Cooking can be fun for the whole family. Mix and match recipes are the perfect way to use what you have on hand, reduce food waste and experiment—creating new meals everyone will love. Whether you’re whipping up soups, pasta dishes, skillet meals or smoothies, the possibilities are endless.
Let’s explore how these mix-and-match recipe ideas can work for you!
Fruit Smoothie 2 (with milk)
Smoothies can be a quick and healthy snack or breakfast. All you need is milk and fruit to create endless flavor combinations. Use any type of fruit you have on hand, whether it’s fresh, frozen or canned. Blend in extras like yogurt, nut butter or leafy greens for added nutrition. Let kids pick their favorite fruits and help with blending—it’s a great way to get them excited about healthy eating! You can also change the fruit based on the season, like berries in the summer or kiwi in the fall.
Mix and Match Vegetable Chowder
This hearty chowder is a comforting and customizable meal. Start with broth, flour and onions, then add potatoes, your choice of veggies and a protein like chicken, beans or tofu. Finish with evaporated milk and your favorite seasonings. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies and proteins. Turn this into a team effort by letting everyone in the family pick their favorite ingredients to add!
Mix and Match Grain Bowl
Grain bowls are a simple and versatile meal option. Start with a base of cooked grains like quinoa, rice, or bulgur, then add chopped veggies, bite-sized proteins (like cooked chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils or eggs) and a drizzle of sauce or dressing. Top it off with something crunchy or chewy, like nuts, seeds or dried fruit. If you are cooking with kids, let them build their own bowls with their favorite ingredients!
Mix and Match Salad
This mix and match recipe lets you create a fresh, flavorful salad with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Start with a base of fruits and veggies, then add flavor enhancers like herbs, spices, or a simple yogurt dressing. Top it off with nutrient boosters like nuts, seeds or cheese. Try fun combinations like pineapple and mango with chili powder or apples and grapes with cinnamon and almonds.
Mix and Match Pasta Salad
Pasta salads can be crowd-pleasers or quick weeknight meals. Cook your favorite pasta, then toss it with bite-sized proteins (try any mixture of cooked chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu, beans, lentils, cheese, or eggs), veggies and salad dressing. Add extras like nuts, seeds or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Cooking with kids? Let them have fun picking their favorite pasta shapes and toppings!
Mix and Match Stir-Fry
- Stir-fries are a great way to turn simple ingredients into a delicious meal. Start by cooking your choice of protein (Food Hero Skillet-Braised Chicken, Baked Tofu, and Microwave Steamed Fish are great options) in a skillet, then add bite-sized veggies and a flavorful sauce. Serve it over cooked grains like rice, quinoa or pasta. For different flavors, try our sauce combinations, like soy-ginger, peanut or curry.
Mix and Match Skillet Meal
This one-pan skillet meal is perfect for busy days. Combine uncooked grains, veggies, proteins and sauce in a skillet. Once cooked, top it off with grated cheese, crushed crackers or fresh herbs. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Try quinoa, chicken and mixed veggies. Or how about rice, beans and salsa? Skillet meals are hearty, satisfying and easy to customize.
Mix and match recipes offer flexibility, allowing you to use what you have on hand and use up food you have before it spoils. They can be budget-friendly by helping you make the most of leftovers and pantry staples. With endless flavor combinations, you’ll never get tired of mix and match meals. So open your fridge and cupboards, grab your favorite ingredients and get creative!
