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Easy Back-to-School Meal Ideas

September 5, 2024 by Marilena Leavitt Leave a Comment

tomato and ricotta filo tart As we transition slowly from summer to fall, we are easing into a different pace of living and a more structured routine that often revolves around back-to-school schedules.

If you are looking for some inspiration for easy back-to-school meal ideas to add to the rotation of family-style dinners, you are in the right place:  in this post, I share some of my favorite tried-and-true recipes for protein-rich meals, pasta dinners, chicken dinners, one-pot vegetarian meals and hearty salads. With a little planning many of these recipes will make enough leftovers to enjoy again later in the week!

I hope these recipes will help with your planning of easy, fuss-free weeknight meals that everyone will love.  After all, at the end of a busy day, nothing brings everyone together than enjoying a delicious, home-made meal!

15 Easy Back-to-School Meal Ideas

Farfalle with Sautéed Tomatoes, Zucchini and Basil

Pasta with tomatoes, zucchini and basil

One-Pot Greek Orzo Pasta with Tomatoes and Feta

greek orzo with feta

Easy Spaghetti with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp

Spaghetti with garlic-lemon shrimp.sq

Greek Summer Roasted Vegetable Medley

Greek summer roasted vegetables

Easy Stovetop Frittata with Fresh Herbs

frittata with herbs

End-of-Summer Panzanella Salad (Tuscan Tomato & Bread Salad)

end of summer panzanella salad

Delicious Tomato and Ricotta Filo Tart

tomato and ricotta filo tart

Easiest Savory Zucchini and Feta Filo Pie

filo pie with zucchini and feta

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

Greek grilled chicken salad

Easy Chicken Milanese Topped with Arugula Salad

easy chicken milanese with arugula salad

Crsispy Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken with Cool Ranch Sauce

Crispy Oven-Baked Parmesan Tenders

Weeknight Honey-Dijon Chicken Cutlets

Easy honey-dijon chicken cutlets

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Grilled pork tenderloin with sage and garlic

Pan-Seared Cod with Lemon, Olives and Capers

Easy pan-seared cod with lemon, olives and capers

One-Pan Sausage, Pepper and Onion Braise

sausage, pepper and onion braise

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Filed Under: Recipe Roundups Tagged With: easy back to school meals, Easy weeknight meals, easy weeknight recipes, family dinners, Mediterranean recipes, quick weeknight recipes

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Marilena Leavitt

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Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh b Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh berries 🍓A delightful springtime dessert that is light, seasonal, and elegant at the same time 🌼 Crispy filo layers form the base, with a delicious almond pastry cream custard, fresh strawberries and toasted almonds on top - so delicious! 🍓
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A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
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✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
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#springdessert #strawberries #tarts #baking @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweettreats #bakingfromscratch #dessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #Easterdessert #bakedwithlove #mothersdaydessert #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versi Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versions of the traditional Greek Easter bread (tsoureki), a bread that everyone makes for Easter in Greece! 🧡 It is a brioche-like, slightly sweet, yeasted bread made using eggs, milk, and butter. 🧡 A delicious breakfast bread, the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea! 🧡☕️ 🫖☕️
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✨ New recipe on the blog, linked in profile and in stories 👩🏻‍🍳✨
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#breadrolls #bread #Greekbread #Easterbread #tsoureki @kingarthurbaking #braidedbread #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #foodfluffer #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #sweetreats #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen 

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Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt dressing: seasonal, bright and tender vegetables that pair so well with this delicious, creamy dressing! So, so good! 🥗🥬🥒🌿
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🌿Recipe linked in bio & on the blog: [Marilenaskitchen.com]👩🏻‍🍳🌿
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#springsalad #summersalads #vegetarian #healthyrecipes #salad #homemadefood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #yogurtdressing #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #eathealthy #eattherainbow 
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Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, s Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, shallots, fresh herbs and Feta cheese 🌿🌀 A delicious spring recipe inspired by the classic Greek spanakopita. Wholesome, flavorful vegetarian dish, perfectly crispy and flaky in every bite! 🌿
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🌿This is a new recipe, in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
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🌿 Recipe linked in profile and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] 👩🏻‍🍳
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#savorybaking #filo #filopastry  #appetizer @fillofactory #bakingtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #spinachpower #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #fillofactory #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeast #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond f My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond flour and semolina flour. 🍊🍊 A super moist, not too sweet “snack cake”, with a great nutty flavor and a pronounced citrus flavor. So, so good, perfect with a cup of coffee and a great treat to have around the house for anytime of the day! 🍊🍊
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✨Recipe linked in profile, and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] ✨
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#orangecake #coffeecake @kingarthurflour #bakelove #dessertsofinstagram #snackcake #mediterraneancuisine #bakefromscratch #fromscratch #greekfoodblogger #almondcake #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #droolclub #thecookfeed #thebakefeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #f52food #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautescuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #onthetable #allrecipes #foodphotography
Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a d Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a delicious and healthy recipe, full of good plant-based protein and fiber, a staple in the Mediterranean diet! ✨💯😋
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✨New recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
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Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and with their skin removed
2-3 cloves garlic
¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
pinch of ground cumin
pinch of Cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp. sea salt
⅓ cup ice-cold water 
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(Full recipe on my site)
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#hummusrecipe #pitachips #homemadepitachips #savoryfood #easydips #partyfood #gamesnacks  #appetizerideas #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #buzzfeast #homemade #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #snack #foodphotography
Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles fil Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles filled with Feta cheese and a tiny amount of spearmint 💙✨Crispy filo layers and sharp Greek Feta, such a delicious flavor and texture combination! 😋 Nobody can resist this favorite Greek snack! ✨💙🇬🇷
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✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
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~ INGREDIENTS:

