Check menu planning off your list. We're offering 31 days of seasonal dishes that let you sail through busy weeknights and savor every weekend.
Your May Meal Plan
Updated on Apr. 22, 2025
1/31
Day 1: Beef Enchiladas
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. —Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 766 calories, 42g fat (24g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 2643mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
Don’t be fooled by the ingredient list. These saucy beef enchiladas are quite simple to prep, using shortcuts like taco seasoning and jarred enchilada sauce.
2/31
Day 2: Caesar Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a crunchy Caesar crouton breading, this baked chicken has all the fixings of a Caesar salad. You can make your own dressing or use a premade bottle. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat (11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
This dish translates all the flavors of Caesar salad into an easy-to-make chicken dinner. The not-so-secret ingredient is, you guessed it, Caesar salad dressing.
3/31
Day 3: Marry Me Pot Roast
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
7 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How do I love thee? With a plateful of this succulent roast! Creamy marry me pot roast is braised in a slow cooker with flavorful ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and cream of mushroom soup. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 686 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 1140mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 48g protein.
Marry me recipes are making the rounds on the internet in many forms, such as pasta and chicken. But this pot roast might just take the cake. The meat slow-cooks in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce to tender perfection.
4/31
Day 4: Nashville Hot Chicken
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 419 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
A marinade of dill pickle juice and hot pepper sauce gives this Nashville hot chicken a tangy and spicy flavor. Don’t fret if you don’t have an air fryer at home; you can easily modify the recipe for deep-frying in a Dutch oven or traditional deep fryer.
5/31
Day 5: Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 521 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1581mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 8g fiber), 23g protein.
This Midwest classic combines two iconic foods: cinnamon rolls and chili. It’s sweet and savory, but also a cinch to prepare with store-bought cinnamon rolls.
6/31
Day 6: Meat Loaf
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 366 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 1086mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
This meat loaf is topped with a ketchup-based sauce. Sandwich it between bread to eat leftovers the next day.
7/31
Day 7: Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Broccoli cheddar pasta is a creamy, savory one-pot meal that's so easy to cook for lunch or dinner. The rich pasta is loaded with melted cheese and tender bits of cooked broccoli. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 554 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 932mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
If you love the creamy texture and comforting flavor of broccoli cheddar soup, you’re going to love this broccoli cheddar pasta. It’s an easy one-pot meal that can be served in a bread bowl, just like at Panera Bread.
8/31
Day 8: Poor Man's Meal
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't let the name fool you—this poor man's meal recipe guarantees million-dollar taste with just a few ingredients! —Mila Abner, Vada, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 272 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
The phrase “poor man’s meal” came about during the Great Depression. While there are many variations of the recipe, all typically feature a combination of potatoes, onions and some type of inexpensive meat, like ground beef.
9/31
Day 9: Chicken Francese
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
Serves 4
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy yet decadent chicken Francese is made with a lemon and white wine sauce. While similar to chicken piccata, chicken Francese’s lemon sauce is thicker and doesn’t include capers. The chicken is also prepared by being dipped in flour first, which gives it a puffier coating. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 426 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1070mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
Chicken Francese is a classic Italian-American dish. The chicken is pan-fried and served in a thick sauce made with white wine, butter and lemon.
10/31
Day 10: Carbonara
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian recipe. The key is to use the hot pasta water to make the dish creamy. If made properly, there is no need to add cream or milk. The dish is luxurious, satisfying, comforting and easy to make. If you'd like, you can add peas after you have cooked the pancetta and garlic. Use any pasta you like, but the consistency is usually best with a thicker spaghetti. —Luisa Webb, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup : 337 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
This carbonara recipe is creamy and cheesy with fatty bits of pancetta. The most surprising thing is that the rich sauce doesn’t need a drop of cream.
11/31
Day 11: French Onion Pasta
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
French onion pasta has all the flavor of French onion soup but in a creamy pasta dish. Orecchiette is the perfect noodle shape for this dish: They're little cups that hold sauce and onions in every bite. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
Inspired by the soup, this French onion pasta is made with caramelized onions. The pasta cooks with the rich and cheesy sauce, making it an easy one-pot meal.
12/31
Day 12: Zucchini Boats
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
Calling all zucchini lovers! Zucchini boats are a quick, low-carb dinner option stuffed with ground beef and veggies.
13/31
Day 13: Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired by a holiday specialty made by Camila Alves, Matthew McConaughey's wife, this Brazilian chicken stroganoff recipe is prepared quickly and packed with flavor. —Suzanne Podhaizer, St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 545 calories, 42g fat (22g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
One of Matthew McConaughey’s favorite dishes is a tasty South American take on stroganoff. This version is served over white rice instead of noodles.
14/31
Day 14: Pork Chops and Asparagus
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When time is of the essence, it's nice to have a quick and easy meal idea in your back pocket. Not only is this recipe delicious, but you can clean it up in a flash. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 37g protein.
Hands-off cooking and simple cleanup make this the ideal meal for busy weeknights. Seasoned pork chops, tender asparagus, roasted potatoes and sweet cinnamon apples are all cooked on a single sheet pan.
15/31
Day 15: Spicy Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this spicy shrimp pasta a lot because it's a something my family never seems to get tired of. The sauce is so fast to make that I can get it done while the fettuccine is cooking. In the past, I have added red peppers and spinach, but who's to say you could not add mushrooms or more or less spice? —Stephanie Beluk, Sharpsburg, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
Serrano peppers and a spice blend of garlic powder, rosemary, oregano and pepper make this quick and easy dinner a knockout. You can use jarred sauce for convenience.
