Fresh Markets

Take It Easy

Discover our favorite easy, family-friendly meal ideas.

Simplify the beginning of a busy season

Summer is coming to a close, kids are heading back to class and schedules are filling up. This time of year can be busy—which is why we’ve gathered some of our go-to weeknight recipes and meal ideas for you and your family. Learn new ways to pack quick, tasty lunches and whip up delicious dinners in less than 30 minutes.

Grain + Toppings = The Perfect Lunch

Farro with sautéed shrimp

Whether you’re packing lunch for the kids, prepping something to take to the office or both, grain bowls are a great option. Cook up a big batch of grains over the weekend, then portion them out and add your favorite protein and vegetables, plus sauce or vinaigrette. Simply swap out ingredients when you’re ready to mix things up!

Here are three of our favorite grain bowl creations: • Farro with sautéed shrimp, arugula, mustard herb vinaigrette, goat cheese and toasted pine nuts • Bulgur with grilled chicken, spinach, roasted tomatoes, feta and lemon tahini sauce • Quinoa with baked salmon, miso vinaigrette, sautéed bok choy, avocado, cilantro and sesame seeds

Simmer Sauce + Protein + Rice = Easy Weeknight Meal

Lemongrass Basil Simmer Sauce with Shrimp

We’re all about ingredients that save time without sacrificing quality and flavor.

If you’re craving Thai that tastes better than takeout (and might even take less time), try Saffron Road Simmer Sauce with Tasty Bite Rice. Simply sauté your favorite protein and vegetables, then add the sauce until it bubbles. Warm your rice, and you’ll be ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!

Our favorite combination? Lemongrass Basil Simmer Sauce with shrimp, snap peas and Jasmine Rice.

30-Minute Recipe Roundup

Busy week? Keep things simple with quick, tasty dinner recipes your whole family will love! You can whip them up in half an hour or less and keep cleanup to a minimum.

Shrimp and Linguini Primavera
Shrimp and Linguine Primavera
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zucchini noodles with pesto and poached egg
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Poached Egg
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Rigatoni-with-Bolognese-Sauce-LBM
Rigatoni with Bolognese Sauce
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Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps
Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps
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Chicken with Lemon Rosemary Pan Sauce
Chicken with Lemon Rosemary Pan Sauce
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Beef Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Cauliflower Rice
Beef Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Cauliflower Rice
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One-Pot Meals

Reasons why you should bookmark these recipes ASAP: First, they’re delicious. Second, they feature premium ingredients like our fresh-ground chuck and all-natural chicken breasts, which are on sale on Tuesdays (find more Chuck and Chicken recipes). Last, but certainly not least, they’re fast and super-simple. What more could you want?

Zoodles Bolognese
One- Pot Zoodles Bolognese
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One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Mac & Cheese
One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Mac & Cheese
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One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo with Spinach
One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo & Spinach
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Your Lunchbox Never Had It So Good

Who says healthy has to taste boring? Our fun-filled assortment of better-for-you cookies, crackers, minis and mix-in leaves out all the junk, so there's extra room for flavor!

Lunchbox 1 (Teal): Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor! Fresh sliced apples and crisp celery sticks pair perfectly with The Fresh Market Nut Butters for a satisfying dip. Boulder Canyon Avocado Oil Chips add a savory crunch, making this lunchbox a wholesome blend of produce and protein-packed snacks.

Lunchbox 2 (Yellow): A colorful mix of sweet and salty delights! Juicy fresh cherries bring natural sweetness, while Pretzilla Pretzel Bites offer a soft, savory twist. SmartSweets Minis keep sugar in check, and Mavericks Bolt Cookies add a fun, better-for-you treat to round out the box.

Lunchbox 3 (Blue): Bright berries and better-for-you bites! Fresh raspberries add a juicy pop, complemented by Little Rae's First Day Back Cookies for a festive touch. Abe’s Cupcake Muffins offer a soft, sweet snack, and Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers bring a satisfying crunch with clean ingredients.

Lunchbox 4 (Pink): A playful mix of fruity and crunchy! The Fresh Market Organic Banana Chips deliver a naturally sweet crunch, paired with Drumroll Donuts for a fun treat. Fresh blueberries add a burst of freshness, while Mavericks Sandwich Crackers provide a hearty, wholesome finish.