We’ve got easy-prep picnic snacks so you can spend more time on the blanket and less time in the kitchen
It’s prime picnic party season, so make sure you’re prepared with a full lineup of crowd-pleasing picnic snacks. From no-cook s’mores to deviled eggs, we’ve got you covered with easy picnic snacks and picnic food ideas for kids that you can tote to the park, beach, or wherever your summertime adventures take you.
The best part about adding shrimp spring rolls to your list of favorite picnic snacks is that you can add whatever you want to the rice paper. So, if you have a picky kid who loves cucumber but hates cilantro, skip that spice when rolling theirs up. Use pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on time, and don’t forget the peanut sauce! Get the recipe from Jessica Gavin.
Fruit Dip
Fruit is always a good picnic snack, so take it to the next level with this easy dip from Chelsea's Messy Apron. It only has four ingredients, so it's an easy addition to your al fresco menu.
Fluffy and salty, air fryer pretzels are a super easy snack to pack for your upcoming picnic. Enjoy a la carte or pack a special dipping sauce to them to the next level. Head to Bitz & Giggles for the full recipe.
No one wants a messy meal when it comes to a picnic! These fried lemon hand pies pack all the sweet punch, can be made in advance and keep the mess to a minimum. Head to Food Fanatic for the full recipe.
A sandwich is just a sandwich until you make it look like sushi! We love this tuna fish version from Weelicious, but you can swap in turkey or cream cheese for something different.
Who wants regular muffins when you can bring corn dog muffins on your picnic? Made with cornbread and hot dogs, these fun snacks make mealtime fun. Don't forget the ketchup! Head to Karen's Kitchen Stories to snag the recipe.
What's a picnic without deviled eggs? With this super simple recipe, it's easy to ensure that your al fresco meal includes this delicious staple. Older kids can even make their own version! Grab the how-to here.
Ready for mac and cheese, picnic-style? These awesome bites from Damn Delicious are an easy way to make your picnic menu even more kid-friendly. They're portable, the perfect serving size, and tasty, too! Get the recipe here.
Since picnic season usually collides with the strawberry season, we can't think of a better sweet treat for your outing than these oatmeal bars from Well Plated. They're easy to make, about 100 calories each, and sure to become a family favorite! For the recipe, click here.
Love Mexican corn on the cob, but hate the mess? Whip up a batch of this dip from Damn Delicious, which has the same tasty flavors but no cob cleanup! Pack it into a Tupperware for easy dipping or spoon individual portions into mason jars—voila!
It's easy to get your picnic cookie fix thanks to this idea from Love to Be in the Kitchen. They're packed full of peanut butter, chia seeds, honey, and mini M&Ms, which makes them excellent fuel for all that post-picnic playtime. Discover more energy bites here!
The best way to keep cool during your picnic? With a batch of this fresh ginger lemonade by Daphne Brogdon! Make it the night before and portion it into mason jars or water bottles to stay hydrated all afternoon. To get the recipe, click here.
This idea from Super Healthy Kids gives sandwiches a fun new twist! Get the kids involved with cookie cutters; they'll love stacking their favorite sandwich ingredients.
Part of Hello Wonderful’s Cooking with Kids series, this unique take on salad features colorful ingredients the kids will be excited to prep and eat (Psst! And cleanup couldn't be easier!).
The Merry Thought’s sweet twist on sandwiches is better than sliced bread! Load up the apple slices with your fave nut butter, Nutella, granola, or any other creative ingredient. Click here to get the recipe.
Even the littlest chef can help mash and mix avocado! We like this "cheaters" guacamole recipe from Averie Cooks, which makes it easy to make a delicious dip ASAP.
Need a meat-free option for your next picnic? This healthy hummus sandwich from HowDoesShe is super easy to assemble and packed with protein and a little crunch. Yum!
These ultra-colorful fruit cups are easy to assemble and packed with healthy Vitamin C. Older chefs can even help cut the fruit! Head to My Frugal Adventures for advice on choosing the best stackable fruits.
You won't have to build a fire to enjoy a campfire staple. This tasty twist on the classic s’mores dessert makes it great for daytime picnics, too! Find the recipe at 5 Minutes for Mom.
This fab picnic snack is easy to customize with everything from pretzels to nuts, dried fruit, or bite-sized chocolate chips. It’s the perfect portable treat for a day at the park! Get more info (including recommended ingredients!) at The Chirping Moms.
Summer is strawberry season, and we’re pretty sure these mini strawberry shortcakes are one of the most perfect picnic ideas for kids. Made with just four ingredients, you can make the shortbread in advance and add your dollop of whipped cream and strawberries right before you pack up the rest of your picnic snacks. Don’t want to go vegan? No problem. Justine Snacks has substitutions that work perfectly.
From noodles and egg rolls to a classic stir fry, here are 14 kid-pleasing Asian food recipes to help you ring in the Lunar New Year
Can’t make it out to an Asian food restaurant with the kids? Give your chopsticks a workout anyways, by making a Chinese food-inspired homemade meal. These yummy dishes may not arrive in those cute little boxes, but they’ll be gobbled up as fast as your go-to takeout (We promise!). Let the kids help cook and they’ll be even more excited. From beef and broccoli, noodles, and egg rolls to a classic stir fry, here are 14 Chinese food recipes and other Asian recipes the family will love.
While this looks like sushi, Korean Kimbap is much more kid-friendly because there isn’t any raw fish, but instead includes beef, chicken, and other fillings like cucumber, carrots, avocado, and more. Get an easy recipe here.
Move beyond noodles to widen their petite palates even further. Mu Shu, the Chinese version of a burrito, is a treat for Chinese food fans. The kids will get a kick out of stuffing their tortillas (an easy substitute for Mu Shu pancakes) with hoisin-flavored chicken, and you'll love that this recipe is a breeze to prep. Find out how to make this for dinner tonight over at Weelicious.
