Instead of ordering takeout the next time you want a quick dinner, save time, money, and enjoy a home-cooked meal straight from your freezer! With the right strategies, a meal made entirely from frozen ingredients and pantry staples can be perfectly healthy and delicious. 

You may be surprised to know that freezers (and refrigerators) run more efficiently when they are full. With more cold items taking up space, there is less room for warm air to permeate when you open the door, and the freezer requires less energy to operate. All the more reason to stock up on peak produce now, and freeze it for the winter months ahead.

Instead of letting fresh herbs wilt in your fridge, for example, use this freezer trick: lightly pack them (minced) into ice cube trays, top the trays off with water, and put them in the freezer. Once you have completely frozen cubes, put them in a freezer bag to take up less space. A little bit of planning ahead will pay off when you enjoy summer-fresh herbs in the winter.

Make sure you label everything you put in the freezer with the date and the name of the food item. You don't want to end up with a freezer full of food of uncertain origin and age, that you can't identify. Once you've labeled your foods, click on the button below and use our guide to determine how long they will stay flavorful in the freezer: 

Here are three ideas for freezer-friendly Mediterranean meals.

Shrimp pasta with a fresh green salad. Pasta pairs perfectly with staples from the freezer. Start by thawing frozen shrimp in a strainer under a drizzle of cool running water for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, bring water to boil for the pasta and prepare a simple green salad. Sauté olive oil, garlic, and herbs together for a simple sauce, add the shrimp to cook, toss with pasta, and you're set. 

Falafel pitas and asparagus soup. Homemade falafels (chickpea fritters), like meatballs, freeze well pre-cooked. Freeze them on sheet pans to start, then put them in bags to take up less space once they are frozen. When you are ready to use them, thaw and pan-fry in olive oil. Serve them in whole wheat pitas, with fresh vegetables. For a more substantial meal, add soup. Both the pitas and the soup can be thawed from the freezer, of course!

Baked salmon, whole grains, and roasted vegetables. If you're lucky, your grocery store will carry a variety of bagged frozen vegetables, including pre-roasted versions. Try roasted butternut squash, for example, or simply freeze your own. Frozen fruits and vegetables can taste better than what is available fresh or canned, because they are usually flash-frozen soon after harvest. They are often more affordable too.  Serve with salmon and a whole grain of your choosing, both of which store well in the freezer.

When your freezer is mindfully filled with ingredients you can use, it can be a source of inspiration. For even more freezer-friendly meal ideas, check out the recipes below.