25 Easy Dinner Recipes That Practically Make Themselves
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Looking to spice up your dinner time without spending hours in the kitchen? Me too! Which is why I’ve gathered 25 quick and easy dinner recipes that will satisfy your cravings, and
From fresh salads to grilled meats, light pasta dishes and tasty tacos, these dishes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, relaxing at your vacation cottage or enjoying a quiet night in with family, these recipes will have you covered.
Get ready to drool!
TIPS FOR EASY MEAL PLANNING
To me as the days get longer, easy, light and refreshing meals pop up more on my menu. Preferably one’s that take less than 30 minutes and don’t heat up the house too much. Here are a few of our top tips for easy meal planning:
- Plan Ahead: Schedule your weekly family dinners ahead of time, to avoid last-minute stress. You can also save money by doing this, as you’ll know what to grab at the grocery store.
- Prep in Advance: Chop veggies, marinate meats, and prepare sauces ahead of time to streamline cooking.
- Keep it Simple: Choose quick and easy recipes like the one’s below to save time and effort. So you and your family can spend more time outdoors doing what you love.
- Use Seasonal Produce: Take advantage of fresh fruits and veggies available in the summer. I love visiting farmer’s markets & supporting local businesses while getting the tastiest seasonal foods.
- Consider Preferences: Take into account dietary restrictions and preferences of family members & guests. But also don’t be afraid to try new things. Hey we only live once.
- Mix it Up: Include a variety of proteins, grains, and vegetables to keep meals interesting & nutritious. Things that are easy to grill are also favourites in our family.
- Outdoor Dining & Cooking: Take advantage of the warm weather by having picnics or BBQs in the backyard. Grill & BBQ to keep the heat out of the kitchen.
- Make enough for leftovers: The value of leftovers is sorely underrated. Make enough for lunch or dinner the next day, so you only have to cook once.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to forget to drink enough during busy family days. We’ve found offering refreshing beverages like lemonade or infused water (lemon, berries, cucumbers etc.) helps keep everyone interested in drinking enough throughout the day.
QUICK & EASY DINNER RECIPES
1. No-Fuss Italian Pasta Salad
Our no-fuss Italian Pasta Salad is a family favourite, and one we pull out at BBQ’s, picnics, and when we’re in the mood for a light dinner meal. Prep ahead, so you have a cool kid-friendly summer dinner.
2. Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
Is it really summer time if the BBQ isn’t pulled out?
These grilled BBQ chicken breasts are just the thing when you’re looking for a zesty, saucy, & flavorful meal. We like to roast up some veggies at the same time for a complete meal.
3. Healthy Cheeseburger Bacon Bowls
We love a good alternative to salad, and these fun Cheesburger Bacon Bowls are sooooo good. Perfect for anyone trying out low-carb recipes or you don’t have burger buns on hand.
4. Satay Chicken Noodle Bowl
Satay Chicken Noodles is just the thing for a meal out on the deck. Made with thick rice noodles tossed in satay peanut sauce, and added red pepper, broccoli, carrots
We eat a lot of Asian inspired dishes in our household, as we love the lightness of the meals, and more varied textures and flavours. Plus anything with peanut sauce is a hit with our kids.
Check out our Easy Breakfast Ideas & Recipes too!
5. Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini
Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini is a fresh & delightful summer meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes. So simple to make, but doesn’t skimp on the flavour.
6. Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
The easy version of chicken pot pie. Plus it has tater tots, what’s not to love!
A family dinner that checks all of the boxes with creamy chicken, mixed veggies, and crispy tater tots on top. You can make it ahead and freeze for later, or bake it now and enjoy this favorite casserole that even picky eaters will love.
7. Fish Tacos
Up your Taco Tuesday game with these delicious fish tacos. Grilled fajita spiced white fish, creamy coleslaw and your favourite toppings in a corn tortilla. More easy dinner ideas here.
8. Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
We love anything pesto in our house, and this pesto chicken pasta is such an easy, delicious meal. Super versatile, just switch out whatever veggies are in season, or your family favorites.
9. Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Rotisserie chicken meals are an essential for quick dinners on the go. We love eating rotisserie chicken salads in fresh, flaky croissants especially.
10. Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice
We almost always have leftover rice, as my partner is Chinese-Canadian and rice is a meal staple for us. Which is why this pineapple chicken fried rice is so exciting.
Such a great combo of savoury and sweet flavors. It also happens to be dairy & gluten free if that’s important to you.
Check out our tasty foil packet recipes for easy summer meals.
11. Crispy Sesame Garlic Tofu with Vegetables
Ever since Meatless Monday’s became a thing, I’ve been on the look out for delicious vegetarian recipes.