16/31
Day 16: Chicken in Puff Pastry
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll never believe a dish this scrumptious, comforting and impressive-looking could be made with just five ingredients! It offers such an easy way to entertain friends. —Gina Hobbs, Tifton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 496 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
Flaky puff pastry envelops tender chicken and a creamy spinach-artichoke filling, creating a fancy-feeling dish that’s deceptively easy to pull together. You can even make them in advance and freeze them until they’re ready to bake.
17/31
Day 17: Pesto Lasagna
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna. Paired with a rich cheese sauce and layers of noodles, it's a potluck dish that will have guests asking you for the recipe. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 452 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
This lasagna recipe forgoes the meat and red sauce for pesto, homemade bechamel and spinach. It’s a spring take on the classic lasagna, while staying just as cozy.
18/31
Day 18: Taco Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 416 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
Taco salad is the twist on Taco Tuesday you didn’t know you needed. It’s all tied together with a tangy Catalina dressing.
19/31
Day 19: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. We serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken roll-up with 2 tablespoons sauce: 253 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
If you’ve got a bag of spinach in your refrigerator, this might be the recipe you need to help use it up! The finished chicken is juicy, tender, and loaded with greens and cheese.
20/31
Day 20: Artichoke Tomato Pasta
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need a toss-together pasta dish, this is just the ticket. Tart marinated artichokes enhance the tomatoes. The sauce is so flavorful, no one will miss the meat. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 375 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 740mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
This contest-winning pasta is made with artichoke hearts, capers, tomatoes and garlic. For added protein, you can make this with chicken.
21/31
Day 21: Garlic Shrimp and Rice
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son's favorite food is shrimp, so I'm always looking for quick and simple ways to make it. In this recipe, sometimes I use garlic salt instead of minced garlic cloves and salt. —Julie Trani, Chesapeake, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 309 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
With shrimp, spinach, garlic and brown rice sauteed in rich butter and olive oil, this shrimp dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. If you need to get a meal on the table quickly, this is an easy and flavorful option that’s easy to customize.
22/31
Day 22: Lemon Butter Tilapia
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are always trying to increase the amount of fish in our diet. This recipe is fast, easy and enjoyable, even for non-fish lovers. —Catherine Jensen, Blytheville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1 tablespoon sauce: 207 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Dress up your tilapia with this rich lemon and caper sauce. You’re going to want to serve this recipe with bread to lap up every last drop of the amazing sauce.
23/31
Day 23: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Marsala
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy Marsala wine sauce coats tender chicken in a way that'll remind you of the Olive Garden classic. Serve the chicken with pasta or eat it on its own. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 422 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
This copycat Olive Garden recipe features juicy pan-seared chicken breasts and a rich mushroom wine sauce. It tastes just like the restaurant classic without having to leave your home.
24/31
Day 24: Salmon Tacos
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can have a restaurant-style dinner in less than 30 minutes with these easy salmon tacos. In addition to the zesty coleslaw, add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, radishes or jalapeno peppers. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 376 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
Topped with a zesty coleslaw and stuffed with flaky, spiced salmon, these salmon tacos are even better when you make the tortillas from scratch. These are a great choice for lunch or dinner, depending on how many you make.
25/31
Day 25: Tzatziki Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family, but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
Chicken tzatziki is topped with a creamy tzatziki sauce, which is a combination of tangy yogurt and cucumbers. Keep the recipe in your back pocket, as it can be served with a ton of other Greek dishes.
26/31
Day 26: Shrimp Spinach Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I meet former co-workers for lunch at our favorite restaurant, we always order this salad. I wanted to share it with my husband, so I made it my mission to re-create it. Mission accomplished! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 212 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
This zippy shrimp spinach salad, inspired by a restaurant favorite, has a savory bacon-based dressing that pulls everything together. With sweet red peppers and crunchy nuts, it has a delightful array of textures.
27/31
Day 27: Grilled Flank Steak
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to learn how to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it, then grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
Get ready for summer with this grilled steak. It uses a four-ingredient marinade that’s savory, lemony and garlicky, and it finishes with a hint of sweetness.
28/31
Day 28: Pasta with Sausage and Peas
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a tomatoey meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You'll want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
Want to try a new pasta? With a creamy red sauce and tangy cheese, this spinach and peas pasta makes the most of your spring produce.
29/31
Day 29: Ranch Burgers
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These grilled burgers are a fun twist on a traditional burger. With ranch and bacon mixed in, they're perfect for a potluck! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
This ranch burger recipe will give your barbecue night an upgrade thanks to the magic of ranch dressing mix. Chopped bacon and Worcestershire sauce add a tangy smokiness that’s sure to be a hit!
30/31
Day 30: Tarragon Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is comfort food at its finest. I cook it at least once a week and usually serve it with homemade mashed potatoes and sautéed fresh green beans. —Cher Schwartz, Ellisville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 2 tablespoons sauce: 370 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
This dinner may sound fancy, but it’s shockingly easy to prepare. The creamy sauce is brightened with tarragon, which is slightly sweet.
31/31
Day 31: Parmesan Baked Cod
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a goof-proof way to keep oven-baked cod moist and flavorful. My mom shared this recipe with me years ago and I've loved it ever since. —Mary Jo Hoppe, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 247 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat.
Parmesan baked cod riffs on fish topped with tartar sauce, replacing the usual relish with Parmesan. You can serve it with a number of side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, a green salad or sautéed greens.
