I used to look forward to summer because it meant the kids were home and we weren’t as busy. This summer, that is not the case. We have appointment after appointment. I definitely spend less time cooking and encourage the kids to make their own meals when possible. They make a lot of toast!

Plant-Based Meal Plan

I’m going to continue this new style of posting the meal plan. Instead of planning every breakfast, lunch and dinner, I share a few breakfast ideas, a few lunch ideas then week night dinners. This has been working well and is easier since we usually repeat breakfasts and lunch anyway.

Plant-Based Breakfast

This week is less hectic than last week so I expect oatmeal to make another appearance. I’ll have time to make Instant Pot Oatmeal but I will also prepare a few Peanut Butter Overnight Oats jars. These little jars are perfect for quick and easy breakfast or a delicious snack. Plus, they are a great little package of fiber.

Plant-Based Lunch

Over the weekend I prepped ingredients for my Mediterranean Bowls. They are so good and so easy! My husband still has Broccoli and Rice Casserole to take to lunch from when I made it last week. Check out my Instagram Story Highlights to see me make it, start to finish. We’ll also have Veggie Sandwiches or pita sandwiches and other leftovers.

Plant-Based Dinner

Monday: Broccoli Potato Soup is so easy and so good. Everyone in the house will eat it. Another thing I love about this soup is that it reheats so well. I used to make a version of this in the Crock Pot but now I usually stick to this Instant Pot version.

Tuesday: Tofu Kabobs with Oil-Free Fried Rice is a favorite that I don’t make often enough.  I love the sweetness of the pineapple with the savory flavor or the tamari (or soy sauce if you can have gluten). You can use your favorite sauce.

Wednesday: Tostadas are one of the easiest  meals you can make and totally underrated. You can make your own beans, here’s my favorite recipe, or use canned. These are completely kid friendly because it’s basically a big chip with beans on top and a little lettuce and tomato.

Thursday: Fiesta Pasta is an old recipe where I use my faux cheese sauce as a pasta sauce. It’s kinda like a mac and cheese with beans, tomatoes and corn. If your family doesn’t go for things being mixed together like this you may want to skip it. The good new is you can spice it up with green chilies, taco seasoning or salsa. The recipe is pretty mild as written but there is always room to adapt it to your family.

Friday: Beefy Lentil and Veggie Soup is so hearty! It’s pure comfort food. You can make it on the stove or in your Instant Pot.

What are you eating a lot of right now? Any My Plant-Based Family recipes?

This week may be one of our busiest this month. My plant-based meal plan will be filled with simple recipes because my kids have 7 appointments, including Steven’s chemo, and we are packing our house since we are moving soon, oh and you know, our normal work schedules.

Plant-Based Meal Plan

I probably have a couple of weeks before I pack up my whole kitchen but I am limiting my cooking. Mostly, I don’t want a big mess. I did some meal prep today and cooked my One Pot Broccoli and Rice Casserole for lunches this week. My husband loves it and it makes 4-6 meals. Last week, our youngest ended up eating most of it.

I’m also craving salads so I’ll be enjoying those as well. I think it’s the heat but hummus, veggies and salad are calling my name. We just bought a bunch of fresh produce but I’m still working on eating the foods in my freezer and pantry so I have less to move.

Plant-Based Breakfast

We will continue on our cereal trend this week. I’ll also have a few overnight oats ready to go. The Peanut Butter Overnight Oats is a favorite and get’s a lot of pins on Pinterest. We also have fresh strawberries and blueberries so I’ll probably make my standard Overnight Oat recipe too!

Plant-Based Lunch

Lunches will be leftovers, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Big Salads or sandwiches. I have hummus and I’m thinking about making my Red Pepper Dip which is one of my favorites.

Plant-Based Dinner Meal Plan

Monday: Plant-Based Mediterranean Bowl is so easy. The only thing that needs to be cooked is the quinoa and the leftovers are fantastic!

Tuesday: Texas Style Chili and oven baked fries will be a nice treat after a long day at the doctor. This is Steven’s chemo day and it starts really early in the morning and we won’t get home until after lunch.

Wednesday: Black Bean Mango Salad is perfect this time of year! Canned beans make this salad hearty and the mango makes it sweet and refreshing! I may make my Mango Salsa and use that instead. Either way, it’s going to be good.

Thursday: Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice is just too easy. It’s a huge recipe so I may reduce it by half. It isn’t very spicy, which means your kids will eat it. We spice up our individual bowls. I love cilantro and lime, or just a bunch of salsa.

Friday: Plant-Based Nachos! I can’t help it, Friday night is a good night for nachos! I love chips and salsa and add refried beans and you have a meal!

What are you working on this week? I’d love to hear what you are cooking!