• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Family Friendly Veggie Packed Dishes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 14, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding meals that are both family-friendly and packed with veggies can be a challenge, especially when trying to keep things simple and quick. These 18 dishes are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy healthy, colorful meals throughout the week. From hearty casseroles to vibrant salads, these recipes will help you incorporate more vegetables into your family's diet without sacrificing flavor.

    Steak Salad with Fried Onions

    Steak Salad with Fried Onions.
    Photo Credit: The Virtual Caterer.

    This hearty vegetable-loaded dish brings the flavors of a classic steakhouse right to your kitchen. With crispy onions, grilled veggies, and a creamy blue cheese dressing, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for busy nights, this salad is filling and packed with fresh ingredients. You can customize it with your favorite dressing to suit your taste. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with flavor and plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It’s a quick dish that you can whip up in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day. The combination of different textures makes it satisfying and enjoyable. With just a few easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. This is a great option for anyone looking to eat more veggies.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Chicken Salad

    Thai Chicken Salad.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Thai Chicken Salad with peanut dressing combines fresh, crunchy vegetables with juicy chicken, all mixed together in a flavorful dressing. This dish brings together a nice mix of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy tastes that make it really enjoyable. It's a light yet filling option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Inspired by Thai flavors, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. It's a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Spaghetti Pasta Salad

    Spaghetti Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: She's Not Cookin'.

    Spaghetti Pasta Salad is a simple and refreshing side that works well for barbecues and picnics. It's filled with a variety of vegetables, cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette. Once the pasta is cooked, you can whip this up in just 10 minutes. This dish is great for adding some color and flavor to your meal. It's a quick and easy option that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with Brussels Sprouts

    Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with Brussels Sprouts.
    Photo Credit: Monica Nedeff.

    Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a tasty dish that highlights the flavors of fall. It's simple to prepare and works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can enjoy it in a burrito, use it as a filling for stuffed peppers, or even top your salad with it. This meal is packed with vegetables and is perfect for busy days. It's a great option for anyone looking to make meal prep easier.

    Get the Recipe

    Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

    Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    A tasty marinade brings out the best in this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, which is topped with simple homemade focaccia croutons. This salad is packed with flavor and is sure to become a favorite. It's perfect for a quick meal or a satisfying lunch. The combination of grilled chicken and fresh ingredients makes it a wholesome choice. Enjoy this salad whenever you're in the mood for something delicious and filling.

    Get the Recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with vegetables and full of flavor, making it a satisfying meal. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, depending on what you have on hand. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed hot or cold, perfect for any occasion. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Strawberry Pecan Salad

    Strawberry Pecan Salad.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Strawberry Pecan Salad brings together fresh strawberries, creamy feta, and a mix of greens for a refreshing side dish. The toasted pecans add a nice crunch and flavor that really enhances the salad. This dish is great for any meal and works well for gatherings or special occasions. It's a simple yet delicious option that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for adding a bit of color and taste to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

    Creamy Italian Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

    This pasta salad is packed with flavor and is perfect for a filling meal. It features salami for those who enjoy meat, along with two types of cheese that add richness. Fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness to every bite. The dressing combines tangy and garlicky notes, balanced with a hint of sweetness from honey. This dish is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed any time.

    Get the Recipe

    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This version of a favorite takeout meal is packed with plenty of chicken and fresh vegetables, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. The simple cooking steps make it easy to whip up a satisfying dish in no time. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a taste of Thailand right at home. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is sure to please everyone in the family.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is packed with fresh vegetables and can be ready in just 20 minutes, including prep time. It's a light and refreshing meal that doesn't rely on heavy cream, allowing the flavors of the veggies to really stand out. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. With its vibrant ingredients, it brings a taste of summer to your table. Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal that makes weeknight cooking easy.

    Get the recipe

    Bun Cha Gio – Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Spring Rolls

    Bun Cha Gio – Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Spring Rolls.
    Photo Credit: Aline Made.

    Bun Cha Gio is a delicious Vietnamese dish that features a refreshing vermicelli noodle salad. It's topped with crispy spring rolls, a variety of crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs. The combination of flavors is bright and satisfying, making it a great choice for any meal. A tangy sauce ties everything together, adding an extra layer of taste. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Meatless Baked Ziti

    Meatless Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Meatless Baked Ziti is a simple and satisfying dish that everyone in the family can enjoy. This vegetarian take on the classic Italian recipe is packed with plenty of cheese and ziti pasta. It's perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to please. It's a great option for meal prep, making it easy to have a delicious dinner ready to go.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb while ensuring it stays juicy and tender. The lamb chops cook alongside fresh vegetables, soaking up all the delicious flavors. It's a great option for a satisfying dinner that doesn't require much effort. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and tasty.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It offers a rich and filling pasta sauce that captures the essence of the traditional recipe, but without the long cooking time. Using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this dish comes together quickly. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting meal that feels like it took all day to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Gnocchi with Frozen Veggies

    Baked gnocchi with vegetables on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    A simple one pan, no chop gnocchi bake! Packed with frozen mixed vegetables and a comforting cheesy cream sauce, you will not believe how easy it is to create this comforting family meal.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi.
    Photo Credit: Peter's Food Adventures.

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi is a simple and satisfying dinner option that everyone will enjoy. It features crispy gnocchi paired with roasted mushrooms, a variety of vegetables, and chorizo, all topped with cheese. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and delicious. It's a healthy choice that requires minimal effort to prepare. Enjoy a comforting meal that brings the family together.

    Get the Recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a satisfying dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish brings together rich tastes and hearty ingredients. Enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Sun-dried tomato pasta salad.
      21 Colorful Pasta Salads Perfect for Hot Days
    • Creamy ranch chicken and potatoes.
      24 Crockpot Meals That Cook While You Relax
    • Greek pasta salad.
      19 Light and Zesty Pasta Recipes to Beat the Heat
    • Cheesburger sliders.
      22 Stupid Simple Summer Ground Beef Recipes That Get the Job Done

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Baked gnocchi with veggies.
      18 Family Friendly Veggie Packed Dishes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
    • Goulash.
      16 Easy Slow Cooker Meals for the Whole Family
    • Smoked salmon spinach pasta.
      25 Best Summer Dinners for When You’re Out of Time
    • Texas pasta.
      27 Comforting Casseroles That Won't Cost You a Fortune

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB