For a lot of us (myself included), figuring out what to cook can be as challenging as finding the time to get meals on the table. That’s why I started Weeknight Rescue in the first place. I hope my meal plans are helpful and at the very least, a springboard for your own good ideas. Bon appétit.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cabbage Slaw
Pulled pork is typically done with the shoulder or butt. Delicious, yes, but not as lean as I like for everyday meals. Here, the recipe calls for the tenderloin, which is a lean cut of meat, cooks down into tender, pull-apart pork that’s excellent on a soft bun with a pile of crunchy slaw. Want more veggies: Assemble a big plate of crudité and add this Ranch for a tasty dip.
Vegetarian No-Noodle Lasagna
This is a lighter, vegetarian spin on lasagna. It’s made up of layers of tofu, zucchini, tomato sauce, and cheese and is always a hit in our house. Pair it with a simple arugula or green salad with this vinaigrette.
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. You may want to warm up homemade or canned pinto or black beans and embellish with a big spoonful of Mexican salsa.
3-Ingredient Baked Everything Chicken
Everything Chicken is my quick fix for a chicken dinner. The options for how to serve it are endless…slice and tuck alongside a big salad with this Green Goodness Dressing, slice onto sandwiches, or serve with roasted potatoes and grilled veggies. Tip: make more than you need and use the extra for the chicken salad recipe below
Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls
These nourishing bowls are a fan favorite in my house. Roasted sweet potatoes, brown rice, black beans, and avocado get dressed up with a tangy, slightly spicy cilantro sauce. Add pickled jalapeños, Cotija cheese, toasted pepitas or whatever else strikes your fancy.
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 extra breasts when you make the Everything Chicken recipe featured above (the seasoning will be tasty in this salad). .
Tahini Almond Butter Chocolate-Dipped Cookies
A totally crave-worthy cookie that takes minutes to make and can be done with or without the chocolate dip. Feel free to swap in peanut butter or another nut or seed butter for tahini.
SHOPPING LIST
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches w/ Apple Cabbage Slaw
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 cup favorite barbecue sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 medium red onion
1 pork tenderloin (~1 1/4 lbs)
4 cups shredded green cabbage (~1/4 of large cabbage)
1 large apple
1 carrot
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
4 to 5 soft sandwich buns
Vegetarian No-Noodle Lasagna
4 large zucchini
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
16 ounces extra firm tofu
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
12 ounces fresh Mozzarella cheese
3 cups homemade or 24-ounce jar of store-bought marinara sauce
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Shrimp Tacos
1 pound medium peeled and deveined shrimp
2 limes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup lowfat yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
½-1 chipotle pepper en adobo
½ medium green cabbage
2 medium carrots
¾ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 corn tortillas
1 ripe avocado (optional)
Baked Everything Chicken
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
1 lemon
3 tablespoons Everything bagel spice blend
Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls with Glossy Green Sauce
2 medium to large sweet potatoes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
11/2 cups cooked black beans (one 15-ounce can)
1 large ripe avocado
1 bushy bunch cilantro (2 cups chopped)
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
Optional additions: pickled jalapeños, crumbled Cotija, roasted pepitas
Chicken Salad in Lettuce Wraps
2 ½ cups cooked, cubed chicken (about 1 pound uncooked)
1 medium apple
3 celery stalks
½ cup finely diced red onion
½ cup walnuts
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 small head butter lettuce
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or dill (optional)
Tahini Almond Butter Cookies
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup tahini
2 cups almond flour
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate (or 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips)