In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s almost July. Summer is in full swing, a big holiday weekend is approaching, and I’ve got a meal plan to match. As always, you’ll find some easy peasy weeknight suppers here as well. P.S. I’ve got a whole post of July 4th inspo, which you can find here.
Cilantro Lime Yogurt-Marinated Chicken
Consider this flavorful, tender chicken for the 4th. Pair it with Quinoa Tabbouleh or Fattoush Salad and any grilled vegetables you like.
Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Salsa
Based on the few I’ve had thus far, it’s looking like a good summer for peaches. Try pairing them with pork chops in this sweet/savory recipe. Any veggies sides or a simple salad will go great with these chops and if you like corn bread, that would pair nicely, too.
Make-Your-Own Nicoise Salad
If you’re look for something on the light side for the holiday weekend (or just want some weeknight dinner inspo) this colorful salad bar is a win. It features the classic Nicoise ingredients, all of which you can riff on by adding other vegetables or using fresh, grilled tuna or salmon in place of canned fish. It’s the perfect supper if you don’t feel like spending much time at the stove.
Stuffed Eggplant Parm
I consider this a lighter, easier version of the Italian classic. It’s a dish you can manage in under 20 minutes of hands-on cooking time and is excellent served with crusty bread and a leafy salad on the side.
Peach Ricotta Toast with Crushed Coriander and Honey
Who’s to say that a simple toast can’t qualify as supper? When you don’t want to turn on the stove, this is delicious and so seasonal. Enjoy with a lettuce and tomato salad or cut these into thirds and serve as an appetizer.
BLT Potato Salad
It had been ages since I made this salad and I forgot how ridiculously yummy it is. It has all the essentials of a good BLT sandwich, only tossed with just-cooked potatoes and a tangy shallot dressing. Set it out for a 4th of July barbecue, pack it up for a picnic, or enjoy as part of a weeknight meal.
Lemon Yogurt Icebox Cake with Berries
This is a lightened up twist on an old-fashioned dessert. All you do is fold whipped cream into Greek yogurt that’s been perfumed with lemon zest and sweetened with maple syrup. Then, layer the cream with fresh berries and graham crackers, and refrigerate for several hours. That’s it!
SHOPPING LIST
Grilled Pork Chops with Peach & Pecan Salsa
4 boneless pork loin chops (~1-inch thick)
2 medium peaches
2/3 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons red onion
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper
2 teaspoons lime juice
Cilantro Lime Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 small lime (plus optional lime wedges for serving)
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil spray (optional)
Make-Your-Own Nicoise Salad
1 small clove garlic
2 anchovies
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh tarragon
pound small, waxy potatoes, such as red-skinned or fingerlings
1/2 pound green beans
4 eggs
1 head butter lettuce or 2 heads Little Gem lettuce
2 medium tomatoes
2 five-ounce cans tuna, preferably packed in olive oil
1/4 cup Nicoise or other favorite olives
Stuffed Eggplant Parm
4 medium eggplant (about 12 ounces each)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing the eggplant
1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken (or 2 cups cooked white beans)
2 cups bottled or homemade marinara sauce
2 cups coarsely grated sharp Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian seasoned panko or breadcrumbs
Peach & Ricotta Toast
1 thick slice crusty country-style bread (I like whole-grain levain)
2-3 tablespoons whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 medium ripe peach or nectarine
1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1 light drizzle honey
Optional: fresh thyme, basil or mint
Warm BLT Potato Salad
1 pound small waxy potatoes such as red skinned, yellow finn, Yukon Golds, or fingerlings
3 slices bacon, turkey bacon, or tempeh bacon
2 tablespoons diced shallot
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons white wine or champagne vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup halved ripe cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
10 crispy Romaine lettuce leaves
Lemon Yogurt Icebox Cake with Berries
1 cup low or nonfat plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons maple syrup
Zest of 1 large lemon
1 cup heavy cream
12 whole graham crackers (24 squares)
2 ½ cups sliced strawberries
2 ½ cups blueberries