If you are looking for healthy and delicious weekly meal planning inspiration, check out my detailed weekly meal plan page!
Have I told you that I started using a single notebook for all my weekly meal plans? True to my inner meal planning nerd, I’m really excited about it. Previously I used a sheet of paper, whatever I could find, but having each week neatly stored in a notebook is a great reference to have on hand. So forgive me as a I geek out when I see this beauty:
Now that I see the list, I can’t help but to laugh at beer and band-aids stuck over there by themselves, as it seems these two items could easily belong in the same aisle at any grocery store in a college town.
So this particular meal plan– I planned about 5 meals to allow myself some flexibility and to not waste food. This week was the week before we left for vacation (on a Thursday), which is why it only went through Wednesday. Usually I plan through the following Thursday in preparation for Friday grocery shopping. Over explanation? Okgreat, let’s get started!
Burger Plates with Sweet Potato Fries and Green Beans
I truly have nothing against buns, but I find I don’t miss them when they’re gone. It lets the burger and toppings shine. My burgers have been really good lately, as I started using a . I do feel like it’s kind of cheating, but until I perfect my own blend, the shortcut works wonders! I also made lemon and garlic green beans (my go-to) and some freezer sweet potato fries from Alexia.
Blackened Mahi Mahi with Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw
I used some blackening seasoning and pan-fried these in my cast iron skillet for 3-4 minutes per side. I used my food processor for the slaw and accidentally used the wrong setting for the carrots, but I just rolled with it. I topped the mahi with a lime/jalapeno/cilantro/sour cream mixture that really complimented the spice of the blackened seasoning. YUM!
Pulled BBQ Pork Bowls
Pulled pork is one of my favorite meals, especially if I take the time to skip the bottled sauce and make this instead. Served with roasted sweet potatoes, leftover slaw, roasted broccoli, and kraut.
Greek Style Shrimp and Feta Pasta
This simple recipe is one of David’s favorites. With the fresh basil from the garden on top, I have to agree!
Homemade Pizza
Pizza is honestly always my go-to choice for “wing it” nights. This one used olive oil to paint the outter crust, then topped with pesto, thinly sliced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Homemade dough from the just makes it so easy and delicious!
Breakfasts remain a variation of eggs and veggies. I find it keeps me full the longest! Though as the weather cools down, maybe I’ll try switching things up with oatmeal.
And lunches vary. Sometimes it is crackers straight from the box with hummus and other days it’s salads and tuna (which I’m loving for the sake of ease).
Today I actually have a friend coming in town and though I love cooking, I can never decide what to cook when I have guests! Can you help me out?
What is your go-to recipe when having a friend over for dinner?
Links encouraged! Thank you 🙂
Sarah says
I usually do a classic Italian dish when I have guests – maybe your moms spaghetti? Everyone loves basic Italian stuff.
Would you mind giving info about your cast iron skillet? I’m in the market for one. I’ve been using cheap frying pans and I’m so ready to ditch them. Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh spaghetti and zoodles may be a great choice for her- thank you for the suggestion!
I’ve had my cast iron skillet since we got married, so I don’t have a lot of insight, but two things I would consider if I were buying one today is 1) weight. They are heavy so decide what you would use it for, then buy the smallest size to accommodate that need. My mom has a really small one, perfect for eggs, that is easy to maneuver. Grilling steaks, etc, though would require a larger one. I suggest going to a store versus buying online so you can get a feel for the size/weight that you are after. And 2) make sure the handles/knobs are sturdy and strong so you don’t have any trouble while shifting around a hot cast iron pan.
We love ours though so I think it’s totally worth looking into!
Sarah says
Thanks for the input! I appreciate it!
Lynn Thow says
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for sharing your delicious meal plan. I have a couple of questions.
1. What type of lettuce/greens do you use for your salads, and do they last until your next grocery visit?
2. I know you enjoy shopping at Whole Foods. If you have not already blogged about it, could you share your go to favorites there with pictures?
Thank you so much!!’
Lynn
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Lynn!
1. I usually buy the clam shell of mixed greens or spinach, though I currently have a head of bibb lettuce in my fridge. If you buy the clam shells, keep a paper towel in with the greens to soak up moisture and they will last longer. I usually get 5-6 days out of mine.
