This meal plan is all about the crossroads between the end of summer and the settling down for the back-to-school season. I’ve got a few in here that are just right for Labor Day and a few that are decidedly destined for easy weeknight suppers.
Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Crema
The star of this recipe is the Chipotle Lime Crema that gets spooned over cooked shrimp under a heap of crunchy slaw. Feel free to toss the shrimp on the grill and warm up homemade or canned pinto or black beans to serve on the side.
Pounded Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado Salad
This is one tasty and very healthy summer supper. It’s light and easy enough for everyday cooking, but is also the sort of dish I’d serve guests. As for side dishes, a loaf of crusty bread and simple green salad would do if you want to keep things simple. The Watermelon Wedge Salad below would also work on the side.
Homemade Gnocchi with Nana’s Tomato Sauce
If you feel like a bit of a cooking project, try this homemade gnocchi from Maria Sinskey’s terrific cookbook The Vineyard Kitchen. If you want to simplify things, buy tomato sauce from the market or make this super simple recipe instead. Complete the meal with any grilled vegetables or a simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigretteon the side.
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs are quick to make and cook right in the sauce (no browning on the stove or oven). I serve them in shallow bowls with a crusty baguette and broccoli or cauliflower on the side. Of course, piling them on top of spaghetti is fair game, too.
Easy Moo Shu Vegetables
This is my take on a favorite Chinese takeout dish. I’ve made it as easy as possible by leaning on pre-shredded carrots and cabbage, along with pre-sliced mushrooms. The only prep required is chopping a couple cloves of garlic. Tucking it all into tortillas and drizzling on Hoisin sauce makes this a kid-favorite, too. P.S. It’s tasty the next day, so enjoy leftovers for lunch.
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Made with yogurt, zucchini, and whole grain flour, this is sort of a cupcake/muffin hybrid. They make a nice treat for afternoon snack or dessert and beg for a glass of milk to go w
20 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas
One of the best ways I know to get yourself prepped for the week ahead is to do a little meal prep. You can dedicate just a few minutes or a few hours to the task, but your future self will thank you. Here you’ll find 20 easy ideas.
Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos w/ Chipotle Lime Crema
3 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 chipotle pepper en adobo
1 pound raw medium peeled and deveined shrimp
2 limes
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 medium green cabbage
2 medium carrots
3/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8 corn tortillas
Homemade Gnocchi with Nana’s Tomato Sauce
3 pounds large baking potatoes
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
Pinch nutmeg
2 cups all-purpose flour
Parmesan cheese for garnish
8 pounds fresh Roma tomatoes
6 large cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium yellow onions
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon toasted whole fennel seeds
1 cup Italian parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh oregano or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
Pounded Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/3 heaping cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
1 cup castelvetrano olives (or other favorite meaty olives)
1 small ripe avocado
2 scallions
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
1 pound ground turkey
1 link uncooked spicy Italian turkey sausage (~1/4 to 1/3 pound)
1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon dried oregano
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
Easy Moo Shu Vegetables
4 eggs
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, divided
2 large cloves garlic, minced
One 8 to 10 ounce-package sliced white/cremini mushrooms (about 2 cups sliced)
5- ounces packaged shredded carrots, ½ bag or 2 cups
16- ounces packaged shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix (doesn’t need to be exact)
5 scallions, thinly sliced white and light green parts
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3-4 tablespoons hoisin sauce, plus more to add at the table
¼ cup chopped cashews (roasted or raw)
4 to 6 whole-wheat or white flour tortillas
Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
1½ cups coarsely grated zucchini
2 eggs
1/3 cup nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
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