It’s time to start thinking about your meal plan for next week. From a fresh take on shawarma to easy lemon garlic chicken cooked in parchment, we’ve got five dinners that will get you through the busy week ahead — and healthfully, too, to kick the new year off right! So grab a pen, make your shopping list, and stock up before the weekend’s over. And if it’s easier for you to do that from your inbox, be sure to sign up for our weekly meal plan emails.
Top: Chickpea Shawarma Sandwich at Minimalist Baker | Lemon Garlic Chicken Parchment Packets at Nom Nom Paleo
Related: How to cook en papillote: The healthy cooking technique every busy parent should know.
We’re easing into healthy new year eating slowly, so while still on break and the kids still home, this quick, cozy Lemon Kale Pasta at Mash & Spread is on the menu. This is arming and filling — because pasta — but still light and healthy thanks to a simple lemony sauce and dark leafy greens.
We’re replacing traditional tacos on #TacoTuesday with this Vegetarian Quinoa Bake at What’s Gaby Cooking. A plant-based recipe packed with protein-rich quinoa, beans, and some veggies, too, you can adjust the cheese to make this as decadent — or not — as you want. I think I’ll make half with extra cheese for kid-appeal and the other half super light on cheese to kick my new year’s lighter eating into gear.
As the week moves on, I’m going to get more and more serious about lightening things up. By Wednesday, I’ll be serving up this Pan Seared Salmon with Pineapple Salsa at Foodness Gracious. It might be super light on calories, but it certainly isn’t on taste. Serve this with a side of steamed Jasmine rice or, if you’re getting really serious, cauliflower rice.
Related: The 10 best cookbooks of 2017 for families.
This Chickpea Shawarma Sandwich at Minimalist Baker is one of my family’s favorite meals — and my boys are serious meat eaters. They just love this. You might want to keep in mind that I double the recipe to satisfy my family of four, which includes a 6′ 4″ husband and two growing kids with voracious appetites. Also, if you prefer, you can use the spice blend on chicken to make this a carnivorous meal, but I suggest you give this version a try at some point. You may be surprised at how much your family enjoys this plant-based version.
Cooking in parchment is one of my favorite cooking techniques for when you’re trying to go healthy. It’s a fantastic way to cook with tons of flavor and little to no added fat. This recipe for Lemon Garlic Chicken Parchment Packets at Nom Nom Paleo is a great place to start. Not only does the recipe look tasty, but you’ll also get step-by-step instructions on how to create parchment packets. So helpful!
