Your July Meal Plan

Updated on Jul. 01, 2024

Sit back and relax this July because we've got dinner covered! This seasonal meal plan allows you to spend more time enjoying warm summer nights.

July is the month of barbecues and potlucks. Summer heat calls for bright and fresh recipes and a lot of time spent outdoors. From pork chops to ribs, there’s no better time to put those grilling skills to use. But while grilled recipes might have influenced this month’s pick of meals, so did the produce.

Summer produce is colorful and vibrant. Ingredients like zucchini, tomatoes and corn are the stars of our pesto corn salad, burger wraps and veggie pizza.

Whether you want quick dinners or low-and-slow recipes, this expansive menu allows you to explore the bold flavors of the season all month long.

1/30

Day 1: Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chicken breast, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, broccoli
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 504 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1151mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 52g protein.

This quick and easy recipe gets dinner on the table in under an hour. Like most Italian recipes, it’s best served with pasta or garlic bread.

“Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better?” —Recipe contributor Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

2/30

Day 2: Farmers Market Enchiladas

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 7 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Corn tortillas, zucchini, enchilada sauce, Monterey Jack cheese
Level:
Intermediate
Nutrition Facts: 2 enchiladas: 346 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.

Who needs meat? These 5-star, contest-winning enchiladas are packed with flavor, especially if you roast the veggies beforehand.

“These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great!” —Recipe contributor Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah

3/30

Day 3: Skillet Mac and Cheese

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Pasta, Velveeta, half-and-half cream
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.

This skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but the final result is worth it. You can even get creative with the toppings.

“This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much.” —Recipe contributor Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

4/30

Day 4: Slow Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs

Total Time 5 hours 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Baby back ribs, paprika, white vinegar
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 509 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1137mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.

These slow-cooker ribs are prepared in a snap and the leftovers can be used for pulled pork sandwiches. The dish pairs well with noodles, rice or corn.

“After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Restaurant in Memphis, I was inspired to create a slow-cooked version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor that the ribs would get from being grilled over hot coals.” —Recipe contributor Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

5/30

Day 5: Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chicken breast, rice, tomato paste
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 394 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.

Ready in 30 minutes, this curry-inspired dish has just the right amount of kick. You can freeze leftover sauce on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.

“The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite.” —Recipe contributor Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas

6/30

Grilled Veggie Pizza

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 274 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.

7/30

Cuban Sandwich

Total Time 2 hours 5 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you want a hearty sandwich that won't "overstuff" you, then the Cubano is for you. Tangy pickles, tender pork, savory ham, gooey melted Swiss cheese and a hint of mustard are layered between two toasty pieces of bread for the ultimate panini. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 726 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 2153mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 54g protein.

8/30

Day 8: Slow Cooker Jerked Short Ribs

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Beef short ribs, apricot preserves, cider vinegar
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 short rib with 3 tablespoons sauce: 265 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.

This easy weeknight dinner lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Serve the fork-tender meat over mashed potatoes.

“Sweet and spicy jerk seasonings give these saucy ribs an unforgettable taste! They’re great in the summer because they don’t heat up the kitchen.” —Recipe contributor Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

9/30

Day 9: Chicken and Shrimp with Lemon Cream Sauce

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Fettuccine, asparagus, shrimp, chicken breast
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 443 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.

This elegant dish tastes like it came out of a restaurant. The lemon cream sauce is light and delicate with a nice garlic flavor.

“My kids love this creamy pasta. Whenever I make it, I know that they will happily clean their plates.” —Recipe contributor Joe Milholland, Smelterville, Idaho

10/30

Day 10: California Burger Wraps

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Ground beef, lettuce leaves, avocado
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 2 wraps: 252 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.

A lettuce-wrap burger offers all the best parts of a burger—a juicy patty, crisp toppings and a delicious sauce—without the bun.