It’s always good to have options and these vegetable pot stickers from Damn Delicious are a perfect choice. Any picky kiddos will love these and you’ll want to keep them around to eat all the time.
Make this chicken and zucchini stir fry from The Woks of Life and the kids will be begging for more. Check out their tips for crispy and tender zucchini at the recipe link.
Beef and broccoli is a family favorite take-out option for its flavor and nutrient-packed ingredients. While searing the meat might take a little extra time, this is a 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights. Grab the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
You and the family will love these pork and celery dumplings from The Woks of Life. With such easy ingredients as celery and carrots, this recipe will become a go-to.
This popular Chinese street food is easy to recreate at home, plus it’s an easy appetizer, snack, or light dinner with the right dipping sauces. With only four ingredients, the most difficult part of this recipe is how to roll the dough. Head to View from Great Island for the details.
Nothing says comfort food like Chinese food. This soy sauce chicken is the perfect family dish, especially when the hard part is just waiting for the chicken to cook! Serve this with a side of veggie fried rice (or white rice and steamed veggies) to ensure a balanced meal. Click here for the simple recipe.
What’s Chinese takeout without lo mein? Lucky for you, Chungah of Damn Delicious has perfected a fantastic homemade version that only takes 15 minutes. Throw in whatever veggies you have in the fridge, and choose to add a protein or keep it meat-free. The kids will love every bite.
The next time the takeout urge strikes, whip up a batch of this honey sesame chicken we scooped over at Foodie with Family. It's a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe that only requires a few steps (chop, whisk, throw in slow-cooker).
Inspired by her husband’s love of chicken wings, food blogger Kari of GI 365 created this stir-fry recipe that features the same sweet and savory flavors of her hubby’s fave dish. Coming together in 30 minutes, you’ll want to make Kari’s stir-fry dish year-round.
Chinese take-out without the guilt? Just look to food blogger Bonnie of Thirsty for Tea for an egg roll recipe that is baked, not fried. Bonnie also has some great tips on perfecting the egg roll!
Bring prosperity and fortune to your Chinese New Year dinner with these fortune prawns. Courtesy of Kuali, the prawns are coated with a flavorful mix of garlic, ginger, and dried chilies. Are your taste buds curious?
Chinese baked BBQ pork buns (or char siu bao) are a kid favorite for their soft fluffy outside and sweet pork inside. While this might not be the easiest Chinese food recipe, it is definitely worth the effort. Get the recipe from The Woks of Life.
Simplify your meal prep with these one-pot no-fuss pasta dinners sure to be winners with the entire family
Don’t have the time (or energy) for a big dinner followed by an even bigger cleanup? These one-pot pasta dinners will hit the spot for the entire family. They’re easy to make, easy to clean, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, there are one-pot and one-pan pasta dinners to satisfy any taste buds and dietary preferences. Check out some of our favorite recipes, for delicious dinners and cleanup that’s a breeze!
This easy one-pot pasta from Food Fanatic is full of flavor and packed with chicken, sausage, tomatoes, and onions. If you have some picky eaters who can’t handle too much spice, use Food Fanatic’s adjustable cajun seasoning blend.
This dish is the perfect mashup of two family-favorite dinners: mac and cheese and chili. A Taste of Madness seamlessly combines the two into one delicious and filling dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Have the taco without the mess with this super easy one-pot recipe from Kristime’s Kitchen Blog. This meal imbues ground beef and pasta with flavors pulled from bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, salsa (mildly spicy but adjustable!), and taco seasoning—topped with cheese, of course. This hearty meal cooks in just four minutes in the instant pot, bringing the total cook and prep time to under 20 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for busy nights!
Let this dish take you on a flavorful journey to Naples, Italy. The View from Great Island packs the recipe with traditional Italian ingredients like olives, crushed tomatoes, capers, parmesan, and even anchovies (which you’re advised not to skip out on even if you’re not a fan!).
If you grew up on Hamburger Helper, you’ll love this healthier copycat from The Forked Spoon. This one-pot comfort meal is ready in under half an hour and has all the saucy, cheesy, beefy goodness of Hamburger Helper without any unpronounceable ingredients. Plus, you can easily sneak in some veggies for the kiddos.
This recipe from Boulder Locavore couldn’t be easier to make. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mushrooms pack this dish with umami, and the sauce makes itself! Read the recipe notes for some tips for making this vegetarian dish with gluten-free pasta.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making alfredo sauce from scratch—this chicken alfredo from Bake Me Some Sugar is entirely homemade and still comes together in one pot. The result is rich, creamy, and deliciously garlicky. It’s also super versatile: The chicken and broccoli can be swapped out for other proteins and veggies to suit your family’s preferences.
This recipe from Sunkissed Kitchen is gluten-free, dairy-free, and meat-free. It uses chickpea pasta and a variety of vegetables in a uniquely nutty sundried tomato sauce that’s unmatched in its creaminess and flavor. The secret? Soaked cashews!
If you want more options or are just trying to clear out your fridge or pantry, this versatile dish from Family Spice will become a staple on your dinner rotation. The beauty of this recipe is that you can use basically any type of ground meat, noodles, and vegetables you happen to have on hand. You can even choose how chunky or smooth the flavorful tomato sauce is. All you need to prepare it is an oven-safe pan.
One Lovely Life’s recipe is custom-made for those days when you just don’t have the energy or time to bake up some complex masterpiece. Simply throw all the ingredients, which you probably already have on hand, into an instant pot, and dinner’s ready in minutes. The dish is gluten-free and dairy-free, and the sausage can be replaced with a plant-based sausage to make it vegetarian, as well.
Packed with vegetables and beans and flavored with homemade seasoning, this one-pot fajita pasta from Sweet Peas and Saffron is a spiced sensation. And since you don’t need to saute anything—simply drop all the ingredients into the pot and wait for the delicious diner to make itself—it makes for a perfect freezer prep meal. Squeeze some lime and top with freshly shredded mozzarella when serving to really pull the flavors together.
