43 Summer Dinners with Just 5 Ingredients

43 Summer Dinners with Just 5 Ingredients

Read Time: 17 mins

43 Summer Dinners with Just 5 Ingredients2/43 Caesar Chicken 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Caesar Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat (11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein. 3/43 Skillet Mac and Cheese 96 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s

almost too easy!

almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. 4/43 Fried Chicken and Waffles Test Kitchen Approved Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 20 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Chicken and waffles as a culinary tradition has origins in both Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and

soul food, with some variations

soul food, with some variations. This version features fried chicken in a flavorful coating that is crispy outside, tender inside, and a spongy, chewy waffle with some crisp ridges. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked chicken with 1 waffle: 668 calories, 40g fat (7g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. 5/43 Bacon and Spinach Pizza 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Bacon and Spinach Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 6 slices Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Our go-to pizza is

a snap to make using packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon

a snap to make using packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon. The kids don’t even mind the spinach on top! —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 269 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat. 6/43 Stuffed Chicken with Marinated Tomatoes Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Stuffed Chicken with Marinated Tomatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I invented this roast chicken to prove that goat cheese

really is delish

really is delish. I served it to my skeptical family without telling them, and they gobbled it up. But any soft cheese will do. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, DE Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 334 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein. 7/43 Saucy Grilled Pork Chops 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Saucy Grilled Pork Chops Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My mamaw in Kentucky used this “dip,” as she called it, on many grilled meats

including chicken and steak

including chicken and steak. —Misty Schneider, Bayport, Minnesota Nutrition Facts: 1 pork chop: 476 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein. 8/43 Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach,

Morton Grove, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 garlic toast with 3/4 cup steak mixture: 375 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. 9/43 How to Grill Chicken Breasts 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy and tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. —Linda Coss, Lake Forest, California Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g

sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein

sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat. 10/43 Skewered Ginger Shrimp with Plums Skewered Ginger Shrimp with Plums Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Sweet, simple and sensational, these shrimp skewers boast loads of flavor with just four ingredients. Throw them on the grill for a quick dinner or tasty potluck dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 1 skewer: 173 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1295mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. 11/43

Chili Sauce Chicken 21 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chili Sauce Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Chili sauce, with plenty of garlic and basil, flavors these moist chicken thighs. We enjoy this tender grilled chicken not just in the summer, but throughout the year. —Marilyn Waltz, Idyllwild, California Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh: 268 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 352mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. 12/43 Grilled Tilapia Piccata 15 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total

Now we eat it regularly

Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat. 13/43 Asparagus Nicoise Salad 1 Review Asparagus Nicoise Salad Recipe photo by Taste of

Here’s to a colorful, make-ahead salad! —

Home Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’ve used my Nicoise as an appetizer or a main-dish salad, and it’s a winner every time I put it on the table. Here’s to a colorful, make-ahead salad! —Jan Meyer, St. Paul, Minnesota Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without olives): 233 calories, 8g fat (0 saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable. 14/43 15/43 16/43 BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs 20 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved

BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20

BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1227mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein. 17/43 Basil Pork Chops 46 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These

tender, glazed chops get a kick from basil, chili powder and a little brown sugar. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you’ve got a super comforting meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 1 pork chop: 152 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. 18/43 Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken 33 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this recipe

in college and it’s been a household staple ever since

in college and it’s been a household staple ever since. It’s a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture: 224 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch. 19/43 Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken 23 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 4 hours 10 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I

I make my version in the slow cooker

live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 134 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat. 20/43 Spinach Pizza 13 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Spinach Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin Steak 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved GRACE NATOLI SHELDON FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin?

Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.

⭐ Expert Tips

  • Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

  • Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

  • Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

  • Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

  • Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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