11 Delicious 5-Ingredient Dinners for Busy Weeknights

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11 Delicious 5-Ingredient Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Dinner doesn’t have to be a hassle. These 11 delicious recipes use only 5 ingredients each, making them perfect for busy weeknights. With a short grocery list and minimal prep, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time.

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Image shows an overhead shot of an open face Pesto and Sundried Tomato Tuna Salad sandwich.
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Forget the mayo-laden mush of childhood! This tuna salad is for grown-ups. Vibrant pesto and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes add a flavor explosion to canned tuna for a surprisingly sophisticated and affordable lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This cheesy pasta dish is a weeknight lifesaver. In just 15 minutes, you’ll be slurping down a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness. Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper create a simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Lime marinated grilled chicken sliced on a red plate over rice.
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fire up the grill for a burst of citrusy flavor with this chicken recipe! The zesty lime marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a bright, refreshing taste. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken

Pesto Salmon

Image shows Salmon with pesto and rice on a blue plate.
Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Calling all pesto enthusiasts! This vibrant dish is a flavor fiesta in minutes. Rich salmon and fragrant pesto create a delightful marriage of textures and tastes. It’s a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal that’s surprisingly impressive despite its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Caprese Panini

Image shows a sliced caprese panini on a wooden board with the melted cheese oozing out.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil are layered between bread and toasted to melty perfection. It’s a light and flavorful option for lunch or dinner that lets the fresh ingredients shine.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Poached Orange Salmon

Image shows a spoon drizzing orange sauce over a salmon filet in a blue dish.
Poached Orange Salmon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Simple to prepare in minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a light and flavorful weekend meal. The delicate flavor of the salmon is delicately accented by a touch of citrus, making it a refreshing and satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Shortcut Chicken Salad

Image shows a Canned Chicken Salad sandwich on a wooden table.
Shortcut Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beat the heat without turning on the stove with this refreshing chicken salad. Made with canned chicken for convenience, it’s a quick and tasty lunch or dinner option on hot days.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad

Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Image shows baked cheesy chicken enchiladas in a blue Pyrex casserole.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving Mexican food but short on time? This recipe is your knight in shining armor! Rotisserie chicken comes to the rescue, letting you whip up these enchiladas in just a few steps. Shred the chicken, toss it with your favorite sauce, and assemble. Dinner is on the table in no time, and everyone will be raving about your “homemade” Mexican feast.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Salmon fillets stacked on a plate with lemons and herbs in the background.
Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This clever recipe uses a simple mayo topping to lock in moisture and keep the salmon juicy. It’s a guaranteed win even for picky eaters, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. This healthy and flavorful meal comes together in minutes, leaving you more time to relax.
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Ranch baked chicken next to a rocket salad.
Oven Baked Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

This ranch chicken is a weeknight lifesaver. Just toss some chicken with ranch dressing mix, pop it in the oven, and dinner is on the table in no time. The ranch seasoning adds a familiar and comforting flavor to the chicken, making it a satisfying and fuss-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

Air Fryer Ham Steak

air fryer ham steak on a white plate with asparagus and mashed potatoes.
Air Fryer Ham Steak. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Ham for dinner, but short on time? This air fryer recipe swoops in to save the day. It cooks ham steaks to juicy perfection in under 20 minutes, way faster than a traditional oven. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak

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