ones, and top with shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, and sour cream for a perfect weeknight dinner.
A dish of braised chicken thighs that takes little effort and includes sautéed onions and potatoes must be one of the best ways to end a long day. The only fiddly bit is flipping the meat when you sear it at the beginning, the rest is easy as pie. The recipe from Boulder Locavore has a Greek twist with feta and olives but you can always switch out the olives for raisins if you think the kids will prefer a sweeter taste.
Risotto doesn't have to mean you are tied to a hot stove while the kids chant about how hungry they are. With baked risotto, you can do 10 minutes of prep and get the same big pot of comforting gooey rice for dinner with less than half the effort. Head over to My Little Larder for this recipe where you just have to check and stir every ten to fifteen minutes. Open to lots of variations, just serve with some grated cheese and you've got an easy one-pot family dinner.
It's hard to beat a hearty and comforting beef stew and this dish from NerdyMamma is a real crowd-pleaser. The ground beef is browned with fresh or canned veggies and mixed with tomato sauce for a quick weekday dinner in one pot. Head to NerdyMamma for the recipe and serve with crackers or cornbread.
A simple recipe bursting with flavor makes for one delicious dish, courtesy of Emily over at One Lovely Life. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a chicken and rice dish your family will be begging you to make at least once a week.
Cream, garlic, and chicken all come together in this savory and easy one-pot meal that’s guaranteed to delight everyone in your home. If you’ve got kids who don’t love sauce, set aside a piece of chicken and serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Get the recipe from Carlsbad Cravings.
A 30-minute easy-one pot meal that requires zero chopping, tastes great, and can be doubled for larger families? Yes, please! This shrimp meal from Skinny Taste will be an immediate favorite.
From dinner in a pumpkin to creepy hot dog fingers, we’ve got tasty Halloween dinners that’ll satisfy your trick-or-treaters before they hit the candy trail
Before the inevitable sugar rush of trick-or-treating, we try (note: try) to fill our kids up with a somewhat nutritious dinner. These healthy Halloween dinner ideas combine our favorite things about the holiday (think charming jack-o’-lanterns, friendly ghosts, and spooky Halloween decorations) with ingredients that kids will actually eat. (Okay, yes, we also sometimes rely on these go-to pumpkin recipes and CrockPot recipes, too.)
If everyone is too excited to sit down to eat, whip up a Halloween charcuterie board instead! We’ve even got a fun Halloween treat board for any upcoming parties.
Our friends over at Weelicious know what kids want to eat and it's definitely deviled egg spiders. A tiny bit creepy and super tasty, these are an easy addition to your Halloween festivities.
Another fun option from HelloFresh for when you’ve carved all the pumpkins and apples in sight. Get started on the citrus and scoop out the insides, but don’t throw them away! You could always blend them into a juice or smoothie. Then, carve eerie faces and overload the insides with berries, apples, kiwis, and whatever else you have on hand.
Take the kid-favorite pizzas and mummify them for a fun Halloween dinner idea like these from Weelicious. Bonus: it's perfect for group gatherings when you want some single-serving options.
Pumpkin isn’t just for pie! Halloween is the perfect time to try out a savory pumpkin dish, and this one from Tara’s Multicultural Table is bound to be a hit. The pumpkin adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, and the whole Halloween dinner idea will take less than half an hour to make.
Combine your two favorites—hot dogs and pizza dough—and you've got these too-cute-to-eat mummy dogs from Weelicious that make a perfect Halloween meal. You could even put the kids to work making these.
Ewwwwww spiders. But also, YUM. These creepy toasts are the creation of our friends over at HelloFresh and are made by slathering a layer of either goat cheese or cream cheese on thick slices of toasted French baguette. Then, one half a black olive is placed in the center of the body while four smaller slices are placed on either side as legs. Sprinkle with finely chopped basil, and you’re done!
How cute is this pair? All you need to get your monsters started are olives and toothpicks. These would be super adorable as sliders as well! We are definitely adding this Halloween dinner idea to our October recipe rotation.
This brilliant Halloween dinner idea for a spooky pasta dinner has you carving little skeleton faces into your mushroom slices. Added to squid ink pasta, this Halloween dinner is scary good.
