Ready for delicious meals without the fuss? We’ve gathered 20 easy, few-ingredient recipes perfect for those hectic days when time is tight but you still want something tasty. From quick dinners to comforting favorites, these simple dishes will save you time and stress. Keep reading to discover your new go-to meals that come together in a flash!
5-Ingredient Caprese Salad
Unbelievably simple yet stunning, this 5-ingredient Caprese salad proves that less is more. Using just fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze creates a perfect summer dish. You’ll have this elegant salad ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
For assembly:
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
For finishing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Slice 2 large tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp serrated knife.
- Slice 8 ounces fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds that match your tomato slices.
- Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices in alternating, overlapping layers on a serving platter.
- Tuck 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella layers throughout the arrangement.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire salad.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze in parallel lines across the salad.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper immediately before serving.
Creamy mozzarella contrasts beautifully with juicy tomatoes, while the basil adds fresh herbal notes. The olive oil and balsamic glaze create a sweet-tangy dressing that soaks into every bite. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or spoon it over crusty bread for a complete meal.
3-Ingredient Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Tired of complicated desserts? This avocado chocolate mousse delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Three ingredients transform into a decadent vegan treat in minutes.
Ingredients
– For the base:
– 2 ripe avocados, pitted and scooped
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– For finishing:
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
1. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth.
2. Scoop avocado flesh into a food processor, ensuring no green skin remains.
3. Add melted chocolate and maple syrup to the food processor.
4. Process mixture on high speed for 2 minutes, scraping down sides halfway through.
5. Check consistency by dipping a spoon – mixture should be completely smooth with no avocado chunks.
6. Divide mousse evenly among 4 serving glasses using a spatula.
7. Refrigerate covered for at least 1 hour until firm to the touch.
8. Serve chilled directly from refrigerator.
But the silky texture hides any avocado flavor while letting chocolate dominate. The mousse firms up beautifully when chilled, creating a dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings without dairy. Try topping with fresh berries or crushed nuts for contrasting textures.
5-Ingredient One-Pot Pasta
Unbelievably simple, this pasta cooks everything in one pot. Using just five ingredients, it delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
Ingredients
– For the pasta base: 12 oz linguine, 4 cups vegetable broth
– For flavor and finish: 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices, 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced, 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Place the linguine, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with juices, thinly sliced onion, and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to ensure even cooking.
4. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, leaving a saucy consistency.
5. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Serve immediately directly from the pot.
Keep the pasta saucy and satisfying with tender noodles coated in a bright tomato broth. The onions melt into the sauce, adding subtle sweetness that balances the tomatoes’ acidity. For a fresh twist, top with chopped basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes right before serving.
4-Ingredient Honey Mustard Salmon
Craving restaurant-quality salmon without the fuss? This 4-ingredient honey mustard salmon delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Clean ingredients create a perfectly balanced sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully under high heat.
Ingredients
For the glaze
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the salmon
– 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Brush both sides of each fillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
4. Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Whisk together 1/4 cup honey and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Spoon the honey mustard mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, covering the surface completely.
7. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
8. Check for doneness by gently flaking the thickest part with a fork—it should separate easily.
9. For extra caramelization, broil for the final 1-2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and browns.
10. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Flaky salmon melts under the sweet-savory crust that crackles with each bite. The honey mustard glaze transforms into a sticky, caramelized coating that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish. Serve over quinoa with roasted asparagus, or flake into grain bowls for next-level lunch prep.
3-Ingredient Oatmeal Energy Bites
Whip up these no-bake energy bites in minutes with just three pantry staples. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts or afternoon pick-me-ups when you need sustained energy without the sugar crash. Keep them stored in the fridge for grab-and-go convenience.
Ingredients
- For the base mixture:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- For binding and sweetness:
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Measure 1 cup rolled oats into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter to the oats.
- Pour 1/4 cup honey into the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a spatula until fully combined and no dry spots remain. Tip: If the mixture seems too dry, warm the peanut butter for 15 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to mix.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator.
- Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of the mixture.
- Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls. Tip: Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Arrange the formed balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 1 hour before serving to set completely. Tip: For longer storage, freeze the bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Enjoy these chewy, nutty bites straight from the fridge for the best texture. They deliver a satisfying sweet-salty balance that pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee. Try rolling them in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for extra crunch and visual appeal.
5-Ingredient Tomato Basil Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of tomato soup on a chilly day. This 5-ingredient version delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. You’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the soup base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
For finishing:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking onions for another 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with onions.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Remove the pot from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add 1 cup fresh basil leaves to the soup.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth.
- Return the pot to low heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream.
- Heat the soup for 3-4 minutes until warmed through, but do not boil.
What makes this soup special is its velvety texture from the heavy cream. The fresh basil provides a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich tomato base. For a creative twist, serve it with grilled cheese croutons or swirl in a tablespoon of pesto right before serving.
