Make a Salad, Cook a Shrimp Pasta, and Have a One-Pot Dinner (or Two) This Week

It's that time again; you're thinking about dinner and what to cook. So here's our weekly list of suggestions: dinner recipes that take less than an hour of mostly hands-off time. Some recipes will be much faster than that. We'll suggest what you can do to prep ahead and cut down on weeknight work. Recipes will be family-friendly, but we'll stretch the boundaries beyond chicken tenders and broccoli. Yes, there will be pasta, and, yes, it will be delicious. So visit us every week for dinnertime inspiration.

MONDAY: GRILLED CHICKEN COBB SALAD

Consider this inspiration rather than a diktat, we just thought that after a weekend of grilling, you: a) might have leftover grilled chicken or other meat to use, or b) would fancy a big salad. Use this recipe as a guideline, but feel free to improvise.

TUESDAY: BAKED RICE WITH SAUSAGE, PEPPERS, AND CORN

Tonight we return to the kitchen for a one-skillet dinner. Italian sausage, arborio rice, bell peppers, and corn make for a colorful, flavorful, and mostly hands-off meal.

WEDNESDAY: PENNE WITH SHRIMP, FETA, AND SPRING VEGETABLES

Fast, full of spring flavors, and all made in one pot -- what more could you want of a Wednesday dinner in May?

THURSDAY: CHEESE-CRUSTED PORK

This quick, deliciously cheesy dinner will make Thursday night special in only 15 minutes. We love the simple salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil -- with the Pecorino shavings, it feels like restaurant fare.

FRIDAY: LENTIL PATTIES WITH LETTUCE AND YOGURT

Go healthy and super tasty tonight with these lentil patties. They're a great meatless dinner and can be made ahead: Form the patties the night before or several nights before. Saute them before serving with crunchy, fresh accompaniments including lettuce, yogurt, and caper berries.

SATURDAY: GRILLED ASPARAGUS AND RICOTTA PIZZA

How long did you think we could go before grilling again?! Tonight's meal is a little different, no steaks or chicken but a grilled pizza topped with everyone's favorite spring veg. And if the grill doesn't appeal, well, cook on the stove top (yes, really) or in the oven. One final piece of advice: Double or triple the recipe because everyone will want more.

SUNDAY: ROASTED-CHICKEN BREAD SALAD WITH PEAS

Here's your new chicken dinner, complete with sides. Roast and carve the bird, then whisk together a warm lemony dressing using pan juices. Toss it with cubes of toasted rustic bread, English peas, and snap peas, and arrange everything together on a platter. This makes a superb spring Sunday meal.