Crispy Sesame Garlic Tofu with vegetables is just the thing. It’s an easy baked tofu recipe that’s then tossed with veggies and a flavourful sauce over rice. Truly satisying = happy belly.
12. Sesame Soba Noodle Salad
I first had cold Sesame Noodle Salad in a restuarant in my early 20’s and thought to myself, why hadn’t I had this delicious salad sooner.
Slighty salty & sweet, with a tangy sesame oil dressing, it’s oh so satisfying. The perfect cold dinner when it’s just too hot cook anything complicated.
Plus it’s ready in only 15 minutes, and you can make it ahead, for a cold salad packed with veggies and protein.
13. Cheesy Beef Taco Quesadillas
Combining two of my favourite quick family dinners into one – a taco & a quesadilla. Is it a tacadilla or a quesaco? I don’t know, but you need to add it to your summer dinner recipe rotation.
14. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of seasonal fresh vegetables with flavourful chicken and options for homemade ranch or blue cheese dressings.
It’s also a great summer meal with kids, as you can just put out all the different salad toppings, and they can pick and choose their favourites.
PRO PARENT MEAL TIP: When the adults want salad for dinner, we find having tortillas or rice paper rolls on hand so the kids can make wraps often entices them to actually eat more veggies, than just a plain salad would.
15. Easy Mahi Mahi Recipe
Try this light and easy Mahi Mahi Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce. A simple and wildly delicious way to prepare and serve this tender, flakey, and popular white fish.
Don’t have Mahi Mahi, try it with another favorite white fish!
16. Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan Recipe
Summer season means an abundance of cherry tomatoes and fresh basil at the market. So this Caprese Gnocchi Sheet Pan recipe is just the thing.
My youngest is on a gnocchi kick, and has requested these multiple times over the last while. It’s also a simple way to feed a big family or get together, with minimal effort. Score for the cook!
17. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Grilled Shrimp Tacos are both quick and easy to make in under 15 minutes, using simple ingredients. Just switch up the toppings for a versatile family summer dinner meal.
18. Copycat Pf Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
Nothing could be easier than these tasty lettuce wraps. Make this savoury chicken in crunchy lettuce leaves in under 25 minutes.
This healthy recipe is perfect as a light supper, appetizer or snack.
19. Easy Pan Fried Fish
For a seafood dinner in under 25 minutes, Easy Pan Fried Fish is the ticket. Juicy, flaky inside with a nice crust on the outside.
Serve with couscous, rice or a mediterranean type salad for a complete meal.
A way better version of fish sticks kids will love to eat too.
20. Chicken Teriyaki Poke Bowl
Colorful Chicken Teriyaki Poke Bowl is a treat for all your senses.
Poke bowls can be mix-and-matched to suit the vegetables you have in the fridge, and the flavours you know and love – but I this teriyaki marinade on the chicken is simply the best.
21. California Club Wraps
California Club Wrap is a west coast twist on the classic club sandwich. Loaded with smashed avocado, crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and rotisserie chicken &
PRO PARENT MEAL TIPS: Rotisserie chicken is our family’s top hack for summer dinners when we don’t want to use the oven. We also get the kids to wrap them themselves, that way they can choose what they’d like to put in. Less complaining that way too.
22. Steak Bites and Potatoes
Classic steak and potatoes with an Asian twist.
An easy one pot meal that’s made with seared beef cubes and potatoes in a garlicky butter and soy-based sauce. It comes together in under 30 minutes for a hearty & comfort food dinner.
23. Chicken Breast Fritters With Yogurt Cucumber Dip
Chicken Breast Fritters with homemade cucumber yogurt dip will be your next family favourite dinner meal.
Made with chicken breast, eggs, flour, mozzarella cheese, spring onion, pan-fried and served with a creamy dip, making them hard to resist.
Add a side salad such as Greek Orzo salad for a complete meal.
24. Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes are a budget friendly, and easy weekday meal.
Made with only 4 ingredients, it will be ready in no time at all. Leaving lots of time to relax and enjoy summer activities with your family.
25. Easy Cheesy Beans on Garlic Bread
Comforting, hearty and ooey gooey, this easy cheesy beans on garlic toast is just the thing for a cool, busy weeknight night.
It will be in your table in only 20 minutes (and uses just one pan).
FINAL THOUGHTS: 25 SIMPLE DINNER RECIPES
Dinner time meals don’t have to be complicated to feed your body and taste buds.
With these 25 simple dinner recipes you’ll be able to prep for any any dinner meal or occasion life throws your way. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, weekday dinner with family, or vacation rental dinner, everyone will be happy & full.
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