Week of Healthy Meal Prep: December 31-January 6

December 21, 2018
Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Each week, we’re bringing you 5 weeknight recipes you can make in 45 minutes or less. To make it even easier, we’re helping you meal prep! Sign up for our newsletter, ThePrep, and get the recipes, plus tips, advice, and more, every weekend, right in your inbox.
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Monday: Herbed Pork Tenderloin With Sweet Potato Spinach Salad

Credit: Photo: Colin Price
View Recipe: Easy Herbed Pork Tenderloin

We suggest buying poultry blend herbs, which will provide a mix of rosemary and thyme in one package (instead of buying two separate packages). Serve the pork alongside Spinach Salad With Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and be sure to reserve half of the pork for the next day's lunch. 

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Pan-Seared Shrimp With Rosemary Spaghetti Squash

Credit: Photo: Colin Price
View Recipe: Pan-Seared Shrimp With Rosemary Spaghetti Squash

Shrimp is an often-neglected protein, but it need not be. It cooks quickly, is versatile, and doesn't require ample prep or marinating time. For a faster option, you can use an equal amount of raw zucchini noodles or ribbons in place of the spaghetti squash. For a heartier dinner, serve with 1 cup steamed green beans.

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Wednesday: Roasted Salmon With Kale-Quinoa Salad

Credit: Photo: Colin Price
View Recipe: Roasted Salmon With Kale-Quinoa Salad

The American Heart Association recommends eating salmon or other fatty fish twice a week to reap the cardiovascular benefits that the omega-3 fatty acids provide. Look for wild salmon, which has 5 to 10 times fewer contaminants and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) than farm-raised.

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Thursday: Chicken Stroganoff

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

If stroganoff could restore its Russian creators 200 years ago, this chicken version will restore you on any weeknight.

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Curried Lentil-and-Vegetable Stew

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Curried Lentil-and-Vegetable Stew

Cooking Indian dishes at home doesn't have to take hours. Unsalted ketchup is a secret ingredient that adds just the right balance of tomato sweetness and vinegar tang. Serve with lime wedges and toasted naan bread.

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Saturday: Steak Diane

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Steak Diane

This dish was born in upscale American restaurants decades ago but couldn’t be easier to make at home for a perfect, and wonderfully retro, date-night supper. While brandy is traditional in the sauce, you can substitute Madeira or dry white wine. The alcohol will cook off quickly, leaving smoky, caramel-like notes. 

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Sunday: Quick Chicken Minestrone

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen
View Recipe: Quick Chicken Minestrone

This quirky twist on the classic recipe is a perfect combination of the hearty vegetable minestrone soups of your childhood and comforting chicken noodle soup. We love the alphabet shape noodles, which encourage pint-sized palates to enjoy their dinner. Pair this soup recipe with a garlic bread for the best of cool weather flavor. 

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Treat Yourself: Chocolate-Hazelnut Thumbprints

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chocolate-Hazelnut Thumbprints

With a double shot of chocolate and hazelnut flavors, kids and adults will rave over these filled cookies. The espresso powder is optional, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor.

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