Orzo is an often-overlooked pasta, but we love it for its fun rice-like shape. This recipe by Chelsea’s Messy Apron pays homage to the humble orzo with sausage, corn, fresh spinach, Italian sausage, and parmesan for a hearty, creamy meal that resembles traditional risotto.
Are you trying to figure out what to do with leftover cooked chicken? This easy dinner from Spend with Pennies is the perfect leftover meal. Chop up your cooked chicken and throw it in with the rest of the ingredients for an herby tomato pasta skillet ideal for busy evenings.
This seafood pasta recipe from Fav Family Recipes pulls in Thai flavors. Combine coconut milk and peanut butter with lime, soy sauce, ginger, and other flavor-packed ingredients for a unique take on the one-pot pasta dish.
Chicken Caesar is made tastier and more filling by Dinner Then Dessert’s take on the classic salad, which brings in chicken, parmesan cheese, and broccoli instead of lettuce. Best of all, the dish comes together from scratch—no cooked chicken necessary. You can use store-bought Caesar dressing, but if you’re feeling ambitious, Dinner Then Dessert includes a recipe for making your own homemade dressing (and it’s simpler than you might think).
In the mood for something spicy? This shrimpy twist on fra diavolo (which literally means “Brother Devil”) from A Spicy Perspective is smothered in fiery tomato sauce. The sauce gets its unique flaming flavor from a combination of fennel, garlic, red pepper flakes, and cognac—don’t worry, the alcohol content is cooked out in the process (though you can also omit the alcohol altogether). You can also make this meal in the instant pot!
Bacon makes everything better, including this pasta dish by Carlsbad Cravings! This pea and bacon one-pot pasta is made with a combination of mascarpone and parmesan for a heavenly creaminess that’s unique and delicious.
The caprese pasta is a traditional Italian meal full of fresh ingredients. It’s a refreshing meal that won’t sit heavy in your stomach at the end of a busy day. This recipe from Momdot uses fresh basil, grape tomatoes, and mozzarella, and draws its flavor from a Balsamic Vinegar dressing. It’s one-pot and low-fuss, as it requires no draining at all.
Enjoy this fall dinner from A Pumpkin and a Princess while butternut squash is in season. The flavor and creaminess of the squash is brought out by the autumnal sauce, which uses Boursin cheese mixed with arugula and toasted hazelnuts. It’s the ultimate cozy meal!
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.
Try one of our favorite things to do in Portland with kids the next time you need a new family-friendly adventure
Portland is, hands down, one of Oregon’s most family-friendly cities. With outdoorsy, artsy, and science-y activities that run year-round, there are an endless number of experiences families should try at least once. There’s no better time than now—in the thick of summer—to start checking these adventures off of your family bucket list. Struggling for what to do with your kids this weekend or looking for an action-packed itinerary? No matter what, whether you’re local or just passing through, or whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens, or kiddos in between, these activities highlight the very best Portland has to offer. Get ready to indulge your sense of adventure: We’ve got 100 things to do in Portland with kids mapped out for your next family outing.
2. When it comes to things to do with toddlers in Portland, you can’t go wrong with a trip to one of our favorite playgrounds. Each one offers something different for kids, beyond just typical swing, slides, and climbers. And if you’re looking for inclusive playspaces, we’ve got those too.
5. Talk about kid-friendly downtown Portland activities, the Pearl District is always a hit, whether you ride the street car to get here (or not). How can you go wrong with Powell’s, Hot Lips Pizza, and the Jamison Square Tidal Pool–always a summer favorite.
7. Did you know the country’s largest urban forest is located right here in Portland? With over 100 miles of trails to choose from, you’re sure to find one your family will love.
8. Random days off from school are totally a thing. Instead of stressing to make last-minute reservations, we’ve got plenty of places kids can play that don’t take any planning—so you can pull off an impromptu family day of fun just like that.
9. You know what else is a thing in Portland? Rain. For those days where it’s just too wet to be outside, why not head to an indoor playground with the kids?
10. While most people don’t think beers and babies go together, these spots prove otherwise. It's just one of the cool things to do with babies in Portland.
15. There’s nothing quite like fresh-picked strawberries (or raspberries or blueberries), is there? Portland boasts plenty of U-pick farm experiences, no matter which fruit your kiddo craves.
16. Looking for things to do in Portland this weekend? Why not bring back family movie night?
17. Find a new-to-you park that doubles as a picnic spot your kids will want to go back to again and again.
20. Who says you have to break the bank to explore the city? Free events abound in Portland, and they change every month too!
21. Plan a day trip with the kids to a mountain town where kids can go spelunking through lava beds, sleep in an indoor hammock, and go behind the scenes of some beautiful waterfalls.
29. The Pittock Mansion and Lan Su Chinese Garden are just a few of the spots around Portland where you can plan a skip-gen playdate when the grandparents are in town.
36. A trip to the Oregon Zoo is always a hit with families. Ride the carousel. Hop aboard the train. Enjoy a Discovery Tour. And definitely don’t miss the Vollum Aviary. The Zoo also hosts special events throughout the year, from summer concerts to Howloween to ZooLights.
37. Fly over Crater Lake. Psst…we hear you might even spot a Sasquatch when you do.
41. Portland is home to tons of rivers and swimming holes with total kid-appeal. But if you’re up for an adventure, try a trip to Lost Lake where you can camp or stay at the resort to really soak in all of the season’s splendor.
42. It just wouldn’t be winter in Portland without dazzling light displays and shows at some of our favorite local spots. Find out where to get your night light fix this season.
44. Celebrate the fall-idays in Portland with a trip to a local pumpkin patch or an apple orchard. U-pick is the only way to go once the leaves start to fall.