• ½ lb. Greek feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ lb. ricotta cheese (full fat) or Greek anthotiro (if you can find it)
•1 large egg, beaten
• ¼-½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• ½ lb. filo dough, thawed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, for brushing on the filo 
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#filoappetizers #gamedayfood #tiropitakia #τυροπιτάκια  #greekfood #greekrecipes #filo #tiropitakia #greekgastronomy #filosnacks #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #Greeksnack #greekfoodblogger #foodandwine #thefeedfeed @dodoni_international #mediterraneanlifestyle #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #greekchef #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #fetacheese #yummyfood #allrecipes #lovefood #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-r Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-roasted chicken with small red potatoes and lots of fresh lemon and garlic! A super simple and delicious recipe! ✨😋👌
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✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
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#roastedchicken #sundaydinners #comfortfood #chickenrecipes #familymeals #buttermilkchicken @ciaosamin #saltfatacidheatcookbook
Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of F Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of Fontina cheese, a delicious dish - not only for breakfast or weekend brunch, but also for those busy weeknight evenings!  So, so good! 😋🌶️🌿🧀 🍠
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✨Full recipe up on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
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#frittata #breakfastrecipes #savorybreakfast #brunchtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #myfoodphotography #mediterraneandiet #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delici Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delicious and easy holiday appetizer! A box of good quality filo shells, some smoked salmon, and a simple custard of eggs & cream is all you need to make these flavorful little savory bites! 🥂🎄😋
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🎄A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory🎄
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✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], also linked in stories!✨
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#appetizerideas #holidayappetizer #brunchideas #filoappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #filodough #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography
A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puf A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puff Pastry Parmesan Cheese Straws with fresh rosemary and sesame seeds! ✨😋 Crispy and flaky, savory and so flavorful, they are the perfect addition to a holiday buffet and any charcuterie board! ✨🧡💯
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This new recipe is a collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡
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✨Find the recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
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#cheesestraws #puffpastryrecipes #appetizerrecipe #vegetarianappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red onion slivers, ready to be wrapped in toasted pita bread! An all-time favorite family meal! 😋🥙 💙🇬🇷
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✨Recipe linked in profile! 👩🏻‍🍳✨
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#Greekmeatballs #keftedakia #greekcuisine #comfortfood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed  #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #yummyfood #weeknightmeals #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #saveurmag #appetitejournal #allrecipes #marilenaskitchen
Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a gr Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall baking! 🍂🍎🍁
Crispy, buttery, flaky filo cups make the base for a delicious apple and spice filling. The addition of cheddar cheese adds an unexpected layer of flavor to this easy fall dessert! 🧡🍂🍎
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🍂A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡🍂
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✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
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#fallbaking #apples #bakingwithapples @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweetandsavory #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #cabotcheese #bakedwithlove #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Fe Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Feta cheese, oregano and lots of good extra virgin olive oil - such an irresistible treat! 🧡🍞Super easy to make even for the novice baker, a favorite accompaniment to every Greek meal! 🇬🇷💙😋
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✨A favorite recipe from my blog, linked in profile! ✨👩🏻‍🍳
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#Greekbread #cheesebread #skilletbread #τυρόψωμο #freshbread #breadbaking #bread #bakingtime #fromscratch #goodmoodfood #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #chefsofinstagram #marilenaskitchen
A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of cardamom-infused plums is a match-made-in-heaven! ✨ A wonderful combination of sweet and slightly tart plums that pair so well with the deep, earthy flavor of freshly ground cardamom! So, so good! 🧡😋 
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✨ A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡 
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✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
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#easydessert #fruitart #puffpastry @fillofactory #bakingtime #plums #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
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