We love this idea for a ghoulish shepherd’s pie from @rachplusfive—check out this YouTube video for more tips. This is a hearty meal to serve before the candy onslaught begins.
If this doesn’t get your kids to eat some fruit and veggies, we don’t know what will! This super cute veggie tray from @foodbites will have everyone snacking in no time.
Do you think the kids will be creeped out by this spooky take on hot dogs? Head on over to Holley Grainger’s website for the full scoop. (Spoiler alert: You just need to cut thin strips of hot dogs and they will curl up when cooked).
Up your avocado toast game with toasted seaweed, olives, and tomatoes for a creepy meal. This fun recipe from @veganchowdown is perfect to bust out for a Halloween dinner.
You’ll want to eat all of your soups out of a pumpkin after you give this recipe from thePioneer Woman a try. Serve it in a large pie pumpkin when you’ve got a group coming, or use mini ones so each kid gets one of their own.
How cute are these stuffed peppers from Pinch of Parsley?! Filled with a Mexican-inspired mixture of ground beef, rice, salsa, and cheese, they’re a perfect healthy Halloween dinner to keep your kiddos going through a long night of trick-or-treating.
Transform sandwiches into edible art with this fun idea from Feel Good Foodie. Topped off with a cute pair of candy eyes, these kabobs (along with three other suggested Halloween-y snacks!) are sure to make your kids smile.
We’ve never seen chicken fingers quite like this before! These super crispy bites from Create Eat Happy are called karaage, aka Japanese fried chicken. With a bit of strategically placed ketchup, you’ve got a fun twist on (literal) chicken fingers that’ll be gobbled up in no time.
For a tasty meal that comes together in no time, spice up a frozen pizza with this fun idea from Chewable Structures. A few carefully placed veggies become spooky witches’ fingers—easy peasy!
What’s the best way to get kids to eat their greens? Add cheese to it and bake it in puff pastry! This spinach-feta pie from .@in_anastasias_kitchen is sure to be a hit with your whole crew, and it doesn’t hurt to get some veggies in before everybody pigs out on candy.
Looking for the easiest Halloween dinner ever? Make these cute grilled cheese sandwiches from Rachel Cooks. With pretzel legs and dried cranberry eyes, they only take a couple of minutes longer to make than normal grilled cheese, and that’s a win in our book.
This soba-centric idea from Bento Monsters is equal parts creativity, adorable details, and tastiness. Despite looking like a work of art, these Halloween dinner ideas are easy to make for your little monsters.
Candy for dinner? Well, not quite—but these quesadillas from Boulder Locavore do channel classic Halloween candy corn in a big way. The best part? There’s triple the cheesy goodness.
Boo! We’re digging the ghostly genius of this pizza idea from Tastes Better From Scratch. It’s got gourmet impressiveness, and kid-friendly flavors, and can be made with a team effort from the whole family.
We want to award extra Halloween points to The Foodie and the Fix for coming up with a Halloween-themed dinner that has tons of fall flavor and a simple spider decoration (Hint: for your awesome webbing, it’s all about the coconut yogurt!).
We guarantee giggles when you serve up this Halloween dinner idea from Boulder Locavore. The kids will get a kick out of “eyeballs” in their pasta—and you’ll love that it’s got a healthy twist.
We’ve got to hand it to Party Tipz for coming up with a truly creative way to serve up hot dogs on Halloween. Add ketchup for an extra “bloody” Halloween-themed dinner that little ghouls will love.
Your kid crew will go gaga for these homemade pizza pockets from Dinner at the Zoo. They’re inspired by jack-o’-lanterns and are the perfect pepperoni addition to your Halloween-themed dinners.
Need a magical way to get the kids to eat their veggies? How about this idea from Boulder Locavore, which involves arranging crudité edibles to look like a screaming witch? Now that’s what we call fun with food!
Take your Halloween-themed dinners to a new level with this spooky lasagna from Brick Star. Your pint-sized chefs will love getting creative with the toppings—but they’ll love eating the cheesy result even more.
Looking for an easy way to make Halloween a little healthier? Smile Sandwich has you covered with this festive and oh-so-cute pasta salad. The flavors are light and refreshing but the star of the show is the jack-o-lantern cucumber slices (Psst! Don’t like cucumber? Sub in zucchini instead!).
