Autumnal Weeknight Dinner Menu

Making dinner at home during the week doesn't have to be an all-day production. Mix and match these dishes to create a menu that works for you. Many can be made ahead, or re-purposed into another evening's dinner, if you wish.

 

Salads:

Grilled Kale Caesar Salad

From La Buena Vida

Choose  Tuscan or Dinosaur Kale for this salad as the leaves are better suited for grilling. Don't have a grill? Toss the leaves in oil and broil them, making sure to keep turning them so they don't burn.

 

Roasted Carrot Salad with Lemon Truffle Dressing

From London Foodie in NY

There is an abundance of lovely carrots in the markets right now, and roasting them only deepens their flavor.

 

Spinach Pomegranate Salad with Apples and Walnuts

From Pinch My Salt

A delicious combination of quintessentially fall flavors that is easy to put together.

 

 

Vegetarian Entrees:

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Pumpkin and Citrus

From Veggie Num Num

Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that will keep you satisfied, and pairs well with sweet roasted pumpkin and salty feta.

 

Farro, Beet, and Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese

From Always Order Dessert

A variety of flavors and textures that blend beautifully, with nutty farro, sweet beets, acidic citrus and creamy goat cheese.

 

Butternut Squash Soup with Curry Condiments

From FoodNetwork.com

A classic butternut squash soup with a bit of apple for sweetness. Have fun with the curry condiments, from the expected cashews, coconut and scallions, to the unexpected cilantro, mango, tomato chutney, and lime pickle.

 

 

Meat Entree:

Grilled Lamb Chops with Cilantro Mint Sauce

From Diane Rossen Worthington on Leite's Culinaria.

Lamb chops are easy to cook in a pinch. Try serving them with this zesty spin on a traditional mint sauce.

 

Old-Fashioned Meatloaf

From Caviar and Codfish

Perfect to serve with herb-roasted fingerling potatoes from the farmers market.

 

Pork Tenderloin with Pears and Shallots

From BonAppetit.com

Sweet pears are a wonderful complement to roast pork. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes for a true autumnal meal.

 

 

Side Dishes:

Creamy Polenta

From Epicurious.com

A comforting addition to your meal from Marcella Hazan. Serve this plain, or jazz it up with the addition of mushrooms, cheese, herbs, or an ingredient of your choosing.

 

Alta Brussels Sprouts with Apple, Pistachios, and Crème Fraiche

From Alexandra's Kitchen

This NYC restaurant has taken the once-loathed vegetable to a whole new level with this preparation.

 

Roasted Spiced Sweet Potatoes

From Smitten Kitchen

Roasting sweet potato wedges brings out a caramelly sweetness in this root vegetable. Adding a spicy coating transforms these healthy root vegetables into a flavorful treat.