5 Easy Dinners I Turn to Time and Time Again

They're quick, easy, and tried and true.

By
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva
Micah Siva, RD
Micah Siva is a trained chef, registered dietitian, recipe writer, and food photographer, specializing in modern Jewish cuisine. She runs Nosh with Micah, her personal blog.
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Published May 26, 2025
Micah Siva
Plate of creamy pasta with peas and a fork, Simply Weeknight Recipes logo in the corner

Simply Recipes / Sarah Crowder

While we’re enjoying our time at home now, we’re headed to New York shortly, so clearing out my fridge is at the top of my mind. Let’s be honest, I’m always trying (and failing) to clear out my fridge. But on top of our upcoming travels, we have another set of friends with us for the long weekend, so that means we’re taking dinner outside with Memorial Day-worthy dinners that I know they’ll love, from build-your-own poke bowls to juicy turkey burgers on the grill.

We recently moved to Illinois, so for the first time we have a barbecue, a yard, and enough space to host our friends. I’ve been taking advantage of the summer weather to get grilling, or at the very least, eat outside.

My family and I spent the past five years in California, where we often took the warm weather for granted. But after my first true winter in quite some time, I’m soaking up every last moment of warmth.

  • Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms

    Four chicken breasts with balsamic mushrooms in a frying pan

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

    Recipe developer Stephanie Ganz says, "This recipe comes together in 30 minutes and is a family favorite, so it’s been showing up on the meal plan often these days. The tangy vinegar sweetens as it reduces, resulting in a sauce that’s complex and crave-worthy, and the leftovers are delicious the next day on a baguette or over salad greens."

  • Dumpling Salad

    A bowl with the Trader Joe's Miso Crunch Chopped Salad Kit and dumplings

    Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

    You know I’m a sucker for a low ingredient Trader Joe’s meal, and I’ve been loving these dumpling salads that have been popping up over the past year. I add cubed Baked Sriracha Tofu and shelled edamame for added protein to my salad.

  • Cheater Tuna Noodle Casserole

    stove-top tuna noodle casserole

    Simply Recipes / Sarah Crowder

    Tuna casserole is one of my favorite comfort foods. Growing up, we’d use a can of condensed mushroom soup as the base, but I love using our favorite boxed mac and cheese in this recipe. Plus, this is the ultimate “empty fridge” pantry dinner!

  • Herbed Turkey Burger

    Side view of a turkey burger.

    Simply Recipes / Cambrea Bakes

    Founder Elise Bauer says, "Ground turkey is typically much leaner than ground beef. In order to keep the burger from being too dry it helps to use ground dark meat from thighs and legs if you can get it. Adding a little olive oil to the mix helps, too."

    Continue to 5 of 5 below

  • Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl

    avocado salmon poke bowl with chopsticks

    Simply Recipes / Lisa Lin

    People are often intimidated to make a raw fish dish at home, and with good reason! Ask your fishmonger if your fish is sashimi-grade. When in doubt, you can also use cooked salmon (or your favorite fish) in this recipe.

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