CookingLight diet CookingLight diet

Sunday Strategist: A Week of Healthy Dinners - July 31 - August 4

July 25, 2017
Photo: Caitlin Bensel
If you like having a healthy meal plan but want something customized to your dietary or caloric needs, check out The Cooking Light Diet. It’s a calorie-driven weekly meal plan—breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner—based on your dieting goals and food preferences. All of these recipes are from our August issue. Look for one on a newsstands to find more delicious dinner inspiration.
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Monday: Thai Beef-and-Cabbage Salad

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Thai Beef-and-Cabbage Salad

This refreshing Southeast Asian salad, also called larb, is a great use for leftover burgers. Sriracha adds the perfect combo of vinegary punch and chile heat to the dressing and is a less fiery addition than the traditional handfuls of fresh chilies.

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Tuesday: Silky Tomato-Basil Soup with Fresh Corn

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Silky Tomato-Basil Soup with Fresh Corn

Put your farmers market haul to delicious use in this satisfying vegetarian main. Silken tofu stands in for traditional heavy cream, lending rich body and a hit of quality protein.

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Wednesday: Black Pepper-Curry Chicken Sauté

Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Black Pepper-Curry Chicken Sauté

Black pepper adds a subtle spiciness and enhances your body's absorption of turmeric in the curry. For the boldest flavor, use 1 teaspoon peppercorns. Serve with roasted cauliflower (as shown) or broccoli for an extra anti-inflammatory boost.

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Thursday: Skillet Nacho Dip

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Skillet Nacho Dip

We combined our favorite elements of cheesy queso dip and loaded beef nachos one epic skillet nacho dip, a one-pan main that couldn’t be more fun to eat. It starts with a base of onion and jalapeño, followed by crumbled cooked beef patties, pinto beans, and two kinds of cheeses for a maximum melty factor.

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Friday: Salmon Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette

Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Salmon Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette

Cherry juice is a year-round alternative with the same anti-inflammatory benefits as fresh cherries. If you're packing this salad ahead, store the dressing separately and drizzle over the salad just before eating.

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Bonus Dessert: Watermelon Granita with Hibiscus Syrup and Yogurt

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Watermelon Granita with Hibiscus Syrup and Yogurt

Karen Hatfield serves this sophisticated granita at her LA restaurant, Odys + Penelope. Dried hibiscus flowers can be found at specialty markets, Latin markets, and health food stores. You can substitute grenadine syrup to good effect, but Hatfield asserts that hibiscus syrup best complements the fruit in this dish.

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