45. Spring cleaning. Giving back. Whatever your reason for cleaning out the kids’ closets and toy chests, we’ve got great spots where you can pass along your no-longer-needed items to others.
46. Catch your dinner. It's surprisingly easy to get your family "hooked" on fishing at these popular spots for beginner anglers.
47. Vacation at a family-friendly hot springs resort that’s not too far from a wildlife refuge where the kids can spy antelope, elk, and maybe even a bobcat.
48. Head to one of Portland’s many natural spaces to find fall’s vibrant colors once the leaves start to change.
49. No matter what kind of mom you are, there are so many Portland groups waiting to connect you to each other and your community. Join one today!
57. Bring the kids to see Wizard Island. And if that doesn't thrill them (it will), consider one of the many national parks near Portland for your next road trip.
58. Get out and explore when you visit this town that’s home to a maritime museum and an Italian-style gondola ride.
59. The Alberta Arts District is where you’ll find this beloved children’s bookstore. Author meet-and-greets, a weekly storytime, and the helpful staff will keep you coming back for more.
60. Try your hand at over 50 different pinball machines and show your kids how games used to be played. Hint: This Portland favorite is only kid-friendly during certain hours on the weekends.
61. Nothing says BTS ready like a rad haircut, whether you need a sick fade or a shag.
62. The Oregon Dunes are calling and visiting is easy when you book a campsite at a nearby campground.
63. Go beyond the bouncy house for your next birthday party. These spots are just as active, but offer different ways for kids to play…and celebrate!
64. Oregon wineries have a reputation to uphold. And beyond great grapes, they offer lots for families. Visit one where kids can enjoy flights of lemonade, or play Frisbeegolf on the expansive lawn.
70. Finding hikes for little legs isn’t always easy–even in the city. But when you scoop the one-mile loop through Reed Canyon, you’ll feel like your on a private oasis.
79. Explore a 366-acre park that’s steeped in history. It’s just a short drive from the city and it's a hot spot for fort seekers of all ages.
80. Tired of the same old, same old on the Oregon coast? Mix it up at a coastal vacation community that’s totally walkable, has miles of sandy shores, and is as cute as can be.
82. Get the scoop on U-pick experiences that start in spring and run through autumn. The kids can pick everything from persimmons, quince, and pears to apples, beets, and pumpkins.
85. There’s no better place to stay cool on a hot summer day than a local splash pad or spray park. Here’s where to make your plans when the sun shines.
87. Who says you have to head to the coast to enjoy the perfect beach day? This local sandy gem in the city is a great spot to fly kites, watch eagles, and count cargo ships.
97. Turn your typical trip to the hardware store into one that’s super kid-friendly at this spot where kids can touch all the things and ask all the questions.
99. No matter when you visit this Washington beach is a coveted spot. Storm watch in winter, play on the scenic beaches in the summer, and definitely take a picture at the Tree of Life whenever you visit.
Bring on the sparkling watermelon juice and horchata ice cream
Warm weather means meals spent outside by the grill. So, as soon as you have your next gathering on the calendar, it’s time to head to Trader Joe’s to grab a handful of products for your summer cookout! The grocer has everything you need, from savory BBQ sauces and crispy chips to creative takes on burgers and desserts. Get ready to enjoy all that Trader Joe’s has to offer for the summer season.
What screams “summer” more than a pickle? These dill pickle chips! The special, seasonal bag is back and will remind you of sour cream and onion, but with a fun vinegar and dill vibe.
It’s just not summer without a hearty jar of BBQ sauce, and Kansas City does it best. TJ’s has taken a note from the experts with its tangy, smoky, hickory sauce that pairs well with veggie patties, meats, and even salads. We also highly recommend the brand’s Carolina Gold BBQ sauce for a tangy alternative!
Summer and watermelon are pretty much synonymous which means this sparkling juice needs to make an appearance at your cookout. It’s made with no added sugar and zero concentrate juice, plus only packs a whopping 60 calories. Both kids and adults will love refreshing sip after sip.
Sandwiches, seafood, burgers, kebabs, pasta, and potatoes—there’s no wrong way to use Trader Joe’s Chimichurri Sauce. It’s made with flavorful cilantro, crushed red pepper, garlic, and herbs that combine to make a rich, green sauce that amps up any summer dish.
Steamed Lentils
Tinybeans
Yes, we said lentils for a BBQ. Hear us out: these pre-cooked goodies are a key ingredient in the most DIVINE lentil salad that is perfect for poolside. Just mix with one tub of TJ’s crumbled feta and one container of premade bruschetta sauce and you have an undeniably healthy dip that is the essence of summer.
Move over Takis, there’s a crispier, crunchier chip in town. Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Chili & Lime Favorite Tortilla Chips are the perfect mix of flavorful and spicy—that won’t burn your mouth like other brands. They are great as a stand-alone, side to your burger, or as a way to scoop your favorite summertime dip.
It has BBQ in the name, therefore this is a must for your cookout! While we love the crunchy cabbage and kale that gives this salad a chilly feel, the cornbread croutons and black pepper Toscano cheese really take the idea of a salad served on a hot day from drab to fab.
Sesame Teriyaki Beef Skirt Steak
Most people think of sizzling meat when they picture a BBQ and that’s why this skirt steak is a natural choice. The pre-marinaded beef is USDA Choice Angus and is versatile enough to be cooked on the grill or stir-fried in an air-conditioned kitchen on a hot day.
Portabella Burger
Tinybeans
Picture this: a thick juicy burger that is meat-free. It’s a reality when you swap a patty for an oversized Portabella mushroom! Perfect for your vegetarian guests, they cook quickly and pair with so many delicious sauces. Check out this recipe for a Pesto Portabello Burger!
