Make dinner a breeze with our healthy March menu plan. With recipes for salmon, slow-cooked chicken, turkey gyros and more, healthy eating has never been so easy.
Your March Healthy Meal Plan
Updated on Nov. 16, 2023
Day 1: Sweet & Tangy Salmon with Green Beans
I’m always up for new ways to cook salmon. In this dish, a sweet sauce gives the fish and green beans some down-home barbecue tang. It’s a delicious addition to a March menu plan. Even our kids love it! —Aliesha Caldwell, Robersonville, North Carolina
Goes Great With: Spinach Salad with Raspberries & Candied Walnuts
1/31
2/31
Day 2: English Pub Split Pea Soup
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to "soup's on." Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
Goes Great With: Mixed Greens with Lemon Champagne Vinaigrette
3/31
Day 3: Baked Lemon Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this baked lemon chicken recipe many years ago when my children were toddlers. I've changed it a little over the years to make it my own. Everyone in my family just loves it! —Aida Babbel, Bowen Island, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 312 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Goes Great With: Fingerling Potatoes with Fresh Parsley and Chives
5/31
Day 5: Best Ever Lamb Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom just loved a good lamb chop, and this easy recipe was her favorite way to prepare them. I’ve also grilled these chops with amazing results. —Kim Mundy, Visalia, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 157 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
6/31
Day 6: Garden Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
8 hours 45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You’ll have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I like to serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with about 1/2 cup sauce: 207 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/31
Day 7: Cashew Chicken with Ginger
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
8/31
Day 8: Turkey Cabbage Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chock-full of ground turkey, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes, this turkey cabbage soup delivers delicious down-home comfort on cool days. If you don’t like cabbage, replace it with chopped green peppers. Simply saute the peppers with the turkey, onion and garlic. —Susan Lasken, Woodland Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 180 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
9/31
Day 9: Pork Chops & Mushrooms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe years ago, and I have used it ever since. My family loves the sweetness with a little kick.—Hilary Rigo, Wickenburg, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup mushrooms: 299 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
10/31
Day 10: Snappy Tuna Melts
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I lightened up a classic tuna melt by using creamy balsamic vinaigretee in place of the traditional mayonnaise. Kids and adults both go for this quick meal. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 open-faced sandwiches (calculated without mustard): 341 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
11/31
Day 11: Roasted Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
12/31
Day 12: Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here's my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup artichoke mixture: 339 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
13/31
Day 13: Easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One time when making sloppy joes, I wanted mine spicy, so I doused it in hot sauce. After that, my mind went wild and I made it Buffalo chicken-style with ground chicken, diced celery and blue cheese crumbles. I've been making it this way ever since. —Jennifer Nielson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 lettuce wraps: 198 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
14/31
Day 14: Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
15/31
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
16/31
Day 16: Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 336 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 56g protein.
17/31
Day 17: St. Paddy’s Irish Beef Dinner
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A variation on shepherd’s pie, this hearty dish brings together saucy beef, mashed potatoes, parsnips and other vegetables. It’s always the star of our March 17 meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 369 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
18/31
Day 18: Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I are big picnickers, and I'm always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 380 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
Goes Great With: Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
19/31
Day 19: Southwest Chicken Barley Chowder
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Mashed squash helps make this chowder creamy but not heavy, and it's a favorite way to get barley on the table. My kids even ask for leftovers for lunch. —Pamela Cleghorn, Campbellsburg, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
20/31
Day 20: Vegetable & Beef Stuffed Red Peppers
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this stuffed pepper recipe. It's one of the few ways I can get my husband to eat veggies. Make it meatless by replacing the beef with eggplant and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or squash. You can also replace the rice with barley, couscous or even orzo. —Jennifer Zimmerman, Avondale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 287 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
21/31
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
22/31
Day 22: Fabulous Fajitas
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
23/31
Day 23: Easy Crab Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 crab cakes: 239 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
24/31
Day 24: Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/31
Day 25: Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
26/31
Day 26: Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 491 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
27/31
Day 27: Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have reduced grains and other starches in my diet due to health reasons, so I was looking for filling, comforting meals without pasta or potatoes. When I was tinkering with this spaghetti squash recipe, I discovered something fun to eat! —Becky Ruff, Mc Gregor, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups squash with 1 cup meat sauce: 354 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
28/31
Day 28: Crumb-Coated Red Snapper
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I reel in compliments with this moist, crispy red snapper recipe. Heart-healthy omega-3 oils are an added bonus with my simple but delicious entree that’s done in mere minutes. It’s one of the best red snapper recipes I’ve found. —Charlotte Elliott, Neenah, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 288 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
29/31
Day 29: Maple-Dijon Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Eating dinner as a family every night is really important to us, and this recipe is one that we all love. It's our favorite skillet chicken dish. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/31
Day 30: Turkey Gyros
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Greek seasoning, feta cheese and dill-cucumber sauce give this gyro an authentic taste. It was my family's introduction to how really good pita bread can be. Instead of feta cheese, we'll sprinkle on cheddar or Monterey Jack if we have it. —Donna Garvin, Glens Falls, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 307 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
31/31
Day 31: Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 498 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 9g fiber), 29g protein.
