Summer Meal Planning Ideas from the 1930s

Get some unique summer meal planning ideas straight out of the 1930s. You’ll get two weeks worth of meal ideas featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner all planned out.

During the mid-century small cookbooks were often given out for free by brands to help promote their products. I’ve collected many of these over the years and they often have some very interesting recipes.

Recently I got one that is called Calendar of Meat Recipes. It was given out by the Dressed Beef and Pork Packers from Iowa. It was produced in 1938.

It was divided up into seasonal recipes and menus. Eating seasonally was more necessary in the 1930s so this makes a lot of sense. It’s still a good way to eat now as well. It can save you money and is a more sustainable way to eat.

I plan to share some of the recipes shared in this cookbook as well as some of the meal planning ideas. While you may not want to use the full menus shared they can still offer inspiration for a more modern meal plan.

A great way to use these meal planning ideas is by using my meal planner so you can stay organized and make meal planning a lot easier!

1930s Summer Meal Planning Ideas

When I can find similar recipes I will link to them. If you see a recipe you are interested in that doesn’t have a link let me know. I’m happy to try many of them to share.

1930s Meal Plan Week One

Sunday Breakfast

Raspberries and Cream
Bacon Curls
Eggs a la Goldenrod
Toast
Plum Preserves
Coffee

Sunday Lunch

Celery, Relishes, Cold Meat Platter
Creamed Asparagus
Assorted Bread
Fresh Fruit Bowl
Coffee

Sunday Dinner

Jellied Bouillon
Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Stuffing
Browned Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts
Sliced Tomato Salad
Orange Ice with Wafers
Coffee

Monday Breakfast

Honey Dew Melon
Canadian Style Bacon
Cinnamon Rolls
Coffee

Monday Lunch

Ground Beef Cakes with Noodles
Lettuce and French Dressing
Strawberries and Cream
Coffee

Monday Dinner

Broiled Liver and Bacon
Steamed Potatoes
Stewed Tomatoes
Hot Rolls
Cauliflower Salad
Peach Cobbler
Coffee

Tuesday Breakfast

Tomato Juice
Pan Broiled Bacon
Creamed Eggs on Toast
Coffee

Tuesday Lunch

Cream of Onion Soup
Frankfurters
Melba Toast
Raspberry Shortcake
Coffee

Tuesday Dinner

Fruit Cup
Roast Veal
Roasted Corn on the Cob
Buttered Green Beans
Spring Salad
Chocolate Mint Sundae
Coffee

Wednesday Breakfast

Melon Balls
Broiled Ham Slices
Toasted Sweet Rolls
Coffee

Wednesday Lunch

Veal Salad
Au Gratin Potatoes
Rolls
Butterscotch Cookies
Fruit Punch

Wednesday Dinner

Beef Tongue
Vinaigrette Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Swiss Chard
Grated Carrot Salad
Blackberry Pie
Coffee

Thursday Breakfast

Strawberries and Cream
Creamed Veal
Toast
Currant Jelly
Coffee

Thursday Lunch

Sweet Pickles and Radishes
Corn Chowder
Beef Tongue Sandwiches
Lemon Souffle
Coffee

Thursday Dinner

Lamb Chop Grill
Stuffed Tomatoes
Broiler-Browned Potatoes
Sliced Cucumbers
Peach Ice Cream
Coconut Macaroons
Coffee

Friday Breakfast

Cantaloupe
Bacon Omelet
Toast
Milk

Friday Lunch

Sausage Cakes
Scalloped Tomatoes
Coleslaw
Parkerhouse Rolls
Black Cherries
Tea

Friday Dinner

Broiled Cottage Roll
Steamed Potatoes
Buttered Peas
Beet Relish
Pineapple, Banana, and Nut Salad
Spice Cake
Iced Coffee

Saturday Breakfast

Loganberries
Broiled Kidneys and Bacon
Muffins
Cocoa

Saturday Lunch

Radishes and Pickles
Ham Souffle
Potato Balls
Rye Bread
Cookies
Limeade

Saturday Dinner

Broiled Stuffed Club Steaks
Horseradish Sauce
French Fried Potatoes
Glazed Carrots
Sliced Cucumbers
Canaloupe a la Mode
Coffee

1930s Meal Plan Week Two