
Published March 1, 2025
While planning family meals can be time-consuming and stressful, eating out is often an expensive and less healthy option.
Publix can help you make fast, easy, and balanced meals for your family. Just follow these three simple steps to get started.
Step 1: Pick your protein.
Choosing the right protein can feel daunting, but it can be as simple as picking the most convenient choice and going from there. Ready-to-eat choices can help save time, but we have all sorts of delicious, smart options available in our Meat department, frozen food section, and Deli.
Step 2: Choose the right sides.
Include a fruit or vegetable to round out your meal. You can also consider adding a whole grain-based side, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or whole grain bread.
When pairing sides with your entrée, imagine eating the protein you selected at a restaurant. What sides would it be served with? For example, if you chose meatballs, it’s easy to picture a side of whole grain pasta, broccoli, or a salad. You may be surprised how easy planning quick meals can be.
Step 3: Visit your neighborhood Publix.
Consider convenient options from Publix including canned vegetables, frozen foods, and ready-to-eat Deli items. Our registered dietitians have selected plenty of easy, smart meals you can make at home in no time.
Hot and ready in-store finds.
Oven-roasted chicken with sheet pan veggies.
Bring home Publix favorites you can serve hot in minutes. For a side, our Sheet Pan/Air Fryer Veggie Kits will hit the spot. Just pop the veggies out of the bag and into your oven or air fryer for a delicious complement to your oven-roasted chicken.
Baked chicken tenders and a Publix salad kit.
Swing by the Deli and order savory baked tenders you can chop up and serve at home in a flash. When tossed with one of our Publix salad kits, you have a source of lean protein and leafy greens in one entrée.
Steamed seafood, frozen quinoa blend, and Brussels sprouts.
Did you know we’ll steam your order for you in the Seafood department? Grab your favorite fish or crustacean, ready to season and eat. While you’re at it, pick up one of our frozen quinoa blends—simply heat in the microwave to serve—and our roasted Brussels sprouts from the Deli.
Simple specialty dishes.
Spaghetti squash.
There’s nothing like a big bowl of spaghetti—and this one comes with a lower-carb twist. Add our precooked refrigerated meatballs, your favorite sauce, and one of our Publix salad kits for a quick, simple tour of Italy.
To prepare your spaghetti squash, place one squash half cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish; add 1/4 cup of water, then cover and microwave on HIGH 12–15 minutes until the squash can be easily pierced with a skewer or knife.
Uncover the dish and let stand 5 minutes to cool. Repeat with remaining squash half, then use a fork to scrape strands gently out of the squash halves, discarding the skins.
If squash halves aren’t available, pierce a whole squash all over with a fork, then microwave on HIGH 5 minutes to soften. Halve squash lengthwise, then follow the process above, cooking each half 8–10 minutes until tender.
Quinoa bowl topped with a black bean patty.
Prepare a meatless, hearty meal with plenty of plant-based protein, fiber, and potassium. Simply visit the frozen food section to grab our Publix black bean burger patties and a frozen quinoa blend to get started.
Easy foods on hand.
Crescent roll-ups.
Roll into lunch with Publix crescent dough, sliced low-sodium cheese, and GreenWise lunch meat. Wrap the meat and cheese in the dough, then bake until golden brown. Add some pre-cut fruit from our Produce department as a side, and dig in.
Frozen pizza.
You can spice up pizza night by adding more toppings to your pie before or after baking. Load your frozen pizza with extra veggies before it goes in the oven, or add some arugula and balsamic dressing after baking to give your dinner a tangy kick and some added nutrients.
Breakfast for dinner wrap.
Warm a whole wheat flour tortilla on a griddle or pan, scramble a few eggs, and cook some turkey bacon. Fill your tortilla and sprinkle low-sodium shredded cheese with a spoonful of pico de gallo from the Deli.
If you have any questions about preparing smart, simple meals for your family, please feel free to email our team of dietitians.
For the love of you.
Choosing how you eat is uniquely personal. It’s about your needs, your preferences, and your goals. As your wellness ally, we’re in your corner with fresh ideas, recipes, and wellness icons that make it easier to shift toward wiser food choices. It’s all about you, at your very best.