17 Recipes for When Easy Is All You’ve Got in You

When life gets hectic, cooking can feel like a challenge. That’s where these 17 super simple recipes come in! They’re perfect for those days when you want something quick, tasty, and hassle-free. Whether you’re low on time, energy, or both, these ideas will keep you well-fed without breaking a sweat.

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a side dish that screams summer picnics and comfort, Macaroni Salad comes to the rescue. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it pairs with practically anything you throw on the grill. Plus, it’s a pasta salad, and who doesn’t get a little happier at the thought of pasta?
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s velvety, it’s comforting, and it makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, winter isn’t that bad. All you need is a squash, an oven, and a blender, and you’re golden.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When sandwiches get bored of being themselves, they become Pinwheel Sandwiches. These are the life of the lunch party, easy to make, and even easier to disappear. Perfect for picnics, parties, or just pretending you’re fancy on a Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those days when you want flavor that punches back, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is your go-to. It’s quick, it’s spicy, and it’ll wake up every single one of your taste cells. This is the side dish that takes your meal from meh to memorable.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

A close-up of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with croutons, a sprig of mint, and grated cheese.
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever wish you could just drown in cheese? Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is pretty much that, but socially acceptable and with broccoli so you can claim it’s healthy. It’s the soup that turns “just one more spoonful” into an empty pot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

On the days when your fridge is a veggie wonderland, Pasta Primavera makes them all play nicely together. It’s colorful, it’s vibrant, and it whispers sweet nothings of spring into your dinner routine. This is the pasta dish that makes eating your veggies a joyride.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you thought asparagus was just a side dish, Asparagus Casserole is about to blow your mind. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it level ups the humble asparagus to star status. Perfect for when you want to be fancy but also want to wear pajamas.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw is the secret of the BBQ that never gets old. It’s crisp, it’s flavor, and it’s got more color than your aunt’s dye job. A bowl of this is like a party on your palate and oh-so-easy to whip up. Its tangy taste can liven up any plate.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon.
Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Yellow Squash Casserole is like summer in a dish but without the sunburn. It’s a comforting, cheesy beacon of hope for your dinner table, proving squash can indeed be the main event. All you need is squash, a handful of ingredients, and an oven.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

A close-up image of layered lemon raspberry cake slices topped with fresh raspberries and lemon zest.
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars are like sunshine and rainbows decided to have a baby. They’re tart, they’re sweet, and just when you think it can’t get any better, there’s cheesecake involved. Dessert decadence that asks for little more than a blender and an oven.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is the reason zucchini dreams of becoming more than just another veggie in your crisper. It’s cheesy, it’s easy, and it’s surprisingly tasty. Consider this the veggie dish that even the most veggie-skeptical can’t help but love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Morel Mushroom Pasta

A bowl of cavatappi pasta with morel mushrooms, garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs.
Morel Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those fancy nights when you’re feeling gourmet but not like spending hours in the kitchen, Morel Mushroom Pasta is your best friend. Rich, earthy, and with a flair of elegance, it turns any night into a special occasion. Plus, mushrooms are involved, and they’re practically nature’s meat.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mornings can be rough, but French Toast Casserole has got your back. Throw everything in a dish, let the fridge do the heavy lifting overnight, and bam – a breakfast that makes you look like a champ with minimal effort. It’s practically magic in a casserole dish.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ever had those days when you could almost hear your kitchen begging for a break? Well, Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is here to answer that call. It’s like the chill friend that doesn’t need much to shine – just water and a pot. End scene: you, a fork, and the easiest, fluffiest rice sidekick ever.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Feel like a garden fairy with the Vegetable Casserole that turns a bunch of veggies into a dish even kids will love. It’s like conducting an orchestra of vegetables into a harmonious symphony. Easy, peasy, and brings peace to the veggie table debates.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Chickpea Nuggets

A plate of chickpea nuggets with a bowl of sauce.
Chickpea Nuggets. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Are kids turning up their noses at everything green? Trick them with Chickpea Nuggets! They’re crunchy, they’re fun, and hey, they’re secretly packed with good stuff. Whip these up when you’re too zapped to argue about eating veggies.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When corn decided it wanted to be the life of the party, Corn Casserole was born. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it involves just enough butter to make you forget about the health nuts. This is your potluck secret weapon that literally everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *