What To Eat This Week [10/1]

October 1, 2023

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Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

Explore a week's worth of delicious, mouthwatering, and easy dinner ideas in our 'What to Eat This Week' series. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, family-friendly, meal prep-friendly, and ideal for leftovers.

Home > What To Eat This Week > What To Eat This Week [10/1]

What To Eat This Week [10/1]

I'm genuinely excited to introduce you to our brand-new series--"What To Eat This Week." Just like you, I often find myself wondering, "What should I make for dinner tonight?" Or "I need some ideas for an easy dinner" Life can get pretty hectic, and that's where this series comes to the rescue. Each week, I'll be sharing my favorite healthy and easy dinner ideas, along with some delightful breakfast and drink inspirations. These are the kinds of recipes that are perfect for busy folks like us. They're family-friendly, designed to make your weeknight dinner a breeze and keep you inspired throughout the week. Gluten-free, Dairy-free & Vegan Options.

Collage of recipes for what to eat this week series.

I've got your week covered with a breakdown for each day, and I've made sure to include plenty of variety. You'll find a delightful array of chicken dishes, some fantastic vegetarian and vegan options, and even a few mocktails and coffee pairings. So, whether you're planning for Meatless Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, or even a cozy Sunday brunch, I've got you covered.

SOUL FOOD SUNDAY:

Sundays in the fall are all about embracing cozy, comforting meals.

Wooden spoon in a pan of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

Prepare the ultimate Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken, brimming with genuine Caribbean and island flavors derived from fresh herbs, vegetables, browning seasoning, and essential spices. This soul-warming stew is the perfect choice for a memorable Sunday night dinner that will quickly become a beloved family tradition.

Cooked rice in a white bowl with a gold spoon with herbs.

Basmati Rice

Learn How To Cook Basmati Rice like a pro, achieving that perfect tenderness and fluffiness with this fool-proof recipe. It's not just a side dish; it's the foundation for countless healthy easy dinner options. Pair it effortlessly with Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken for a flavor explosion, and trust me, those Monday blues won't stand a chance with these amazing leftovers!

Jamaican Rum Cream

Indulge in the perfect sip for any occasion with this Alcohol-Free Jamaican Rum Cream. Crafted with a sweet and creamy blend, featuring coconut undertones, a hint of chocolate syrup, and the option to crown it with shaved chocolate or extra chocolate syrup. What more could you ask for on a Sunday? Dairy-free option.

MEATLESS MONDAY:

A tasty way to kickstart a week of mindful eating.

Plate of Creamy Tuscan Ravioli. A great healthy easy dinner idea.

Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli

Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli. This comforting one-pot pasta is perfect for busy evenings, as it combines the convenience of a quick meal with irresistible flavors. Imagine tender ravioli enveloped in a creamy, lemon-infused sauce, complemented by wilted kale and herb-roasted tomatoes. Ready in less than 30 minutes! The perfect weeknight dinner idea. Dairy-free + Vegan Option.

TACO TUESDAY:

Because it would be a crime to pass up on taco goodness every Tuesday.

Wooden plate of Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos. A great healthy easy dinner idea.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos [Dairy-Free]

Get ready for the most incredible Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos, and guess what? They're dairy-free! These tacos are loaded with homemade jalapeño ranch dressing, perfectly chopped buffalo chicken tenders, herb-fried black beans, zesty Pico de Gallo, and dairy-free mozzarella cheese shreds.

They're perfect for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight dinner for a healthy easy dinner, and the whole family will love them. Meatless + Gluten-free options.

WEEKNIGHT WEDNESDAY:

Where delicious dinners make midweek magic.

Spicy Brown Butter Pumpkin Rigatoni

Spicy Brown Butter Pumpkin Rigatoni-- perfect for cozy weeknight dinners and celebrating the flavors of fall produce. Dive into a plate of creamy pasta, bursting with rich pumpkin goodness, harmoniously paired with warm spices, nutty brown butter, and the delightful texture of rigatoni.

It's a dish that'll please the whole family while embracing the essence of autumn. Gluten-free option. And for my bacon-loving people, feel free to add some candied bacon on top for an extra special weeknight dinner treat.