Make the best of shorter days when the time change arrives
Pre-kid, you never really thought about Daylight Saving Time (what’s an hour here or there?). But kids can make this seasonal change a challenge. With the end of Daylight Saving coming up soon (Sunday, November 5), falling back means it’s super dark, super early. Before you set your clocks back an hour, read on for some tips and tricks for keeping that precious, tenuous sleep/wake routine in place.
Bit by bit. You can try moving their bedtime back for a few days leading to the time change. This will help set your kids’ little clocks before the big day so it won’t be a total shock. Consider arming them with a cute (and practical) alarm clock to help make the transition a bit easier. Care.com recommends 15 minutes for babies, 20 minutes for toddlers ages 1 and over, and 30 minutes for school-aged kids.
Be consistent. If sleep time comes later, that means waking up time will, too. If you’re letting time creep up a few days before, do the same with wake-up time, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. Their entire day from top to bottom should feel the same, even if you’re adjusting and fudging with timing. They shouldn’t even notice a change, especially if they’re too young to tell time.
Use light and dark to your advantage. Since light and darkness influence our kids’ internal clocks, give them plenty of outdoor time during the day so it’s a bit easier to stay up later at night. Once it’s time to start winding down for that later bedtime, make sure their room is nice and dark.
Eat Later It can be tricky when your family is used to their routine, but if you can bump dinner a bit later each night, it will help your kids’ internal clocks. Be sure to offer toddlers their afternoon snack a little later, too, and adjust your baby’s feeding schedule if possible.
Ignore it. Not the best strategy for some, but if you keep chugging along, so will they. Just switch everything on the day of, and move on. Kids are resilient. But try to keep their routine (mostly) intact.
Be realistic. Your child may not even notice a slight change or they may go bonkers. But it’s important to remember to listen to them, understand why they’re upset, and work from there. Children are all so different—who knows how they’ll each react or even how one will react from year to year!
Be sympathetic. Remember to put yourself in your kids’ shoes and stay calm if they’re a hot mess for a few days. By staying calm, you’ll help kids adjust to fall daylight savings in no time.
When your kids have adjusted to the time change, make sure to capture all their cutest moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Everyone has that go-to dinner meal when time is limited and tummies are rumbling. The best part? This mustard and maple syrup glazed chicken recipe only requires four ingredients. The sweetness infused by the maple syrup appeals to those with sweet tooths (and picky eaters!). If you’re more about the bite and less about the sweet flavor, be sure to load up the glaze with mustard. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients for Mustard and Maple Syrup Glazed Chicken:
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use bone-in too)
one large shallot, minced
3 tablespoons of real maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard with seeds
Method: 1. Pre-heat broiler. Sautee shallot with olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken on a foil-covered baking sheet.
2. After shallot softens (about 1-2 mins), add maple syrup and mustard until glaze thickens and bubbles, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 mins. You can use as much maple syrup or mustard as you like — we suggest making it so it’s 2:1 ratio of syrup to mustard.
3. Brush one side of the chicken with glaze and broil for 5-6 mins. Turn chicken over and cover with glaze. Broil another 5-6 mins until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice and veggies.
Keep this list of the best photo booths in New York and Brooklyn where you can strike a pose with the kids, the old-fashioned way
There’s just something about an old-fashioned photo booth. Despite it feeling a little archaic in the age of the cell phone, it’s hard to pass on the opportunity to step behind the velvet curtain to snap a few fun-filled photos. Nowadays, believe it or not, there are still some traditional photo booths in New York—and a select few still use film. (What?!) For an alternative to the formal family portrait, cram into one of these little photo booth “studios” and let the magic happen! Want more nostalgic fun around New York? Head to NYC’s family-friendly arcades! Or for some old-school New York fun, try these “vanishing New York” spots!
Where to Find Classic Photo Booths in NYC
1. The Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel is an NYC gem any time of the day. Grab a meal, a quick coffee (they serve Stumptown afterall), or enjoy its free lobby WIFI to get some work done, all while your kids enjoy the legendary photo booth. Located in the Flatiron District, this spot is also fun to go grab drinks and dinner without the kids as well!
