Ever feel like the weeknight struggle is real? Sometimes it’s hard to find the time to put a balanced meal on the table that the whole family will love, and it can be just as hard to think of something to prepare that you didn’t already eat last week! We’re with you. Check dinner inspiration off of your to-do list this week with these quick and easy weeknight dinners. Each of these delicious meals can be prepared in thirty minutes or less so you have more time to do the things you love with the people you love.
Pesto Perfection
Pasta is probably already in your weeknight rotation because it cooks quickly. And, really, who doesn’t love a steaming bowl of pasta after a long day? Take a break from spaghetti with this yummy pasta dish featuring pappardelle. The wide shape of these noodles makes the perfect canvas for a California Walnut Pesto made with fresh herbs, parmesan and walnuts. Add a fresh green salad on the side for an extra dose of veggies and dinner is served!
If you’re looking for more protein than carbs, salmon will go great with pesto, as well. We love the crunchy texture walnuts add to this Walnut-Crusted Pesto Salmon dish! Saute some veggies while the fish is cooking to round out your meal. From kitchen to table in just under thirty minutes, this flavorful combination is a dinner you can feel good about!
Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner
One of the reasons chicken and California walnuts pair so well together is because they’re both super versatile ingredients and pick up spices well. Take a flavor journey south of the border by cooking walnuts in a Mexican seasoning blend for the perfect Chili Lime Chicken. Served with lime juice for a zesty pop atop a bed of cilantro seasoned rice, this is not your typical chicken dinner!
If the word curry makes you think of a long, involved meal, think again. Our Chicken and Walnut Zoodle Bowl with Curry Vinaigrette comes together in just fifteen minutes. That’s less time than it might take you to pick up dinner! Fresh zucchini spirals make this dish light and nutrient-rich. California walnuts give this bowl just the right crunch factor and team up beautifully with bright red onion and refreshing cucumber. For the final touch, just add some curry powder to an olive oil vinaigrette and drizzle it on the dish!
For a third way to dress up your chicken, try a food bowl option! Layered brown rice, arugula, grilled chicken and California walnuts get the Thai treatment in this delightful Thai Walnut BBQ Chicken Bowl. Using the grill helps to cut down on clean up later, and this dish can be on your table in thirty minutes. Marinating chicken and peppers in classic Thai flavors helps to bring out the nuance of this delicious cuisine. A sauce made of rice vinegar and brown sugar is the perfect pairing for the grilled chicken.
Veg Out
Whether you’re totally plant-based or just joining in on Meatless Mondays, give these Walnut-Stuffed Korean Street Tacos a whirl. The key is using California walnuts to make a stand-in for meat that you’ll love because they’re hearty, crunchy, and full of flavor! Marinated vegetables, fresh cilantro, and bright lime round out the flavors in this crowd-pleaser.
Dinner can sometimes feel like a chore, but our amazing collection of quick and easy weeknight meals can help take away some of the stress, leaving you with more time to unwind and enjoy your evening.
