When I first started living on my own, I learned quickly that complicated meals weren’t realistic on weeknights. That’s when I began searching for simple recipes for dinner, dishes that taste good, use only a few ingredients, and don’t take over the whole evening. Over time, I found that five ingredients were often enough to create meals that felt special without feeling stressful.
Today I want to share four favorites from EasyFive that show how delicious simple recipes for dinner can be. Each one comes together quickly, highlights fresh flavors, and proves you don’t need a long shopping list to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Bruschetta Like an Italian Nonna – A Simple Recipe for Dinner or Snack
Bruschetta is proof that good bread and ripe tomatoes can be a full meal. The crunch of warm toasted bread rubbed with garlic, topped with juicy tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, creates something rustic, quick, and deeply comforting. Pair it with a simple salad or a bowl of soup, and you’ve got one of the easiest simple recipes for dinner you can make in under 15 minutes, yet it feels fresh and satisfying enough to serve again and again.
Try our EasyFive Bruschetta Recipe.
Thai Green Curry in One Pan – Quick Comfort
Some nights you need warmth and bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Thai green curry does just that. A spoonful of curry paste sizzling in oil quickly fills the kitchen with fragrance, and once the coconut milk goes in, it turns into a sauce that feels rich without being heavy. Add chicken or tofu and a handful of vegetables, and you can have dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Among simple recipes for dinner, this one feels both comforting and adventurous. It is easy enough for a weeknight, yet the flavors are layered and vibrant enough to make it feel special. Served over rice, it is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and enjoy even after a busy day.
Check our EasyFive Thai Green Curry Recipe!
Vietnamese Spring Rolls – Fresh and Light
When it’s hot outside, a heavy meal isn’t appealing. Vietnamese spring rolls keep things fresh with crisp vegetables, noodles, and shrimp wrapped neatly in rice paper. They look delicate, but each bite is full of crunch and flavor, especially when dipped into a rich peanut sauce. For me, they’ve become one of my go-to simple recipes for dinner whenever I want something light yet still satisfying. They’re quick to prepare, easy to share, and refreshing enough that I never feel weighed down afterward.
Try our EasyFive Vietnamese Spring Rolls.
Affogato – Dessert for Coffee Lovers
Dinner isn’t complete without a little sweetness, and affogato is my favorite way to finish the evening. It is one of those simple recipes for dinner that doubles as dessert, turning just two ingredients into something memorable. A scoop of ice cream or gelato, a shot of hot espresso poured on top, and suddenly you have an indulgent treat that feels both elegant and effortless. I often make it when friends stop by, and it always gets a smile because it feels special without taking more than a minute to prepare.
Enjoy this simple Affogato EasyFive recipe!
Before You Go
Cooking with just five ingredients isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about letting flavor shine. Bruschetta celebrates ripe tomatoes. Thai curry brings spice and warmth. Spring rolls prove light can be satisfying. And affogato shows dessert doesn’t need to be complicated.
The truth is, the simple recipes for dinner are the ones you’ll actually make. They’re easy, memorable, and they fit into real life.
