7-Day Meal Plan that Makes Summer Dinners Easier

August 20, 2026

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This 7-day printable meal plan is built for busy families who want wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It includes a 7-day plan, a shopping list, budget-friendly tips, and uses seasonal summer produce.

Meal Plan 116

Just like all of my weekly meal plans, this week’s free meal plan includes 7 delicious dinners, ideas for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, meal prep ideas, and a shopping list. I truly want to help you make home-cooked meals easier!

Download the meal plan, complete with tips and a shopping list here. Or simply find inspiration below.

Tips for this Week’s Meal Plan

On Sunday: Marinate 1-2 flank steaks 2 to 8 hours before grilling. Set leftovers aside to serve as rice bowls later in the week. Leftover salsa is delicious over the rice bowls as well.
On Monday: On Monday: Make the full batch of mac and cheese, as both versions serve 8. Plan on serving leftovers on Wednesday.
On Tuesday: Make a batch of cilantro lime rice (or plain rice) to serve with leftover steak and salsa. Use leftover rice to serve with Jerk Chicken kabobs or add to bean burritos for lunches. Pull the mahi mahi out of the freezer and place it in the fridge for Wednesday night’s dinner.
On Wednesday: Reheat leftover mac and cheese with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess and serve with the Mahi Mahi.
On Thursday: Marinate the chicken for 30-60 minutes and plan to make extra chicken to add to Saturday’s salad.
On Friday: Dinner is on the lighter side. Feel free to add leftover chicken if desired.
No Instant Pot? Prepare 2 cups of rice as directed on the box on the stove. Add zest and juice of 1 large lime along with ¼-1/2 cup chopped cilantro and salt as desired.
Money Saving Tips:
- Buy extra tomatoes for the salsa, cucumber tomato salad, and bruschetta.
- Buy one large bunch of cilantro for the salsa and cilantro lime rice.
- Buy a whole pineapple and use it for the Jerk Chicken Kabobs and Caribbean Chicken Salad, and snack on the rest.
- Use a sweet onion rather than purchase a red onion for the cucumber salad.