March is National Nutrition Month® and this year’s “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right” theme challenges us to celebrate and enjoy food with others. While it can be difficult to find time to sit down for a family meal during the week, it is possible with a little planning. A menu plan is helpful, but having go-to healthy recipes everyone enjoys is a must. The list of family dinner ideas below includes some of my favorite go-to meals that are super simple to prepare:

• Quesadillas and Burritos: Canned beans and cheese are the main ingredients in this straightforward recipe, though you can get creative by using leftover chicken, vegetables or anything in your refrigerator. Need a recipe to get started? Try these healthy Chicken Quesadillas or Zucchini Bean and Cheese Burritos. You can freeze the leftovers!

• Quesadillas and Burritos: Canned beans and cheese are the main ingredients in this straightforward recipe, though you can get creative by using leftover chicken, vegetables or anything in your refrigerator. Need a recipe to get started? Try these healthy Chicken Quesadillas or Zucchini Bean and Cheese Burritos. You can freeze the leftovers!
• Frittatas: Breakfast for dinner is an easy family favorite. Frittatas are open-faced omelets that can be made with leftovers or vegetables you have on hand. Check out this blog post on the basics of making frittatas.

Easy Dinner

• Pasta: There are many ways to create quick meals using pasta. One-pot pasta meals are especially simple and this One-Pot Tomato and Bean Pasta is a hit at my house. Plus, you can include any type of veggie or throw in chicken sausage.
• Seafood: Shrimp (and some fish) dishes cook quickly and are easy to prepare. Seafood is very healthy and according to the latest nutrition guidelines, your family should be eating fish twice a week. My kids love this Broiled Tilapia Parmesan, which is fast and simple to prepare.

• Slow Cooker Meals: My slow cooker is my best friend when it comes to quick, easy meals. I gravitate toward “dump it, set it and forget it” recipes that I can quickly throw together in the morning. This Slow Cooker Tex Mex Chicken is a family favorite and can be a creative way to use leftovers.

In addition to the tasty recipes above, I always serve vegetables and fresh fruit at the table. I keep my freezer stocked with bags of frozen veggies that can be steamed quickly in the microwave, seasoned with a little butter and herbs, and served as a healthy side. I use bagged salads and fresh vegetables too, but frozen vegetables are particularly helpful on crazy nights. In addition to having easy go-to meals in your back pocket, be sure to use your freezer wisely. I love this post by Real Mom Nutrition on 3 Ways your Freezer Can Make Home Cooking Easier. I do a lot of batch cooking and freeze my leftovers for fast meals I can grab as needed – they can be a lifesaver. These recipes and tips should get you on track to spend less time rushing around preparing dinner each night and more time with your family at the table truly “savoring the flavor of eating right” and enjoying each other’s company. For more healthy recipes, click here.