Pollo Asado
Tinybeans
Whether you enjoy this pollo asado in tacos, burritos, or a la carte, it’s a natural choice for a cookout. Thanks to the marinade of citrus juices, paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper, cayenne, and garlic you don’t have to think ahead of time to flavor your meat, which means more time just enjoying your guests.
Just because you’re hosting a backyard BBQ doesn’t mean you have to settle for sub-par buns. We love both the Brioche hot dog and burger buns that bring a little sweet and salty to your gathering. Plus, they’re great for picky eaters who will probably only eat the bun anyways!
Whether you’re sautéing up a bag of Mexican Style Roasted Corn, warming up some microwave-ready corn on the cob, or making your own Elote with Everything but the Elote seasoning, you can’t go wrong with any TJ’s corn product this summer.
When it comes to Trader Joe’s products for your summer cookout, we think this Horchata-inspired ice cream takes the cake. Not only does this dessert boast the creamy, cinnamony flavor you love from the Latin American drink, but it also comes with Horchata-flavored cookies mixed in! Grab a carton or two to close out your upcoming BBQ.
We can’t say anything but “Oui!” to these perfect pastel macarons. Found in the freezer aisle, they are a great way to add just a little sweetness to your cookout and, dare we say it, would pair perfectly with an adult sparkling wine at the end of a long, hot day.
Dinner can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be with the best meal delivery service options available for your family.
“What’s for dinner?” is our favorite question—said no parent ever—especially not when it’s 5 p.m. and you don’t have an answer to that question. With our round up of meal and meal delivery services, you’ll say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning, prep and best of all, all that cleanup.
Hello Fresh
HelloFresh
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes.
Feeding your family delicious food that doesn't break the bank is just about everyone's goals so we are on board with this value meal brand. Of all the samples we've tried, their Cajun Chicken Sausage Penne was a top favorite—we're talking lick-the-plate-clean good!
Cost: starts at $6/meal + shipping. Online: everyplate.com
Hungryroot
Hungryroot
Offering both groceries and recipes to go with, your family can easily plan for meals, snacks and everything in between! Most recipes are prepped and on the dinner table within 10-15 minutes (try the creamy miso salmon) with the option for roast-and-ready meals that are conveniently popped in the oven. Fill your fridge with produce, protein and delicious snacks from Hungryroot and never be hungry again.
Cost: Starts at $70/delivery with free shipping. Online: hungryroot.com
Territory
Territory
Fresh meals from local chefs straight to your door equals taking your dinners to the next level. Easily meet your health and wellness goals with gluten, refined sugar and dairy-free recipes while subscribing to a plan to filter your preferences and choose for delivery even for once a week. We also loved that every packaging item was either recyclable or compostable which is important to us plus the ability to donate meals to our local community means you can feel great about your meal delivery service.
Cost: starts at $11/meal for the smaller “boost” size or $14/meal for standard size. Online: territoryfoods.com
Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon
Have 30 minutes and can follow six easy, precise steps? That is all it takes to allow your inner Martha to shine with this cook-at-home food delivery service! With 29 menu choices every week and meal tags such as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories, there is something for everyone. Bonus: the website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for kids who want to help.
Cost: Plans start at $10/portion + $10 shipping. Online: marleyspoon.com
Gobble
One pan. 15 minutes. That is the only requirement before dinner can be on your table! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. In fact, their main selling point is that every recipe takes 15 mins to cook, which is something we can all get on board with. Choose between Classic vs Lean and Clean recipes and personalize it as you see fit. Having been voted by Parents magazine as the #1 Meal Kit delivery service means that picky eaters are sure to find something they like.
Cost: Prices start at $12/serving (dinner for 4). Online: gobble.com
Freshly
Freshly
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features fresh, chef-cooked comfort food meals with smart ingredient swaps.
Cost: starts at $10/meal for 4-12 meals per week. Online: Freshly.com
Green Chef
With plans like Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered, healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Organic produce and eggs delivered to you with easy recipes means eating well and healthy go hand in hand. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer.
Cost: Meals start at $13/serving with $10 shipping. Online: greenchef.com
Blue Apron
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors such as curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Cost: Meals cost $12/serving with $10 shipping. Online: blueapron.com
Home Chef
Home Chef
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. Curate a box to personalize the cooking experience you want: 30 vs 15 min meal prep, grill ready, oven ready, or even special occasions in which a premium meal ups the ante. Most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or kid-friendly preferences. Our taste testers enjoyed the Cheesy Steak and Chipotle Ranch sandwiches and were licking their fingers at the end of the meal while the French Onion Chicken was also delectable and essentially French Onion soup on a plate.
Cost: Meals start at $7/serving. Online: homechef.com
Dinnerly
Dinnerly
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Cost: Meals start at $5/person. Online: dinnerly.com
Veestro
With 100% organic, vegan and gluten-free chef-prepared entrees, soups and juices there are no animal products of any kind here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick and no one will miss the meat. Meeting your family’s dietary needs has never been easier or more delicious.
Cost: Starting at $11 for 30 meals. Online: veestro.com
Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are both good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free, easy to prepare with the option to add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Sun Basket’s meal kits come with organic produce with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Their "super speedy" meals go from box to table in less than 20 minutes, "one pot" meals keep the dishes to a minimum and Fresh & Ready meals are pre-cooked, pre-packaged to go from oven/microwave to dinner table in six minutes. WIN.
Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.
There's nothing fussy here—organic, non-GMO ingredients come pre-chopped, pre-measured and ready to go from box to table in less than 30 minutes. Kid-sized portions (about half of an adult-sized portion) and pricing is available by indicating how many children are in the family. Bonus: free, gourmet and organic cookie dough is included in every box!
Cost: Plans start at $14/serving. Online: onepotato.com
Thistle
Thistle
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year (and who isn't?!) then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Every menu item is gluten and dairy free with vegan and non-vegan options.
