Weekly Meal Plan: What to Eat the Week of May 17, 2026

This week in May looks absolutely delicious and full of fresh, flavorful meals to try. Whether you want quick sheet-pan dinners, light salads, or comforting handhelds, here’s a suggested menu to inspire your cooking and make meal planning simple.

Pick a few favorites from the list below or build a weekly plan that mixes and matches proteins, vegetables, and easy sides. All recipes are straightforward, seasonal, and crowd-pleasing.

What To Eat This Week

Sheet pan shrimp, vegetables, and tortellini — A fast, one-pan dinner that roasts shrimp and vegetables alongside cheese tortellini for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Crispy smashed black bean tacos — Vegetarian tacos with a crunchy exterior and creamy black bean filling, topped with bright salsa and avocado for a satisfying meatless meal.

Crispy chicken Caesar sandwiches — All the flavors of a classic Caesar salad tucked into a crispy chicken sandwich for an easy, indulgent lunch or dinner.

Summer sweet potato salad — A bright, summery twist on potato salad using roasted sweet potatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing that pairs well with grilled proteins.

Salmon piccata — Light, lemony, and elegant, salmon piccata comes together quickly with capers and a silky pan sauce, perfect for a simple weeknight or dinner with friends.

Garlicky grilled chicken broccoli puff pastry — A rustic, savory twist on pizza using puff pastry as the base, topped with garlic chicken and tender broccoli for a flaky, flavorful meal.

Pistachio chicken salad — A crunchy, creamy chicken salad with pistachios and bright herbs that’s great on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or scooped into lettuce cups for a lighter option.

Strawberry and cream oatmeal cups — A fresh, portable breakfast or snack featuring oats, juicy strawberries, and a creamy texture that’s perfect for spring mornings.

Tips for the week:

• Plan two proteins (for example, shrimp and chicken) and rotate them with vegetarian nights to keep costs down and variety high.
• Prep vegetables and dressings in advance to cut down on evening cooking time.
• Use leftovers creatively: turn roasted veggies into salads, or shred leftover chicken for sandwiches or salads.
• Balance heavier dishes with lighter sides like simple greens, roasted asparagus, or a citrusy slaw.

Enjoy the week of delicious meals and feel free to mix these ideas into a meal plan that suits your schedule and tastes.