850 Broadway
Flatiron District Online:acehotel.com
2. DeKalb Market Hall at City Point
There are many reasons to visit the downtown Brooklyn mall of City Point (the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater, Trader Joe’s, McNally Jackson bookstore, etc.). Yet another is DeKalb Market Hall, a food hall featuring vendors selling bites and beverages of all kinds. There is also a photo booth here, found right at the foot of the escalators. It’s $5 for a strip, and you can share to your social accounts right from the booth if you want.
The folks at Kiehl’s want you to capture how radiant their products make your skin look right in store. Head to the brand’s Meatpacking District location to capture your picture-perfect complexions.
400 W. 14th St.
Meatpacking District Online:kiehls.com
4. UNIQLO Fifth Ave.
Shopping and taking pictures sounds like a match made in heaven, especially when you have the kids with you. (It’s a good way to keep them from getting bored.) We guess that’s what UNIQLO had in mind when it installed a photo booth inside its massive 89,000-square-foot flagship store on Fifth Ave. Take note!: It’s free for a strip of four pictures. (You will no doubt “pay” for the snaps with the purchase of some of the brand’s duds.) Also good to know: there’s a Starbucks inside the store and cell phone charging stations, so you could stay a while…
This spot goes by three names: “The Horseshoe Bar”, “Vazac’s”, and “7B”. On the outside it looks like a classic Lower East Side dive bar, because, well, it is. But it’s got more than that going for it on the inside. With a bar that’s actually shaped like a horseshoe, major LES cred and grittiness, this place has also made cameos in major films like the TheGodfather II, Crocodile Dundee, and The Verdict. Its latest star turn? In the incredible, dimension-bending Netflix series, Russian Doll.
Getting your kids ready to enjoy brunch at The Smith is as easy as “1, 2, cheese!” the restaurant’s Midtown, East Village, Lincoln Square, and NoMad locations all have photo booths for you to enjoy, with some located in the basement by the restrooms, and some, like in NoMad, actually in the restroom.
Is your face photo-ready thanks to kale and beet smoothies? If so, stop by Joe & The Juice to grab some healthy grub and snap a few photos in its photo booth (near the back of the shop). This is one of the more spacious juice/café spots in NYC, so feel free to bring the kids and stay a while.
67 Spring St. (btwn Crosby & Lafayette St.)
Soho Online:joejuice.com
8. M&M World New York Store
The M&M store is the ideal spot for kids to explore the magical world of chocolate and document it all with a photo booth keepsake. The three floors of M&M themed candy and gifts is sure to keep both adults and children occupied, but after you’ve got your chocolate fix be sure to head to the photo booth on the 2nd floor and take home some snaps to remember the outing!
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and pies! Oh my! More than two decades ago Bubby’s started off by baking pies, and now it’s a full-fledged restaurant with a couple of locations around the city. (Note: they serve some of the best pancakes in the city.) But head to the one on Hudson Street for a little bit of top model action to take some pics.
Sit back and relax with this amazingly simple recipe (it might be the easiest we’ve ever seen!), and add some kid-friendly flavor to your evening
We can’t think of much that our kids like better than chicken teriyaki! For the perfect family feast, try this Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki recipe from Kylee at Our Little Acre. If you’re looking for other amazing dinner ideas, check out our list of crock pot dinner recipes.
Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken, cubed
1 cup chicken broth (optional; Kylee recommends skipping it)
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
Preparation Method:
1. Combine chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic cloves in a large bowl.
2. Add chicken to the sauce, and mix.
3. Pour chicken mixture into crock-pot.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve over hot cooked rice and spoon on extra sauce if desired.
Skip the marinating and chopping with these quick options from Trader Joe’s
When it comes to getting dinner on the table, a stir fry always means a quick and healthy meal. Not only does it use a combination of both fresh and frozen ingredients, but it’s fully customizable which is great news for picky eaters! That’s where Trader Joe’s stir fry ingredients come in! From ready-cut veggies and savory sauces to pre-seasoned meats, these ingredients should be on your grocer list the next time you make a Trader Joe’s run.
Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles with Soy & Sesame Sauce
Tired of serving rice with your stir fry? Try these fun noodles, instead! This four-pack of Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles comes with sauce and takes just four minutes to cook. Cook alongside your wok, then toss with your finished stir fry for a fun new take on the dish.
