Weeknight Rescue//September 2022//Shrimp Tacos, Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken//Nicoise Salad//Slow Cooker Meatballs//Mu Shoo Vegetables
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.
Cilantro Lime Yogurt-Marinated Chicken
Consider this flavorful, tender chicken for Labor Day. It’s so tender and flavorful and can be made with chicken thighs as well as breasts. Pair it with Quinoa Tabbouleh or Fattoush Salad and any grilled vegetables you like. I posted a video of the “how to” over on Instagram, which you can find here.
Make-Your-Own Nicoise Salad
If you’re look for something on the light side for Labor Day (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.
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. I made them on Instagram a while back. Check that out here, so you can see how this dish comes together.
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.
Lemon Yogurt Icebox Cake with Berries
This is a lightened up twist on an old-fashioned dessert. It might be just the thing to make for a party while berries are still in season. 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! If you’re looking for another simple, crowd-pleasing and kid-pleasing dessert, I made what I’m calling Chocolate Fun Cones with my 9-year-old niece and her pal last weekend and posted a video on Instagram. Check it out.
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.
SHOPPING LIST // WEEK 32
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
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
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
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
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