What to Make for Dinner. 66 Best Non-trivial Recipes for All Days of the Week

Stop puzzling over what to make for dinner! Thanks to the many different recipes from literally every corner of the globe, this problem has long ago lost its relevance.

To begin with, there are as many people as there are opinions. Accordingly, as many people, as many options for a delicious dinner.

Germans, for example, can’t imagine their evening meal without a potato side dish and a ham sandwich. The Vietnamese, on the other hand, can’t imagine their evening meal without white rice and fresh seafood. Italians won’t sit down at the table without a vegetable minestrone and a glass of wine.

Dinner is especially wonderful with family, a group of friends, or one-on-one with a loved one. It is for this reason that food during an evening meal should be appetizing, and at the same time not too heavy, to avoid problems with digestion, sleep and excess weight.

Below are recipes with which you can prepare a delicious and original dinner.

Main Dishes for Dinner

1. Classic potato gratin

There is nothing easier than making gratin. Even a beginner can handle it! This dish is perfect as a main dish as well as a side dish.

2. Vietnamese-style caramelized chicken in 30 minutes

Be sure to check out this recipe if you love Asian food. Caramelized chicken will please you with its original and juicy taste, as well as tender and sweet aftertaste. It also only takes 30 minutes to cook!

3. Salmon carpaccio with melon

Today there are many types of carpaccio: from chicken, meat, fish, cheeses, fruits and so on. The recipe with salmon is the most versatile and uncomplicated to prepare. Its flavor can whet anyone’s appetite.

4. Curry wurst

A favorite delicacy of Germans. Often, sausages are ordered in a restaurant and heated together with the sauce. But you can cut corners and make your own curry. Serve paired with rice or boiled potatoes with herbs.

5. Salmon in a honey-garlic glaze

A dish that will be a real hit with any dinner. Before you start cooking, don’t forget to marinate the fish and leave it alone for half an hour. That way the salmon will be juicier and more tender.

6. Stew with sausages and mushrooms

This stew is a major synonym for the word “hearty.” Perfect for a family dinner. It is most successful when combined with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetable couscous.

7. Ravioli with peas, lemon and pancetta

Everyone loves tasty and quick dinners that don’t require a lot of “wizardry.” For example, such as ravioli. This mix of pancetta, peas and lemon makes you hungry and gives you a crazy culinary experience.

8. Pasta with broccoli and pesto

In the best traditions of Italian cooking. This spicy, spicy garlic flavor, combined with delicate parmesan and fragrant pesto, is a pleasure that cannot be described in words. It’s better to try it once!

9. Casserole and tuna casserole

This is a favorite of all fish dishes for dinner. The preparation time does not take much effort and energy, and the divine aroma of the casserole will fill all the space in your kitchen.

10. Baked chicken tacos

These beautiful, baked chicken tacos are the perfect, easy weeknight dinner. It’s not at all difficult to make, the important thing is to prepare all the ingredients in advance: chicken fillets, finely chopped jalapenos, cilantro, guacamole, red and caramelized onions.

11. Pate chinois

Canada’s most popular dish, which is a baked potato in butter and stuffed with ground beef with garlic and spices. Canadians love to eat it not only on weekdays, but also on holidays.

12. Chicken in garlic and cream sauce

Chicken in garlic and cream sauce is a treat you want to share with your loved ones. A tip: If you add a tablespoon of white wine while cooking the dish, the texture of the meat becomes much nicer and more tender.

13. Italian meat balls

Or as they are also called “Italian meatballs”. Cooking time: 30 minutes. They have a real Italian character and flavor. It’s dedicated to all those who are partial to meat and Mediterranean cuisine. 

14. Baked ziti

Another no less striking and stellar representative of Italian cuisine. Baked ziti is a delightful pasta casserole that is made very simply and quickly. It is usually garnished with fresh basil leaves and sprinkled with parmesan.

15. Asian-style chili chicken

Nourishing and low-calorie Asian dish. The Chinese prefer to eat such chicken for dinner, on weekends. Let us also borrow this wonderful gastro-tradition.

16. Gnocchi with bacon, peas, spinach and mozzarella

Enjoy this delicious and ingredient-rich dish! For absolutely everyone’s favorite gnocchi, garnish liberally with fresh provincial herbs.

17. Noodles with roasted turkey, sweet chili and peppers

A dinner that is designed specifically to feel good and satisfyingly satisfy your hunger. An important point: add your favorite spices to taste, but do not overdo it, the flavor of the turkey must be fully revealed.

18. Hot dog

Suitable not only for a family dinner, but also for a noisy, evening meal at a party. Cooking these hot dogs is best done on a grill, but if you do not have one – fry the sausages on a griddle. Of chicken and pork – a win-win option.

