Recipes I Give My Friends When They Ask “What Should I Make for Dinner?”
As a recipe developer, cookbook author and registered dietitian I’m often asked “What should I make for dinner?” Below is my personal collection of favorites that I recommend often.
One of my favorite parts about publicly sharing recipes for the past 13 years (WOW!!) is that I’ve created a catalog of my personal favorite recipes. So you better believe I’m often asked “What should I make for dinner?”
Well, my friends, below you’ll find the recipes I return to time and time again to recommend to friends and family. Whether you’re looking for weeknight staples, hosting a dinner party, or trying to figure out how to feed your family with different tastes, there’s something below for you!
“What should I make for dinner?” as Weeknight Go-Tos
Certain recipes I make over and over again. These 7 recipes are the ones I reach for most often, recommend most often, and are a great starting place if you’re just learning to cook more.
Balsamic Chicken
This Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make protein, featuring a savory-sweet marinade of balsamic vinegar, that’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or backyard grilling. Pair it with any carb + veggie you’d like for a balanced dinner. Or add it to this Bruschetta Pasta Salad for the ultimate summer meal.
One Pan Chicken and Cous Cous
I have friends who make this recipe often and they love it because it’s easy to prep, made in one dish and super flavorful!
Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets
This is a go-to meal for us. Yes, it dirties quite a few dishes, but I always double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the rest of the week.
Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken with Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprouts
This is such a great weeknight fall dinner. And when you’re short on time you can buy prepared brussels sprouts and butternut squash to cut down on prep time.
One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo with Asparagus and Mushrooms
One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo with Asparagus and Mushrooms is a hearty yet light dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lemony finish. Plus, everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Greek Chicken Burgers
These Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers are full of flavor even though they’re made with just 5 ingredients and in less than 20 minutes! Great for dinner, but double the recipe for easy and flavorful lunches all week long!
Lemon Basil Shrimp
Lemon Basil Shrimp with Pasta is a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner made in just 20 minutes, but also elevated enough for you to entertain with! With a bright burst of citrus, garlic and aromatics, this is a simple pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor.
“What should I make for dinner?” for a Dinner Party
Certain recipes work better when you’re entertaining. Below you’ll find 5 of my favorites that I’ve used to entertain with, or someone close to me has…
Spice-Rubbed Slow Roasted Salmon
My mom makes this recipe ALL the time when she entertains. AND every time she makes it, someone asks for the recipe! It’s SUPER easy to make and tastes delicious every single time!
Blueberry Cabbage Slaw
I’m not sure how this became one of my mom’s go-to recipes when entertaining, but along with my Slow Roasted Spiced Salmon, this is a frequent flyer!
Roasted Chicken
Roasted Chicken is the perfect meal to make when you’re hosting 1 other family or for a holiday. It’s simple to make, mostly hands-off cooking time, and largely a crowd pleaser. Plus, it’s kinda hard to screw up! My grandma originally taught me how to roast a chicken and she says this is the BEST version she’s ever had! 🙂 Not that she’s biased or anything…
Green Bean Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This is a fun recipe to feed a crowd because it’s a big unusual in texture and flavor, but also mainstream enough that it will be a crowd pleaser. I’ve made this recipe from every occasion from Thanksgiving (I was over the green bean casserole) to Mother’s Day brunch!
One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orecchiette with Peas
This is a simple pasta dish that is more nutrient-dense than most and so delicious to entertain with. Plus, it’s vegetarian if you ever need a vegetarian option (and quite affordable!).
Don’t Forget to PIN IT for later so you can answer “What should I make for dinner?”
xx