The 2023 week 41 menu plan is complete.
Breakfast
Blueberry, Coconut, Pecan Breakfast Cookies
Lunch
White Bean and Barley Salad with Greek Vinaigrette
The Best Salad I’ve Ever Eaten
Lentil Salad with Capers and Balsamic
Farro Salad ties Cranberries, Kale, Pecans and Goat Cheese
Dinner
Ginger Garlic Air Fryer Salmon
Zhoug Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
Hits and Misses
I have so many soups that we enjoy. I will add this one to the favorites. We added fat free Greek yogurt for added protein…yum.
Although I did not make the recipe for the sandwich exactly as written, it will definitely be repeated. I elected not to use feta and had no tomatoes, but by simply using cucumber, onion and arugula with the seasoned avocado it was delicious.
I have been looking for a way to incorporate more protein into a lunch salad…this solved the problem. Not only tasty, but made for a great salad/sandwich lunch.
I now have an additional “favorite” veggie burger to add to the “Bliss Burger”. This recipe was great and didn’t crumble as many of them do. The next time I will add a little cayenne and chili powder to add some extra flavor, but this is a definite keeper. It made 6 nice size patties.
We enjoyed a meatless meal with the family…although they had Greek chicken as well. I served this with a Greek salad and the flavors were spot on.
I have heard about TJ’s Zhoug sauce and saved this recipe some time ago. I finally purchased the sauce and gave this recipe a try. We really enjoyed the flavor…but warning…it is hot and spicy. We needed the rice as a side to help with the heat. This recipe was easy and enjoyable.
Trader Joe’s Zhoug Roasted Chicken Thighs
I am always looking for unique, flavorful sides and this hit the mark. Not only was it fairly easy to prepare, it was delicious and packed with nutritious ingredients. Definitely rotation worthy.
Farro Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas
Sometimes a plant based meal is disappointing…this one however was quite enjoyable. I served the sauce over a brown rice/quinoa fusilli pasta with a arugula, beet, goat cheese salad. Very satisfying.
Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Pasta
Food for Thought
Arugula is fast becoming our favorite salad green. I make a simple salad with arugula, sliced roasted beets, and goat cheese simply dressed with a drizzle of balsamic. A big plus…Arugula is full of antioxidants and can protect against or reverse damage to your cells. Arugula also has glucosinolates. These natural substances may protect you against certain cancers. Arugula may also fight inflammation. It has ample vitamin K, which is good for your bones and may help prevent osteoporosis.
Recap
Once again…the best laid plans change. Several of the meals planned during week 40 were not prepared for one reason or another. I have moved them to week 41. We did, however, have a great week of meals and reclaimed our goal to eat more plant based meals while focusing on having enough protein. The journey continues. Bon Appetit!
