Quick Dinners

Does it feel like dinner-time feels the squeeze this time of year at your house, too? More extracurricular activities, enforced bedtimes and busy days can lead to the evening panic, but it's not quite time for heavy stews simmering in the slow cooker all day.

Here are some of our favorite quick, late summer dinner recipes.

Smothered Grilled Chicken— When our family makes this, we include zucchini in with the sauteed vegetables. Served with garlic potatoes, it's my husband's favorite dinner. 

Salmon with Spicy Cucumber-Pineapple Relish— I left the spicy jalapenos out of a portion of the relish and my two-year old all but inhaled it. It was great served with a side of rice and sauteed green beans from the garden.

Squash, Mushroom and Black Bean Quesadillas— These are pretty amazing quesadillas.

Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwiches— The lone eggplant in our garden has a meeting with its destiny in this sandwich.

Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes— I can't be the only one whose cherry tomatoes are going crazy!

Taco Salad with Pinto Beans and Avocado— Deceptively simple, but so good. A great vegetarian option.

Pork Chops Smothered with Peppers and Onions— I'll admit: I was a bit weary of the fennel seed, but I think it totally makes this dish.

Spinach, Grape and Bacon Salad— Bacon makes main dish salads manly, right?

Grilled Pizza— Topped with little more than cheese, fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, this is a winner!

Avocado and Turkey Paninis with Ranch Dressing— I really think garden (or farmer's market) fresh tomatoes should get billing in this recipe.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta— A rotisserie chicken makes this quick and easy.

Chickpea Salad with Lemon, Parmesan and Herbs— Note that you'll want to double this to serve four.

Pasta with Tomato Sauce and Lemony Beans— Sub out the canned diced tomatoes for fresh ones, if you've got them.

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