It’s time to start thinking about your meal plan for next week. From the perfect spring pasta to 15-minute pork chops, we’ve got five dinners that will get you through the busy week ahead. 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:  Lemon Asparagus Pasta at Dinner at the Zoo | Pork Chops in Salsa Verde at Muy Bueno

Related: 6 easy breakfast-for-dinner recipes that go way beyond pancakes.

 

Cool Mom Eats weekly meal plan: Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos at Haile Thomas

These gorgeous Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos at Haile Thomas are simple and delicious, the perfect way to get the kids on board for #MeatlessMonday. They’re also vegan, topped with a Cilantro Cashew Crema that looks delicious and easy to make. But if you’re on board with dairy, you can simply blend the cilantro, garlic, spices, and lime juice with regular sour cream, no problem.

 

Cool Mom Eats weekly meal plan: Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Chicken | Dinner at the Zoo

 Lemon Asparagus Pasta | Dinner at the Zoo

The Lemon Asparagus Pasta that Kate spied at Dinner at the Zoo while rounding up her favorite spring pasta recipes is not only spring deliciousness served on a plate, it’s also a one-bowl meal with carb, veggies, and protein all together. I can’t think of anything better, but if you’re not on board for some reason, click on over for eight other fantastic options. One will certainly do the trick for the week — and maybe next week too!

 

Cool Mom Eats weekly meal plan: DIY Poke Bowls at What's Gaby Cooking

 DIY Poke Bowls | What’s Gaby Cooking

Though spring weather hasn’t quite settled in NYC, I’m bringing the spring break vibes to my kitchen this week with family-friendly poke bowls. If you’ve never made poke bowls at home — or maybe don’t even know what they are — our guide will help you out. From advising you on what fish to buy to providing tips on making your bowls kid-friendly (really!), we’ve got everything you need to give this perhaps new-to-you healthy and delicious dinner a try.

Related: 5 ways to save money on groceries using your Instant Pot.

 

Cool Mom Eats weekly meal plan: Pork Chops in Salsa Verde at Muy Bueno

This idea for Pork Chops in Salsa Verde at Muy Bueno is so quick, easy, and delicious that I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before! But that’s just one of the many reasons why I love Yvette so much: She works magic like that. If you have time, make her salsa verde from scratch. It’s worth it. Otherwise, use store-bought. Her suggestion is great, and I also love Trader Joe’s brand.

 

Cool Mom Eats weekly meal plan: Mississippi Pot Roast at Chili Pepper Madness

I have to admit that when I first came across a recipe for Mississippi Pot Roast, I was intrigued, but couldn’t bring myself to make it. After all, it called for instant ranch dressing — the kind that comes in powder form. But then I found this recipe at Chili Pepper Madness that looked just as tasty as the others, was nearly as easy to make, and only called for real ingredients. I had to try it and, as it turns out, am so glad that I did. It’s delicious!

This recipe is perfect for Friday night because it takes a while to cook (all hands off). If you won’t be home for the five hours of cooking time, though, either save it for the weekend or put the roast in your slow cooker in the morning instead so that it can cook unattended.