Sesame Teriyaki Beef Skirt Steak
Trader Joe’s
Skip the hours of marinating when you grab this tasty Sesame Teriyaki Skirt Steak in the refrigerated section. It pairs well with almost any veggie and rice, and is the perfect thickness for slicing and dicing.
General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
Trader Joe’s
Is it even stir fry without a stir fry sauce? Grab a jar or two the next time you’re at TJ’s of this savory, sweet, and spicy sauce made with chili pepper and garlic. Dinner has never been so easy!
Asian Style Vegetables with Stir Fry Sauce
Trader Joe’s
We love a good veggie chopping sesh as much as anyone, but this bag of Asian style vegetable that comes with sauce just makes sense. It comes with carrots, green beans, broccoli and fun baby corn that will hopefully entice your picky eater to give it a try. The best part is, this frozen food pairs with any meat or can be eaten on it’s own atop a bed of rice or noodles.
When it comes to Trade Joe’s stir fry ingredients, this meatless main is a must. Even though it’s not meat, the plant-based protein is still made with traditional marinade consisting of soy sauce, garlic, green onions and sugar, for an authentic texture and taste.
Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage
Trader Joe’s
This Trader Joe’s stir fry ingredient couldn’t be easier: you can make on the stove top OR the microwave! The heat and then ready-to-eat side is made with a vegan stir fry sauce that really packs a savory punch and pairs well with almost any meat or fish main and rice.
Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s
Time is on your side when you pull out a bag of Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice! It’s simply a matter of cooking this delicious array of rice, shrimp, Thai red chili, corn, baby corn and green peas in a single pan then serving. No other ingredients necessary!
Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
Trader Joe’s
We love a fun twist on traditional stir fry, so why not toss some wontons in the mix? These chicken cilantro mini wontons are already fully cooked so it’s just a matter of heating, then tossing with rice and some veggies.
Trader Joe’s White Miso Paste is the ingredient you didn’t know your stir fry was missing! This versatile product can be used as a marinade prior to cooking or as a drizzle to top off your dinner with a savory, umami flavor.
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Trader Joe’s
While potstickers are normally a fun finger food, they also make a delightful stir fry main ingredient. The next time you’re at TJ’s, grab a jar of the Gyoza Dipping Sauce and Stir-Fry Frozen Vegetables. Pour the potstickers and veggies into a large skillet (add salt and pepper, if desired) and cook until warmed through. Pour in one cup of the dipping sauce, warm through, and enjoy a veggie-packed dinner!
Vegetable Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice is another great one pan option for throwing together a stir fry. Prepare as is for a meat-free dinner, or toss in fun ingredients like a fried egg, green onions or shrimp.
Ready Veggies
Trader Joe’s
Can you curate your own mix of veggies for a stir fry? Of course. Can you also pick up a bag of Trader Joe’s Ready Veggies that make your life even easier? YES. This blend of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, kale, carrots, and snow peas is the ideal stir fry mix and is already chopped and ready to toss in your wok.
Trader Joe’s BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
Trader Joe’s
If you like a simple and straightforward stir fry, you can’t go wrong with Trader Joe’s BBQ chicken Teriyaki. The pre-marinated BBQ chicken comes with an authentic teriyaki sauce that will make you feel like you ordered from a restaurant. The bag heats up quickly and is easily served along a side of steamed veggies. Dinner is served!
Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
Trader Joe’s
If it has “stir fry” in the name, you know it’s going to be a great start to whipping up dinner. Trader Joe’s riced cauliflower blend comes with green peas, red peppers, grilled corn, spring onions, tamari, all covered in ginger and sesame oil. It’s light, which makes it both a great option to pair with a meat main or to have all on its own.
These one-pot and grill meals from Trader Joe’s will definitely make your life easier
Summertime is all about ease, and meals shouldn’t be an exception! With a few favorites in your pantry, these Trader Joe’s dinner ideas come together almost effortlessly, leaving more time for you to enjoy those long days with your little ones. There’s a recipe in this list that’s guaranteed to please everyone, even the picky eaters at your table.
