18 Quick & Easy Dinners For Fall

18 Quick & Easy Dinners For Fall

Introduction

As the weather cools down in the fall, it’s the perfect time to get back into the kitchen and cook up some delicious and comforting meals. In this article, we’ve gathered 18 quick and easy dinner ideas that are perfect for the season. From hearty stews to one-pot wonders, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.

Section 1: Caramelized Broccolini & White Beans

Broccolini takes on a smoky char from the cast-iron pan before it’s combined with white beans and aromatics in this savory side dish. A vibrant parsley and hazelnut sauce finishes the dish with a bright and nutty flavor. This recipe is a great way to add some excitement to your usual side dish routine.

Section 2: Apple-Cranberry Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese

The tangy-sweet dressing in this spinach salad beautifully amplifies the apples and cranberries – and the creamy goat cheese transforms it into the perfect salad. This recipe is a great way to get in some extra greens and flavor into your day.

Section 3: Fennel Panzanella

James Beard Award-winner and Top Chef contestant Karen Akunowicz of Fox & the Knife in Boston turns this Italian-inspired bread salad into a hearty fall dish. Instead of tomato, fennel mingles with the vinaigrette to let the bread soak up its licorice notes, while the arugula lends the dish a hint of pepper. The lemony vinaigrette is so simple and tastes so much fresher than store-bought.

Section 4: Bhel Puri-Inspired Salad

This flavorful salad was inspired by bhel puri, a type of chaat (savory snack) served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra protein and fiber. This recipe is a great way to get some international flavor into your meal routine.

Section 5: Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Salmon

For this quick and easy dinner for four, the vegetables and sauce come together in one skillet in a matter of minutes while the salmon broils. Plus, salmon is swimming in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and loaded with vitamins and nutrients like B vitamins and potassium.

Section 6: Sheet-Pan Beef & Cabbage Noodles

Forget the wok and all that stirring! This stir-fry recipe comes together in only 20 minutes on one baking sheet under the broiler. The trick to a perfect sheet-pan stir-fry is making sure your ingredients are spread out well on the pan so everything cooks evenly.

Section 7: Miso Pasta

This miso pasta features mushrooms, another umami-forward ingredient that takes this quick vegetarian recipe to the next level. We use white miso, which is light and slightly sweet. Whisking the miso into the reserved cooking water makes it easier to incorporate into the pasta.

Section 8: Arugula, Beet & Feta Salad

Peppery arugula and tender, sweet beets are balanced by a simple vinaigrette and briny bits of feta cheese in this arugula, beet, and feta salad. Using cooked, peeled beets helps make prep a breeze.

Section 9: Vegetarian Chili with Salad Beans

This quick vegetarian chili relies on pantry ingredients like canned beans and canned tomato soup to create a fast and flavorful meal. Top with your favorite garnishes, such as jalapeños and avocado.

Section 10: One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta recipe makes for an easy weeknight dinner. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time when cooking, and leftover chicken would work just as well.

Section 11: Root Vegetable & Greens Salad with Red Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette

Red pepper jelly is the key ingredient in this piquant yet sweet salad dressing. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Section 12: Vegetarian Chopped Power Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

This healthy vegetarian salad recipe features chickpeas and quinoa for a boost of protein. Cilantro adds color and flavor when blended to make a creamy dressing. Serve this cold salad for lunch or dinner.

Section 13: Cauliflower Gnocchi with Asparagus & Pesto

While the cauliflower gnocchi crisp up in a sauté pan, steam fresh asparagus in the microwave to keep it bright green and crisp-tender. Substitute frozen asparagus (or green beans or peas) in a pinch. Toss them together with prepared basil pesto for a satisfying supper.

Conclusion

These 18 quick and easy dinner ideas are sure to become new favorites in your household. From hearty stews to one-pot wonders, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, these recipes are perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and delicious.

FAQs

Q: What are some of the most important ingredients for a quick and easy dinner?
A: Some of the most important ingredients for a quick and easy dinner include easy-to-cook proteins, such as chicken breasts or ground beef, and pantry staples like canned tomatoes and spices.

Q: How do I make sure my quick and easy dinner is healthy?
A: To make sure your quick and easy dinner is healthy, focus on using whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. You can also try using herbs and spices to add flavor rather than salt and sugar.

Q: Can I make quick and easy dinners ahead of time?
A: Yes, many quick and easy dinners can be made ahead of time and reheated or cooked just before serving. Just be sure to follow safe food handling practices and reheat food to a safe internal temperature.

Q: Are quick and easy dinners only for busy parents and professionals?
A: No, quick and easy dinners can be for anyone who wants to cook a fast and delicious meal. Whether you’re a busy professional or a retiree, a quick and easy dinner can be a great option for many.