Each week, to help our readers with their meal planning, we invite an FBC member to put together a weekly meal plan based on recipes from their blog with a week’s worth of dinners from Sunday to Saturday. We include a printable shopping list so you can get everything you need and be ready to cook. And you’ll get introduced to some new recipes and meet some great new Canadian food blogs.
Today we meet Samantha from My Kitchen Love and she's got seven fast and fresh dinner ideas for a family meal plan that will gather everyone round the table (includes gluten-free and vegetarian options).
Fresh delicious meals on the table quickly? It’s possible and I’m hoping these 7 dinner ideas will make your week a breeze when it comes to meals the whole family will love. The first week back to school can be insane and the last thing anyone wants to be is loaded down with long ingredient lists and complicated recipes. Double down on any recipe to ensure you’ve got lunch covered the next day. Enjoy!
Sunday
Harissa Chicken, Potatoes and Veg
** Gluten-free. A one pan dish, with minimal prep, you can throw it into the oven to free up some valuable time and make Sunday Funday last a bit longer!
Monday
Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Hazelnuts with a suggested dessert of No Churn Ice Cream (three ways!): )
** Vegetarian. Let’s make summer flavours linger for as long as we can with this meatless Monday dish. Let’s also highlight the point that all 3 ice cream recipes don’t require an ice cream maker and there’s a vegan option that just might blow your mind).
Tuesday
Chorizo Asparagus and Goat's Cheese Pizza
For a really quick and easy weeknight dinner, roll out some store-bought dough or use pitas for tasty topped pizzas.
Plus, it’s pizza. Enough said.
Wednesday
** Gluten-free. All good things Canadian in a bowl: bacon, beans, beer and sharp cheddar cheese. Any excuse to consume the leftover beer that the recipe doesn’t use is a good one in my opinion.
Thursday
Lime Chilli Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
Hang on to summer just a wee bit longer with beachy goodness on your plate.
Friday
Grilled Chicken with Arugula and Warm Chickpeas. Suggested Dessert: Vanilla and Earl Grey Chocolate Pudding with Sea Salt.
**Gluten-free. I said dinner would be quick and fresh. This is it friends. And this Vanilla Earl Grey Chocolate Pudding with Sea Salt dessert is worth it on Friday night!
Saturday
Iraqi Eggs with Lamb and Tomatoes. Suggested Side Salad: Spicy Greens with Vinaigrette
** Gluten-free. This is probably my most popular recipe with all my friends to the point that it’s a staple in their households and makes for a comfort filled Saturday night!
Menu Plan Shopping List
Don’t forget to grab your downloadable shopping list (FBC Meal Plan - My Kitchen Love) that includes all your pantry staples as well as fresh foods and the more unique ingredients!
More Meal Planning Tips and Ideas
Want some great tips to help you plan your own weekly menus? Check out our helpful tips in Meal Planning 101. And for menu planning inspiration, browse our entire meal plan archives.
I’m Samantha, Food Blogger over at My Kitchen Love. I’m the mom of twin toddlers and a newborn, and wife to a hungry husband. The food demands that surround me have pushed me to lead our food life more simply, nutritiously, and deliciously. Life’s big celebrations and humble everyday moments often revolve around food, and it brings me much joy to cook for these occasions. I may be covered in baby puree or unwinding with a glass of wine (or possibly both), but it’s a good day when food, family, and friends intersect.
Follow Samantha on Social Media or connect with her via email.
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This weekly meal plan is such a fantastic idea! I love how Samantha has included quick, fresh, and family-friendly recipes that are both gluten-free and vegetarian. The downloadable shopping list makes meal prep so much easier, and the mix of classic comfort dishes with creative twists is perfect for keeping dinner exciting all week long. Definitely bookmarking this for inspiration!
I really love this weekly meal plan! The mix of quick, flavorful dinners and family-friendly options is perfect for busy weeks. Having a printable shopping list makes it so easy to get organized, and I can’t wait to try some of these gluten-free and vegetarian recipes!