Weeknight Rescue//Fall 2023//Week 38

This week’s line-up of recipes is all about ease. I also put the first soup of the season on the menu along with a dinner that can double as a game-day snack. If you’re in the mood to bake, take a gander at the round up of cozy quick breads and loaf cakes I posted earlier in the week. Enjoy!

BAKED EVERYTHING CHICKEN

This tasty chicken recipe is one of the simplest solutions to supper I can think of. Once baked, cut into slices and serve alongside a generous, chopped salad. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, the Balsamic Dressing below, and maybe a heap of croutons (toss cubes crusty bread with a tablespoon of olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and bake at 400 degrees until lightly browned). Make an extra breast or two to turn into Chicken Salad for lunch (recipe below as well).

INSTANT POT RICE AND VEGETABLE SOUP

I have a soft spot for this simple, delicious soup. If you don’t own a pressure cooker, it can be made on the stove (with a little more time and maybe a bit more broth). Easily elevate it with protein-rich options like chick peas or cooked chicken. 

LOADED SWEET POTATO NACHOS

This is an easy supper recipe for days when you’ve run out of steam. It also happens to be a good one if you plan on settling in to watch a game. It’s a more nutrient-rich take on typical nachos made with sweet potatoes instead of fried tortilla chips. This recipe is easily customizable based on what you have in your refrigerator and pantry. While it is vegetarian, you can easily add meat or poultry, or serve it with a side of this Colorful Slaw.

SAUSAGE, APPLE & CABBAGE SKILLET

It’s officially apple season, which means perfect timing for this longtime blog favorite. You can make this vegetarian-friendly by using a meat sub, such as Beyond Sausage. Green or red cabbage both work here, along with any variety of apple (I prefer tarts ones, such as Pink Lady or Granny Smith).

THAI-STYLE SALMON CURRY WITH VEGETABLES

This is a straightforward way to make Thai-style curry that’s not too spicy for younger palates. Serve with a favorite cooked grain, such as rice or farro and dinner is done. Want dessert? Make a plate of fresh fruit, such as pineapple, kiwi, and mango. Head here for a tutorial on cutting a pineapple. 

BEST BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Nothing beats homemade when it comes to salad dressing and this is a good one to shake up in a jar and stash in your fridge.

CHICKEN SALAD IN LETTUCE WRAPS

Chicken salad gets a lightened up makeover thanks to a creamy yogurt dressing. Scoop it into lettuce cups (as pictured) or sandwich between toasted bread. Pick up a rotisserie chicken or cook up a few breasts, then make it over the weekend and notice how relieved you are not to have to think about lunch on Monday.