“I love the way these fresh flavors blend. It’s a snap to throw these wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like.” —Recipe contributor Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa

11/30

Day 12: Cacio e Pepe

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Parmesan cheese, black pepper, spaghetti
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 334 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.

Cacio e pepe translates to “cheese and pepper.” It’s the grown-up version of buttered noodles, and it’s so easy to make.

“This classic pasta dish (literally, cheese and pepper) depends on quality ingredients to really shine. Make sure your cheese is finely grated—it’s best to buy a block and grate it yourself—and add it gradually in order to prevent clumping.” —Recipe contributor Lindsay Mattison, Hillsboro, Oregon

12/30

Day 13: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Total Time 8 hours 50 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Pork roast, kaiser rolls, beef broth
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 536 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.

The homemade sauce is the star of this dish. Similar to barbecue sauce, it’s tangy with some heat. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your needs.

“I like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit.” —Recipe contributor Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona

13/30

Day 14: Texas Chili Fries

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Beef stew meat, frozen french fries, chili seasoning
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 374 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.

This recipe is similar to nachos, which means you can go crazy with the toppings. You can also use whatever type of fries you have on hand: waffle fries, curly fries or even tater tots!

“The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle with cheese to make Texas chili fries.” —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

14/30

Day 15: Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Turkey breakfast sausage, Cajun seasoning, white rice
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 461 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1816mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.

This hot and bold dish is on the table in just 30 minutes. Pile on the hot sauce if you like it spicy. Or omit it altogether.

“I created this easy skillet dish to use up the boil-in-a-bag rice in my cabinet. The result packs a lot of flavor.” —Recipe contributor Sonali Ruder, New York, New York

15/30

Day 16: Chicken Taquitos

Total Time 35 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chicken, corn tortillas, onion
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 taquito: 151 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.

This easy three step meal is the perfect dinner on a busy weeknight. You can fill them with any meat, but chicken complements the savory cheese filling.

“These crispy chicken taquitos can be baked or deep-fried. Serve them with your favorite dippers like sour cream, salsa or guacamole.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

16/30

Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a colorful and comforting Thai peanut chicken stir-fry with just a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. If you want even more color, add frozen stir-fry veggies. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.

17/30

Day 18: Corn Dog Casserole

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Hot dogs, cornbread mix, celery
Level:
Intermediate
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 578 calories, 38g fat (16g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.

A corn dog casserole mimics the flavor of the fair food classic, without the fuss.

“Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on summer days. It’s perfect for the game day parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven.” —Recipe contributor Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois

18/30

Day 19: Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew

Total Time 7 hours 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 7 hours 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Polish sausage, pork ribs, ham hock, chorizo links, black beans
Level:
Intermediate
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 531 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 33g protein.

Feijoada is a black bean stew with variations of pork and beef. With four different types of meat, this slow-cooker meal is a labor of love that’s even better as leftovers.

“During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a stew served over white rice. I introduced this easy recipe to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods.” —Recipe contributor Andrea Romanczyk, Magna, Utah

19/30

Day 20: Spaghetti and Meatball Skillet Supper

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Spaghetti, turkey meatballs, tomatoes
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 330 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.

This isn’t your simple spaghetti and meatballs. Lemon, artichoke hearts and cannellini beans add depth and brightness to the one-pot meal.

“I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness.” —Recipe contributor Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

20/30

Day 21: Jimmy's Bang Bang Chicken Sliders

Total Time 55 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chicken thighs, sriracha sauce, lime juice, mini pretzel buns
Level:
Advanced
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 516 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.

There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this potluck-style meal as a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken thighs take on the spicy citrus flavor of the dipping sauce. It packs quite the punch!

“I simmer chicken thighs in a spicy-sweet sauce, shred them and then pile ’em high on pretzel buns to create an incredibly addictive party food.” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

21/30

Day 22: Grilled Pork Chops with Smokin' Sauce

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Pork loin chops, ketchup, hot pepper sauce
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 pork chop with 1 tablespoon sauce: 263 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.

