Following a weekly meal plan is the best way to cook healthier for your family, and save time and money. Each week I share six easy, healthy, and family-friendly recipes to help you simplify feeding your family!
Do your kids participate in a summer swim league? Or did you swim when you were young? I didn’t grow up in a neighborhood with a pool so when my girls joined our local swim team, six years ago, I had no idea what I was signing up for. At that time they were seven and six so it wasn’t as time-consuming as it is now but still, it was a lot; four-hour swim meets, twice a week, plus practices every day – let’s just say it was way different than recreational soccer.
Prior to this year, I was so adamant about sticking to the meal plan even on days when we had swim meets. I would come home from work (at this time it was by 2:00 pm), squeeze in a quick work-out, and then cook & pack the cooler. Other swim parents were so impressed by my meal prep skills and I proudly accepted their doting comments while looking to Patrick to say, “see, see how awesome I am?” Fast forward to this year – holy hot mess express. This year instead of cold quinoa salads we are eating Doritos and whatever other snacks I can scrounge up from the pantry and that’s if I remember to pack the cooler, prior to work, and then put said cooler in my car.
The 8:00 – 5:00 work day is a whole different ball game that I have yet to wrap my brain around. I guess I need to invest in some really good cooler options, better travel containers, and start meal prepping for the swim meets the night before. Isn’t summer supposed to be more relaxing??? Let me know what you swim parents do for food the night of the meets. I’d love to hear your ideas!!! Also – are y’all liking the breakdown below?? Let me know! kelly@dinnerwiththeduffys.com!
What You Will Need This Week
Herbs | thyme, basil, chives, mint
Fruit & Veggies | cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallot, arugula, capers, yellow onion, parsley, lemon, cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, bell pepper, lime
Meat | prosciutto, salmon, chicken legs/quarters, ground beef, ground pork
Dairy | feta cheese, parmesan cheese
Dry Goods | orzo, Israeli couscous, basmati rice
Pantry | olive oil, chili powder, honey, salt & pepper, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, toasted nuts, dark soy sauce, granulated garlic, granulated onion, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, Asian chili sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, vegetable oil, dried oregano, Italian seasoning
Meal Prep Ideas | Double the salmon for easy weekday lunches; Double the grilled chicken quarters (or cook chicken legs with bbq sauce) for an easy kids’ lunch/dinner.
Meal Plan 6/12 – 6/17
Sunday, June 12th | Roasted Tomato, Basil & Feta Orzo | Total Time: 30 minutes | I can’t get away from the summer flavors of roasted tomatoes and basil. They are my favorite and I’m going to take advantage of them while they are fresh! Hot fresh orzo tossed with roasted tomatoes, herbs, and the yummiest dressing! Add your favorite protein and serve with toasty bread.
Monday, June 13th | Arugula Salmon Salad with Capers and Shaved Parmesan | Total Time: 15 minutes | Super quick and healthy, this is a great lunch meal prep option. Cook double the salmon to pack for lunch! Serve this mild salmon with a few sides your picky eaters will tolerate!
Tuesday, June 14th | Kickin Grilled Chicken Legs | Total Time: 35 minutes | These are SO good and SO simple AND family-friendly. Double the chicken for a quick kid-friendly lunch idea!! Serve with roasted asparagus or okra or just a simple side salad!
Wednesday, June 15th | 30 Minute Thai Basil Beef | Total Time: 30 minutes | Perfect for busy nights, ground beef, bell peppers, and onions are tossed in a garlicky, savory stir-fry sauce then topped with lots of basil! A one-pan wonder for easy clean-up!
Thursday, June 16th | Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Bake | Total Time: 55 minutes | A mix between extra summery and healthy-ish comfort food. Zucchini and chicken are quickly seared then mixed with dried basmati rice and spices, sprinkled with cheese then baked all together!
Friday, June 17th | Easy Greek Meatballs | Total Time: 35 minutes | I forget how easy it is to make homemade meatballs. The only real issue is your hands get yucky but the flavor is SO much better. Serve these meatballs alongside this pearl couscous salad for the perfect ending to another hectic week.
Helpful Tools This Week
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