It’s about that time again; sweater weather is right around the corner, the bookbags are packed with shiny new pencils and notebooks, and the kids are heading off to another school year. I love the change and the seasons and back-to-school vibes, but there’s no denying that this time of year can take a lot out of you. These recipes require minimal effort and are a great way to put a homecooked meal on the table when you’re depleted from the day.
1. Air Fryer Salmon
Ever since I got my air fryer, I’ve wondered how I could have lived without it. It’s fantastic, makes food in a flash, and is super easy to use. This zero-point 15-minute salmon requires only a few common ingredients, like minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, to make it sing. Plus, the air fryer gives it a crisp outside and juicy, flaky inside. Serve it with some steamed vegetables for a full meal, and enjoy homecooked goodness from pantry to plate in less than half an hour.
2. Instant Pot Honey Mustard Garlic Chicken
If you’re looking for intense, deep, comforting flavors in less than half an hour from start to finish, this deceptively decadent and totally easy recipe is for you. Juicy chicken breasts are infused with a classic mixture of mustard, honey, and garlic and served with a creamy sauce that gets its velvety nature from fat-free Greek yogurt and chicken broth. The result is a two-point meal that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day long.
3. Weight Watchers Pizza
I don’t know about you, but my pizza craving kicks in hard on weekday nights when I’m bone tired. Instead of reaching for the takeout menu, I whip up this recipe, which is just three Weight Watchers points per slice and comes together in just over half an hour- or less time than it takes to get a pizza delivered. Greek yogurt and self-rising flour spiked with some thyme, basil, and garlic powder make a great homemade dough, and you can top it with virtually anything you’d like for a homemade pie that will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have in the crisper.
4. Spaghetti Carbonara
This recipe hits the spot when there’s that slight tinge of fall coolness in the air, and it’s a diet-friendly way to enjoy an Italian classic. You can also have it on the table in about half an hour, and it’s only five Weight Watchers points per serving. Turkey ham delivers authentic carbonara flavors without adding extra fat, and whole wheat spaghetti and zucchini noodles give you extra nutrients and complex carbohydrates. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this meal tastes like a splurge but is super skinny.
5. Instant Pot Cuban Arroz Con Pollo
This delightful rendition of arroz con pollo uses the magic of your Instant Pot to fuse complex flavors in just half an hour, and it’s only six Weight Watchers points per serving. It’s also hearty, vegetable-heavy, and uses common kitchen ingredients like garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, and rice, so you won’t even need to stop at the store after your busy day. Nutrient-rich vegetables like red bell pepper, peas, and carrots amp up the healthy factor of the dish, and the comforting blend of chicken and rice makes it a kid-friendly meal every time.
6. Turkey Taco Salad
At just two Weight Watchers points per serving, this taco salad is a great light dinner that hits on all the high notes of Tex-Mex food and is full of good-for-you ingredients like black beans, tomatoes, corn, and avocado. Seasoned turkey breast meets a vibrant salad packed with vegetables, beans, and crisp tortilla chips for various flavors and textures. Top it all off with a sweet and spicy homemade dressing full of fresh cilantro, garlic, red pepper, honey, and lime. You’ll just need 30 minutes from start to finish.
7. Chicken Souvlaki
Half of the prep time with this recipe is hands-off marinating the chicken, so you’ll need less than half an hour of active time in the kitchen to make these two-point wonders. I love how quickly they come together and the tried-and-true flavor combination of black pepper, lemon, and garlic on juicy cubes of flavorful chicken. Make sure that you give your wooden skewers a good soak before threading on your chicken pieces and popping them into the oven.
8. Hawaiian Meatballs
My kids adore these sweet and smoky Hawaiian meatballs, and at just four Weight Watchers points per serving, I can guiltlessly indulge, too. A tropical marinade of pineapple chunks, diced red bell pepper, soy sauce, garlic, onion, and barbeque sauce gives these pork meatballs a deeply flavorful and rich taste with notes of tanginess, sweetness, and spice throughout. You’ll need half an hour to get them on the table, and once you do, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe to make again and again.
9. Mac and Cheese
When I picture comfort food, I think of macaroni and cheese. This 20-minute, six-point stovetop recipe could not be easier, and it’s an ultra-healthy alternative to anything you’ll find in a box or drive-thru window. Use whole-grain macaroni for those complex carbs, and add Greek yogurt for that traditional creaminess without all of the calories. I like to use three different kinds of cheese: fat-free cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and reduced-fat cream cheese for that velvety, gooey base that only tastes like it will cost you a week’s worth of points.
10. Chicken Meatballs
These sinfully simple, one-point chicken meatballs are one of my favorite weeknight dinners and take just over 30 minutes to prepare. It relies on some timeless flavors; succulent chicken meatballs in marinara sauce topped with a few fresh basil leaves, but omits a lot of the original calories. I like to use panko breadcrumbs because they keep the meatballs light and add an irresistible crunch.
11. Pizza Casserole
Why have pizza or casserole when you can have both? This six-point, stick-to-your-ribs mash-up takes 40 minutes to make and will satiate your carb cravings like nothing else. Plus, you can add any extra vegetables you might have to the mix to give it an even stronger nutritional profile. I use low-sodium marinara sauce, turkey Italian sausage, and some pepperoni for classic pizza flavors, then add in red bell pepper and black olives for extra taste. You can toss in some zucchini, mushrooms, or whatever else you have on hand. It’s versatile, kid-approved, and a great weeknight option.
12. Instant Pot Chicken Cabbage
This recipe is my cold-weather go-to, and if you’re watching your pennies, it’s an excellent way to enjoy top comfort food in less than half an hour on a budget. Plus, it’s a smart and savory option at only two Weight Watchers points. You just need a few ingredients like a small head of cabbage, cooked chicken, cottage cheese, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and a splash of skim milk. Your Instant Pot will do the rest!
The back-to-school season calls for smart recipe hacks and easy homemade meals. These ones are some of my favorites, and once you make them, I’m sure they will be yours too.
Can’t wait to start trying these wonderful looking dishes. Thank you.
Thanks Martha! Please let us know how they turn out.