We've got healthy May recipes that keep you on track all month long. Bonus: The menu comes with healthy dessert ideas, too!
Your Healthy Meal Plan for May
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
1/28
Day 1: Tomato Walnut Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 202 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
2/28
Day 2: Ginger Pork Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My recipe box is full of delicious pork recipes, but this fast-to-fix stir-fry really stands out from the rest. My family loves the citrus glaze that coats the tender pork and vegetables. Ginger, garlic and orange juice provide the glaze's terrific taste. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 228 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/28
Day 4: Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce
Total Time
5 hours 55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes the delicious flavor of black bean sauce and joins it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
4/28
Day 5: Healthier-than-Egg Rolls
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I've figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer a traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 451 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
5/28
Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Frequently requested at family get-togethers, this rich and hearty soup is ready in a flash. Cooking for a vegetarian? Swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth. —Danielle Noble, Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 399 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
6/28
Cheeseburger Bowl
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can try a version of the dressing with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups salad mixture with 2 tablespoons dressing: 374 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
7/28
Grilled Veggie Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 274 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
8/28
Day 9: Slow-Cooked Vegetable Curry
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings (about 2 -1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don't want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups curry: 304 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 12g fiber), 9g protein.
9/28
Day 10: Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
10/28
Day 11: Chicken Quinoa Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We pile our favorite gyro fixin’s into nutritious quinoa bowls. Our local gyro guy has a cool but spicy sauce that transforms his sandwiches. It’s a must here, too. —Leah Lyon, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 341 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
11/28
Day 13: Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/28
Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
13/28
Day 15: Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spicy butternut squash makes such a great base for these vegetarian tacos. I’m always looking for quick and nutritious weeknight dinners for my family. These fit the bill and are so delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 353 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 13g fiber), 11g protein.
14/28
Day 16: Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 124 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
15/28
Day 17: Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups chicken mixture: 251 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
16/28
Day 18: Shrimp Scampi Spinach Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I really enjoy both shrimp scampi and fresh spinach salad, so I put the two together. My oldest son loves it, too, and he's only 3! —Jamie Porter, Garnett, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 201 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/28
Day 19: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken dish is extremely fast and economical. It makes a nice sauce that works well over brown rice or wide noodles. If you want extra sauce for leftovers, double the recipe. —Irene Boffo, Fountain Hills, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3 tablespoons sauce: 295 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
18/28
Day 20: Black Bean & Sweet Potato Rice Bowls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have three hungry boys in my house, so dinners need to be quick and filling, and it helps to get in some veggies, too. This one is a favorite because it's hearty and fun to tweak with different ingredients. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 435 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 10g protein.
19/28
Day 21: Grilled Asian Chicken Pasta Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cool noodle salad makes a great casual one-bowl dinner or a perfect dish for a potluck or buffet. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 478 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
20/28
Day 23: Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with brussels sprouts: 234 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
21/28
Day 24: Market Basket Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 110 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
22/28
Day 25: Asian Beef & Noodles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dish on a whim to feed my hungry teenagers. It's since become a dinnertime staple, and now two of my grandchildren make it in their own kitchens. —Judy Batson, Tampa, FL
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 462 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 35g protein.
23/28
Day 26: One-Pan Chicken Rice Curry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
24/28
Day 27: Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My colleagues and I made a pact to eat healthier, and we took turns sharing dishes. I'm happy to report that, thanks to recipes like this crisp and tangy salad, we all trimmed down. —Teresa Jordan, Springville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 422 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
25/28
Day 28: Crispy Almond Tilapia
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since changing to a healthier style of cooking, I’ve come up with new coatings for baked fish. I use almonds, panko bread crumbs and a smidge of hot sauce to add crunchy texture with nice heat. —Amanda Flinner, Beaver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 fillet pieces: 251 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat.
26/28
Day 29: Hazelnut Asparagus Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
My heart is happy when bundles of tender local asparagus start to appear at my grocery store in spring. No one would ever guess this restaurant-quality vegetarian soup can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 164 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/28
Day 30: Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings (3/4 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my go-to entree for a warm-weather cookout. The salmon has a rich, grilled taste that's enhanced by the savory blackberry sauce. It's a nice balance of sweet, smoky and spicy. —Stephanie Matthews, Tempe, AZ
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 2 tablespoons sauce: 304 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
28/28
Day 31: Grilled Pork Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family raves about this moist pork with smoked paprika and pineapple. I dish it up next to brown rice and a salad of avocado and tomatoes. —E Gelesky, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco with 1/4 cup salsa: 383 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 medium-fat meat.
