Planning a girls’ night in requires the perfect balance of tasty eats and easy preparation. We’ve curated 17 recipes designed to complement any laid-back evening with friends, featuring dishes that are simple to make and ideal for group snacking. These fuss-free recipes ensure you’ll spend less time cooking and more time catching up with your girlfriends.
Baked creamy salmon
Baked creamy salmon is a succulent dish, combining tender salmon fillets with a rich, creamy sauce. In under an hour, you can serve this main course featuring the main ingredients of salmon, cream, and herbs. The result is a flavorful meal with a balance of smooth creaminess and the natural taste of the sea. It’s a comforting dish perfect for a relaxed girls’ night in.
Get the Recipe: Baked creamy salmon
Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew with Coconut Milk
Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew with Coconut Milk brings a taste of Brazil to your table in just over an hour. This stew is a hearty blend of fish, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, all simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth. It offers a tropical flavor profile with a hint of spice and a comforting, creamy texture. This dish is a flavorful adventure ideal for sharing with friends.
Get the Recipe: Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew with Coconut Milk
Middle Eastern Mint Limonana (Mint Lemonade)
Middle Eastern Mint Limonana (Mint Lemonade) is a refreshing beverage that takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a simple blend of fresh mint, lemon juice, sugar, and ice, creating a zesty and revitalizing drink. The limonana has a bright, tangy taste with a minty freshness that’s perfect for sipping on a girls’ night. It’s a non-alcoholic option that keeps the conversation flowing.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Mint Limonana (Mint Lemonade)
Pomegranate chicken with walnuts
Pomegranate chicken with walnuts is a delightful dish that requires about an hour to prepare. It combines succulent chicken with the tartness of pomegranate and the crunch of walnuts. The dish has a unique sweet and sour flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a conversation-starter and a great addition to a night of fun and friendship.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate chicken with walnuts
Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a trendy and easy-to-make dish ready in about 35 minutes. This recipe involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and then tossing it with cooked pasta. The melted feta and burst tomatoes create a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake is a decadent dessert that can be prepared in about 20 minutes, plus chilling time. It features layers of chocolatey goodness and the nutty crunch of pistachios. This cake offers a rich taste without the hassle of baking, making it perfect for a last-minute sweet treat. It’s a showstopper that your girlfriends will love.
Get the Recipe: No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
Strawberry White Wine Spritzer
Strawberry White Wine Spritzer is a light and fruity drink that takes about 5 minutes to mix. It’s made with fresh strawberries, white wine, and sparkling water, creating a bubbly and refreshing beverage. The spritzer has a subtle sweetness and a hint of berry flavor, making it an ideal drink for toasting to friendship. It’s a simple yet elegant choice for any girls’ night.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry White Wine Spritzer
Spicy and Tangy Tamarind Cocktail
Spicy and Tangy Tamarind Cocktail is a bold drink that can be whipped up in about 10 minutes. This cocktail combines tamarind paste, chili powder, and your choice of spirit for a kick of heat and sourness. It has a distinctive flavor that’s both invigorating and memorable. Serve this to spice up the evening and add an exotic twist to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Spicy and Tangy Tamarind Cocktail
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks are a visually appealing appetizer ready in about 30 minutes. Layers of roasted eggplant and tomato are seasoned and stacked, creating a dish that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. The combination offers a savory and slightly sweet taste with a satisfying texture. These stacks are a great conversation piece and a healthy start to your night.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is a crisp and nutritious option that takes 20 minutes to assemble. It’s a mix of kale, sliced apples, and a homemade poppy seed dressing that adds a creamy texture and a slight tang. The salad is both sweet and savory, providing a refreshing balance to richer dishes. It’s a great way to add a fresh element to your girls’ night menu.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula
Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Punchy Garlic and Herb Chermoula can be ready in about 30 minutes. The dish pairs the tanginess of cranberries and creamy goat cheese on toasted bread, topped with a flavorful chermoula. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and herby flavors that’s sure to impress. This bruschetta is a festive and sophisticated appetizer perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Punchy Garlic And Herb Chermoula
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios is a zesty and refreshing dish that can be prepared in about 20 minutes. It features a medley of citrus fruits, a kick of chili, and the crunch of pistachios. The salad offers a bold and bright taste with a spicy twist that’s both invigorating and satisfying. It’s a vibrant addition to any girls’ night spread.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Ground Cherry Jam
Ground Cherry Jam is a unique spread that takes about an hour to make. It uses ground cherries, sugar, and lemon juice to create a jam with a sweet and tangy flavor. This jam pairs well with cheeses or can be spread on toast for a delightful snack. It’s a charming way to introduce friends to a less common fruit in a familiar form.
Get the Recipe: Ground Cherry Jam
Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids
Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids are a sweet treat that can be made in about 30 minutes. These pyramids combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate for a delightful bite. The macaroons have a chewy texture with a rich coconut flavor and a chocolate base. They’re a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Soft and Chewy Coconut Macaroon Pyramids
Stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter
Stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter are a simple and elegant snack that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Dates are filled with a rich chocolate almond butter, offering a natural sweetness with a nutty chocolate twist. These stuffed dates are a healthier dessert option that doesn’t compromise on taste. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy while chatting the night away.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed dates with chocolate almond butter
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies is a wholesome and flavorful meal that takes about an hour to cook. This one-pan wonder includes chicken, bell peppers, and onions seasoned with paprika for a smoky taste. The dish is both colorful and satisfying, with a balance of protein and vegetables. It’s an effortless way to serve a complete meal during your girls’ night.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds
Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds is a rich dessert that can be prepared in about 20 minutes, plus chilling time. The tart features a smooth chocolate filling and a crunchy almond crust. It offers a deep chocolate flavor with a nutty base that melts in your mouth. This tart is a luxurious treat that’s sure to end the night on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Heavenly chocolate tart with almonds