Hi again Reader 👋

Happy Sunday — and to all the moms and mother figures out there, Happy Happy Mother's Day! 🩷 I know the last thing you want to think about today is what to cook your family for dinner this week, which is why I've created a meal plan that makes it as easy as possible. You deserve so much more than one day off, so these recipes will hopefully make each day a little bit easier. I hope they inspire you, nourish you, and make cooking feel like anything but a chore!

This week's menu is all about light and bright flavors with lots of elements that you can make-ahead to save time (think: marinades, slow-cooker saviors, and easy homemade salad dressings). A few of them also make really good leftovers, so you can knock out lunch and dinner all in one go. You're welcome.

Scroll down to find all five recipes, plus a downloadable grocery list that you can take to the store. Let's have a great week!👇

Listen, I feel zero shame in indulging over Mother's Day weekend but come Monday, I'm definitely craving something that's a little bit lighter. These crunchy lettuce cups are packed with flavor and easy enough for the whole family to assemble themselves — you know, so you don't immediately need to start doing everything again after your one special day.

I developed this recipe five years ago but it remains one of my absolute favorites on the blog so I had to bring it back this week. It's packed with protein, thanks to a combination of crispy chickpeas and chorizo, which are baked together on a sheet pan. Toss it with some crisp greens, a quick homemade vinaigrette, cotija cheese, and toasted pepitas for a dinner-worthy salad.

This is, hands down, the easiest way to make shrimp scampi. Seriously. Rather than searing the shrimp and whisking the creamy, lemon sauce on the stovetop, let the oven do the work. Toss everything with some cooked pasta and a whole lotta grated parm for a meal that tastes just like your favorite Italian restaurant!

By Thursday night, I am SO sick of cooking. (Yes, even me!) I pretty much always turn to my slow cooker or Instant Pot for the lowest effort, high reward dinner. Cook the chuck roast in advance, then lay out all of the toppings and let everyone build their own bowls.

If you think boneless chicken breasts are dry and bland, you need to try this Greek marinade. A combination of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano completely transforms them into something you'll actually want to eat. Serve them with my Horiatiki Salad, a traditional Greek side dish that makes this meal feel special enough for Friday night!

Your Grocery List is Ready!

Everything you need for all 5 dinners — organized by store section to ensure that your shopping trip is easy and efficient.

Hope you have the most delicious week! As always, tag me @thedefineddish when you make these — I love seeing your creations. 🤍