80+ Easy & Quick Dinner Ideas That Can Be Made in 30 Minutes or Less
No time? No problem.
Figuring out what to have for dinner each night can feel exhausting. All you probably want to do at the end of a long, busy day is slip into your coziest pants, fluffiest sweater, cuddle up on the couch to watch your favorite TV show, and order take-out from your go-to delivery restaurant. But that could lead to a hefty bill and a heavier meal than you want before bed. Instead, consider whipping up any one of these easy, quick dinner ideas. Each one is almost effortless to make, taking 30 minutes or less, and is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for comfort food after a grueling day.
And just because these weeknight dinner recipes are quick and easy doesn't mean they skimp on flavor or quality. Every one of them has been developed and tested by the Woman's Day Test Kitchen, ensuring they're all jam-packed with flavors and nutrients, without taking a ton of time to prep or cook. The ingredients are pretty basic (read: you probably have them in your kitchen right now), and the step-by-step instructions aren't super complicated either. From various types of pizza, to pork chops, to pastas, and tacos, these easy, quick dinner ideas are bound to please even the pickiest of eaters. With over 80 dinner recipes that take 30 minutes or less, you could have a new meal every night of the week for months before you get even close to finishing the whole list. So, get cooking!
Seared Lamb with Mustard Potatoes and Green Beans
This delicious comfort food meal is so easy to make.
Get the Seared Lamb With Mustard Potatoes and Green Beans recipe.
Charred Shrimp, Leek and Asparagus Skewers
These easy shrimp skewers make the perfect weeknight dinner.
Hot Pepper and Onion Pizza
You can't go wrong with a slice of pepperoni or plain cheese pizza, but for those who want to bring a little heat and change it up, this hot pepper and onion pizza is the perfect dinner dish.
Quick Chickpea and Kale Stew
The perfect one-pot meal for those chillier days.
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Grilled Asparagus and Scallions
Pasta is a great go-to when you are rushing to get a meal on the table, but that doesn't mean it can't be packed with some protein. Add grilled veggies and scallions to give classic spaghetti more flavor and nutrients.
Get the Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Grilled Asparagus and Scallions recipe.
Mâche, Beet, and Orange Salad
A perfect blend of citrus and spice that elevates a simple salad and makes dinner time much more fun.
Mustardy Potato Salad With Watercress
This hearty salad gives you a good serving of greens while being filling enough so you won't be hungry later on.
Katsu Pork Cutlet
The perfect meal when you need a break from cooking up chicken or beef at dinner. This crispy pork cutlet pairs perfectly with a ginger-lime cabbage salad.
Green Olive Shrimp Pasta
Pack some more nutrients into your pasta dish with this hearty recipe that contains olives and shrimp.
Mushroom and Arugula Salad Pizza
A favorite for Pizza Fridays simply because you get the deliciousness of pizza while getting in some servings of leafy greens.
Mexican Skirt Steak and Avocado Salad
The healthy fats from the avocado, the nutrients from the veggies, and the protein from the skirt steak makes this a must-have recipe.
Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties
Pasta is always a great go-to when you're looking for a quick meal, but this dish with tasty chicken and a delicious creamy pesto makes it taste super decadent.
Spicy Salmon with Yogurt Sauce and Roasted Broccoli
An unbelievably flavorful version of the stereotypical healthy meal of salmon and broccoli — but this time with a zesty yogurt sauce.
Get the Spicy Salmon with Yogurt Sauce and Roasted Broccoli recipe.
Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
A meal that is easy for mom to make and something the kids will love. Win-win!
Vegetarian Fried Rice
The perfect quick dinner to make when you have some leftover plain rice that you're not too sure what to do with.
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
This heart-healthy salad is packed with protein from eggs to tuna to beans.
Get the White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette recipe.
Cheesy Baked Spinach and Feta Casserole
With two kinds of cheese and freshly grated nutmeg, this is a great quick meal that's perfect if you're serving a larger group.
Cheesy Polenta & Mushroom Pizza
A great twist on traditional pizza that also happens to be gluten-free — ideal for anyone with food sensitivities.
Salmon Niçoise Salad
Change up the usual Niçoise salad by using salmon instead of anchovies or tuna.
Shrimp Puttanesca
Add some Mediterranean flare to your weekly meal rotation with this robustly flavored dish.
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