Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: May Week 1

This week's meal plan is all about using pantry staples to make pizza pockets, spicy jerk chicken, juicy Greek meatballs, and pasta!

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel began testing recipes for Simply Recipes in 2018. She started her food blog in 2017 and taught children's baking classes around Seattle.
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Updated July 09, 2021
Rachel Knecht
Meal Plan for May Week 1

I find grocery shopping to be a delicate dance. There are weeks when I buy too much and frantically try to find ways to use it all before it turns inedible. Other weeks, it feels difficult to scrounge enough together for school lunches.

I am trying to combat this problem by planning more meals that I can make from the pantry items I keep on hand. This week’s meal plan uses items I always keep stocked in the house, so dinner is within arm’s reach!

  • Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

    Pepperoni Pizza Hand Pies
    Nick Evans

    I always keep pizza ingredients stocked. When I’m on the ball, pie crust is at the ready as well. These Pepperoni Pizza Pockets can be made ahead and then frozen to reheat for busy weeknights. Add this Mixed Green Salad with Pecans, Goat Cheese, and Honey Mustard to round out the meal.

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  • Jerk Chicken

    Jerk Chicken
    Elise Bauer

    Spicy Jerk Chicken served with a side dish of Jamaican Rice and Peas will bring you straight to the Caribbean. Most of the ingredients are staples at my house (spices, rice, coconut milk, and kidney beans). I was thrilled to find this dish to bring them all together in a fresh way.

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  • Smoked Salmon Pasta

    Smoked Salmon Pasta
    Elise Bauer

    I love the idea of using smoked salmon to brighten up a box of spaghetti. Not only is this meal quick, but it’s also a great way for hesitant family members to tiptoe into eating fish. I suggest buying hot smoked salmon for its flaky texture and smoky flavor. You could substitute dill for the parsley as well.

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  • Greek Meatballs

    Greek Meatballs on serving plate
    Elise Bauer

    Feta cheese and pitas are regulars in our refrigerator, yet they don’t often make it to the dinner table. Flavorful Greek Meatballs made with lamb is exactly the main needed to bring my simple staples together into a show-stopping dinner. Add a Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Tzatziki) and sliced tomatoes to bring it all together.

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    Continue to 5 of 5 below.

  • Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

    Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
    Elise Bauer

    Tomatillos (pronounced toh-mah-tee-yohs) are the main ingredient for this tangy salsa verde. Save time by using rotisserie chicken for a speedier way to dinner. This recipe makes good use of the tortillas and sour cream I’m never without.

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