Happy Labor Day Weekend! I hope you’re easing into the holiday with good food, family, and maybe something a little festive on the grill. As summer winds down and the busy fall season begins, I love leaning on recipes that feel familiar yet fresh. That’s exactly the theme of my September online cooking class: Twists on Classics. This month, we’ll be giving beloved comfort foods a modern spin—think Nerano-Style Zucchini Lasagna (a zucchini-packed take on the Italian classic), Sheet Pan Balsamic BBQ Turkey Meatloaf, Golden Chicken Bowl with Vegetables and Rice, Tahini-Caesar Slaw with Crunchy Sesame Crumbs, Dark Chocolate Loaf Cake with Sticky Coconut Topping. It’s the perfect way to transition into fall cooking while keeping things exciting and doable.
Here’s your dinner planner for the week:
Meatless Monday (Labor Day): We usually a day for a cookout or a picnic: Grilled Portobello Burger (with Garlic-Chive Aioli), Best Flank Steak, Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken, Summer Salad with Peaches, Corn and Creamy Cashew Dressing, Charred Corn Salad, Summer Corn Salad with Avocado, Grilled Vegetables with Romesco Sauce or Lemon-Basil Dressing, Grilled Veggie Lentil Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing, or my all-time favorite Chopped Grilled Vegetable Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, Chicken Caesar Salad Sliders, and something sweet like Mixed Berry Crumble Pie, Blueberry Lemon Tart , Lemon Crinkle Cookies, or chocolate zucchini cake!
Tuesday: Use those leftovers to create wraps, bowls, or an easy meal using the grilled veggies, proteins, grains, and dressings. Make it fun and easy!
Wednesday: Chicken Shawarma p.188 from KM, with lavash or cauliflower rice, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, olives, tahini, yogurt
Thursday: Easy Green Chile Enchilada Skillet + Mexican-style Sauteed Greens
Friday: sautéed shrimp + Italian potato salad + Arugula served with tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or glaze
Saturday brunch: Whole grain strawberry scones, Pina Colada Smoothie, soft scrambled eggs (or egg whites) for protein
Sunday: Chicken Marsala from Once Upon a Chef, Cauliflower mashed potatoes, garlicky roasted broccoli
I LOVE seeing your recreations of my recipes on Instagram! If you make something, tag me @pamelasalzman and use #pamelasalzman so I can cheer you on. If you don’t already get my free Monday newsletter, it’s full of fresh recipes, favorite things, and kitchen inspiration. Subscribe here!