Mini Chicken Wonton Stir Fry
Trader Joe’s
There’s pretty much nothing easier than a stir fry, can we agree? This one is a twist as it features the mini wontons that are everyone’s favorite. Cook them up according to the package directions and then sautee the broccoli slaw and garlicky cabbage when the wontons are done. Add a bit of stir fry sauce to bring it all together.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Anna Doogan
This salad is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a portable option for a picnic or potluck. Plus, it’s equally fantastic served warm or cold! Toss cooked pasta with a jar of Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa, black beans, chopped chicken, and a bit of creamy dressing, like the tasty Cilantro. Add a handful of your favorite veggies and shredded or cubed cheese to top it off.
Shawarma Chicken Bowls
Trader Joe’s
Fire up the grill and cook up these chicken thighs that are full of flavor. The base of this dish is brown rice that cooks in the microwave. Top with grilled chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts along with a drizzle of lemon and a dollop of garlic hummus. The pita bite crackers add a bit of crunch.
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers
Anna Doogan
For a delicious veggie-centric summer dinner, stuffed peppers with quinoa and feta are hard to beat. Stuff a variety of peppers with a pre-made quinoa salad, sprinkle with feta and bake until warmed through. You’ll get a bright pop of color, a big boost of vitamins, and a whole lot of yumminess.
Easy Gyros & Mediterranean Salad
Karly Wood
Keep it cool and refreshing during the warmer months by whipping up easy gyros. Grab a box of fully cooked Trader Joe's Gyro Slices, naan bread, tomatoes, and creamy prepared Tzatziki sauce and pair it with a simple Greek salad made with greens, cucumber, and balsamic vinegar.
Greek Bowls
Trader Joe’s
All you have to prepare is the quinoa for this easy summer lunch or dinner. It packs a punch of protein so we love it as our base topped with pre-cooked chicken breasts, tomatoes, Greek chickpeas, and diced cucumbers. The vegan tzatziki dip brings it all together.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw
Anna Doogan
BBQ pork sandwiches are one of the quintessential backyard summer meals, and they're oh-so-simple with a few shortcuts. Pre-made shredded pork heats up in minutes, and the coleslaw mix can quickly be thrown together, leaving extra time for you to toss that frisbee with the kids a few more times.
Scallop Rolls
Anna Doogan
One of our favorite Trader Joe's dinner ideas? A twist on the classic lobster roll! Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper, and saute in butter. Then tuck them into a squishy hot dog bun with some greens and a dollop of mayo or a tangy tartar sauce. You may not actually be lounging at the seashore, but with this recipe, at least you can pretend you are. Perfection.
Steak Tacos
Anna Doogan
Can’t decide what to have for dinner? A DIY taco bar is a fun and simple crowd-pleaser. While the meat’s cooking, set out tortillas, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, olives and any other toppings you can think of. Then let everyone go to town making their own creation!
Next-Level Ravioli
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's has a great selection of ravioli, but topping it with marinara can get old. By adding steamed spinach, peas and melted Boursin cheese, this pumpkin ravioli now has three veggies (and they all taste like cheese!).
Island Soyaki Rice Bowl with Meatballs
Anna Doogan
Get all the beach feels with a tropical-inspired rice bowl. Cook party-size frozen mini meatballs in Island Soyaki marinade, flavored with pineapple juice, garlic and ginger. Serve over cooked rice. Add sautéed red peppers and grilled pineapple chunks, and don’t forget to save a little sauce for drizzling on top.
Pesto Pasta with Shrimp
Anna Doogan
Pesto is the star of this easy pasta recipe that will definitely earn a spot in the summer dinner rotation. Mix your favorite cooked pasta with shrimp and garlicky pesto. Add chopped fresh basil and tomato with a sprinkling of grated parmesan for an extra blast of favorite summery flavors.
Carnitas Salad
The cilantro salad dressing at Trader Joe's is no joke, and it's delicious on more than just salads. Create a filling dinner salad or a tasty lunch by adding their pre-cooked carnitas, Mexican cheese, avocado, salsa, cilantro salad dressing and a small amount of sour cream to a bag of romaine lettuce.
Delicious Pulled Pork Tacos
Sara Olsher
Trader Joe's pulled pork can be made in the microwave in three minutes and makes a super-tasty base for these tacos. Add your favorite toppings, but don't skip the Roasted Tomatillo and Mango Salsa, which adds some tang and spice.