4-Ingredient Lemon Garlic Broccoli
Lemon garlic broccoli transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant side dish. This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something healthy and fast.
Ingredients
– For the broccoli: 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
– For roasting: 2 tablespoons olive oil
– For seasoning: 3 cloves garlic, minced
– For finishing: 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place broccoli florets in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
3. Toss the broccoli thoroughly until every floret is lightly coated with oil.
4. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring florets aren’t touching.
5. Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F until edges begin to crisp and brown.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle 3 cloves minced garlic evenly over the broccoli.
7. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 5 more minutes at 425°F.
8. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon directly over the hot broccoli immediately after removing from oven.
9. Toss everything together gently to distribute the lemon juice and garlic evenly.
Hearty roasted broccoli develops crispy edges while staying tender inside. The garlic becomes fragrant without burning, and the lemon juice brightens everything up. Serve this over quinoa for a complete meal or alongside grilled chicken for a protein-packed dinner.
3-Ingredient Chocolate Mug Cake
Ditch the complicated baking and make dessert instantly. This 3-ingredient chocolate mug cake comes together in minutes. Perfect for when you need a quick chocolate fix.
Ingredients
– For the cake: 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
– For mixing: 3 tbsp milk, 1½ tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Combine 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder in a microwave-safe mug.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly with a fork until no lumps remain.
3. Add 3 tbsp milk and 1½ tbsp vegetable oil to the mug.
4. Stir the mixture vigorously for 30 seconds until the batter becomes completely smooth.
5. Scrape down the sides of the mug with a spatula to incorporate all dry ingredients.
6. Microwave the mug cake on high power for 90 seconds.
7. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean with no wet batter.
8. Let the cake rest in the mug for 2 minutes before serving.
Unbelievably moist and fudgy, this cake delivers rich chocolate flavor despite its simplicity. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast, or enjoy it warm straight from the mug. The texture remains soft and decadent, making it ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings.
5-Ingredient Spinach and Feta Omelette
Very few breakfast dishes deliver this much flavor with so little effort. Vibrant spinach and salty feta create the perfect filling for a protein-packed morning meal. You’ll have this on your table in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
– For the omelette base: 2 large eggs, 1 tbsp olive oil
– For the filling: 1 cup fresh spinach, ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
– For seasoning: ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Crack 2 large eggs into a small bowl and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until fully combined and slightly frothy.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for 1 minute until shimmering.
3. Pour the whisked eggs into the heated skillet and tilt to coat the entire bottom evenly.
4. Cook the eggs undisturbed for 1 minute until the edges begin to set.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup fresh spinach and ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese over one half of the omelette.
6. Add ¼ tsp black pepper evenly over the filling.
7. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the top is mostly set.
8. Use a spatula to carefully fold the empty half of the omelette over the filled half.
9. Slide the completed omelette onto a plate immediately.
A perfectly cooked omelette should have a golden exterior with a creamy, slightly runny interior. The feta provides salty bursts that contrast beautifully with the earthy spinach. Try serving it with toasted sourdough or wrapping it in a warm tortilla for a breakfast burrito.
4-Ingredient Sweet Potato Hash
Tired of complicated breakfast recipes? This 4-ingredient sweet potato hash delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy mornings when you need something satisfying and fast.
Ingredients
– For the hash base: 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes), 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
– For cooking and seasoning: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges begin to brown.
3. Add diced onion and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the skillet.
4. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Press hash down with a spatula to create a crispy bottom crust, cooking undisturbed for 2 minutes.
6. Flip sections of the hash and cook for another 2 minutes to crisp the other side.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Zesty sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully against the sharp onion backdrop. The crispy edges give way to tender centers that make this hash perfect alongside eggs or folded into breakfast tacos. Try topping with a fried egg for extra richness.
3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Zipping through busy mornings requires quick fuel solutions. This smoothie delivers creamy satisfaction with minimal effort. Just three ingredients create a perfectly balanced breakfast drink.
Ingredients
For the smoothie base
– 2 cups frozen strawberries
– 1 large ripe banana, peeled
– 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Place 2 cups frozen strawberries directly into your blender pitcher.
2. Break 1 large ripe banana into 3-4 chunks and add to the blender.
3. Pour 1 cup whole milk over the fruit in the blender.
4. Secure the blender lid tightly to prevent leaks during blending.
5. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and no fruit chunks remain.
6. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula if any fruit sticks to the walls.
7. Blend for another 15 seconds to incorporate any scraped-down ingredients.
8. Check consistency by tilting the blender – the mixture should pour smoothly without separation.
9. Pour immediately into a 16-ounce glass for serving.
Just blended, this smoothie boasts a thick, creamy texture that coats your spoon. The natural sweetness from ripe banana balances the bright strawberry tang perfectly. For an extra treat, rim your glass with crushed graham crackers before pouring.
