Weeknight Rescue//Week 31//Summer 2023

Aaaand we’re back. I took a two-week summer break from the meal plan, but I’m back on track with today’s lineup. I hope you find a few things to cook up this week. Bon appetit!

SUMMER ROLLS W/ PEANUT DIPPING SAUCE

We make these year-round, but they’re especially appealing during the warm weather months. You can make the rolls ahead of time or set out the ingredients and let everyone do their own. The just-slightly spicy peanut sauce is excellent for dipping the tasty rolls. If you want a side dish, make a simple green salad with Carrot Miso Dressing.

LAZY GIRL’S ENCHILADA PIE

Built on a foundation of summer produce, now is a great time to make this simple enchilada casserole. I call it “lazy” because you layer all of the ingredients instead of rolling up each individual enchilada. Any Mexican sides are fair game: sour cream, guacamole, pinto beans, extra salsa.  You can serve as a one-dish dinner or add a salad on the side (the taco salad below — with or without the turkey — or this one would both be great).

TURKEY TACO SALAD WITH CUMIN LIME DRESSING

A satisfying, crunchy chopped salad tossed with old-school turkey taco meat. Top with crumbled tortilla chips and you’ve got a main dish meal on your hands that makes a terrific summer meal.

BEEF AND MUSHROOM BLENDED BURGER

My preferred way to do a summer burger! Its part-beef, part-mushrooms, all delicious. Even folks who aren’t mushroom lovers will be surprised how tender and tasty this is.

EGGPLANT MEATBALLS WITH TEMPEH IN TOMATO SAUCE

Even though you can buy eggplant year-round, it’s never better than it is during the summer. It’s also excellent in these vegetarian meatballs paired with homemade or store-bought marinara sauce. Heat up a baguette to set on the table for sopping up all the goodies.

LIGHTER GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

I made a giant batch of this dressing for a party last weekend and it was a real hit. It’s a terrific way to dress a salad, use as a veggie dip, or serve alongside roasted summer vegetables. If you have a copy of my cookbook PREP, there’s a variation on this recipe that uses ripe avocado in place of some of the sour cream. Also delish!

YOGURT PARFAIT ON A PLATE

The farmers’ market is teaming with local berries and this is one delicious way to enjoy them. It’s a pretty presentation and means you get a little bit of everything in each bite.