Cost: Fully-customizable packages start at $42/week or $12/meal. Online: thistle.com
Methodology
Methodology
As a pre-prepared food delivery company, Methodology aims to nourish your body with foods that help it perform at it's tip-top level. With a menu designed by food lovers for food lovers, your taste buds will thank you.
Flexibility and options rule at Good Eggs as you can choose a single meal kits We love their family-friendly meal kits like the One Pot Pasta e Fagioli. Simply heat and toss to get a comforting meal in minutes (add a side salad and take-and-bake garlic loaf for a complete meal).
Cost: Meals start at $18 for 3 servings. Online: goodeggs.com
Pocket Chefs
Pocket Chefs
For a meal service of a different style, enlist the help of a professional chef in your own home! Pocket Chefs enables families to hire affordable and experienced culinary professionals to assist with everyday cooking needs. This service enlists vetted, culinary professionals who have served many years as private chefs, caterers or restaurant chefs. All of their chefs pass a background check and are certified through SafeServ for cleanliness standards. Pocket Chefs understands the needs of your family and aims to deliver delicious and affordable meals in the comfort of your home. You can simply create an account, pick your preferred package and schedule when you'd like your Pocket Chef to arrive and start cooking!
The chef will call you beforehand to go over your meal plan and grocery list, taking into consideration any food restrictions or allergies. You purchase the groceries according to a list provided by your chef and then the chef shows up at the agreed-upon time to cook the meals for you.
If the idea of coming up with a recipe and finding time to hit up the grocery store is too much to bear, this list of amazing meal delivery services in Dallas for families is the easiest way to get dinner on the table when you’ve got a busy plate (pun intended!) and exactly no time to plan. From heat-and-eat options for when you just can’t cook another meal, to meal kits that will have the kids cooking with you, there’s something on this list that will satisfy every family. Get ready to get cooking!
Front Porch Pantry
iStock
Since 2016, Front Porch Pantry has been feeding Texas families cost-effective, gourmet meals with no prep involved. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner delivered to your door when you want them, no subscription required. We love the honey lemon dijon chicken with rice pilaf and the steakhouse dinner with pup fries for family-friendly options. Not sure what to order? Try a "Taste of Front Porch Pantry" that includes 6 meals for $84/week.
Based in Austin with stores across Texas and in Philadelphia, Snap Kitchen offers fresh and healthy, chef-designed meals that are ready to heat and heat, no meal prep or cooking required. All Snap Kitchen meals are personally designed by a team of registered dietitians and chefs, with curated lifestyle plans including low carb, keto-friendly, Whole30, paleo, high protein, vegetarian, balance and best-sellers. Committed to only using ingredients that promote optimal health and reduce the risk of disease, Snap Kitchen meals are made fresh daily and do not contain any gluten, antibiotics, added hormones, or artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.
Snap Kitchen stores across Texas are open and convenient curbside pickup and delivery will still be available for contactless shopping. Stock up with fresh, healthy, no-work-required meals for the week by ordering online or via the iOS app.
Cost: The six-meal plan costs $14/meal and the 12-meal plan is $11/meal. Save $10 on an order of $50 via this link.
Sun Basket provides meal kit customers with organic produce and clean ingredients with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Consumers can also upgrade to premium meats like grass-fed filet and jumbo shrimp. Broaden your culinary horizons with family-friendly meals like chicken tagine and Taiwanese noodle soup. You can even select "super speedy" meals which can go from box to table in less than 20 minutes or "one pot" meals which keep the dishes to a minimum. Hooray!
Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.
Sun Basket recently released their Fresh & Ready meals and families will want to try them out for sure. Fresh & Ready is an ideal weeknight meal solution—the meals feature a complete dinner that is pre-cooked, packaged and can go straight into the oven or microwave, ready in 6 minutes or less, no additional prep required.
Chef-made, nutritionist-designed meal delivery service Territory Foods delivers meals free of gluten and refined sugars to families. With over 35 options that are updated weekly, you choose what you want, the items are cooked to order and delivered twice a week to keep your fridge stocked. Pause or cancel at any time. Try the chicken stir fry or BBQ pork with mashed potatoes as easy kid-friendly options.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The partnership gives Marley Spoon access to Martha's archive of over 18,000 tried-and-true recipes to feature in their meal kits. They promise quality purveyors offering grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, American-caught shrimp and artisanal cheeses. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
Cost: Prices start at $15/serving. Dinner for two (3 nights a week) starts at $90. The first week of shipping is free.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor. With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps.
Cost: Customers can order 4-12 meals a week starting at $9/meal.
This meal delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist approved and kid approved, too! Choose your kids meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week.
Cost: Meals start at $13/serving and $10 shipping.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly.
Farmbox Direct offers various size boxes packed with seasonal, farm-fresh fresh fruits and vegetables to your door. You select the shipment size and customize your box, and check your doorstep for easy monthly deliveries.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).
There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
The end-of-summer checklist is long, but we found the perfect hack to shorten that to-do list! Meal kits. We rounded up a host of meal kit delivery services that cut your prep work so you have more time for things like back-to-school shopping. There are 14 amazingly delicious and outrageously healthy services that now ship to the Washington, DC area. Convenience…it’s what’s for dinner!
1. Yumble
Yumble
This meal delivery service is focused on kids. Carefully sourced fruits and veggies, and perfectly balanced—lunches, dinners and snacks from Yumble are nutritionist approved and kid approved, too! Choose your kids meals for the week and they'll be delivered free to your doorstep. The Bowl of Yays Pasta with veggie marinara and the Mighty Meatballs and Veggie Chili are crowd pleasers for sure. Each box comes with new activities for kids, making mealtime a breeze for you and a joy for them.
