A Healthy Weekly Meal Plan for Empty Nesters

Fruit-Filled French Toast Wraps

Here’s my go-to whenever we have brunch guests. If I have extra berries, I just make a fruit salad for later. —Dawn Jarvis, Breckenridge, Minnesota

Poached Egg Buddha Bowls

I love cooking for my husband and this is the first dish of the year that we enjoy out in our back yard. I often include fresh peas and cherry tomatoes, halved. —Amy McDonough, Carlton, Oregon

Steak and Fries Salad

This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Feta Asparagus Frittata

Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this frittata extra special. It's perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

Garden Chickpea Salad

Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan

Breakfast Pitas

My husband and I like these pita pockets all by themselves for a quick breakfast. When you want a larger meal, serve hash brown potatoes and fruit on the side. —Peggy Blattel, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad

My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah

Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches

Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection...it makes a delicious meatless meal. —Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California

Beef Burgundy Over Noodles

I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa

Ground Beef Taco Salad

In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter; this salad is a great solution. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota

Yankee Rancheros

After my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a Yankee, I decided I had to learn to make some Mexican dishes. These are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner!. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas

Beef Orange Stir-Fry

This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Migas, My Way

My family loves any foods with a southwestern kick, so this recipe gets a big thumbs-up from them. I have substituted fresh corn tortillas for the chips by cutting the tortillas into strips and sauteing them with pepper and onion. It makes for a nice change. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Day 7 Lunch: Veggie Salmon Chowder

Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing

I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina