Back-to-school season always feels like a reset in the kitchen. When my kids were younger, this was the week I would batch cook like crazy to set myself up for the busy months ahead. I’d stock the freezer with cookie dough ready to slice and bake for after-school treats, jars of chicken stock, pesto, and cooked grains, plus bags of peak summer fruit to turn into smoothies when mornings got hectic. Even now, I still like to do a little “September prep” to make weeknights easier and help us transition from the laid-back pace of summer to a more structured routine. This week’s dinner planner reflects that balance—fresh, seasonal meals that are simple to pull together but also lend themselves to doubling up or freezing for later. Just a quick note: I’m switching things up behind the scenes, as you may notice my emails are getting a little makeover! Still filled with all of the information you are used to, just be sure to peek in your spam folder if you don’t see it right away!
Here’s your dinner planner for the week:
Meatless Monday: Sheet Pan Cauliflower Taco “Meat” (I’ll serve mine with lettuce cups, pickled onions, avocado, lime – but make it what you want!), Grilled Mexican Corn Off the Cob, Jicama Slaw
Tuesday: flank steak + Nectarine and goat cheese salad with beet dressing served with cooked quinoa or farro
Wednesday: Black bean mushroom burgers from Quicker than Quick, Fried Zucchini Blossoms, Roasted Cherry Tomato and Feta Salad
Thursday: Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Shrimp & Pesto + a simple tomato salad with salt, olive oil, red wine vinegar and basil
Friday: Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich from Jar of Lemons, Baked parsnip fries, Green Bean and Basil Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Saturday brunch: Peach-Blueberry Buckle
Sunday:Creamy Roasted Poblano Soup Recipe (with Corn & Potatoes) + grilled or roasted fish (salmon, mahi mahi, or halibut seasoned with lime juice, cumin, chili, garlic, and olive oil)
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!