When you’re sweating it out in the summer, the last thing you want to do is turn on the stove and make an elaborate dinner. From refreshing salads and cold dinner ideas to delicious wraps, we’ve whipped up a list of our favorite summer recipes that don’t involve cooking. Take a break from the oven and make one of these tasty no-cook meals!
These fresh and delicious shrimp spring rolls from Tastes Better from Scratch are such an easy cold dinner idea, you’ll want to add them to your recipe rotation ASAP.
Grab a bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots, roast chicken, peanuts, and other yummy ingredients like ginger, soy, and of course, peanut butter, and whip up this Thai-inspired chicken salad from Pinch of Yum without ever having to turn on the stove or oven.
Great as a side or a delicious dinner, this summer corn salad is refreshing and light. Made with a homemade dressing, you can easily dress up this salad by adding a protein and make it easier, by chopping up everything the night before! Find the recipe at Hip2Save.
Psst! The secret to this chicken salad from How to Feed a Loon—besides fresh and simple ingredients—is that it uses rotisserie chicken. It makes the prep work extra easy and the result extra delicious. Enjoy it as a sandwich or on top of a bed of lettuce!
Mexican Bean Salad
Canva
Now, this is our kind of cooking: the most work you’ll have to do for this Mexican-inspired salad is chopping and opening a few cans of beans. And since letting it sit helps the flavors meld together, it tastes even better the day after you make it. To get the recipe, click here.
Your mind will be blown when you try this tomato sauce that doesn’t require any cooking at all. Just throw all the ingredients into the blender or food processor and prepare to be impressed. Click here to grab the recipe.
These tasty pinwheels from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish make the perfect lunch or light dinner. With an assist from a rotisserie chicken, a little spinach, and a sprinkling of taco seasoning, they’re as tasty as they are a healthy summer recipe.
One of our favorite cold dinner ideas! Inspired by the classic lobster roll, you can make these with pre-cooked crab from the store. With a few other ingredients, you’ll have a no-cook meal ready in under 30 minutes. Click on the picture for this incredible summer recipe.
What do you get when you combine pasta and Caesar salad? This dish from Life Made Simple! It’s loaded with all the classic flavors you expect—crisp romaine, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and lots of cheese!
It doesn’t get much more refreshing than this noodle-free pad Thai by Cookie and Kate. Fresh and crunchy veggies are coated with a sweet, tangy, slightly salty peanut sauce to make a fabulous light dinner.
This Dutch recipe from A Gourmet Food Blog has all the makings of an instant kid favorite: crusty bread, lunchmeat, and a little mayo. It’s a fun way to take your bologna sandwich to the next level.
For a super fresh and satisfying dinner, you’ve got to try this fun take on taco boats from Minimalist Baker. Veggies are nestled into leaves of romaine, then it’s all drizzled with hummus and a creamy tahini sauce.
When it’s too hot to contemplate cooking, a bagel bar is THE way to go. There are a million delicious ways you can layer them up, and the results can be as hearty and healthy as you want. Get inspired to make your own over at The View from Great Island.
Here’s a win-win idea from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook: skip the over-complicated summer meal and get the kids to eat more greens. They’ll love this cobb salad, which sports delicious add-ons like avocado, smoked turkey, and egg.
When you need a summertime meal, keep it simple! Combine fresh mozzarella and tomatoes for an easy peasy, kid-approved salad. For the quick how-to, (courtesy of Chef Brendan Collins), click here.
These rollups from Arla are a great way to change up a lunch routine or give your usual summertime dinner a new spin. Use your favorite cheese, add in some extra veggies for a healthy kick, and you’re good to go!
Psst! Looking for a salad that won’t trigger your picky eater’s veggie radar? This no-cook meal from Dinner at the Zoo is loaded with meat, cheese, olives and yes, veggies, so it’s got a range of tasty ingredients. You can even top it off with a homemade Italian-style dressing!
This delicious wrap idea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron is super flavorful and even includes hummus and a bunch of good-for-you vitamins and minerals. Eat it straight-up as a summertime salad or just have a tasty wrap for dinner!
For a cold dinner idea that everyone will love, why not go the classic route of sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta? This salad is a cinch for picky eaters—just arrange it on the table salad-bar style, which allows each family member to create their own unique dish. Snag the recipe for this no-cook meal here.
