Sunday Strategist: A Week of Healthy Menus — March 17 - 21

Every Sunday, we publish a week of Cooking Light dinner plans filled with our favorite recipes. Each meal is designed to be ready and on the table in 45 minutes or less. This week, we’re ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the early signs of spring.

The Plan

Monday: Beef and Guinness Stew or Hearty Beef and Stout StewTuesday: Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs, Quick Skillet Asparagus, and steamed brown riceWednesday: Herby Frittata with Vegetables and Goat Cheese with fruit salad and whole-grain breadThursday: Salmon and Bok ChoyFriday: Steak House PizzaBonus: Black and Tan Brownies

Monday: Happy St. Patrick’s Day! If you can get a head start and prepare Monday’s dinner on Sunday, try Beef and Guinness Stew. It breaks our 45-minute rule, but its two-hour low simmer delivers rich, hearty flavor worthy of a celebration. If you’re time-crunched but still need an Irish-inspired home run, try Hearty Beef and Stout Stew. It’s ready in less than 45 minutes and pairs well with frozen mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Chicken is a fan-favorite, but don’t get stuck in a rut. Try a new take on this dinner staple with Spicy Honey-Brushed Chicken Thighs. I tone down the red pepper when preparing for my little ones and serve with Quick Skillet Asparagus and steamed brown rice.

Wednesday: Since we went heavy on Monday—usually my meatless day—let’s go a bit lighter mid-week with Herby Frittata with Vegetables and Goat Cheese. You’ll see a repeat of asparagus in this recipe, but it’s on sale now and reminds me that warmer weather is coming…even if it’s not here yet. Serve with a simple fruit salad and whole-grain bread to round out the meal.

Thursday: Don’t make fish night a drag. I know the feeling…”we’re having what for dinner, mom?” Yep. We’re having salmon, and your heart will thank me later. I find that adding something interesting to the plate—like baby bok choy—gives me a better chance with picky eaters. Salmon and Bok Choy is a winner—and ready in 20 minutes flat.

Friday: If you’ve read my Sunday Strategist before, you know Friday is pizza night at our house, and Steak House Pizza in on the menu this week. It’s basically an arugula-steak salad piled on a pizza crust, with a sprinkling of blue cheese, of course. Yum! Please don’t forget the wine.

St. Patrick’s Day Bonus: Black and Tan Brownies feature more of the good stuff, Guinness Stout, making the perfect two-toned treat for a St. Paddy’s Day feast.

Ready to start shopping? View this week’s menu, which includes every recipe you see mentioned here. From there, you can add all the ingredients to your shopping list in one click when you sign into your MyRecipes account.