The weekends were made for kicking back, relaxing and immersing ourselves in the things we love most. But, of course, we spend a good chunk of them catching up on housework and running errands instead. Once dinner rolls around, the goal is to whip up some sort of simple 30-minute meal. Though, it would be so nice to have something nourishing already made that we could just heat and eat — like a vegetarian pizza or a big bowl of winter curry. The good news is there are a ton of healthful make-ahead recipes that you can plop down with this weekend, and we’ve got 16 of them that you won’t be able to refuse.
Capricci With Chicken and Lemon Sauce
This brightly flavored chicken with lemon sauce is as alluring as it gets. It keeps well in the fridge and is delicious reheated, so make a big batch and serve it throughout the weekend over pasta, rice or couscous. (via Circa Happy)
Asian Noodle Salad
If you’ve got a busy weekend coming and are in search of a make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed straight outta the fridge, here it is. This flavor-packed Asian noodle dish tastes fab when cold or at room temp. (via Well Plated by Erin)
Sesame Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wraps With Spicy Peanut Sauce
Lettuce cups and wraps have been trending pretty hard, and it’s no wonder. They’re crisp, cool and tasty; best of all, they make for a healthy low-carb meal. Assemble these in advance for some grab ‘n’ go nosh this weekend. (via With Salt and Pepper)
Chicken and Green Olive Taquitos
Who doesn’t love a snack that eats like a meal? These addicting freezer-friendly taquitos are jammed with protein and melty cheese, allowing you to refuel before heading out on Saturday night. (via Gather and Dine)
Protein Power Beans and Greens Stuffed Shells
These delicious protein-packed pasta shells are the perfect way to give yourself a boost of energy. On the other hand, if you’re enjoying a lazy weekend in, they’re also great to curl up with as comfort food. (via Natural Comfort Kitchen)
Mexican Pizzas
It’s always great to have a frozen pizza ready to go, but there’s no need to settle for that mundane boxed stuff. You can make your own, and this Mexican spin on our fave tomato pie is what lazy dreams are made of. (via Recipe Tin Eats)
Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps
As far as busy lifestyles go, it doesn’t get much more convenient than a wrap. Spiced with curry and packed with protein, this crave-worthy option is exactly what your weekend needs. (via The Muffin Myth)
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Meatballs are the perfect freezer-friendly food, and these decadent chicken Parm meatballs prove it. They’re great on their own, but they also give you options for various quick weekend dinners like meatball subs, pasta, etc. (via Tastythin)
Mexican Zucchini Lasagna
This healthy low-carb lasagna uses zucchini instead of noodles so that your weekend indulgences can be completely guilt-free. It’s also full of protein and acts as a great pick-me-up; make it in advance so your future self can dig in. (via Food Faith Fitness)
Spicy Chicken Potstickers
Sometimes potstickers are too darn delicious to be served as a side or an app; sometimes we just want a plateful. These bad boys can be made ahead, frozen and then taken out at your leisure. (via Damn Delicious)
Spaghetti Pasta With Herbed Mushroom Cream Sauce
This glorious dish is a dream. It only takes 30 minutes to make and is freezer-friendly, so you’ll feel like a time-management queen. (via Carve Your Craving)
Healthy Quinoa Make-Ahead Casserole
When we hear the word “casserole” we think cheesy, heavy and unhealthy. We’re pleased to report that isn’t the case with this nourishing pan of quinoa goodness; best of all, it’s still got the cheese. (via A Sweet Pea Chef)
Vegan Red Curry With Freezer Tomato Coconut Sauce
Save yourself some time on the weekend with this comforting tomato coconut sauce. It’s perfectly seasoned and is guaranteed to warm your belly with a hearty helping of your fave veggies. (via Avocado a Day Nutrition)
Meatball Taco Bowls
These GF freeze-ahead taco bowls are pure perfection for the entire family. They’re customizable, so everyone can decide how they want their bowls decked out… which makes your life that much easier. (via Inquiring Chef)
Lightened-Up Ground Beef Stroganoff
By swapping the usual sour cream for Greek yogurt, this stroganoff offers a lighter version of the rich classic. You’ll want to make this ahead, because after chillin’ in the fridge overnight, the flavors pop, and it tastes even better as a next-day meal. (via Brownie Bites)
Creamy Orzo Pasta With Goat Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato, Artichokes and Roasted Red Pepper
Though this dish is drool-worthy right off the stove, it’s also *stellar* days later. Full of tangy veggies, this time-saving meal refrigerates well and makes for a fantastic quick dinner, reheated or cold. (via The Cheerful Kitchen)
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Dana Sandonato
Born in Canada and now living in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Dana is a coffee-reliant food writer with a healthy appetite, a taste for culinary adventure, a thirst for good beers, and an endless hunger for food photography. When not writing for Brit + Co, she can be found pouring herself into her blog-turned-webzine, Killing Thyme, or taste-testing at local breweries with her husband. Dana's ideal down time includes pizza, marathoning on Netflix, or watching her fave flicks from the 80s and 90s - no matter how great or awful they are!
