Summer is here, and with it comes a desire for simple and hassle-free meal solutions that don't compromise on taste or nutrition. By creating a well-thought-out summer meal plan, you can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less, while also reducing food waste and utilizing leftovers. In this blog post, we'll explore efficient meal planning, incorporating ingredients you already have, and repurposing last night's leftovers for delicious and time-saving meals throughout the week.

Plan Ahead for Efficiency:

Begin by setting aside some time at the start of the week to plan your meals. Take inventory of the ingredients you have on hand and make a list of the recipes you'd like to prepare. Consider quick and easy meals that require minimal preparation and cooking time, such as salads, stir-fries, and one-pot wonders. Look for recipe inspiration online or use cookbooks for creative ideas.

Utilize What You Have:

A key strategy for simplifying summer meal planning is to use the ingredients you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Take a closer look at those cans, frozen veggies, and pantry staples that often go unused. Incorporate them into your meal plan to minimize waste and save money. For example, a can of beans can become the base for a hearty salad or a delicious wrap filling.

Repurpose Last Night's Leftovers:

Don't underestimate the power of repurposing leftovers! Transform yesterday's dinner into a completely new and exciting dish. For instance, grilled chicken can be sliced and used in a refreshing salad the next day, or roasted vegetables can be turned into a flavorful frittata for a quick breakfast or dinner. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you.

Embrace Sheet Pan and One-Pot Meals:

When time is of the essence, sheet pan and one-pot meals are your best friends. They require minimal prep, use fewer dishes, and make cleanup a breeze. Roast a variety of vegetables with your protein of choice on a sheet pan for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Alternatively, create a one-pot pasta dish by combining pasta, vegetables, and protein in a single pot for a convenient and tasty dinner option.

Keep it Fresh with Salads:

Summer is the season for refreshing salads bursting with flavor. Incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and proteins into your meal plan for quick and nutritious meals. Preparing a big salad at the beginning of the week and portioning it out for several days ensures you have a healthy option ready to go when hunger strikes.

When in Doubt, GRILL IT:

Keep the mess in the kitchen to a minimum and do all your cooking on the grill. Grab a grill basket for a perfectly charred grilled veggie medley. Throw on some burgers, chicken sausage or chicken for a quick and flavorful protein. Top with a delicious sauce and you have the perfect, summer meal.

With a well-planned summer meal plan, getting dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less becomes a reality. By utilizing what you have on hand, repurposing leftovers, and embracing quick and easy recipes, you can simplify your summer and enjoy delicious meals without the stress. So, take some time to plan, get creative in the kitchen, and savor the flavors of summer with your hassle-free meal plan. Bon appétit!

Below are some of my favorite summer go-to meals and tips:

Salad
My favorite Salad is a Cobb salad, I know there can be quite a few toppings on this salad, but if you prep ahead and store the prepped ingredients in the fridge, you can put this salad together in just a couple of minutes. Here’s a list of what I put in my Cobb Salad, use this as a base to add or subtract and create multiple variations based on what you have in the fridge. Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, avocado, tomato, bacon, chicken breast (grilled or cutlet style), blue cheese or cheddar, hard-boiled egg, croutons, and dressing of choice (blue cheese, honey mustard, dijon vinaigrette).

Stir-Fry
This recipe from www.skinnytaste.com is my favorite, simple Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry. This recipe can stand on its own with just the broccoli, but sometimes I like to add sugar snap peas and sliced carrots just for some variety.

One Pot
So versatile. Quick and easy. Summer Vegetables with Sausage and Potatoes Skillet. This also works as a sheet pan meal!

Sheet Pan
Lime Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas, whether you use chicken, shrimp or cauliflower for a vegetarian sub, this lime marinade brings everything together.

Repurpose Ideas
I won’t be able to hit all those random ingredients left over in your cupboard or fridge, but here are a few ideas that I swear by for a quick meal.

Leftover salad ingredients, but not enough for a meal? Turn it into a wrap. I love Tumaro’s Carb Wise wraps or Joseph’s Lavash Bread. Drizzle with your favorite, hot sauce, dressing, or aioli for a quick and easy meal.

Cucumbers! I buy 2-3 English cucumbers every week and they are perfect for adding more veggies to your diet and are super easy to prep. Here are a few ways I prepare them: Cucumber Sesame Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, or simple cucumber spears with salt & pepper.

Enjoy!!

All the best,

Lisa

xoxo

*A special thank you to www.skinnytaste.com, www.howsweeteats.com, www.gooddinnermom.com, and www.kristineskitchenblog.com for creating the mouth-watering recipes mentioned above.