19. Julienne with chicken and mushrooms

A dish that looks great on the holiday table. For its preparation you will need standard ingredients: mushrooms, chicken fillet, onions, hard cheese, heavy cream and herbs.

20. Ribeye steak

If you can’t imagine your dinner without meat, I highly recommend making this bright and juicy ribeye steak. The meat itself is very hearty, so choose something light as a side dish. For example, a vegetable salad, bulgur or mashed potatoes.

21. Pasta primavera with king prawns

This magical pasta, filled with fresh vegetables, giant shrimp and a light sauce, takes only 30 minutes to make. A wonderful option for a light dinner.

22. Tomato, avocado and chicken sandwich

For a juicy sandwich texture, make an avocado paste beforehand by whipping a ripe avocado in a blender along with herbs, garlic and black pepper.

23. Jujha kebab with persian chicken

Sounds exotic. It tastes incredible. Be sure to make juja kebab for a holiday dinner. Add lots of authentic spices. It’s a flavor you’ll never forget!

24. Cheeseburger and fries

An enduring classic of American cuisine. You don’t have to go to the nearest McDonald’s to treat yourself to a juicy and flavorful burger. Make it at home for dinner with this elementary recipe!

Salads and Side Dishes for Dinner

25. The perfect baked potato

Hardly anyone would argue that potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables as a side dish. It’s easy to prepare, inexpensive, and goes with almost any food item. Baked potatoes are a neutral and versatile dish that is perfect for dinner and just goes magically with both meat and fish.

26. Glazed carrots with cumin

Cooking carrots with this recipe is a great idea, as it’s the kind that chances are absolutely everyone, even the pickiest eaters, will enjoy.

27. Pickled mushrooms by Gordon Ramsay

This recipe will go for anyone who is not thrilled with store-bought pickled mushrooms because of the specific vinegar flavor. Your guests will love these mushrooms, especially as an appetizer with strong alcohol.

28. Beer beef jerky

Jerky is a popular appetizer in the U.S. and is a thinly sliced beef jerky with aromatic spices. A beer snack – you can’t think of a better one.

29. Italian grissini breadsticks

Also extremely good with beer or cider. These crispy grissini breadsticks promise to be a favorite among light beer snacks.

30. Quick pickled onions

How can you use pickled onions like this? Any way you can! Add them to meat salads, burgers, sandwiches, or simply eat them as a snack.

31. Onion rings in beer batter

What could be so complicated about making onion rings? At first glance, it may seem like it’s easier than a baby turnip. But it’s not. In order for the rings to get really crispy and juicy, you’ll need to remove the inner membrane from the sliced onions. And that’s the only way it will work!

32. Roasted vegetables with rosemary

This roasted assortment of vegetables, seasoned (must!) with fresh rosemary could very well be the star of an evening meal. Not only is this recipe quick and delicious, it’s also incredibly healthy.

33. Fried rice

In Vietnam, it is served not only for dinner, but also for lunch and breakfast. Roast boiled white rice with carrots, onions, red peppers, cilantro and celery. Add vegetables as desired. Trust me, you’ll lick your fingers!

34. Avocado, arugula and salmon salad

Yes, yes, dinners can be like this too! Mix all the salad ingredients together well and dress heartily with cold-pressed olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Your stomach and even your waistline will thank you very much!

35. Light Pp salad

As a prevention of excess weight, and just for fun, prepare for dinner a light and flavorful np salad consisting of fresh vegetables, olive oil and greens.

36. Zucchini salad

This simple zucchini recipe is a terrific summer and beyond side dish. Consume it for dinner along with meat and fish dishes and a glass of dry wine.

37. Brussels sprouts

Cooking Brussels sprouts so they’re crispy and don’t fall apart is no easy task. But with this recipe from Jamie Oliver, anything is possible! The best side dish for meat dishes or baked seafood.

38. Lobster and spicy guacamole salad

If you want to make a lasting impression on someone, make a lobster and spicy guacamole salad. This is a truly chic, self-contained dish. For a romantic date, it will be perfect.

39. Baked zucchini with thyme and parmesan

Don’t dare deny yourself the pleasure! Crispy baked zucchini with a golden crust of young parmesan is a real hit this fall. Unbeatable when paired with trout and roast turkey.

40. Spinach and apple salad

Imagining a lighter and more delicate salad for the evening would be extremely difficult. This salad with spinach, apples and balsamic dressing is so good, it has every chance of becoming your favorite dinner dish!

41. Garlic homemade hummus

For those on a strict diet, garlic hummus is not a bad option as a dinner. Spread the snack on yeast-free bread, or on cornbread, and you definitely won’t gain a pound.

42. Tuna salad

Tuna salad is a light and fresh Mediterranean classic. Perfect as a light dinner with a glass of champagne somewhere on the ocean.

