The $4.49 Kroger Freezer Find I Always Keep On Hand

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to eat more vegetables, but you're still struggling with how to get them in, I first want to acknowledge that the struggle is real. We do not all have the same 24 hours in a day.

As parents, that time is monopolized by the little ones we spend time keeping alive, thriving, and well-loved. And as any mama knows, that often leaves little time for you—even for the basics. But it's not too late! If you don't have the time or energy to prepare a simple salad, or to wash, chop, and roast a pan of veggies after an exhausting day, let me introduce you to my new friend: a bag of frozen, grilled, and pre-seasoned Mediterranean vegetables from Kroger.

Late last year, I was asked to test out several frozen side dishes, and of all the dishes I tried, this one tasted the closest to homemade. These particular vegetables from Kroger's Private Selection line have since become a reliable kitchen "hack" for getting a vegetable-forward meal on the table quickly and easily. What's more, (almost) everyone in my family loves them. We all have a picky eater, though. Right?

Kroger's Private Selection Seasoned Mediterranean Vegetables

• Price: $4.49

• Why I Love It: This freezer find tastes homemade, unlike many frozen veggie sides. It's also so convenient because it eliminates all prep work and still allows me to put together a nutritious meal for my family.

Why I Love Kroger's Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables

I generally prefer fresh veggies to frozen, but these are one of the rare exceptions. The combination of garlic, basil, and oregano creates a remarkable flavor base that tastes perfectly seasoned. The yellow and red peppers, zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes maintain their individual textures and flavors even after reheating.

Most importantly, the convenience factor cannot be overstated because they virtually eliminate all prep work. I make most of our food from scratch, but on nights when my cooking motivation is hovering near zero, I like that I can still pull together a nutritious and tasty meal centered around vegetables. As a busy mom who values feeding my family whole foods as much as possible, this freezer find turned out to be a big win.

How I Use Kroger's Mediterranean Vegetables

While the package instructions work well, I've learned a few tricks to make these veggies even better. I recommend cooking them in the oven rather than microwaving them (both options are listed on the packaging). It's also important to keep an eye on some of the smaller pieces and pull them out earlier if necessary. For example, I've noticed that the red onions can burn before the other veggies are done.

When I want to zhuzh them up, I'll add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up. And if I’ve got it in the fridge, a light crumbling of feta cheese on top makes them feel extra special.

They're also incredibly versatile beyond side dish material. One of my favorite quick dinners involves roasting two packages and tossing them with cooked pasta, a can of drained chickpeas or grilled chicken, a drizzle of good olive oil, some lemon juice, and fresh herbs (or a simple store-bought marinara sauce) for a complete and easy meal.

They're also perfect for upgrading a simple protein. When I serve them alongside a piece of salmon or chicken, the entire meal feels more well-rounded and thoughtfully prepared. And though I haven't tried this, I think they could even be used as a base for a quick breakfast hash with a fried egg on top for a savory morning start.

At the end of the day, we all deserve a little help in the kitchen—and this frozen veggie hack is the perfect shortcut to get a healthy meal on the table without the stress.

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