A Week of Healthy Meals: May 14-18
1 of 7
Monday: Chicken Breasts with Brown Butter-Garlic Tomato Sauce
Browned butter is the quick cook's best-kept secret. It takes less than 2 minutes to caramelize the milk solids in butter for a fragrant, nutty note in any dish. Round out the meal (and get an extra dose of veggies) with a side of Garlic-Caper Roasted Mushrooms.
1 of 7
2 of 7
Tuesday: Grilled Beef-Mushroom Burgers
Blending finely chopped mushrooms with ground beef adds great flavor, moisture, and even fiber to these no-bun burgers. Garlicky cucumber-yogurt sauce is tasty Middle Eastern–inspired alternative to standard ketchup and mustard.
Served with a juicy slice of fresh tomato and crisp butter lettuce, these burgers are naturally gluten-free. Double the greens and tomato and call it a burger salad. If you're in the mood for bun, try these tucked into warm whole-wheat pitas instead.
2 of 7
3 of 7
Wednesday: Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheesy flavor of this gluten-free main.
3 of 7
4 of 7
Thursday: Seared Salmon with Balsamic-Blistered Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar mirror and amplify each other; both are a bit tangy and sweet, and both benefit from a little high heat in the pan.
4 of 7
5 of 7
Friday: Broccoli, Cheddar, and Brown Rice Cakes
These quick, crispy vegetarian cakes are inspired by cheesy broccoli-and-rice casserole, right down to the layer of melted cheddar cheese on top. Make the cakes ahead and refrigerate or freeze for a last-minute meal. You could also increase the number of servings and serve the cakes as a side with a simple tomato soup. Grainy mustard packs a welcome punch and adds great texture to the cakes. It’s also fantastic in creamy sandwich spreads, rémoulade sauce, and glazes with a sweet base (such as maple syrup or honey) for contrast and balance. Round out the meal with a simple side salad.
5 of 7
6 of 7
Big Batch Breakfast: Quinoa Bowl with 6-Minute Egg
This simple one-dish meal is crowned with a soft-boiled egg; the nutrient-rich yolk creates its own creamy sauce. New research shows that eating eggs with raw vegetables like tomatoes increases your absorption of carotenoids—antioxidants that may protect against heart disease.
6 of 7
7 of 7
Treat Yourself: Kombucha Granita and Berry Parfaits
For the ultimate summer refresher, this icy dessert is creamy, fruity, and fluffy. Some (limited) research suggests that freezing probiotics for a short time may not actually kill them but rather render them dormant until eaten. You can use any flavor of kombucha you like to complement the lemony berry mixture.