5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Sizzling steak bites come together with minimal ingredients for maximum flavor. These garlic butter morsels cook quickly and deliver restaurant-quality results. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss.
Ingredients
– For the steak: 1.5 lbs sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
– For the garlic butter: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
1. Pat the sirloin steak cubes completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season all sides of the steak cubes evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot, about 2 minutes.
4. Add olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.
5. Arrange steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
6. Sear steak cubes undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
7. Flip each steak cube and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare.
8. Transfer cooked steak bites to a plate using tongs, leaving drippings in the skillet.
9. Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet.
10. Add minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
11. Return all steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with garlic butter.
12. Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley.
13. Serve immediately while hot. Garlic butter steak bites offer a perfect crust-to-tender ratio with rich, savory flavor. Try serving over creamy mashed potatoes or tossing with pasta for a complete meal. The buttery garlic sauce clings beautifully to each juicy bite.
4-Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds
Perfect for holiday gifting or quick snacking, these roasted almonds require minimal effort. Prepare them in under 30 minutes using basic pantry staples. They deliver sweet, crunchy satisfaction every time.
Ingredients
- For coating: 2 cups raw whole almonds
- For coating: 1 large egg white
- For coating: 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For coating: 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk 1 large egg white in a medium bowl until frothy using a fork.
- Add 2 cups raw whole almonds to the bowl and stir until fully coated.
- Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the almonds and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 325°F, stirring halfway through for even browning.
- Check for doneness—almonds should be fragrant and coating should appear dry.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet for 15 minutes.
Resulting almonds are crisp with a glossy, crackly sugar shell. Their warm cinnamon flavor pairs wonderfully with coffee or vanilla ice cream. Try crumbling them over oatmeal or yogurt for added texture.
3-Ingredient Pesto Pasta
Just three ingredients transform basic pasta into a vibrant, flavorful meal in minutes. Jarred pesto eliminates prep work while toasted pine nuts add crunch. This minimalist approach delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
For finishing:
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the boiling water.
- Add 12 ounces dried spaghetti to the pot, stirring immediately to prevent sticking.
- Cook spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, testing a strand at 8 minutes for firm texture.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, using a measuring cup to capture starchy liquid.
- Return drained spaghetti to the warm pot off heat.
- Add 1 cup prepared basil pesto to the hot pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, creating a creamy emulsion.
- Continue adding pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Divide pasta among serving bowls and top each with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts.
Your pesto pasta should be creamy yet light, with the basil’s fresh herbaceousness balanced by rich pine nuts. The toasted nuts provide satisfying crunch against the tender spaghetti. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or tossing in cherry tomatoes for extra color and acidity.
5-Ingredient Avocado Tuna Salad
Perfect for busy weeknights, this 5-ingredient avocado tuna salad comes together in minutes. Packed with healthy fats and protein, it’s satisfying without being heavy. Skip the mayo—creamy avocado binds everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 2 (5 oz) cans solid white tuna in water, drained
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
For seasoning:
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Place drained tuna in a medium mixing bowl.
- Halve the avocado and remove the pit.
- Scoop avocado flesh into the bowl with tuna.
- Mash avocado and tuna together with a fork until well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Add diced red onion to the mixture.
- Pour fresh lime juice over the mixture.
- Sprinkle kosher salt evenly across the surface.
- Stir all ingredients until fully incorporated and evenly distributed.
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Not overly mushy, the salad maintains pleasant texture contrasts between creamy avocado and firm tuna. The lime juice brightens the richness while preventing avocado browning. Serve scooped into lettuce cups, stuffed in pita halves, or spread on crisp crackers for varied meals.
4-Ingredient Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Savor these caramelized Brussels sprouts that transform with just four ingredients. They roast to perfection with a sweet-tangy glaze that makes them irresistible. Even sprout skeptics will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
For roasting:
- 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss 1.5 lbs halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp kosher salt in a large bowl.
- Spread sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut sides down for maximum caramelization.
- Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes until edges begin to brown and crisp.
- Meanwhile, pour 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the vinegar for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy, stirring occasionally.
- Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and drizzle the reduced balsamic glaze evenly over them.
- Toss gently to coat all sprouts with the glaze using tongs or a spatula.
- Return to oven and roast for 3-5 more minutes until glaze bubbles and adheres to sprouts.
- Transfer to a serving dish immediately to prevent sticking.
Velvety caramelized exteriors give way to tender centers in these glossy sprouts. The reduced balsamic creates a sticky-sweet shell that contrasts beautifully with the sprouts’ natural bitterness. Serve them alongside roasted chicken or crumble crispy bacon over top for added texture.
Summary
Amazingly simple, these 20 recipes prove that delicious meals don’t require complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Perfect for your busiest days, they’ll save you time while keeping your family well-fed. We’d love to hear which recipes become your new favorites—drop us a comment below! Don’t forget to share this helpful roundup on Pinterest so other busy cooks can discover these easy solutions too.