Apple Cider Mocktail

Elevate your Wednesday with this Apple Cider Mocktail, a delightful companion to your Spicy Brown Butter Pumpkin Rigatoni. This simple yet delicious mocktail boasts a bold apple cider flavor and a medley of warm, comforting spices. It's a fantastic way to savor the essence of fall through those crisp, seasonal apples. Cheers to a delectable duo!

SIMPLE THURSDAY:

Because sometimes, a straightforward meal is all you need.

Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup

Satisfy those tastebuds by making this Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup! A silky smooth texture and rich umami flavor makes this the perfect meatless soup for chilly Fall/winter nights or for meal-prepping lunches! The perfect healthy easy dinner! It't the creamy weeknight dinner of your dreams! Slow Cooker, Vegan + Gluten-Free options.

Baked french bread sliced on a baking sheet on a parchment paper with garlic and herbs.

The Best Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread

Meet this incredibly savory and flavorful Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread, a recipe born from our unwavering love for the classic garlic bread. In our household, it's practically a crime to enjoy soup without a side of this extra-special garlic bread.

TAKEOUT FRIDAY:

Bringing the joy of homemade "takeout" that's equally delicious and healthier.

Overhead shot of a sliced Veggie Pizza. A great healthy easy dinner idea.

The Ultimate Veggie Pizza Recipe

Who doesn't love pizza? When you are thinking of ideas for an easy dinner the Ultimate Veggie Pizza Recipe has got you covered! A personal favorite in my homemade pizza collection. Packed with flavorful veggies and anchored by a crispy, fluffy crust, it's simplicity at its finest, yet it bursts with savory goodness.

Ideal for a quick meatless healthy easy dinner, this pizza is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect way to cap off a workweek. Vegan + Gluten-free options!

BREAKFAST SATURDAY:

Because breakfast on the weekends simply hits different.

Stack of Vegan Apple Cinnamon Pancakes on three small, stacked plates

Warm Vegan Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

Allow me to introduce you to the delightful Warm Vegan Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, my top choice for a cozy weekend brunch with the family. These pancakes are all about embracing the fall vibes with freshly chopped apples and aromatic spices.

The crowning glory is a sweet caramelized apple topping that elevates pancake indulgence to a whole new level. Trust me; when the weekend arrives, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced pancakes wafting through the kitchen. Gluten-free option.

Iced Chai Tea Latte

Treat yourself to the pure joy of sipping on an Iced Chai Tea Latte—a delightful and straightforward creation that features brewed black tea, a harmonious blend of chai spices, and nourishing plant-based milk. It's the perfect way to wash down those mouthwatering pancakes, don't you think?

5 Tips For Meal Planning In Fall

Embrace Seasonal Ingredients:

Take advantage of the fresh produce available during the fall, such as apples, pumpkins, squash, and root vegetables. Incorporate these ingredients into your meals for added flavor and nutrition. Check out my roundup of The Best Pantry Foods To Stock For Fall 2023 for more tips!

Plan Comforting Meals:

Fall is the perfect time for hearty and comforting meals. Consider making soups, stews, and casseroles that can be prepared in larger batches and enjoyed as leftovers throughout the week-- the perfect ideas for an easy dinner!

Use Your Slow Cooker:

Dust off your slow cooker or crockpot and put it to good use. Slow-cooked dishes like chili, pot roast, and pulled pork are not only convenient but also incredibly flavorful. I’ve curated a list of bakeware essentials that I use daily-- Everything from my fave baking sheets, crackpots, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Prep Ahead:

Spend some time on the weekend prepping ingredients like chopping vegetables, marinating proteins, and making sauces. This will set you up for a healthy easy dinner and make weeknight cooking faster and more efficient. Some of my favorite things to prep are:

Themed Nights:

Add a dash of fun to your meal planning with theme nights!? It's like a mini food adventure right at home. For instance, declare Mondays as pasta night, Tuesdays as taco night, and Wednesdays as soup night-- you get the idea. Get the whole family involved--let the kids choose their favorite taco toppings or suggest soups for the month. It helps with ideas for an easy dinner. With theme nights, meal planning becomes much more fun and enjoyable!

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What To Eat This Week

That's a wrap, folks! Until next week, I hope you enjoyed these ideas for an easy dinner. Please share your thoughts in the comments and give me some love on Instagram @Orchidsnsweettea_. Be sure to tag me in your culinary creations—I love seeing what you whip up in the kitchen!"