A snack dinner is a parents' salvation. Home from a brutal day at work, sometimes the last thing you want to do is fire up the oven to make dinner for the family. Maybe you haven't gone to the grocery store this week. Maybe you're just not feeling up to cooking. Maybe you just want to not think so hard for the rest of the day.

The snack dinner is just what it sounds like: snacks for dinner. It's great for several reasons. First, you can use up the odds and ends in your pantry and refrigerator that aren't enough for a whole meal. It doesn't require cooking anything. And most of all, it has the word "snack" in it—and kids love snacks.

Calling it a snack dinner makes kids feel like they're getting away with something, and you, dear parent, actually are getting away with something: providing a delicious meal that doesn't require you to cook a darn thing.

The Components of a Snack Dinner

 It's important to note that a snack dinner isn't a cheese board, where cheese takes center stage. No one component of a snack dinner should take the lead in this performance; this is an ensemble, where every item takes an equally important role. A snack dinner is also not a collection of appetizers; though it can include appetizers, they should be ones that don't require cooking.

And though creating—and eating—a snack dinner can be fast and loose, encouraging experimentation and innovation, a few parameters should be kept in mind:

• The selected foods should be good (both taste and texture) at room temperature.

• While items may be precooked, none should be cooked just before serving.

• Beyond dipping, this is a low-effort meal for everyone.

• No utensils should be required; finger foods are key.

A good formula for a snack dinner is to have at least each of the following: protein, fruit, veggie, grain. A mix of textures and flavors is also good. You'll get bonus points for including something sweet for "snack dessert." Read on for some great snack dinner ideas.

Sample Snack Dinners

Charcuterie for the Family

Instead of a Sandwich

Deconstructed Chicken Salad

The Mediterranean Vegetarian

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