Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 39). The late-summer heat is still with us here in New York, so this week’s plan leans on quick grilling, fresh salads and vibrant seasonal produce like sweet corn, ripe tomatoes and colorful bell peppers. These dinners are designed to be family-friendly, simple to prepare and easy to adapt based on what’s in your pantry or market.
I plan meals ahead using a weekly meal planner to stay organized before grocery shopping. Planning saves time, reduces food waste and makes dinners less stressful on busy weeknights. My breakfasts are typically quick—eggs with fruit, a smoothie or avocado toast—and lunches often include leftovers from the night before. We’re a family of four, so when a recipe yields extra it usually becomes lunches or a repeat dinner the next day. If you want more ideas, check the Skinnytaste meal plans page for previous weeks’ menus and inspiration.
Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 39)
Monday: Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (from The Skinnytaste Cookbook)
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos
Wednesday: Summer Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad with Creamy Buttermilk-Dijon Dressing, served with Grilled Shrimp
Thursday: Pressure Cooker Stewed Chicken with Corn (Pollo Guisado Con Maiz)
Friday: Gochujang-Glazed Salmon with brown rice
Saturday: Dinner out
Sunday: Korean Beef Rice Bowls
Tips for the week: Quinoa stuffed peppers are a great make-ahead option—prepare the filling earlier in the day and bake just before dinner. Slow cooker tacos save time and are perfect for busy evenings; shred the chicken and serve with crisp cabbage, pico de gallo and avocado for texture and freshness. The summer corn, tomato and avocado salad is at its best when tomatoes are ripe and corn is just off the cob; add grilled shrimp for protein and a satisfying contrast to the cool dressing.
The pressure cooker stewed chicken with corn makes a comforting, saucy meal that pairs well with warm tortillas or rice. Gochujang-glazed salmon is a flavorful way to enjoy fish—serve it with brown rice for a balanced plate. For Sunday, Korean beef rice bowls are quick to assemble and allow you to finish the week with bold, savory flavors; top with scallions, sesame seeds and crisp cucumber for freshness.
Shopping List
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
- quinoa
- vegetable broth
- extra virgin olive oil
- garlic
- canned crushed tomatoes
- kosher salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- baby spinach
- fresh basil
- shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
- 2 large red bell peppers
Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos
- 12 oz raw skinless chicken tenders or breast
- 15 oz can low-sodium black beans
- 10 oz can tomatoes with mild green chiles (Rotel or similar)
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- scallions
- cilantro (optional)
- shredded red cabbage
- red wine vinegar or lime juice
- salt and black pepper
- 12 crisp corn taco shells
- pico de gallo (optional)
- Hass avocado (optional)
Summer Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad with Buttermilk-Dijon Dressing
- shallots
- Dijon mustard
- white wine vinegar
- 1% buttermilk
- extra virgin olive oil
- garlic powder
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- romaine lettuce
- corn on the cob
- large grape tomatoes
- avocado
- red onion
- shrimp (for grilling)
Pressure Cooker Stewed Chicken with Corn (Pollo Guisado Con Maiz)
- 8 skinless chicken drumsticks
- kosher salt
- garlic powder
- olive oil
- onion
- scallions
- plum tomatoes
- fresh garlic
- cilantro
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- chicken bouillon or concentrated stock
- ground cumin
- corn on the cob
Gochujang-Glazed Salmon
- nonstick cooking spray or oil
- 1 lb wild salmon fillets (about 4 x 4 oz)
- gochujang
- mirin
- soy sauce
- sugar
- toasted sesame oil
- garlic
- fresh ginger
- scallions
- black sesame seeds
Korean Beef Rice Bowls
- low-sodium soy sauce
- light brown sugar
- sesame oil
- crushed red pepper flakes
- cooking spray
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- yellow onion
- garlic
- fresh ginger
- cooked brown rice
- cucumber
- gochujang (for serving or optional sauce)
- sesame seeds
- scallions, white and green parts
Meal planning is a simple way to make weeknight dinners calmer and more enjoyable. Use this list to shop once for the week, prep ingredients early when possible, and adjust portion sizes to match your household. Enjoy the fresh summer produce and the balance of quick grill nights and comforting slow-cooked meals throughout the week.