2. What a great idea for a post! I will write that down. Thanks!!
gena @ sober life victory says
Great meal plan! I’m totally going to try the pulled pork bowl. In summers I always like to grill out when we have friends over. Just some potato salad, fruit and burgers. In the winters I always make lasagna. Good luck!
Jen says
We generally stick to grilling with guests. A good steak or shrimp kabobs are always appreciated. And you can throw a bunch of veggies on the grill too. I love your meal planning posts…I get such great ideas from you!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks for the idea Jen! I decided to go with it and picked up some kebabs this morning. Easy and delicious, especially for my friend who is a healthy eater too. Perfect- thanks! 🙂
Jeannie says
Love seeing your amazing meals!
We use the same hamburger seasoning and it’s so good. How many eggs do you eat for breakfast and are they the yolk?
I always did 1 yolk and 2 whites but recently started 2 whole and holds me much longer.
For guests, salmon or meatloaf or chili or pasta with meat sauce or burgers or quesadillas
Brittany Dixon says
I eat 1-2 eggs for breakfast depending on what else I’m having with it. I always eat the yolk. Maybe If I was having 3-4 eggs, I’d consider going just whites with one, but for the amount I eat, i find the yolk satiating and delicious! 🙂 Yay runny yolks!
John J. says
I’ll go with Greek style shrimp with feta pasta!
EmilyS says
How have I never thought of having a dedicated meal plan notebook! I’m totally starting on this weekend.
Cara says
I am geeking out at your meal planning notebook! What a great idea! I also am going to make that pulled pork bowl, it looks fantastic!
I have the same problem when I have guest, I can never think what to make! Homemade pizza, burgers, or grilled chicken and veggies are usually my defaults.
This is my go-to impress guests grilled chicken http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-grilled-chicken-legs-with-dijon-amp-white-wine-glaze-recipes-from-the-kitchn-190851
Brittany Dixon says
Oh man, I checked it out and that sounds fancy! I have it bookmarked to try another time since I can’t get my act together for that recipe by tonight. Looks amazing though- thank you!
Lauren S says
I started keeping a meal plan calendar in Google Calendars. I then set the meals to repeat yearly so that they stay seasonal. Soon my meal plan will be written for me!
Liz T says
That’s amazing. I’d love to see that!!
Lauren S says
Liz, I use the calendar feature in Google. I created a separate one named meal plan, then I add an “event” each day which is the meal. What’s nice about it is within the event you can put notes about the meal or links to recipes you used. I love it.
Brynn says
I have the same feeling on buns; don’t hate ’em, just don’t miss ’em when they’re gone. Your dishes sound awesome and have inspired me!
I like to make tacos for friends. Put out a lot of toppings, chips and guac and you’re all set!
Liz T says
Meal plan notebook is a good idea. I’ve been keeping my list on my phone’s notes, with a master “idea” list kept in the notes separately, but then I delete out the weekly meal plan once we’ve eaten each meal and then start over each week … definitely merit in keeping a notebook to preserve what you do week from week for further ideas!
For guests, I do crock pot pork a lot, some variety of this, which has evolved over time: http://adventuresinnodu.blogspot.com/2009/01/crock-pot-pulled-pork.html
I also find Quiche works well for guests, with a green salad as another make-ahead option, though best suited for brunch, probably.
SHU says
You KNOW you are speaking my language w/ the notebook 🙂 What a great idea! Love it. I may have to copy you 🙂 I cannot resist any excuse to use one of my (hoarded) notebooks. Ha!!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m sure you’ll make it look much fancier than mine, so send me your tips once you’ve perfected it! 🙂
Christine says
I’m having a friend over next week for dinner and I’m going to grill marinated chicken and veggies and there will be wine! Nothing fancy, she said she wanted something healthy so thats what it will be.
I don’t have a go to dinner – it usually depends on the guest and time of year.
Dr.Dorothy says
Where is the “LIKE” button?
Monica says
Hi Brittany!
Meal plan sounds and looks delicious and healthy.
My go to on the run is chicken breasts with pesto sauce and greek iogurt, stuffed with sun dried tomatoes and topped with slices of fresh tomato, basil and Parmesan all baked in the oven. Served with variety of roasted vegetables and sweet potato mash with a squeeze of lime juice. It’s comes together really quickly and is always a crowd pleaser.
Enjoy…
julie says
this is a great recipe and lots can be done in advance! http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017161-oven-roasted-chicken-shawarma