Top 25 Skinny Recipes of 2013

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I hope everyone’s holidays were filled with warmth, good food, and wonderful company. I spent the season surrounded by family and friends and feel incredibly grateful for the time we shared. It was a restorative and joyful break, and I returned energized and ready to tackle new creative projects. Santa was especially kind this year … Read more

Skinnytaste Dinner Plan: Week 9 Menu and Recipes

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Happy Sunday! This is week nine of my weekly dinner planning posts since launching The Skinnytaste Meal Planner. Planning dinners in advance helps me stay organized, saves time at the supermarket, and makes weeknight cooking far less stressful. I map out meals before I shop so I know exactly what I need and can avoid … Read more

One-Pot Spaghetti Puttanesca with Olives and Capers

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One-Pot Spaghetti Puttanesca delivers big, bold flavors from anchovies, Kalamata olives, and capers—the classic trifecta that defines a winning puttanesca. This version cooks everything in a single skillet for a fast, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup. Garlic, crushed red pepper, oregano, and a touch of tomato paste build the sauce alongside juicy grape tomatoes and … Read more

Skinnytaste Weekly Meal Plan: March 5-11

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A free, flexible 7-day meal plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a complete shopping list. Each recipe includes calorie information and Weight Watchers Freestyle SmartPoints for easy tracking.

Skinnytaste Meal Plan (March 5-March 11)

Good news — I recently finished the final recipe for my upcoming cookbook, Skinnytaste One and Done. After a year of testing recipes across Instant Pot, skillet, air fryer, slow cooker and sheet pan methods, I have more time to develop new recipes here and, hopefully, take a few vacations.

This meal plan follows my usual approach: it’s a practical, flexible guide meant to simplify your week. If you’ve seen my previous meal plans, you’ll recognize the emphasis on adaptability — there’s room for coffee, snacks, fruit, dessert, wine and meals out. Aim for roughly 1,500 calories per day as a general target, and adjust according to your needs.

The grocery list below is organized and thorough to make shopping faster and less stressful. It helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and food waste by ensuring you have what you need for the week. I also note a few brands and product suggestions I use regularly to make planning easier. Check your pantry first, since many condiments and staples are reused across recipes.

If you use Facebook, consider joining the Skinnytaste Facebook Community where members share photos and tips from the recipes they make — it’s a great place for ideas and inspiration.

THE DETAILS:

Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday are planned as single servings; dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are sized to serve a family of four. Several recipes yield leftovers that work for a second night or next-day lunch. While no single meal plan fits everyone, this plan is Weight Watchers friendly and includes updated Freestyle SmartPoints for convenience. Feel free to swap recipes to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

The grocery list covers everything needed for the week and includes optional substitutions where useful. Many pantry items will already be on hand in most kitchens.

This plan is intentionally flexible. There’s plenty of room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dining out, and you can rearrange meals to fit your schedule. If you find these weekly plans helpful, let me know — that feedback helps decide whether to keep sharing them.

MONDAY (3/5)
B: Petite Crust-less Quiche (5) with 1 cup cantaloupe (0)
L: Chickpea Egg Salad (2)
D: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Italian Style (10)
Totals: Freestyle Points 17, Calories 1,007*

TUESDAY (3/6)
B: Petite Crust-less Quiche (5) with 1 cup cantaloupe (0)
L: Chickpea Egg Salad (2)
D: Picadillo (3) with ½ cup brown rice (3) and Quick Cabbage Slaw (2)
Totals: Freestyle Points 15, Calories 1,049*

WEDNESDAY (3/7)
B: Petite Crust-less Quiche (5) with 1 cup cantaloupe (0)
L: Chickpea Egg Salad (2)
D: Air-Fryer Beef Empanadas (5)* with Fiesta Lime Rice (2)
Totals: Freestyle Points 14, Calories 981*

THURSDAY (3/8)
B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (0) with sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (2) and 1 teaspoon honey (1)
L: Chickpea Egg Salad (2)
D: Chicken, Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup (7) with 2 ounces multigrain baguette (3)
Totals: Freestyle Points 15, Calories 996*

FRIDAY (3/9)
B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (0) with sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (2) and 1 teaspoon honey (1)
L: 1 whole wheat pita (4) with ¼ cup hummus (3) and 10 baby carrots (0)
D: Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Bowl (3)
Totals: Freestyle Points 13, Calories 827*

SATURDAY (3/10)
B: Breakfast BLT Salad (4) — recipe doubled for two servings
L: Leftover Chicken, Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup (7)
D: Dinner out — enjoy!
Totals: Freestyle Points 11, Calories 492*

SUNDAY (3/11)
B: Easy Bagel (3) with 2 strips bacon (2), 1 egg (0), 2 tablespoons cheddar (2) and an orange (0)
L: Skinny Buffalo Chicken Strips (1) with 6 baby carrots (0) and 2 tablespoons Low-Fat Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing (1)
D: Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Peas (5) with ½ cup basmati rice (2)
Totals: Freestyle Points 16, Calories 877*

*This plan is a general guide. Women are encouraged to aim for around 1,500 calories per day, but individual needs vary. Use a calorie estimator to determine your personal target and adjust portions or add snacks, beverages and treats as needed.

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Crispy Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookie Recipe

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These dark chocolate oatmeal lace cookies are delicate, crisp at the edges and slightly chewy in the center. Two thin cookies are sandwiched together with a thin layer of melted dark chocolate for a refined holiday treat that’s surprisingly light and easy to make. Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Lace Cookies Made from simple pantry ingredients—old-fashioned oats, … Read more

21 Rice Bowl Recipes for Balanced Weeknight Meals

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Get creative with these easy rice bowl recipes. Rice bowls are a simple, delicious way to combine protein, vegetables, and grains into a balanced weeknight dinner or a portable lunch. They’re perfect for using leftovers and letting you customize meals to fit your taste or dietary needs. Easy Rice Bowl Recipes to Try ASAP When … Read more

Juicy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos, Salads and More

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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is the fastest, most reliable way to prepare tender, lean shredded chicken—ideal for high-protein meal prep. Use it for chicken salad, tacos, enchiladas, grain bowls, soups, or any recipe that calls for cooked chicken. This version cooks in broth with simple aromatics for moist, flavorful results. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken If … Read more

Party Veggie Shooters: Crudites with Creamy Ranch Dip

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These veggie shooters—fresh cut vegetables presented in individual shot glasses with a flavorful, light ranch-style dressing—make an elegant, healthy appetizer that’s easy to prep and perfect for parties. Serving individual portions prevents double-dipping and keeps presentation tidy. Veggie Shooters (Crudites with Skinny Ranch Dip) This colorful appetizer requires no cooking and comes together quickly. Think … Read more

Zesty Lemon-Dijon Spiralized Carrot Salad Recipe

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My husband and I aren’t usually fans of raw carrots on their own, but when you add bright lemon juice and tangy Dijon mustard it transforms them into something we crave. This simple, five-ingredient carrot salad is fresh, lemony, and perfect as a side or a light lunch base. This recipe is intentionally simple: spiralized … Read more

Sheet Pan Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

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My favorite sheet pan dinners make it simple to serve a satisfying, home-cooked meal any night of the week. These healthy, fuss-free recipes let you roast protein and vegetables together on a single pan—line the sheet for fast cleanup and dinner is done. Quick and Easy Sheet Pan Dinners If you haven’t tried sheet pan … Read more