Making a delectable weekday dinner can seem like a challenge. Fortunately, with delicious and simple dinner recipes like Cobb salad and quesadillas, you may just find a new dinnertime favorite!
There are those who enjoy their time in the kitchen, and those who would rather do something else. But, when it comes to weekdays, it can be hard to spend the extra time slaving over a meal. Luckily, there are plenty of simple dinner recipes for a family out there that don’t require a lot of labor. Whether you’re looking for something super-healthy or perhaps a bit heartier, try out one of the following options.
Simple dinner recipes
It might be tempting to eat out on a weekday. But there are simple dinner recipes that offer up great flavors without much effort. Whether it’s with beef or chicken, these healthy salad options will please with ease!
- This quinoa lentil salad with homemade lemon vinaigrette will have the whole family begging for more! See below for detailed cooking instructions.
Quinoa Lentil Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils
- 1/4 cup kale (packed)
- 1/4 cup cooked garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup cucumber (peeled and diced)
- 1/4 cup carrot (diced)
- 1/4 cup grape tomatos (quartered)
- 1 tbsp red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 tbsp raw sunflower seeds
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp raw honey
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- (if cooking quinoa) Cook quinoa by mixing 1 cup uncooked quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring mix to boil, then simmer for 20 minutes covered. Once water is absorbed, stir with fork and set aside for cooling.
- (if cooking lentils) Cook the lentils by mixing 1 cup dry lentils with 3 cups water. Bring mix to boil, then simmer for 30 minutes covered (until tender). Once cooked, drain water and set aside for cooling.
- Remove kale leaves from spine. Break kale into bite size pieces. Toss and rub kale with a little olive oil, massage until kale becomes softer.
- For lemon vinaigrette, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, raw honey, dijon mustard, sea salt, ground black pepper, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk together until mix is consistent throughout.
- Mix in lemon vinaigrette slowly, toss again until mixed thoroughly.
- For added texture, sprinkle extra sunflower seeds over top of salad.
Nutrition
- Grilled Cobb Salad – Salad may not feel like the type of dish that can fill you up. Fortunately, whether you make it vegetarian or with protein this grilled option is great! By cooking scallions and tomatoes, and adding avocado and quinoa, you’ll get a warm dinner dish.
What should I cook for dinner tonight?
What should I cook for dinner tonight?If you’re using a slow cooker or looking for something heavier, a salad might not be the thing to satiate. These simple dinner recipes for beginners that can still be hearty.
- If you’re in the mood for something sweet and spicy, check out our Sesame Chicken recipe below. Careful, it’s got some heat!
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 onion
- 1 lb. boneless & skinless chicken breast
- 2 scallions
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 1- inch piece peeled peeled fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- cook 1 cup of rice
- Chop 2 bell peppers and 1 onion. Cut chicken breasts into bite sized pieces. Slice 2 scallions. Set aside.
- Heat (on medium) 1 tablespoon of oil in nonstick frying pan. Add peppers and onions. Cook, stir occasionally until tender (about 6 to 8 minutes) Put in bowl.
- Toss the chicken with 3 tablespoons cornstarch in large bowl. Add another tablespoon of oil to frying pan and cook the chicken until done (about 5 to 7 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- In another bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and a finely chop the ginger. Add to bowl.
- Transfer vegetables to pan. Add in sauce and 1/3 cup water. Simmer the mixture until it starts to become thick (about 2 minutes). Add sliced scallions and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Serve when cooled!
Nutrition
- Beef Stroganoff– This might be the sort of pasta dish that’s sure to impress. But beef stroganoff is easier than it looks with garlic, mushrooms and a bit of cream! By cooking mushrooms with beef, adding white wine, and finishing with pasta and cream, you’ll have a comforting family feast.
What are some favorite kid foods?
Sometimes the hardest people to please at your dinner table will be your children. Luckily, with these easy, cheese-centric recipes you’ll have some simple dinner recipes your kids will love.
- Ziti Bake– This Rachael Ray recipe might have a lot of cheese, but it won’t take long to make once you’ve got your ingredients ready. Simply simmer tomatoes, garlic, and basil in a saucepan. Make a béchamel sauce and layer it with tomato sauce over pasta. Once it’s covered with cheese and in the oven, it’s 5 minutes to eating time.
- Make-Your-Own-Quesadillas– Kids like to play with their food, and they usually like Mexican dishes. Fortunately, your own weeknight quesadilla bar can provide the best of both worlds! Few things are as easy to make as quesadillas. And, by adding your own topping options, this works as simple dinner recipes for 2 or 4. It even works well as a side dish with salad.
Our busy lives can make it hard to come up with good dinner ideas on the weeknights. Fortunately, whether you’re looking for healthy or hearty, there are many simple dinner recipes that take less than 30 minutes! Do you have any favorite weekday dinner recipes that are simple and tasty? Share them on FamilyApp or use the comments! It might seem like weekday meals are a struggle, but there are ways to make them delicious and easy.
