It’s starting to feel like fall, so I’m pulling out the first soup of the season in this week’s menu. I’ve also got a few other cozy dishes and plenty here to make cooking a snap this week. Enjoy!

HEALTHY 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 pulled out my Instant Pot for the first time in ages and look forward to brewing up this nourishing soup.If you don’t own a pressure cooker, the soup 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 chickpeas 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 Mexican Slaw.

SAUSAGE, APPLE & SAUSAGE SKILLET

It’s officially fall and it’s officially apple season, which means perfect timing for this longtime blog favorite. 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 SALMON CURRY WITH VEGETABLES

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.

SHOPPING LIST

Healthy Baked Everything Chicken
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (~1 1/2 lbs)
1 lemon
3 tablespoons “everything bagel” spice blend

Instant Pot Rice and Vegetable Soup
1/2 large yellow onion
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium cloves garlic
2 large carrots
2 stalks celery
1/2 large bulb fennel
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup brown basmati rice
6 cups low-sodium chicken or low-sodium vegetable broth
2 large handfuls baby spinach
1 tablespoon butter (or olive or coconut oil)
3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
2 pounds sweet potatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked black beans
2 tablespoons sour cream or light sour cream
2 tablespoons salsa
1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro

Sausage, Cabbage & Apple Skillet
4 pre-cooked chicken apple sausages (about 12 ounces)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red or yellow onion
1 small head red or green cabbage
2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Favorite mustard to serve on side

Thai Salmon Curry with Vegetables
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion
1 pound fresh salmon fillets
One 13.5-ounce can light coconut milk
2 tablespoons red curry paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce
1 large sweet potato (8 ounces)
1 medium zucchini
Large handful baby spinach

Best Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon soy sauce
1 1/2 coarse or whole grain Dijon mustard (such as Maille or Grey Poupon)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic or 2 teaspoons shallot (optional)

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)

Weeknight Rescue//Week 41//September 2021