It's summertime, and the cookin' is easy. These five-ingredient dinners make it super simple to put together a sunny-day meal in a snap.
43 Summer Dinners with Just 5 Ingredients
Updated on May 03, 2024
Mexican Bubble Pizza
This tasty pizza offers a new way to experience Mexican cuisine. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear before your eyes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
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Caesar Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
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.
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Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s 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.
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Fried Chicken and Waffles
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken and waffles as a culinary tradition has origins in both Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and 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 Recipes 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.
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Bacon and Spinach Pizza
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 slices
From the Recipe Creator:
Our go-to pizza is 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.
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Stuffed Chicken with Marinated Tomatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this roast chicken to prove that goat cheese 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.
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Saucy Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mamaw in Kentucky used this "dip," as she called it, on many grilled meats 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.
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Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
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How to Grill Chicken Breasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
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. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Skewered Ginger Shrimp with Plums
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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 Recipes 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.
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Chili Sauce Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
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.
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Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
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Asparagus Nicoise Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
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BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
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Basil Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
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Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe 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.
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Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I 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.
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Spinach Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty pizza is so easy to prepare. My family, including my young daughter, loves it. What an easy way to make a delicious, veggie-filled meal! —Dawn Bartholomew, Raleigh, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 403 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
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Zesty Chicken Soft Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve made these tacos with corn and flour tortillas, but naan flatbread is our favorite. Set out toppings and let people make their own. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 420 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
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Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Southwest Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lime juice tenderizes the steak while garlic, chili powder and red pepper flakes kick things up. My husband and I came up with this together as something lighter to make on the grill. —Caroline Shively, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 187 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Easy Glazed Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 394 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
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Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
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“Secret’s in the Sauce” BBQ Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 921 calories, 58g fat (21g saturated fat), 220mg cholesterol, 1402mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 2g fiber), 48g protein.
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Grilled Maple Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 509 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 65g protein.
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Butter Steak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick-and-easy skillet entree is definitely restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 2 teaspoons garlic butter: 316 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein.
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Strawberry Feta Tossed Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor served this light, wonderful salad at a summer barbecue. I’ve since tried it with many ingredient combinations, but this one draws the most compliments.
-Lisa Lesinski-Topp
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
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Lemon Basil Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband came up with this easy foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 274 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
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Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Many fish for salmon here on the shore of Lake Michigan, so I've developed quite a few recipes for it, including this one. I love it, and so do my friends and family. When it's out of season, I look for wild-caught fresh Alaskan salmon at the grocery store. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet: 268 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
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Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 547 calories, 39g fat (17g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1088mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
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Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This nutritious yet economical summer meal makes the most of my home-grown peppers. I like to top it with sour cream and serve with tortilla chips and salsa, but it’s wonderful on its own, too. —Kimberly Coleman, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 301 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
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How to Grill Chicken Breasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
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. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy five-ingredient rub. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 246 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
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Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without cheese): 327 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
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Grilled Steak
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 373 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1013mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 48g protein.
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Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Salmon Veggie Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I feel the spirit of Julia Child when I make lemon-pepper salmon en papillote (in parchment). It’s the first French recipe I learned, and the delightful little packages are family-friendly. —Renee Greene, New York, NY
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. —Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 241 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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