Hello friends — I just returned from a family vacation in Punta Cana where we stayed at the Nickelodeon All-Inclusive Resort and had a wonderful time. After a week of indulgent meals and a lot of relaxing, I’m ready to reset and get back on track with a practical dinner plan for the week.
I use The Skinnytaste Meal Planner to map out dinners for the week, though any planner will do. Meal planning helps save time at the grocery store and reduces last-minute decisions about what to cook. For busy mornings I usually keep breakfasts simple — eggs with fruit, a smoothie, or avocado toast. We are a family of four, so when recipes make extra servings those leftovers either become lunches or are reheated for another dinner. If you like meal plans, there are many past weekly plans and recipe collections available from Skinnytaste and similar sites for inspiration.
Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 62)
- Monday: Chicken Sweet Potato and Kale Soup — a nourishing, brothy soup with sweet potatoes, tender chicken, and hearty kale.
- Tuesday: Perfect Filet Mignon for Two with Garlic Roasted Cauliflower topped with toasted Asiago breadcrumbs — a simple, elegant steak night paired with a flavorful roasted vegetable side.
- Wednesday: Bangin Good Chicken Salad — a crunchy, slightly spicy chicken salad served over greens or on a sandwich, great for quick weeknight dinners.
- Thursday: Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joes — an easy slow-cooker option that fills the house with comforting aromas and makes plenty of leftovers.
- Friday: Leftovers — an intentional night to clear the fridge and save time.
- Saturday: Dinner Out — a break from cooking and a chance to enjoy a meal with family or friends.
- Sunday: Flounder Piccata with Raw Shredded Brussels Sprouts dressed with lemon and oil — a light, bright seafood dinner paired with a crisp raw slaw.
Shopping List
The list below covers ingredients for the week. Adjust quantities to match your family size and pantry staples you already have on hand.
Chicken Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts
- seasoning salt (such as adobo) or preferred seasoning
- olive oil
- 1 onion
- celery
- garlic
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- ground cumin
- reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 sweet potato
- kale
- jalapeño (optional, for a bit of heat)
- fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Perfect Filet Mignon for Two
- 2 (6 oz) beef tenderloin filet mignon steaks
- olive oil spray or a small amount of oil for searing
- kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Garlic Roasted Cauliflower with Toasted Asiago Breadcrumbs
- 1 head cauliflower
- garlic
- olive oil
- salt and freshly cracked pepper
- 1 small onion (optional)
- seasoned breadcrumbs
- shredded Asiago cheese
- fresh thyme or another herb of your choice
Bangin Good Chicken Salad
- olive oil spray and a little olive oil
- whole wheat Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- panko
- 16 oz (2 large) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- kosher salt and pepper
- shredded romaine
- shredded red cabbage
- light mayonnaise
- scallions
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha (to taste)
Crock Pot Italian Sloppy Joes
- 1 lb Italian turkey sausage
- 1 onion
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- crushed tomatoes
- dried rosemary
- salt and freshly cracked pepper
- whole wheat 100-calorie potato rolls or preferred buns
- reduced-fat provolone slices
- baby spinach (for serving)
Flounder Piccata
- flounder filets (approximately 17 oz total)
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large egg whites
- about 2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- olive oil spray or a tablespoon of olive oil for cooking
- 1 tbsp light butter
- juice of 1 lemon (reserve lemon halves)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- sliced lemon and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for serving
Raw Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Oil
- brussels sprouts
- olive oil
- lemon
Meal planning makes grocery shopping faster and helps avoid wasted food. A few practical tips: shop your pantry first to avoid duplicate purchases; prep vegetables and grains at the start of the week to speed evening assembly; and label leftovers with dates so they are used promptly. Soups and slow-cooker dishes often taste even better the next day, and many cooked items freeze well if you want to save portions for a later date.
Enjoy this week’s menu — simple swaps and portion control can easily adapt these recipes to your family’s preferences. If you try any of the dishes, consider prepping components in advance (chopping vegetables, measuring spices, or pre-cooking proteins) to make weeknights smoother and more relaxed.