Healthy Weeknight Meal Plan (#15)

The warmer weather is finally here and we’re going to celebrate this week with beautifully fresh Spring dishes that will not only tantalize your taste buds but make your life so much easier as well.

These meals are all under 30 minutes and, of course, SUPER EASY!!  Let’s dig in!

MONDAY

The Best Whole Chicken in a Slow Cooker Recipe  |  The Little Kitchen

Julie has perfected this recipe and even has added a video for a Lemon Pepper version.  With only a few minutes of prep in the morning, this goes into the slow cooker for 8 hours and you’ve got a super moist chicken when you get home.  I knew this had to be the recipe to use when I saw over 500 happy comments on the results!  Don’t you love how brown and super moist this looks?

TUESDAY

Ravioli Chicken Soup  |  Simply Fresh Dinners

Use some leftover chicken from Monday’s dinner and fresh mushroom or spinach ravioli to make this nutritious bowl of Spring in just 20 minutes.  Change up the veggies if you’ve got some leftovers in the fridge.  Carrots would be delicious in here!  No skimping on fresh herbs!  The rosemary and basil make this dish.  Light yet filling for those busy nights when the kids are heading out to sports.

(After dinner, prepare the quick marinade for tomorrow’s lamb chops and let them marinate overnight for extra delicious flavor)

WEDNESDAY

Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce  |  Simply Fresh Dinners

Do you find that every time you cook lamb for the family that they gobble it up and ask, ‘Why don’t we have this more often?”  It seems to be the general consensus that lamb is delicious but we don’t think to include it in our regular meal rotation.  Let’s change that up this week and cook this simple and delicious meal in only 25 minutes. While they’re in the oven, throw together a green salad and some quinoa or couscous and you’ve got a super nutritious dinner.

THURSDAY

Weeknight Broiled Salmon with Lentils  | Mid-Life Croissant

Everyone seems to be craving salmon these days with the onset of Spring and this dish will satisfy your appetite for clean eating.  The yogurt cumin dressing is a special treat and adds a lovely depth of flavor to a spectacular dish.  Christine and I both agree on buying frozen, salmon fillets from a sustainable, responsible source.  Ask your seafood expert at your market about which brand you should buy to ensure this is what you’re getting.   This is so easy to prepare yet you’ll feel like you are at a 5 star restaurant.  And you’re going to love Christine’s blog if you haven’t already been there.  Not only does she take beautiful photos, she’s got a great sense of humour and is loads of fun to read!

FRIDAY

Curry Chickpea Salad Pitas with Apple Slaw  |  Natural Girl Modern World

Brianne has created some diverse textures, variety and flavors in this amazing sandwich!  And I agree with her – the combo of Indian spices and yogurt is divine.  Contrasting flavors add such a delightful zing as well!  There is a gluten-free option here for those who prefer it.  Brianne is a food genius and her creations inspire me week after week!

Here’s to happy, healthy eating.  Cheers!