21 delectable make-ahead recipes for busy days

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Life can get hectic, but fear not! These time-saving recipes will have you thanking your past self as you indulge in mouthwatering dishes that are ready to enjoy whenever you need them.

Cast Iron Chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Grilled and sliced chile lime chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Chile Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Prepare this Chile Lime Grilled Chicken in advance for an effortless and delightful dish that combines the vibrant flavors of lime, chile, and sea salt with juicy, grilled chicken. It’s the ideal summer dinner that can be made ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chile Lime Chicken

Carne Asada

Carne asada on a blue plate surrounded by cilantro, halved oranges, limes, and beer.
Carne Asada. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

When it comes to carne asada marinades, this recipe stands out with its authentic Mexican flavors. Packed with smoky, citrusy, and savory notes, it’s the perfect choice for a variety of dishes, from carne asada burritos to restaurant-quality carne asada plates. Prepare it ahead of time to enhance its flavors.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken slow cooker enchiladas in a baking dish with two copper forks.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas are a spicy, tangy, and cheesy delight. With tender chicken, bold enchilada sauce, chewy tortillas, and melty cheese, they make a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. You can prepare them in advance, making hosting a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup on hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Delight in the flavors of a hearty marinara sauce, a delectable Italian creation made with hand-crushed tomatoes, sautéed garlic and onion, rich olive oil, fresh basil, and flavorful Italian herbs. This sauce can be prepared ahead of time to enhance its deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With this Cast Iron Chicken recipe, you can have a wonderfully crisp, savory, and salty exterior paired with a tender and juicy interior, all in under 30 minutes. It’s a time-saving option that can be made ahead of time for a hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Grilled Garlic Lime Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled, sliced chicken on a white plate with cilantro crema.
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Elevate your summer meals with grilled chicken topped with cilantro crema. This recipe combines juicy marinated and grilled chicken breast with a creamy and tangy cilantro crema. It’s a fantastic pairing for weeknights or summer cookouts, and you can prepare it in advance.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Tuna pesto pasta on a white plate with a copper fork.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in an easy weeknight meal with this tuna pesto pasta recipe featuring burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. With the option to prepare it ahead of time, it’s a convenient and flavorful choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Turkey Burger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These air fryer turkey burgers are quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The perfectly seasoned turkey patty, crispy toasted bun, and your favorite toppings make them a delightful option for a weeknight dinner. Prepare them ahead of time for added convenience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Chicken and cabbage soup in a white bowl with a red linen beside it.
Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the savory combination of chicken thighs, potatoes, vegetables, ginger, garlic, and spices in this Chicken and Cabbage soup. You can prepare it in advance to enhance the flavors and ensure a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Furikake Salmon

Furikake topped salmon on a white plate surrounded by sliced limes.
Furikake Salmon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Treat your family to Furikake Salmon, a delicious baked salmon marinated in soy, sugar, ginger, garlic, and jalapeño. Brushed with mayonnaise and sprinkled with furikake, it’s a rich, savory, sweet, and easy weeknight dinner. Prepare it ahead of time to save on cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Furikake Salmon

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Instant Pot chicken stew in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience the simplicity and deliciousness of Instant Pot Chicken Stew, where tender shredded chicken thighs, vegetables, and thyme come together for a warming and flavorful dinner. Most of the cooking time is hands-off in the Instant Pot, making it a great make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Leek & Squash Quiche

Closeup overhead shot of a leek and squash quiche in a pie dish.
Leek & Squash Quiche. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Indulge in the flavors of Leek & Squash Quiche, a shareable savory dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Featuring warm butternut squash, tangy goat cheese, and earthy rosemary, it’s a dish you can prepare in advance for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Leek & Squash Quiche

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Instant pot navy bean soup in a copper-colored spoon over a white bowl of soup.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup is an easy dinner that combines warming broth, salty bacon, hearty navy beans, celery, carrot, and fresh herbs. With an under-an-hour cooking time, it’s a great option to prepare ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Lemons, sweet peppers, thyme, and cherry tomatoes with baked chicken thighs on a sheet tray.
Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Enjoy the ease and taste of a lemon chicken tray bake, a delightful weeknight meal that brings together crispy, savory chicken thighs, fresh thyme, roasted sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and bright lemon flavors. You can prepare it in advance for a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Mediterranean grain bowls on a white marble counter.
Mediterranean Grain Bowls. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Mediterranean Grain Bowls are a quick and nourishing weeknight meal. Simply combine pre-cooked grains, healthy vegetables, and bold Mediterranean flavors for a delicious dish that can be ready in about 10 minutes. Prepare the ingredients ahead of time for added convenience.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Roast chicken with orange butter on a white platter with thyme, sage, rosemary, and halved oranges.
Roast Chicken with Orange Butter. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Savor the crispy skin, fragrant orange butter, and juicy, tender meat of this roast chicken recipe. It’s a delightful choice that can be prepared ahead of time, ensuring a flavorful and hassle-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Roast Chicken with Orange Butter

Salmon Mango Salad

Salmon mango salad on a white plate.
Salmon Mango Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Treat yourself to a refreshing salmon mango salad featuring juicy, ripe mango, pan-seared salmon, tart pickled onions, and a tangy, citrusy jalapeño honey lime dressing. You can prepare the ingredients in advance for a delightful and time-saving meal.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Mango Salad

Sausage Spinach Quiche

Closeup overhead shot of a sausage spinach quiche in a white pie dish.
Sausage Spinach Quiche. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Delight in a comforting breakfast or brunch with this sausage and spinach quiche. With tangy goat cheese, earthy rosemary, and a flaky, buttery pie crust, it’s a dish that can be prepared ahead of time for a delicious and stress-free gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Spinach Quiche

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Salmon, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and roasted fingerling potatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies is a convenient and delicious dinner option. Combining Dijon, brown sugar, and chipotle-rubbed baked salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, burst cherry tomatoes, savory asparagus, and thyme, it’s a perfect sheet pan recipe that can be prepared in advance.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche

Slices of smoked salmon and spinach quiche on two blue plates.
Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Impress your guests with a smoked salmon and spinach quiche, featuring tangy goat cheese, fresh spinach and dill, and a buttery pie crust. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal for brunch or any gathering, and you can prepare it ahead of time for ease.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Spinach Quiche

Beef Yaki Udon

Beef yaki udon in a white bowl with chopsticks.
Beef Yaki Udon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

For a flavorful weeknight dinner, indulge in Beef Yaki Udon. Loaded with vegetables, ginger, garlic, and soy, it offers a delicious bite that can be prepared in advance for your convenience.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon

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