The days are getting longer and warmer as we enter the final week of Ramadan, and many of us are getting ready to celebrate Eid this weekend. If you’re baking for the occasion, don’t miss these delightful Eid cookies.
Enjoy a free, 5-day meal plan filled with family-friendly dinners and a couple of sweet treats. A weekly meal plan helps you save time, reduce stress, and ensure your family sits down to hot, home-cooked meals each evening.
I’ve been sending 5-day meal plans to my email subscribers for years and recently started sharing some on Instagram. I appreciate the feedback from readers who rely on these plans to make weeknight cooking easier.
Each plan typically includes five dinners and one or two desserts. I aim for a balanced mix of flavors and cooking methods, with flexibility to swap meals or stretch leftovers for lunches. I also recommend reserving one night for leftovers to keep the week manageable.
đź“… Food Holidays
This week highlights a couple of fun food observances that are perfect for trying new recipes or spotlighting seasonal ingredients. They’re a simple way to add variety to your meal plan and inspire a creative dish in the kitchen.
- April 28 is National Blueberry Pie Day — use blueberry jam and try a Greek-style jam tart like the Pasta Flora.
- April 29 is National Shrimp Scampi Day — a kid-friendly shrimp scampi pasta is quick and satisfying, and there’s also a fast keto shrimp scampi version if you want a lower-carb option.
🍋 In Season Now
This season brings asparagus, avocado, beets, broccoli, cabbage, leek, lemon, lime, oranges, pear, persimmon, and more — great for fresh salads, roasted sides, and brightening sauces.
April 25
Mojito Mocktail
Start the week with a refreshing lime-and-mint virgin mojito. It’s refreshing, easy to prepare, and perfect for family gatherings or a simple, cooling drink after a busy day.
Chicken Mandi
Enjoy a fragrant, one-pot rice and chicken dish from Yemen. This chicken and rice is deeply flavored and makes an impressive yet straightforward main course.
Zhoug
Serve zhoug alongside mandi for bright, herby heat — it’s an essential condiment to complete the flavors. Try the easy Zhoug recipe to add a fresh kick.
April 26
Beef and Barley Soup
Make a comforting and hearty beef and barley soup in the pressure cooker for a rich, filling meal that pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Chickpea Salad
Keep dinner light and nutritious with a vibrant Mediterranean chickpea salad, full of fresh vegetables and Mediterranean herbs.
April 27
Amardeen Drink
Enjoy a traditional Ramadan favorite one last time this month: Qamar al-Deen, a sweet and soothing apricot drink.
Kofta
Try these flavorful kofta kebabs — tender, spiced ground meat skewers that are easy to prepare and kid-approved.
Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Make perfectly fluffy basmati in minutes with the Instant Pot basmati rice method — a reliable side for many meals.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Roast a colorful mix of vegetables dressed with Mediterranean spices for an easy, nutrient-packed side that complements many mains. Use your favorites and season to taste.
April 28
Easy Beef Stroganoff
This hearty beef stroganoff is comforting and simple to prepare, made without sour cream for a lighter texture while still delivering rich flavor.
April 29
Tamarind Juice
Sweet and tangy, tamarind juice is refreshing and pairs well with spiced dishes or as a unique beverage on a warm day.
Chicken Shawarma
Recreate restaurant-style shawarma at home with this authentic chicken shawarma recipe. Serve with fresh vegetables, pickles, and warm flatbread.
Toum
Don’t skip the classic white garlic sauce — toum adds creamy, garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with shawarma and grilled meats.
Desserts
For a silky, comforting finish this week, try the apricot pudding made from apricot paste — smooth, sweet, and perfect for Ramadan and Eid gatherings.
Recommended
- Zalabia (Lugaimat) Recipe
- Basbousa (semolina cake)
- Kunafa (Knafeh) Recipe
- Tulumba (Balah El Sham)
🖨️ Printable Shopping List
Use this free printable shopping list to organize your ingredients and make grocery shopping faster and more efficient for the week.
Related posts
If you’d like more ideas, check last week’s menu plan or browse our full collection of meal plans for additional weekly menus and recipe inspiration.