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Meal Planner "No Cook" Dinners

News Meal Planner Weeknight Meal Planner: "No-Cook" Dinners

It may almost be fall, but the summer weather is still here. The last thing we want is to turn our kitchens into saunas by firing up the oven or stove. Enter our "no-cook" meal plan, where we harness late-summer produce and the magic of the microwave to whip up meals in no time! (We know you're still technically cooking – just not in the traditional sense!)

 

With prime summer produce, there’s little need for elaborate accompaniments. Dive into this laid-back menu, featuring 8 time-saving microwave recipes! Savor every last delicious moment of summer without breaking a sweat.

 

How to use this meal plan

Our Meal Plans feature 7 easy microwave recipes that are designed to save you as much time as possible. Use the menu below as a guide, and read on for prep-ahead tips and serving suggestions.

 

  • Make sure to follow directions for 2-4 serving when each recipe listed below, unless listed otherwise.
  • Use the ‘Prep Ahead’ steps to make meal planning easy! You can do all of the ‘Prep Ahead’ on one day, like a Sunday afternoon, or take it day by day.
  • Download the Shopping List
  • Note: This Meal Planner only requires you to cook in the microwave! We’ve included a few optional steps for finishing proteins on the grill.

Have any questions about microwave meal plans or recipes? Reach out Test Kitchen team at testkitchen@cookanyday.com

Your week at a glance:

Use this menu to get a sense for what you’ll be serving each day. Feel free to move recipes around, or substitute recipes that suit your family’s tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions.

 

Monday: Cajun Shrimp Sandwiches

Serve Buttery New Orleans BBQ Shrimp inside a split baguette with mayonnaise and lettuce leaves. Serve with a fresh salad on the side.

Cook Time: 20 mins

 

Tuesday: Chicken Picnic

Pick up a rotisserie or fried chicken from your local deli. Serve with Creamy Corn Spoonbread, coleslaw, and sliced fresh watermelon.

Cook Time: 9 mins

 

Wednesday: Honey Mustard Chicken Wings

Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Wings with potato salad and fresh salad or leftover sliced watermelon.

Cook Time: 14 mins

 

Thursday: Cajun Shrimp Boil

Serve Cajun Shrimp Boil alongside freshly steamed green beans tossed with lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Cook Time: 7 mins

 

Friday: Fish Friday

Chop cold, cooked green beans into bite-sized pieces with a bright Italian vinaigrette and garnish with sliced almonds. Serve with Olive Oil Poached Salmon and store-bought garlic bread.

Cook Time: 20 mins

A Week of “No Cook" Recipes

Buttery New Orleans BBQ Shrimp made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring succulent shrimp in a rich, buttery BBQ sauce.

Buttery New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Prep Ahead:
- Mix the sauce ingredients for the BBQ shrimp.
- Defrost the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Use peeled, deveined shrimp to save prep time.

Day Of:
- Prepare the recipe in the microwave, or throw the shrimp on the grill.
Get the recipe
Simple Marble Potato Salad made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring colorful marble potatoes with a tangy mustard and dill dressing. This method ensures tender and flavorful potatoes, perfect for a refreshing and vibrant side dish.

Baby Potato Salad

Prep Ahead:
- Cook the potato salad up to 4 days ahead.
- Consider making extra dressing to refresh the salad.

Day Of:
- Take potato salad out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and more dressing, if desired.
Get the recipe
Creamy Corn Spoonbread made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring a moist and fluffy cornmeal bread with a rich, creamy texture.

Creamy Corn Spoonbread

Prep Ahead:
- Chop the jalapeños.
- Measure out the dry mix and set aside.

Day Of:
- Prepare spoon bread batter.
- Cook in the microwave to recipe instructions.
Get the recipe
Honey Mustard Chicken Wings made and served in the glass Anyday dish, with tender wings coated in a tangy honey mustard sauce.

Honey Mustard Chicken Wings

Prep Ahead:
- Prepare the honey mustard marinade.
- Marinate chicken wings for up to 4 days.

Day Of:
- Cook the chicken wings in the microwave.
- Finish on the grill for a smoky char, if desired.
Get the recipe
Flavorful Cajun shrimp boil made in the glass Anyday dish, which consists of succulent shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage seasoned with zesty Cajun spices. This quick and easy microwave recipe delivers a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Cajun Shrimp Boil

Prep Ahead:
- Combine all ingredients except the shrimp and sausage.


Day Of:
- Now add the seafood to the Anyday and cook the boil.
- Mix the salad and cut the baguette while the dish cooks.
 Get the recipe

Prep Ahead:
- Trim and wash the green beans.
- Steam the green beans until just tender. You’ll add more time when you reheat!

Day Of:
- Reheat green beans for 2-3 minutes, or until warm.
- Dress the beans however you’d like!
Get the recipe
Delicately poached salmon in olive oil, cooked in the glass Anyday dish, ensuring perfectly tender and flavorful fish with no unpleasant odors. This easy and elegant microwave recipe is ideal for a healthy and delicious meal.

Olive Oil Poached Salmon

Prep Ahead:
- Cut the citrus slices.
- Defrost frozen salmon, if using.

Day Of:
- Cook the salmon.
- While the salmon cooks, prepare green beans and garlic bread.
Get the recipe