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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Your 30-Minute Meal Plan for the Week Ahead

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated October 28, 2025 · Published November 2, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    If your weeknights always seem to fly by, this one's for you. I've put together a full week of dinners you can make in 30 minutes or less-plus an easy appetizer to kick things off and two bonus recipes to mix in whenever you need a little extra inspiration. These meals prove that quick doesn't have to mean boring: they're full of flavor, satisfying, and simple enough for even your busiest days. Dinner plans? Handled.

    Monday: Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a weekly staple that you'll love. It features a fresh and flavorful base, topped with crunchy peanuts for added texture. It's a simple option that fits perfectly into your meal plan - quick to make and a bit on the healthier side. Serve on its own, or with a side of rice.

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    Tuesday: Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These halloumi wraps are always a hit with everyone, from kids to foodies. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are full of flavor. They come together in just 20 minutes and are really simple to prepare. And better yet - they're perfect to bring on the go if you have stuff to do in the evening! Or bring along for lunch the next day - they are almost better served cold.

    Get the recipe

    Wednesday: Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, you can have flavorful skin-on salmon ready to enjoy, thanks to the air fryer. With a zesty kick from lemon juice and lemon pepper, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a simple and quick option for any night of the week. I love mine served with creamy butter rice and whipped feta cheese.

    Don't have an air fryer? You can make it in the oven as well.

    Get the recipe

    Thursday: Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's a dish that's easy to prepare and is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Friday Appetizer: Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fridays are for celebrating the start of the weekend, so of course you want an appetizer to start! The easiest way to achieve that is to grab some frozen shrimp, season, and cook them in your air fryer. They need no more than 3-5 minutes to cook! This version is seasoned with garlic and paprika, giving them a great flavor, and they're then finished with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Served on a salad or alongside your favorite sauces for an elegant yet super easy appetizer.

    Don't have an air fryer? Try this shrimp scampi instead. It's a little bit more involved, but that flavor is so worth it...

    Get the recipe

    Friday Main Event: Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A spicy and creamy tomato sauce combined with bacon creates a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Saturday: Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    I love a good taco night on the weekend! These Vegetarian Tacos are packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, then topped with a generous amount of fresh pico de gallo. They're simple to make and perfect for a quick meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is sure to become a favorite, bringing a burst of flavor to your table.

    Get the recipe

    Sunday: Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

    Get the recipe

    Bonus: Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple and quick to prepare, using everyday ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious dish ready in no time. Swap out any of the dinners this week for this little gem - it's so easy you've got time any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Bonus # 2 - For the Fish Lover: One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A smooth and tasty lemon butter caper sauce goes perfectly with fish and broccoli. This dish is quick to prepare and can all be made in one pan, making cleanup easy. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's elegant enough for a weeknight dinner party, and easy enough for a weeknight.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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