Green eggs and ham? Not quite. Think: Green as in USDA-certified organic, GMO-free ingredients sent to your doorstep direct from local farmers. This meal kit delivery service is for the family that makes a conscious effort to eat clean dinners. Order the family meal plan, which sends two wholesome dinners for a family of 4 and the cooking is done in 30-45 min. Examples of the scrumptious meals you can be serving up include Hawaiian Pork Fried Rice, Steak & Smashed Potatoes, and Crispy Dijon Chicken.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features 22 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, gluten-free and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops and delivers gourmet three-step recipes for one-pan cooking with zero prep required. How about picky eaters? Try Pan-Seared Sirloin Steak with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes & Béarnaise Sauce or Crispy Chicken Sandwich & Napa Cabbage Slaw with Caraway Vinaigrette. What have you got to lose when it's just a one-pan cleanup?
Cost: Prices start at $15/serving for dinner for two.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose among two-serving, four-serving, wellness and vegetarian menus to pick the options that are right for you. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
Freshly is a weekly subscription service delivering fresh (not frozen), chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. Unlike meal kits, all you need is a microwave, fork and plate (optional!) to get a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table. Think “nutritionist meets personal chef” vs. TV dinner when it comes to quality and flavor.
With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, less processed and more nutrients, the menu features better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes delivered weekly. With a variety 19 different recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most recipes include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Skip a week any time you'd like, the meals are convenient and kid-friendly. The 15-minute meal kits include options like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
The goal of HelloFresh is to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. Each week Dinnerly customers choose from over a dozen options which change each week. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Steak & Cheddar Melts, Salmon with Creamy Chimichurri, and Creamy Baked Penne Pasta.
Cost: Meals start at $13/serving and $10 shipping.
How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too).
There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte, in full-on Meal Packs, and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. Choose from Quick & Easy, High-Protein, Gluten-Free or Chef’s Choice dinners and customize your choices to your liking. All meals are meat-free and easy to prepare. You can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Sun Basket provides meal kit customers with organic produce and clean ingredients with paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and family menu selections. Consumers can also upgrade to premium meats like grass-fed filet and jumbo shrimp. Broaden your culinary horizons with family-friendly meals like chicken tagine and Taiwanese noodle soup. You can even select "super speedy" meals which can go from box to table in less than 20 minutes or "one pot" meals which keep the dishes to a minimum. Hooray!
Parents will love how Sun Basket encourages kids to participate in the cooking process (which has been shown to create more adventurous eaters). Each recipe includes a "Kids Can" section with suggestions of how kids can contribute to the meal prep by juicing a lemon, timing the orzo or strip the mint leaves.
Sun Basket recently released their Fresh & Ready meals and families will want to try them out for sure. Fresh & Ready is an ideal weeknight meal solution—the meals feature a complete dinner that is pre-cooked, packaged and can go straight into the oven or microwave, ready in 6 minutes or less, no additional prep required.
Chef-made, nutritionist-designed meal delivery service Territory Foods delivers meals free of gluten and refined sugars to Dallas families. With over 35 options that are updated weekly, you choose what you want, the items are cooked to order and delivered twice a week to keep your fridge stocked. Pause or cancel at any time. Try the chicken stir fry or BBQ pork with mashed potatoes as easy kid-friendly options.
They also recently started offering Territory Grocery. Options: Produce Box featuring a 15+ lb. mix of garden veggies, root veggies, fruit, leafy greens and herbs; or Produce & Pantry Box including all of the above plus 2-3 lbs. of grains and legumes.
With kids heading back to school, the to-do list is getting longer by the day so let’s take some things off the list and delegate one of the most time-consuming, thankless jobs parents have—feeding the family. Whatever your dietary requirement, we’ve got a family meal delivery service for you. From organic, ready-to-eat snacks and lunches to cook-at-home ingredients the whole family can enjoy, check out the best meal delivery service for families in Los Angeles.
The Best Prepared Snacks & Meal Delivery Services around LA
This recently opened West LA meal delivery service focuses on providing highly nutritious ingredients with a side of cuteness overload. Nutritionist-approved, chef-made and delivered right to your door, these lunches can be eaten right away or saved for up to 5 days—no heating or cooking necessary. PS: While the meals are made with 3-10 year olds in mind, don’t mind us if we order an extra set for ourself—they look downright irresistible.
Good to Know: Currently delivering to West LA, there are plans to expand and deliver to more areas around LA shortly.
Cost: Weekly and monthly subscriptions are available. The 3-meal weekly lunch plan is $30 while the 5-meal weekly lunch plan is $50.
Thanks to Feel Sunnie, you can provide your kids with freshly made, 100% organic, plant-based snacks you can truly feel good about. Our kids loved the granola and blueberry snack but don't be surprised if you find yourself keeping some of the snack boxes for yourself—the hummus and crackers are just the thing to keep your own afternoon hangries at bay.
Good to Know: The packaging is recyclable and they are helping to fight hunger in the Los Angeles area—check out how you can help by donating a Sunnie box (or two) to underserved communities.
Cost: Their snack sampler is $40. Purchases over $55 qualify for free shipping.
Striving to eat healthy sometimes feels like another full-time job but thankfully Taylor Made Cuisine has made it easy for you and the whole family by delivering everything you need (from breakfast to dessert) for the week. Offering meal delivery services in LA and Orange County, these ready-to-eat meals are nutrient dense and properly portioned—no more guesswork. Are you and the family following a special meal plan? They've got it covered—from KETO to pescatarian and vegan, all the meals are full customizable to meet your needs.
Good to Know: If you want to eat healthy but don't have the time or energy to cook (raises hand), Taylor Made Cuisine is for you.
Cost: Family meal plans start at $115 per week but you can also order meals, snacks and desserts for yourself.
If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year, then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Every week there's a new menu that's gluten- and dairy-free. You can also choose from vegan and non-vegan options.
While the majority of the Thistle menu appeals to greens-loving adults, our kid tasters loved the 24 Carrot Gold muffin and the nourishing green juice. Bonus for busy parents: the most you'll need is a few minutes to warm up the meals or eat them room temp instead.