The smoky sauce combined with the spiced dry rub make for an unforgettable grilling experience. Using a spice grinder makes the seasonings more flavorful.

“While growing up, my husband always had pork chops that were pan-fried or baked, but he knew they could be better. So he combined his love of grilling with the desire to create his own signature sauce, and the result was this recipe.” —Recipe contributor Vicky Drnek, Rome, Georgia

22/30

Day 23: Cheeseburger Quesadillas

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, flour tortillas
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 quesadilla with about 1/4 cup sauce: 1002 calories, 60g fat (17g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 2115mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 39g protein.

The cheeseburger quesadilla takes all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger and packs them into the portable package of a quesadilla.

“I created these fun cheeseburger-quesadilla mashups in honor of my family’s two favorite foods. They are so yummy and easy to make!” —Recipe contributor Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

23/30

Day 24: Salmon Steak

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Salmon steaks, butter, lemon juice
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 salmon steak: 461 calories, 33g fat (12g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.

The tender salmon absorbs the bright citrus and aromatic herbs, resulting in a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

“After our children were married and gone, I prepared salmon steaks often for my husband and myself, especially on our anniversary. It was one of our favorites. We found that one of the nicest ways to enjoy each other’s company was to have a lovely meal together.” —Recipe contributor Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

24/30

Day 25: Cajun Sirloin with Mushroom Leek Sauce

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Mushrooms, sirloin steak, Cajun seasoning
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked beef with 1/4 cup sauce: 325 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 976mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.

Tired of seasoning your steak with just salt and pepper? This Cajun garlic sauté is a fresh take on a weeknight meal.

“In 30 minutes you‘ll have a restaurant-quality steak with a bold Cajun flair. The best part? You can skip the drive, the wait and the bill!” —Recipe contributor Joshua Keefer, Delaware, Ohio

25/30

Day 26: Green Spaghetti

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Spaghetti, poblano peppers, cream cheese
Level:
Intermediate
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 374 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.

Green spaghetti is a traditional Mexican pasta dish consisting of tender spaghetti enveloped in a rich poblano pepper sauce.

“A fun alternative to other pasta sauces, this southwestern-style mix of peppers, cilantro and sour cream brings an unexpected zing to your dinner table.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

26/30

Day 27: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Chicken breast, Parmesan cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup sauce: 591 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein.

This recipe yields a flavorful one-pot meal, made by simmering chicken breasts in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes and basil add Tuscan-inspired Italian flavors.

“This creamy, rich chicken dish is special enough to serve to company. Even better, it comes together in only 45 minutes.” —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

27/30

Day 28: Sausage and Kraut Buns

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Smoked sausage, sauerkraut, pretzel sausage buns
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 468 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.

This sweet and tangy slow-cooker meal is easy to prep during the week. This hand-held meal is a winner.

“This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let’s just say I’m in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don’t appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes.” —Recipe contributor Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas

28/30

Day 29: Sauteed Scallops & Shrimp Pasta

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Shrimp, scallops, angel hair pasta, frozen peas
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 733 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 47g protein.

This delicate and elegant pasta with white wine sauce is a night-out meal from the comfort of your home.

“I created this tempting seafood pasta for my wife. It’s a terrific meal served with crusty sourdough. If you don’t like spice, skip the red pepper flakes.” —Recipe contributor George Levinthal, Goleta, California

29/30

Barbecue Brisket

Total Time 2 hours 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A guest at the RV park and marina my husband and I used to run gave me this flavorful barbecue brisket recipe. It's become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our five grown children look forward to it as much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked beef: 441 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.

30/30

Day 31: Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Total Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients:
Shrimp, corn, cherry tomatoes, basil, avocado
Level:
Beginner
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.

This bright and fresh meal is a new way to prepare shrimp. Pesto adds a zesty garlic flavor to summer veggies.

“This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice.” —Recipe contributor Deena Bowen, Chico, California