This week’s meal plan is made a little bit more special with a few Valentine’s Day favorites. As always, your grocery list is at the bottom of the page.

TURKEY TACO SALAD WITH CUMIN LIME DRESSING

When I crave the flavors of an old-school taco, but want something that’s on the lighter side, this is my fix for supper. It’s a filling main dish salad, but if you want something a little extra, consider filling the freezer with these fruity mango pops for dessert. 

PASTA WITH CREAMY BEET SAUCE, WALNUTS, AND PARMESAN

This shockingly pink pasta (perfect for Valentine’s Day)is thanks to a combination of tender beets and ricotta blended into a creamy sauce. You honestly don’t have to be madly in love with beets to love this pasta. The method is simple and the results, delicious. Tip: get it on the table as soon and you toss the sauce with the pasta and dig in.

PARMESAN-PANKO CHICKEN TENDERS

Boxed chicken tenders are an easy fix in a pinch, but nothing beats homemade. These are done with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan. I like to serve them with a generous arugula salad tossed with cherry tomatoes (I know, not in season yet, but I can’t wait until summer). Toss with equal parts balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, olive oil, a pinch of salt and a bit of Parmesan if you have extra. 


3-INGREDIENT CRISPY CHOCOLATE COCONUT HEARTS

This is a darn simple way to share the love on Valentine’s Day. It’s sort of like a crispy chocolate bark that only requires coconut, chocolate, and crisp rice cereal. They also make an excellent lunch box treat or after school snack.

BLUEBERRY SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIE

I love this smoothie so much, I put a version of it in my cookbook, Rise & Shine. The secret ingredient here is avocado, which lends creaminess, fiber, and healthy fats without tasting like you’re eating a green vegetable.

SHOPPING LIST // WEEK 6

Turkey Taco Salad with Cumin Lime Dressing

1 pound ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 head Romaine lettuce
3/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 English cucumber
5 radishes
1/2 large avocado
1 cup coarsely grated sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Handful corn tortilla chips

Pasta with Creamy Beet Sauce, Walnuts, and Parmesan

8 ounces beets (a beet that’s slightly larger than a baseball)
12-ounces spaghetti
¾ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup chopped walnuts
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)

Parmesan-Panko Chicken Tenders

1 ½ pounds chicken breast tenders (about 12 tenders)
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs
1 cup panko, preferably whole wheat (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons canola oil
Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

3-Ingredient Crispy Chocolate Coconut Hearts

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup crisp brown rice cereal (or Rice Krispies)
1/3 cup unsweetened finely grated coconut

Blueberry Superfood Smoothie

1 cup plain kefir or plain yogurt
¾ cup coconut water , plus more if needed
1 frozen banana
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 small ripe avocado
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1 to 3 teaspoons hemp or chia seeds (optional)