43. Brazilian fish stew

Its main trick is to add coconut milk instead of cream or sour cream. The fish is stewed together with onions, tomatoes, chilies and lime. By the way, you can choose any fish you like, even canned fish.

44. Beef liver goulash

Not the most dietary dish for an evening meal, but incredibly appetizing and flavorful. As a side dish you can choose either mashed vegetables or buckwheat porridge.

45. Stuffed peppers in the multicooker

Do not worry if you have never cooked a similar dish. The main thing you should pay attention to is the peppers, namely their thickness. Choose vegetables with thicker walls, this will give you a guarantee that the pepper will not burst during cooking.

46. Salmon in a spicy orange-ginger sauce

A super idea for a festive dinner with the family. Everybody will love it, even those who don’t like ginger because it shows up in this recipe in a whole new way.

47. Homemade ham

This is an inexpensive and versatile alternative to such store-bought products of dubious quality. There is no doubt that it is much healthier, juicier and more flavorful!

48. Ratatouille

This vibrant and self-contained dish will appeal to everyone, including seasoned vegetarians. Serve ratatouille for dinner with a lightly toasted baguette and a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice.

49. Bulgur with stew

There isn’t always enough time to make dinner with full, fresh meat. In such cases, add some meat stew and you will be 100% satisfied. You may even get the impression that bulgur is made specifically for canned meat!

50. Potato dumplings

When it comes to potatoes, for some reason everyone forgets about a recipe as simple and beautiful as potato pancakes. This is definitely worth fixing! Serve the potato pancakes along with chilled sour cream, herbs and grated cheese.

Dinner Baked Goods

51. Custard, yeast dough patties

This recipe will be a real eye opener for you. It won’t take more than an hour from the start of cooking to the finished, crusty patties. Keep yourself in check, the patties are incredibly tasty, try not to destroy them all in one fell swoop!

52. Grilled pizza

This simple grilled pizza recipe gives an endless flight of fancy, as you can choose the toppings to your liking. Vegetable or seafood is the perfect choice.

53. Quick pizza for beginners

The name of the dish speaks for itself. It’s a good idea for your child to take their first step into cooking – just make pizza together. Take hunting sausages, tomatoes, bell peppers, aromatic herbs and lots and lots of cheese as toppings!

54. Quick cabbage pie

A soft and incredibly easy vegetable pie. Serving such a pastry as dinner is a healthy and original idea. If cabbage alone is not enough for you and you want meat, complement the dish (its filling) with smoked chicken.

55. Kutabs with greens

You can easily replace lavash with tortilla (flatbread). The dough should be as thin as possible, and this is the only way to accommodate all your favorite greens in the dish: tarragon, dill, parsley, green onions, mint, coriander and basil.

56. Turkey and zucchini muffins

A dietary and quick dinner is assured. To make turkey muffins even tastier, be sure to complement the dish with seasonings: black pepper, turmeric, and Italian herbs.

Soups for Dinner

57. Pea soup with smoked pork

Why not diversify your diet with a rich and hearty pea soup with pork? Use an immersion blender to prepare the dish, so you will save up to half an hour.

58. Soup with tortellini, Italian sausage and cabbage

This ultra-creamy soup with tortellini and Italian sausage is great for weekend late night dinners. Serve with lightly toasted ciabatta or crostini.

59. Minestrone

Considered by right to be one of the easiest soups to make. Italians, by the way, eat minestrone mostly in the evening. Why shouldn’t we follow their example?

60. Red pepper puree soup

This soup will not add extra calories to your stomach. To make such a healthy and easy dinner you will need a lot of red peppers, garlic and dried chili flakes.

61. Classic miso soup

The Japanese just love soups. They eat them not only for lunch, but even for breakfast and dinner. Try miso soup as an unusual evening meal, you’re sure to love it!

62. Soup with dumplings and potatoes

Its second name is “bachelor’s soup.” I don’t think we need to explain why. If you do not want to spend more than 30 minutes on cooking, soup with dumplings and potatoes is option number one.

63. Laghman

Lagman is a delicious Central Asian dish that is very popular with the locals. Its main ingredients are veal (can be replaced by other meat), vegetables and homemade noodles.

64. Soup with grilled chicken and quinoa

Braise quinoa well, along with shredded grilled chicken and vegetables (potatoes, celery, tomato, carrots, onions, garlic). Serve with a little sour cream.

65. Quick chicken soup with noodles

If the kids are going to eat soup, it will most likely be chicken noodle soup. This dish is a real cure-all, not only at lunch time, but also at dinner time.

66. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is a many-component soup, one of the most interesting French dishes. To make it, you need to go to the fish department in advance and buy the following seafood: halibut, sea bass, sea bass, shrimp and scallops.