Are you stuck in a dinner rut? Here are 20 easy and delicious dinner ideas to shake things up. From quick weeknight meals to something more special, there’s something here for everyone. Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
This Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavours with a simple cooking method. The bright zing of lemon pairs beautifully with the herbs, creating a light and refreshing meal perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is easy to whip up and brings flavour to your dinner table. Whether hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night, this salmon will impress everyone.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak in the flavours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon!
Classic Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
Classic Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dish. It combines tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. It is all served over a bed of egg noodles. The rich flavours blend beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, this recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
This dish balances hearty ingredients with a smooth sauce, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal . Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, Beef Stroganoff is sure to impress with its delicious taste and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the beef pieces and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion and mushrooms. Saute until tender, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Dish: Return the beef to the skillet and stir in sour cream—season with salt and pepper. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Serve: Place the egg noodles on plates and spoon the beef stroganoff mixture over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
This vegetable stir-fry with tofu is a delightful blend of fresh veggies and protein-rich, creating a colourful and nutritious meal. The combination of crunchy textures and savoury flavours makes it a favourite among vegetarians and meat lovers.
Simple to prepare, this dish takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and easily customized with your favourite vegetables and sauce. It’s a great way to use any leftover produce!
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. Marinate in soy sauce for about 10 minutes.
- Coat the Tofu: Sprinkle cornstarch over the marinated tofu and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, then add the mixed vegetables. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the tofu to the pan and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Prepare the Spaghetti: While the chicken is baking, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti and place the chicken on top. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken is a delightful dish. It combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and creamy sauce. The sauce is infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The flavours meld beautifully, creating a comforting, gourmet and homey meal. This recipe is delicious and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The creamy sauce adds a luscious texture while the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach contribute a vibrant colour and flavour. Serve it over pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute in the same skillet until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the spinach and let it wilt in the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil. Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken!
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Spicy shrimp tacos are a delicious way to elevate your dinner game. Tender shrimp seasoned with zesty spices and complemented by a fresh avocado salsa make for a satisfying meal. They are quick to prepare, making them perfect for any weeknight dinner.
These tacos burst with flavour and texture. They offer a delightful crunch from the tortillas and a creamy balance from the cheese. It’s a simple recipe. Anyone can whip it up in about 30 minutes. This makes it a go-to for those busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make the Avocado Salsa: In a separate bowl, combine diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently to combine.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with cooked shrimp and top with avocado salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve and immediately enjoy your spicy shrimp tacos, perhaps with extra lime wedges on the side!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavours and textures. Bursting with the taste of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, it’s refreshing and satisfying. It’s also easy to make for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
The combination of quinoa and vegetables provides a hearty meal packed with nutrients. Drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, this salad is light yet filling. You can enjoy it alone or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa and water or broth in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
- Let the quinoa cool for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork. Combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavours meld.
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful dish combining fresh flavours, and a satisfying pesto’s nutty taste pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, creating a vibrant and delicious experience with every bite.
This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a plate of pasta that feels gourmet without fuss. It’s an excellent option for those busy evenings when you want something tasty yet quick!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of spaghetti or your favourite pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine with Pesto: Toss the hot pasta with pesto until well-coated in a large bowl. Add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency if the mixture is too thick.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and top with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your meal!
Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread
Vegetarian chilli is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Packed with beans, vegetables, and rich spices, it delivers a burst of flavour while being easy to prepare. This chilli is nutritious and a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Pair it with cornbread for a delightful twist. The cornbread’s sweetness complements the chilli’s spicy kick, creating a satisfying meal. This simple recipe requires minimal prep time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chilli powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy warm cornbread on the side!
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beans
Stuffed bell peppers make for a colourful, satisfying, tasty, and simple meal. Tender bell peppers filled with savoury rice and beans create a hearty dish. This is perfect for any weeknight dinner. The sweetness of the peppers contrasts beautifully with the seasoned filling, offering a delightful flavour profile that everyone will love.
This recipe is not only straightforward but also allows for plenty of customization. You can easily swap in your favourite grains, beans, or vegetables, making it a versatile option for different dietary preferences., It’s a great way to use leftover ingredients in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any colour)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
- Combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well to combine all the flavours.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the rice and bean mixture, packing it down gently. Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed bell peppers!
Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti
Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti is a classic Italian-American dish. It combines crispy breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. All of these are served over a bed of spaghetti. It’s a comfort bursting with flavour, featuring the savoury mix of herbs and cheese that makes every bite delicious. It’s a simple recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This dish brings together tender chicken and rich tomato sauce, making it a family favourite. It’s satisfying, easy to prepare, and sure to impress anyone at your party. Here’s a recipe. Here’s how to make this tasty Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti:
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. In another bowl, beat the egg.
- Coat the Chicken: First, dip each chicken breast into the egg. Then, coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the chicken is baking, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until done. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the baked chicken on top. Cover each breast with the remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti, top with the chicken Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy your delicious meal!
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