Happy New Year! Whether you believe in making resolutions or not, I think we can all agree that the new year is a great opportunity to focus on our health. Let’s start off on the right foot with this week’s meal plan!
“Mmmmm” Monday: Braised Cabbage with Chicken
It may be the Ukrainian in me, but I think cabbage is one of the most underrated veggies. This meal is loaded with veggies and protein, making it the perfect start to the year!
Hot tips
- Buy pre-shredded cabbage to save time, or buy a whole head for the most cost-effective option.
- If a meal just isn’t a meal without carbs, serve the braised cabbage with mashed potatoes or a slice of wheat bread.
- Swap the chicken for ground beef or pork or add in whatever veggies you have on hand!
Simple Tuesday: Chicken Ranch Wraps
I love wraps because of how easy they are to make and how light they taste. I’m all for creamy and rich dishes, but sometimes the freshness of a cool wrap is exactly what I need, especially this week.
Hot tips
- Use our air fryer chicken breast and air fryer bacon recipes to cook the proteins ahead of time!
- Add in more veggies to your heart’s desire. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados are great additions to just about any wrap!
- Check out the full recipe for more add-in and seasoning ideas.
Warm Wednesday: Meatball Kale Soup
It seems like a few years ago, kale became famously known as a “superfood.” Even though it rose to popularity most with zuppa toscana soup, I find it’s delicious in other soups as well. Give this meatball soup a go and let me know what you think!
Hot tips
- If you’re loving the idea of kale soup but want a different protein, switch it up and make Italian sausage kale soup instead.
- This soup freezes really well since it doesn’t use cream. Make a double batch and freeze it for up to three months.
- No time for fresh homemade meatballs? No worries! Use frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought!).
Tex-Mex Thursday: Taco Salad
If you know me, you know I can’t go a week without having something Tex-Mex, even if it is the first week of the new year. I like making this salad because it still has the freshness I’m craving, but it also has the punchy Tex-Mex flavors that I love.
Hot tips
- You’ve already bought a lot of the same ingredients for Tuesday’s wrap. Use up any extras you may have from Tuesday here!
- Keep the beef separate from the rest of the salad until serving. The salad tastes best when the base ingredients are cold and the beef is warm.
- Load up on any toppings/sauces as you wish, but only add them to your individual portion. You’ll want to store anything like pico de gallo, guacamole, or avocados separately.
Fish Friday: Air Fryer Tilapia
Would you believe me if I told you this recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make? Tilapia is famous for cooking super quickly, which I love! Plus, it’s light and an easy way to end the week.
Hot tips
- Serve the tilapia for dinner with air fried veggies like air fryer asparagus, air fryer broccoli florets, or air fryer green beans. The air fryer is already warmed up, so why not!?
- If you have tilapia leftovers, serve them up in fish tacos over the weekend. If you have extra cabbage, make a simple coleslaw for the tacos, too.
- Use a meat thermometer to check when the tilapia is done (145°F). Avoid overcooking, as it only takes a few minutes for the fish to go from tender to rubbery.
Dessert of the Week: Vareniki (Pierogi with Farmers Cheese)
Did you know that January 7th is Christmas in the Julian calendar? Even though most of us celebrate Christmas on December 25th, January 7th is still a popular “secondary” Christmas celebration among Slavic people. And in my house — that means celebrating with our favorite vareniki (Tim’s favorite!).
Side of the Week: Pico de Gallo
I’ve mentioned it above, but I really think pico de gallo is a side that goes well with so many dishes this week! It’s great in the wraps, with the salad, and with the fish. Or, eat the pico as a snack with fresh tortilla chips.
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