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Skinnytaste Week 71 Dinner Plan: Menu and Recipes

Skinnytaste Dinner Plan — Week 71

Skinnytaste Dinner Plan (Week 71)

Happy Easter and welcome to Week 71 of the Skinnytaste Dinner Plan. It’s a beautiful Sunday here in New York, and I’m excited to share this week’s easy, family-friendly dinner lineup. I’m honored that The Skinnytaste Fast and Slow Cookbook was nominated for the Books for Better Life Awards — I’ll be attending the awards on Monday night among so many talented authors. Meal planning has always helped our household stay organized and avoid last-minute takeout, so I hope this plan gives you inspiration for the week ahead.

Pictured below is The Skinnytaste Meal Planner, which I use to map out dinners and grocery needs for the week (you can use any meal planning tool that works for you). Meal planning saves time, reduces waste, and makes shopping easier. For quick breakfasts I usually have eggs and fruit, a smoothie, or avocado toast. We are a family of four, so when a recipe yields extra portions those become lunches or intentional leftovers for another night. If you like these weekly plans, you can find previous meal plans on the Skinnytaste site for additional ideas and seasonal menus.

Meal planner page

This Week’s Dinner Menu

  • Monday: Cauliflower Fried “Rice” with Leftover Ham
  • Tuesday: Loaded “Nacho” Chicken Tostada
  • Wednesday: Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu with roasted asparagus
  • Thursday: Crock Pot Balsamic Pork Roast with Dina’s Tossed Mushrooms
  • Friday: Leftovers
  • Saturday: Dinner out
  • Sunday: Grilled Salmon Kebabs with a simple salad

This week combines low-carb options, comforting slow-cooker flavors, and quick weeknight dinners. Cauliflower fried “rice” makes a great way to use leftover ham and vegetables; the tostadas are fun to assemble and customizable; chicken cordon bleu is an easy skillet dinner that feels special without too much fuss; and the crock pot pork roast delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal hands-on time. Dina’s tossed mushrooms are an easy, savory side that pairs well with the pork. On Sunday, grilled salmon kebabs keep things light and bright to end the week.

Shopping List

Below is a consolidated shopping list to make the week easier. Quantities will depend on your family size and pantry staples you already have. Swap ingredients based on preference or dietary needs — for example, use tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce or choose a different cheese for substitutions.

Cauliflower Fried “Rice” with Leftover Ham

  • Leftover ham
  • Cauliflower (head or cauliflower rice)
  • Sesame oil
  • Eggs
  • Cooking spray or neutral oil
  • Onion
  • Frozen peas and carrots
  • Garlic
  • Scallions (green onions)
  • Soy sauce or tamari

Loaded “Nacho” Chicken Tostada

  • Tostada shells or tostada-style tortillas
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese (optional)
  • Avocado
  • Lime
  • Tomato
  • White onion
  • Cilantro
  • Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast (shredded)
  • Canned, drained black beans
  • Jalapeño (optional)
  • Sliced black olives (optional)

Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Thin boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
  • All-purpose flour
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Dijon mustard
  • Low-sodium deli ham (such as Boar’s Head or preferred brand)
  • Light Swiss cheese (e.g., Alpine Lace)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Asparagus for roasting

Crock Pot Balsamic Pork Roast

  • 2-pound boneless pork shoulder or sirloin roast
  • Garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Honey

Dina’s Tossed Mushrooms

  • White button mushrooms
  • Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • Parmigiano Reggiano or grated Parmesan
  • Italian parsley
  • Thyme (fresh or dried)
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Olive oil spray (optional)

Grilled Salmon Kebabs

  • Fresh oregano
  • Sesame seeds
  • Ground cumin
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Skinless wild salmon fillet
  • Fresh lemons
  • Olive oil cooking spray or a little olive oil
  • Bamboo skewers (soaked in water before grilling)
  • Salad greens and salad ingredients of your choice

Notes and tips: Plan to thaw any frozen ingredients in advance, and check your pantry for basics like olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you prefer vegetarian options, the cauliflower fried “rice” can be made without ham and boosted with extra vegetables and tofu or tempeh. Leftovers from the crock pot pork roast work well for sandwiches or tacos the next day.

Wishing you a delicious week of meals. If you try any of these recipes, adapt them to your taste and enjoy the convenience of a simple, planned weeknight routine.