Check menu planning off your list. We're offering 31 days of seasonal dishes (plus a side or dessert) that let you sail through busy weeknights and savor every weekend.
Your May Meal Plan
Updated on May 01, 2024
1/31
Caesar Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat (11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
2/31
Day 2: Slow-Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker is our summertime go-to for cool kitchen cooking. After swim lessons and outdoor activities, it's so nice to come back to a tasty, light dinner. If you can't find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but can work in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce cups: 271 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
3/31
Feta Shrimp Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 240 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
4/31
Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 466 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1680mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
5/31
Beef Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. —Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 766 calories, 42g fat (24g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 2643mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
6/31
Meat Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 366 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 1086mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
7/31
Day 7: Crispy Dill Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 256 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
8/31
Day 8: Asparagus Ham Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 204 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
9/31
Day 9: Chicken Francese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up on this tender, lemony chicken Francese recipe that's a classic in Italian cooking. It's delicious as is, but we sometimes add sauteed mushrooms. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread to mop up all that delicious pan sauce. —Joe Losardo, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 318 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
10/31
Day 10: Authentic Pasta Carbonara
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 353 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
11/31
Day 11: Skillet Beef Tamales
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup meat mixture with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 329 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
12/31
Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
13/31
Day 13: Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
14/31
Day 14: Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a good roasted chicken, and this one is easy and delicious. The marinade does its magic in the fridge until time for roasting. It’s fun to dress the dish up by season based on whatever vegetables are fresh at the market. —Kara Brook, Owings Mills, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken with 1 cup vegetables: 654 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 919mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
15/31
Gingered Spaghetti Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love this chilled chicken salad brimming with colorful veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 355 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein.
16/31
Chicken in Puff Pastry
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never believe a dish this scrumptious, comforting and impressive-looking could be made with just five ingredients! It offers such an easy way to entertain friends. —Gina Hobbs, Tifton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 496 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
17/31
Day 17: Tuna Teriyaki Kabobs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to barbecue but don't always want a heavy dinner. These are perfect in the spring, and you'll have room for dessert! —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 tuna kabob and 1 vegetable kabob: 389 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 444mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 45g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
18/31
Taco Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 416 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
Goes Great With: Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette
19/31
Day 19: Herbed Portobello Pasta
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Meaty mushrooms make this light pasta taste hearty and filling. It's my fast and fresh go-to weeknight dinner. —Laurie Trombley, Stonyford, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 375 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
20/31
Day 20: Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The convenience and simplicity of this chicken dinner make it extra awesome. Feel free to change the veggies throughout the year—the sticky-spicy-sweet sauce is tasty on everything!! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 490 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1665mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
21/31
22/31
Day 22: Pressure-Cooker Fabulous Fajitas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
When friends call to ask for new recipes to try, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 314 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
23/31
Day 23: Vegetable, Steak and Eggs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Low-carb doesn't have to mean skimpy—here's a lighter take on steak and eggs. I love cooking with squash, but feel free to toss in any vegetable combination you like. —Robert Deskin, Plantation, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 344 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 259mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
24/31
Scallops with Wilted Spinach
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Two of my favorite foods are bacon and seafood. In this dish, I get them together with white wine, shallots and baby spinach. Serve with bread to soak up the tasty broth. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3 scallops with 1/2 cup spinach mixture: 247 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 964mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
25/31
Day 25: Tzatziki Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
26/31
Day 26: Shrimp and Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I meet former co-workers for lunch at our favorite restaurant, we always order this salad. I wanted to share it with my husband, so I made it my mission to re-create it. Mission accomplished! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 212 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
27/31
Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
28/31
Rhubarbecue
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simmered sauce is a roller-coaster ride for your tongue. It's a wonderful blend of complex flavors that goes with any meat. — Rd Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork with 1/3 cup sauce: 533 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1158mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
29/31
Day 29: Sausage and Swiss Chard Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I whipped up lunch with fresh produce from the farmers market, and the result was amazing. The pasta absorbs the cooking liquid quickly, so serve immediately to guarantee the best texture. —Kate Stiltner, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 487 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
30/31
Day 30: Chicken & Cheese Tortilla Pie
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Trust me when I say this hearty dish can be assembled in minutes, then devoured even quicker with no leftovers. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 498 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
31/31
Day 31: Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos
Total Time
3 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 387 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
