If you have ever found yourself standing in the kitchen at 5 pm with absolutely no plan, these 10 easy dinner ideas when you don’t know what to cook are about to save your night. From fast weeknight fixes to hearty crowd-pleasers, every single one is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to get dinner on the table without the stress.

Fast and Flavorful

When the clock is ticking, these recipes have your back. All big on flavor and short on time. These easy dinner ideas are perfect for families or simple get-togethers.

If you have been looking for the perfect hearty, but fresh, summer dish, this green goddess pasta salad is it. Vibrant and loaded with crisp vegetables and a creamy blended herb dressing, it is everything you love about the viral green goddess trend made to be the star of the table.

This recipe started as a simple question: if the green goddess chopped salad was that good, could we make it even more filling? The answer is a very enthusiastic yes. The dressing is blended from scratch with fresh basil, spinach, lemon, and cashews, and it is SO good you will want to put it on everything. Paired with tender pasta and bright steamed veggies, this is the kind of salad that actually satisfies.

Green Goddess Salad Ingredients

Three components make up this salad recipe: the pasta, veggies and the homemade green goddess dressing made from fresh herbs. Here is what you need:

The Base

• Pasta Shells: Small or medium shells are perfect here because they catch and hold onto the dressing in every bite.
• Frozen Peas: Quick to cook and naturally sweet, they add a pop of color and freshness throughout the salad.
• Asparagus: Chopped into small pieces and lightly steamed, asparagus adds a tender crunch and earthy flavor.
• Green Onions: Mild and bright, they add a subtle savory note without overpowering the other flavors. Also called scallions. 
• Avocado: Chopped small and folded in, avocado adds a creamy richness that complements the dressing beautifully.
• Baby Spinach: Used in both the salad and the dressing, spinach is the backbone of that gorgeous green color and mild, earthy flavor.

The Green Goddess Salad Dressing

• Fresh Basil: The hero of the dressing, basil brings that signature green goddess flavor that is fresh, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a little punch to the dressing.
• Shallot: Milder than a regular onion, shallot gives the dressing a subtle savory sweetness.
• Lemon: Both the lemon juice and zest go into the dressing for bright, fresh acidity that ties everything together.
• Olive Oil: Gives the dressing its silky, smooth texture.
• Cashews: Roasted and salted cashews blend into the dressing to give it a creamy, nutty body without any dairy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth to the dressing that takes it completely over the top.
• Rice Vinegar: A splash of gentle acidity that balances and brightens the entire dressing.

Simple, fresh ingredients! Find measurements and detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

This comes together in just a few easy steps, and m

This chicken caprese is a fresh, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. We love to use the grill but you can also bake in the oven or fry in a pan. Bonus points for being a quick and healthy chicken recipe!

It’s everything you love about a classic caprese salad, turned into an easy, satisfying main dish. Whether you grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet, this caprese chicken recipe comes together quickly and feels just a little bit elevated without any extra effort.

What is Chicken Caprese?

Chicken caprese is a simple dish inspired by the classic Italian caprese salad, made with chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese

• Hands-on prep time is less than 30 minutes
• Fresh, simple ingredients
• Naturally low-carb (8g) and high-protein (61g)
• Works on the grill, stovetop, or oven
• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: the juicy, protein-packed base
• Tomatoes: fresh and vibrant
• Fresh Mozzarella: creamy and melty
• Fresh Basil: adds bright, herby flavor
• Balsamic Glaze: sweet and tangy finish
• Olive Oil + Seasonings: simple flavor builders

👉 Optional (but highly recommended!): balsamic marinade for extra flavor (see below)

How to Make Chicken Caprese

1. Prepare the chicken: Season (or marinate) the chicken breasts.
2. Cook the chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (see section below for instructions for each).
3. Add toppings: Top each piece with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes.
4. Melt the cheese: Let the mozzarella melt slightly in the broiler.
5. Finish and serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

👉 Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.

Ways to Cook Chicken Caprese

Grilled Chicken Caprese – Adds smoky flavor and is perfect for summer.

• Heat a grill to medium-high heat, then add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Baked Chicken Caprese – Easy, hands-off and great for weeknights.

• Preheat the oven to 350℉. Place the chicken in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes uncovered, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

If you’re looking for a salad that actually keeps you full, this Grilled Chicken Salad is it. Tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, sweet grilled corn, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and queso fresco are tossed together with a zesty homemade southwest ranch dressing for a salad that’s hearty enough to be dinner.

It’s fresh, colorful, packed with protein, and loaded with bold Southwest flavors in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping lunches or serving dinner on a warm summer night, this is one of those salads everyone gets excited to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—everything in this southwest salad with roasted chickpeas is easy to find and worth every bite.

Roasted Chickpeas

• Chickpeas: Also called garbanzo beans, chickpeas become wonderfully crispy in the oven and add protein, fiber, and crunch to the salad.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chickpeas crisp up while adding rich flavor and helping the seasonings adhere.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the roasted chickpeas.
• Ground Cumin: Brings warm, earthy Southwest flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and corn.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the chickpeas from the inside out.

Southwest Ranch Dressing

• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, classic ranch texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing and balances the richness with fresh acidity.
• Fresh Dill: Gives the dressing that signature ranch flavor and fresh herbaceous taste.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dressing.
• Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and smoky Southwest flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds extra layers of spices and enhances the Southwestern flavor profile.
  • PRO TIP: This is the key to this salad!

For the Salad

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When summer hits, our smoker is working overtime and these are the recipes we come back to again and again. From tender, smoky meats to simple, flavor-packed favorites, these smoker recipes are easy to make and always a hit.

Classic Smoker Meats (BBQ Favorites)

These are the classic smoker recipes that bring big, bold BBQ flavor. Slow-cooked, tender, and packed with smoky goodness, these are the kinds of dishes that make summer cooking unforgettable.