Spring Sports means No Cook Dinners are on the agenda whether we like it or not! It can either be from a drive thru, a box of cereal or something nutritious. What’s a mom to do? Here’s Two weeks worth of No Cook Meals ideas to give you a little inspiration & get you thinking outside the (cereal) box! (Get my FREE Grocery List cheat sheet!)
Easy No Cook Meal Ideas will keep you going during the busiest of weeknights this spring!
NO COOK DINNER IDEAS
With the help of some pre-made foods, dinner can be ready in a snap. With just a little planning on grocery day, you can have yourself set for a week (or two!) of NO COOK DINNER meals.
Or, forget about planning and get my FREE grocery list that covers EVERYTHING for these 10 easy no-cook dinners!
Avoiding the drive thru is key for your health (AND YOUR BUDGET). Here’s my top 10 go-to NO COOK DINNER ideas to help you get through the crazy spring sports schedules!
10 EASY NO COOK DINNERS
#1: Veggie Tray & Sandwiches
Veggie Trays aren’t just for the party scene. These are a GREAT time saver for after school snacks, post practice snacks, or as part of your dinner.
You can go full-on hoagie style, muffaletta (with a pre-made olive spread), or ultimate veggie by using soy cheese & meats. Just make sure to get some hearty sandwich rolls at the store, and all the fixin’s (lettuce, tomato, pickles, etc.).
#2: DELI Soup & Salad
Grab a couple of pints (or quarts) of pre-made soup from the deli section. DON’T go canned with this…unless you have a favorite. Add a pre-made salad mix, and you’re all set.
Hearty, warm & delish.
#3: Bar-B-Que Pork & Baked Beans
Jack Daniel’s ready-made pulled pork (or the veggie option: The Jackfruit Company’s BBQ Jackfruit) is perfect for a weeknight after practice. Heat it up in the micro & put it on some hearty buns. Microwave some Bush’s Grillin’ Beans (Smokehouse Tradition flavor), and some corn on the cobb—it’ll feel 100% like summer time is right around the corner.
#4: Rotisserie Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans
Like all moms everywhere, for busy weeknights, I like to have at least one or two rotisseries at the ready. Everyone loves them. Rarely a complaint is heard with these birds.
To make it a full NO COOK meal, grab a ready-made mashed potato container (usually in the meat isle–Bob Evans or Publix brand). Then, add a side of your kids’ favorite microwavable veggie (green beans for us). Done.
Remember, I’ve already made a grocery list for you! Just click here to get it!
#5: Brinner – Breakfast Sammies
You can go old school Jimmy Dean with this, or you can try the Morning Star veggie options (Special K even has a line of breakfast sandwiches). Throw in a couple of whole grain waffles, and you’ll fill them up for sure.
Pre-cooked Bacon (or veggie sausages)? You’re mom of the year.
#6: Frozen Burritos with Chips & Guac
You don’t have to go super cheap with these, but you could. Though, you may have some pretty bad college flashbacks. Go bean, beef, or chicken—get a few of each. Either way, stick to the good-for-you brands, and try to avoid the ones with the mystery meat. (If you’re into freezer prepping, then this is right in your sweet spot).
Add a side of pre-made guacamole from the deli (or produce) section, and you’ve just included a super food in your no-cook dinner. Throw in a few organic tortilla chips. Look at you GO, mama!
#7: Edamame, Instant Rice & Rotisserie Chicken
My kids LOVE the precooked bags of edamame (in the shell). They sit and eat them like they’re boiled peanuts. They can easily kill an entire bag, and it’s full of protein!
Add a bag of instant rice (we like wild rice), and a piece of chicken. Dinner is ready AND healthy!
#8: Leftover Night – Chicken Taco Salad OR Burrito Bowls
Take whatever meat you have left over from the chickens, and you can add them to a salad or burrito bowl. Heat up another bag of instant MEXICAN rice and mix with a can of black beans.
Heap on to a salad mix, or go heavy on the rice to make it a burrito bowl. Throw in a handful of tortilla chips, and you’re set.
Favorite toppings: shredded cheese, guacamole, pre-made pico de gallo, roasted corn salsa.
#9: Giant Pizza & Veggie Tray
I know this isn’t rocket science, but I had to include a pizza for one reason! It is most people’s kryptonite. Almost every family is going to order a pizza on Friday night. This will save you about $30, and it’s not AS bad for you.
Don’t get the frozen kind. Get the HUGE “ready to bake” one from your deli. Walmart, Sams, Costco, etc. all have these. Most have the supreme with veggies on top.
All you have to do is stick it in the oven. Glorious pizza without price or (as many) calories.
#10: Alfredo Zoodles With Tomatoes & Salad
Technically, there’s no cooking on this one, but you will have to Zoodle up some zucchini (or buy them already spiralized). Heat up the Alfredo sauce, add it to the UNCOOKED zucchini noodles. Top with loads of parmesan and sliced grape tomatoes. Add a side salad. BOOM.
FYI: Here’s the cheap-o spiralizer I use & can zip through 3 zucchini in just a couple of minutes.
No Cook Meals Are Quick, Easy & Healthy(ish)!
Dinner can be super quick, easy, and inexpensive. All it takes is a little bit of planning before you go to the grocery store. (Or, avoid the planning all together with my grocery list!)
Work days, practice days, game nights–all of it can be brutal! Dinner doesn’t have to be a problem anymore. Just use a few of these ideas to get you on the right track! AND OUT OF THE DRIVE THRU!
Go on, get the list and the only food pick up you’ll need to do is at Walmart!
Want to remember this? Pin 10 No Cook Dinner Ideas for Spring Sports Nights to your favorite Pinterest Board!
