Share By Shannon Crocker MSC RD PHEc
But there’s no need to rely on expensive ready-made-meals or takeout. Here are 2 easy “cook once, eat twice” meals to save you time and fuel your family well through busy weeks.
Turkey Taco Pasta Salad
Put a spin on Taco Tuesday with this flavour-packed pasta salad. This quick and easy dinner comes together in just over 30 minutes and is customizable to accommodate your family’s taste (and veggie) preferences. Make a double batch so you’ve got some ready for lunch the next day.
Packed Lunch Tip: The best thing about pasta salad is that the flavours absorb into the pasta overnight and it tastes even better the next day. Divide dinner leftovers into reusable containers and refrigerate. In the morning, all you have to do is pack it into lunch bags with water bottles, snacks (fruit is good!) and ice packs.
Nutrition Good-to-Know: Along with providing energy-boosting protein, the ground turkey in this recipe adds easily absorbable zinc, super for supporting immunity at back-to-school time.
Grilled Turkey Caesar Wraps
Does your family love Caesar salad? Try these Grilled Turkey Caesar wraps for something a bit more satisfying. Wash, dry and refrigerate romaine so you’ve got it ready to make salads and wraps. Turkey can be easily marinated and grilled ahead for a “throw together” meal – like these wraps – or power bowls (great for grab n’ go breakfasts or lunch too).
Packed Lunch Tip: Store extra cooked turkey and washed, un-dressed romaine separately in the fridge until you are ready to make your wraps. To keep the lettuce from going soggy, try adding a drizzle of dressing in the wrap, rather than tossing it into the romaine before assembly or put in a small container and drizzle on later. Pack with an ice pack to keep it cool until lunch.
Nutrition Good-To-Know: Look for “whole grain or whole wheat” on the ingredients list of your wraps at the grocery store for the sustained-energy and gut-friendly benefits of whole grains and fibre.
Remember to keep cold food cold, and hot food hot for food-safe lunches. Check out Health Canada’s food safety tips for packing lunches.
Happy Healthy Eating,
Shannon