Cost: Customizable packages start at $11.50 per serving.
Territory Foods enlists the expertise of talented local chefs and informed nutritionists to bring their unique culinary skill to every dish. If you'd like a seasonal, restaurant-quality meal made fresh, delivered to your door, and ready to eat in under two minutes, then this is the way to go.
Once upon a time, a pregnant mom was disheartened with the lack of fresh, nutritious, and yummy baby meals that were readily available (without spending hours steaming and puréeing on a daily basis). Thus Yumi was born. A meal delivery service made just for babies, this service offers healthy, fresh-made baby food, making it ultra-convenient to feed your baby without the added sugars, preservatives and allergens found in store-bought options. Now they even have nutrient-rich snacks like pizza bites (11+ months), mixed berry fruit leathers and finger food options like cauliflower puffs for those who are ready to go beyond spoon feedings!
Cost: There are 3 membership plans, starting at $5 per day.
Nurture Life caters to babies, toddlers and older kids with menus customized to each age group. Choose from selections like chicken parmesan and broccoli, beef lasagna or mac & cheese with cauliflower sauce to really get little mouths watering. Order weekly meals for the kiddos to be delivered to your doorstep, all freshly made, pediatric-dietician approved and ready in under one minute.
Eating organic, healthy meals at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and you'll enjoy options like Beef Tenderloin with Brown Butter Carrots, Chicken con Queso, Mediterranean Salmon and French Onion Pork Chops.
Cost: Meal plans start at $13 per serving, $10 for shipping.
Purple Carrot brings you plant-forward meals that are good for you and good for the planet. You can choose meal kits or prepared meals! All meals are meat-free and you can add on breakfast, lunch and snack items to get you through the week. Skip or cancel any time.
Cost: Meal kits start at $13 per serving while prepared meals start at $13 per serving.
How about a choice of over 50 meals that are 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees? Then look no further than this healthy bunch (bonus: they deliver nationally, too). There are no animal products of any kind. Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight-loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine, many of the meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy.
Say goodbye to grocery shopping, meal planning and prep, and all that cleanup! Gobble shops, chops, peels and delivers gourmet meals using just one-pan, all under 15 minutes. Talk about fast (yet still good for you) food!
Cost: Meal plans start at $15/serving for dinner for two.
Blue Apron has been part of the meal delivery game for a long time and their expertise shows. Choose the Signature for 4 if you want to feed the family. We love that the meals typically take 40 minutes or less and include kid-friendly ingredients like baked chicken and pasta while exposing kids to different flavors like curry and chile-lime. With super easy-to-follow recipes, you can definitely get the kids involved in the cooking process.
This weekly subscription service delivers fresh—not frozen—chef-cooked meals that can be heated and served in three minutes. With a food philosophy centered on less sugar, fewer processed and more nutrients, the menu offers better-for-you versions of comfort foods with smart ingredient swaps. For example, Chicken Parm is coated in almond flour vs. bread crumbs and topped with marinara sauce sweetened with honey instead of refined sugars; Mac and Cheese is made with brown rice pasta and cheesy sauce blended with a purée of cauliflower and butternut squash; and Turkey Meatballs are packed with mushrooms and served over zoodles for a lower-carb alternative to pasta.
This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner home-eco pro. The menu features 29 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, under-30 minutes, vegetarian & vegan and other categories. Favorites include: chicken fajita bowl, bacon-wrapped skillet meatloaf and lemon-brown butter salmon. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.
Cost: Meals start at $7 per portion, plus $9 for shipping.
Home Chef meal kits offer fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow, family-friendly recipes, delivered weekly. With a variety of recipes that rotate on a weekly basis, most meals include a "Customize It" option to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. For busy parents, there's the 15-minute meal kit, which includes dishes like Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Carrots. Or, opt for more sophisticated meals from the culinary collection like Steak and Garlic Thyme Butter with balsamic Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Twists.
HelloFresh aims to bring the fun of cooking back into people’s lives by doing all the planning, portioning and shopping for in-season, sustainably-sourced, healthy and flavorful ingredients. HelloFresh prides itself on its delicious recipes with quick cook times; all your chopping, zesting and sautéeing will take less than 30 minutes. Family-friendly meals include Tomato Tortellini Bake, Ginger Plum Chicken and Pork Chops with Apple Rosemary Pan Sauce.
If your goal is to get a wholesome, easy meal on the table for your family, then Dinnerly is the meal delivery option for you. It's also one of the less expensive options. They keep their pricing down by using digital recipe cards, fewer ingredients and simple packaging. The choices are totally kid-friendly with options like sweet and sour Swedish meatballs, turkey burgers and enchiladas. Each meal has only five prep steps and takes less than 30 minutes to get on the table, perfect for rushed weeknight dinners. Not interested in getting your box this week? No problem! You can skip any time.
Feeling like a short-order cook come dinner time is never ideal, which is why One Potato believes that it’s possible to prepare one meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table. The idea behind this family-friendly company is to make it easy for parents to serve up healthy, organic meals that appeal to both grown-ups and kids (even the fussiest of eaters). The best part, however, is that the prepped food kits are built to encourage your little chefs to get involved in the dinner-making process. They also offer kid-friendly lunchboxes for $7.95/box that your kiddo will love. Another bonus: Each meal delivery comes with your own organic slice-and-bake cookie dough, guaranteed to delight your sweeties.
Over two decades ago, this company started out as a gourmet food delivery service to the stars, pioneering the way for modern-day meal-delivery services. Nowadays, Sunfare offers full-service food delivery that can be customized to any of their healthy meal plans. For families, there's the Family Dinners program, which offers a wide range of main entree choices, plus up to two sides. It's the perfect alternative to ordering in...again!
Cost: Family Dinners (for 3) is $53 per day, with an additional $4 per day delivery fee.