Our March meal plan serves up fresh dinners (plus bonus side dish suggestions) that ward off any cooking ruts. We celebrate long-awaited spring produce as well as cozy favorites for rainy nights. Happy cooking!
Your March Meal Plan
1/25
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 340 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
2/25
Day 2: Rhubarb and Honey Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sauce on this honey chicken is like a sweet-tart spin on teriyaki. Everyone who has tried it raves about it—even my husband, who’s not usually a rhubarb lover. —Rachel Beach, Whitley City, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 639 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
3/25
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/25
Shrimp and Grits
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A southern specialty sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or any time company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup grits with 1/2 cup shrimp mixture: 699 calories, 44g fat (22g saturated fat), 240mg cholesterol, 1835mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
5/25
Chicken Mole
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup sauce: 311 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
6/25
Day 6: Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chimichurri is a very popular condiment in Argentina and Uruguay and is most often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade for meats. My chimichurri shrimp version incorporates dill and lime, which give it a brighter flavor, making it ideal for spring and summer entertaining. —Bonnie Landy, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 316 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
7/25
Chickpea ‘n’ Red Onion Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When chilly days arrive and we retire the grill to the garage, I bake a batch of chickpea veggie burgers. Even die-hard meat eaters can't resist them. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 386 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 9g fiber), 16g protein.
8/25
Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies—especially when it comes to experimenting with fresh ingredients like these. This meaty salad is wonderful at the start of asparagus season. —Tamara Steeb, Issaquah, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 160 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/25
Herbed Lemon Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. —Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 200 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/25
French Dip Sandwich
Total Time
7 hours 30 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want to impress company, these satisfying sandwiches are my first pick for the menu. I serve them au jus, with the cooking juices in individual bowls for dipping. —Florence Robinson, Lenox, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 399 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
11/25
Easy Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 350 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
12/25
Pork and Beef Barbecue
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's the combination of beef stew meat and tender pork that keeps friends and family asking for these tangy sandwiches. Add a little lettuce and tomato for a crisp contrast. —Corbin Detgen, Buchanan, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 444 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
13/25
Chili Tortilla Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 413 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 28g protein.
14/25
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making this lemony pasta for the family for years. It's both simple and indulgent enough to make it a go-to recipe. —Anne Miller, Glenfield, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 518 calories, 34g fat (21g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
Goes Great With: Herbed Cheese Sticks
15/25
Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 414 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1191mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein.
16/25
Loaded Chicken & Gouda Calzones
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I had my daughter, I tried to have a lot of meals in the freezer to make those first few weeks easier. These calzones were one of our favorites! We loved being able to pull them out and have dinner in minutes. I've dipped these in spaghetti sauce, pesto and ranch dressing, and they were all delicious! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 calzone: 528 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 1156mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
17/25
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
18/25
Contest-Winning Curried Rice Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rice is truly one of the world's most versatile foods. Arkansas is the top rice-producing state in the country, so this recipe surely represents our region.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 337 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
19/25
Coconut-Crusted Turkey Strips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My granddaughter shared these baked turkey strips with me. With a plum dipping sauce, they're just the thing for a light supper. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked turkey with 2 tablespoon sauce: 278 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 519mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Goes Great With: Curried Fried Rice with Pineapple
Goes Great With: Smoky Cauliflower
19/25
Tilapia with Jasmine Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. Your family will love this healthy and delicious dish! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup rice: 412 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
20/25
Traditional Italian Wedding Soup
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 253 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
21/25
Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Olive Couscous
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings (4 cups couscous)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you can find preserved lemons, use them instead of the plain lemons for an even more authentic flavor in this North African-inspired recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken with 1/2 cup couscous: 456 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
22/25
One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 258 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
Goes Great With: Pesto Pasta & Potatoes
23/25
Mediterranean Tortellini Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my childhood friends moved to Italy 20 years ago. During a recent visit to see her, I enjoyed a scrumptious salad made with tortellini and fresh vegetables. I fell in love with the dish and have been trying to recreate ever since. How'd I do? —Kelly Mapes, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 334 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
24/25
Slow-Cooked Pork Burritos
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been making these slow-cooker burritos for as long as I can remember, changing the recipe now and then to add variety. This is the version we serve for casual get-togethers with friends. —Sharon Belmont, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 320 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/25
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
