What to Cook This Week: Easy May Dinners + Printable
A simple early May dinner plan with fresh, easy recipes and a printable meal planner to help organize the week.
Welcome to a new week — and to the first week of May.
This time of year always feels like a beautiful turning point. The days are brighter, the markets are beginning to fill with fresh greens and herbs, and our kitchens start leaning toward meals that are lighter, easier, and full of seasonal flavor.
So this week, I’ve gathered a simple dinner plan from the 31Daily kitchen: five easy meals for busy May days, with a little variety, a few spring flavors, and one relaxed weekend idea that would be just as lovely for Mother’s Day brunch or a simple supper.
These are practical, flavorful dinners — the kind that make the week feel a little more organized and a little more inspired.
Monday: One Skillet Mediterranean Lemon Chicken and Orzo
A bright and cozy skillet dinner to begin the week. This one has all the things I love in a Monday meal: tender chicken, lemony orzo, Mediterranean flavors, and everything cooked in one pan.
It feels fresh enough for May, but still comforting enough for the start of a busy week.
Tuesday: Easiest Leftover Chicken Enchiladas
For a week that begins with Cinco de Mayo, these easy chicken enchiladas are just right. They’re simple, flavorful, and a wonderful way to turn cooked chicken into something warm and satisfying.
Serve with a green salad, chips and salsa, or sliced avocado for an easy weeknight dinner.
Wednesday: Oven Baked Fish and Vegetables
Midweek calls for something light, colorful, and easy. This oven-baked fish with vegetables is one of those dinners that feels wholesome and effortless — the kind of recipe that lets the oven do most of the work.
It’s especially nice this time of year with fresh vegetables, lemon, and herbs.
Thursday: Crème Fraîche Pasta with Peas and Bacon
This pasta feels like early May in a bowl: tender pasta, sweet peas, smoky bacon, and a creamy crème fraîche sauce that’s simple but special.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but lovely enough to feel like a small treat near the end of the week.
Friday: Easy Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps
Fresh, flavorful, and fast — these lettuce wraps are a fun way to end the week. Seasoned beef is tucked into crisp lettuce leaves with crunchy vegetables and a little sauce for a dinner that feels light but still satisfying.
It’s a good Friday recipe when you want something easy, a little different, and full of flavor.
Weekend Idea: Spinach and Bacon Quiche
For the weekend — or Mother’s Day brunch — a simple quiche is always a good idea.
This Spinach and Bacon Quiche works beautifully for brunch, lunch, or a light supper with greens. It’s savory, seasonal, and make-ahead friendly, which is especially helpful for a May weekend filled with gatherings, gardening, errands, or simply a slower morning at home.
Reader Review: ★★★★★
”I followed the recipe to the letter. I had a frozen pie shell and used that for this recipe. The results were great. My first time making a quiche, and it turned out DELICIOUS!! Thank you so much for sharing.”
Make it: Spinach and Bacon Quiche
A Little Something to Plan the Week
If you’re cooking along this week, tuck this menu into your notes, print your favorite recipes, or simply choose one or two dinners that fit your schedule.
Even a loose plan can make the week feel easier.
Whether your May days are filled with garden tasks, graduations, Mother’s Day plans, or the regular rhythm of home and work, I hope these recipes bring a little inspiration to your table.
As always, I’d love to hear what you’re cooking. Reply or comment and let me know what’s on your menu this week.
Have a beautiful week,
Stephanie