Everyday Dinners

This week I’m planning my meals thanks to Memorial Hermann Health System. Everyday Well Eats, a database on their website, is the best-kept secret for meal planning and healthy dinners. Dietitian-approved recipes are searchable by special diets, including heart-healthy, diabetes-approved, low carb, or gluten-free. You can also search for quick 30-minute recipes or family-friendly ideas. Integrate online grocery shopping straight from the site. I used it to plan a week’s worth of delicious dinners so let’s get cooking!

SUNDAY

Grilled meatloaf burgers sound like a dinner I can get behind. Or file these away for a father’s day grill out! Mix together the meat early in the day if you have time; the flavors will come together even more. If you don’t have (or can’t find) peach preserves substitute apricot. I’ll of course set out pickled jalapeños to add to mine. Grilled summer vegetables are perfect on the side (feel free to cut the recipe in half, but leftover grilled veggies can be chopped and added to salads, frittatas, or breakfast scrambles. Slice up some fresh watermelon and you’re good to go.

MONDAY

Moo shu vegetables made with a shredded slaw or store-bought cabbage salad mix (a genius shortcut in my book). This tofu poke sounds like another quick and flavorful win if you want some protein on the side. Use extra-firm tofu, and organic if possible.

TUESDAY

Slow cooker chicken mole tacos are an easy win that won’t heat the house. If you can’t find whole dried ancho chilies you can sub 2 teaspoons ancho chile powder or even paprika (it will still taste good). This shredded chicken would also be tasty on nachos. Skinny guacamole and this black bean, tomato, and corn salad on the side.

WEDNESDAY

Bucatini puttanesca sounds perfect, and don’t be afraid of the anchovies! Use 2 teaspoons anchovy paste instead of whole anchovies if you prefer, but when chopped well and blended with other flavors you won’t know they are even there! If you prefer something low-carb and low-calorie, opt for pesto chicken salad on greens. Use my recipe for any greens pesto or buy a good quality store-bought version.

THURSDAY

Huevos rancheros because breakfast for dinner is always a good idea. Use store-bought green salsa, such as Herdez salsa verde. Avocado or olive oil can be subbed for the canola in this recipe, or use a good quality cooking spray.

FRIDAY

Naan pizzas make a lazy Friday night dinner at home. This includes an easy homemade turkey sausage, but feel free to leave it out if you want to keep things vegetarian. Serve mixed greens with vinaigrette on the side or this salad with halloumi croutons.

WEEKEND PROJECT

No churn strawberry sorbet or easy peach frozen yogurt to beat the heat. You won’t regret it!

Sponsored by Memorial Hermann Hospital System