Confession: I’m pretty sure I gain a few pounds in the summer time and lose them in the winter time. It’s the opposite of the expected holiday weight gain that most people experience.  The same people who tend to put on the pounds over Thanksgiving and Christmas are the same people who tirelessly work to lose them before bathing suit season.  Not me.  My girlish figure goes by the wayside while I stuff my face with all the amazing produce that is harvested in our summer months.  Who can eat their weight in watermelon and peaches? Me! Tomatoes, Peppers, Corn, Herbs, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Sweet Potatoes, and Zucchini? Me, Me, Me, Me, Me, Me, Me, and Me. Is it possible to eat too much fresh produce? I’ll let you decide.

So it is with great excitement that I share with you our first weekly dinner menu of the summer. This week, you’ll see a few unconventional twists on some old standbys and a lot of fresh produce.  Just remember to make extra if you want leftovers for lunch the next day!

Weekly Dinner Menu for Summer #1

 

Dinner 1: 3 Cheese Grilled Cheese, Summer Veggie Salad & Watermelon

I guarantee you’ll never make a grilled cheese sandwich the ordinary way again!

 

Dinner 2: Zucchini Fritters w/cucumber yogurt sauce, Roasted Corn & Avocado Salad

The last time I made these fritters, even the kids who won’t touch zucchini gobbled them up!

 

Dinner 3: Cheeseburger Pizzas, Tomato & Cucumber Medley, Oven Fries

You’ll be surprised this pizza tastes just like a burger!

 

Dinner 4: Tomato Ricotta Tart, Grilled Green Bean Salad

For the tart, I plan on adding chopped pepperoni to the ricotta mixture, and for the green bean salad, I’ll be substituting roasted red peppers for the roma tomatoes and also adding some “massaged” kale.

 

Dinner 5: BBQ Chicken Sliders, Kale + Mango Slaw, Macaroni & Cheese

 

 

As you may know, Naan is my go-to for easy weeknight pizza crust.  Our bonus this week… Naan is on sale (BOGO) at Harris Teeter, one of the best grocery stores in NC!

I hope there’s something on this first summer weekly dinner menu that sounds tempting enough to make!  And, in the event that you want to try it all, download the printable 2-in-1 menu and grocery list to make all 5 family meals.  Cross out the items you don’t need (b/c you already have them) and use the extra lines to add in the items you’ll need for breakfast and lunch this week. I’ll be posting and linking recipes later today.

Happy Summer & Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dad’s I know!