How many times have you cracked open a cookbook or clicked a recipe link only to think, "Forget it, that's way too complicated" before opting for takeout? When you're short on time, energy and money, a long list of ingredients can be daunting enough to thwart even the noblest of cooking intentions. Before weeknight chaos renders the drive-thru dangerously appealing, allow us to introduce some of our favorite recipes that require five (or fewer) components. Don't let their simplicity fool you: These dishes are low on hassle, but high on flavor. Getting Started1. 3-Ingredient Paleo Flatbread: It's perfect for those watching their carb intake, yet craving a bread-like vehicle to hold those wrap or sandwich fillings. Image courtesy of The Big Man's World 2. Gluten-Free Crackers with Pumpkin and Peanut Butter: These four-ingredient, dairy-free and gluten-free crackers are easy to make and way healthier than store bought.  Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto 3. Beautiful Butternut Squash Sauce: Spread this heavenly, hummus-like sauce over veggies or whole-grain crackers, or use it as a dressing for a kale salad.  Image courtesy of The Healthy Apple 4. 4-Ingredient Zucchini Cauliflower Fritters: These easy, crispy, zucchini cauliflower fritters make for a delicious meat-free snack or meal, and need just four ingredients, minus the spices.  Image courtesy of The Big Man's World 5. Sweet Sunshine Carrot Spread: Because we can all use a little more sunshine in our lives (especially at snack time!).  Image courtesy of The Healthy Apple The Main Event6. 4-Ingredient Baked Fish with Tomato and Basil Sauce: You only need four clean-eating ingredients, one dish and about 10 minutes to prepare a delicious and nutritious seafood supper. Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom 7. Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Shredded Beef Tacos: Add four simple ingredients in the morning, and this flavorful taco filling will be waiting for you at day's end.  Image courtesy of A Cedar Spoon 8. 4-Ingredient Chicken Pesto Bake: Juicy chicken is topped with fresh pesto, melty mozzarella and vine-ripened tomatoes for a healthy, simple and delicious dish that requires just five minutes of prep.  Image courtesy of Simply Sissom 9. Avocado Egg Salad: Mayo-free avocado egg salad makes for an easy go-to lunch recipe, with only four ingredients and minimal time and effort.  Image courtesy of The Roasted Root 10. Dump-and-Bake Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp: With just five ingredients and no prep work, this healthy dinner is ready in 15 minutes. .jpg) Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom 11. 4-Ingredient Healthy Chicken Quesadilla Casserole: This ultimate family-friendly dinner comes together in just five minutes to make busy weeknights easier. .jpg) Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom 12. Dump-and-Bake Honey Mustard Chicken: Requiring only five minutes of prep and five ingredients, here's a healthy dinner the entire family can enjoy.  Image courtesy of The Seasoned Mom 13. Roasted Salmon with Maple and Mustard: Perfect for anyone cooking for one, a salmon filet is topped with tangy Dijon mustard and a touch of sweet maple syrup, then oven-roasted to perfection.  Image courtesy of Zagleft 14. 4-Ingredient Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos: Made with whole wheat tortillas, shredded cheddar and spicy pico, this dish is healthy, filling and couldn’t be simpler to throw together.  Image courtesy of Simply Sissom 15. Asian Pan-Seared Salmon: This simple, flavorful salmon recipe is easy to whip up and tastes like a million bucks.  Image courtesy of The Big Man's World 16. Peanut Butter Oatmeal with Dates and Bananas: Enjoy a sweet, fiber-rich breakfast without any added sugars.  Image courtesy of Fake Food Free 17. Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage and Spinach: Customize by tossing in your favorite veggies, fresh tomatoes or Parmesan cheese.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table 18. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork Tacos: Tender, flavorful shredded pork with salsa verde is great for tacos, rice bowls or nachos—and it's just five ingredients!  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table 19. Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with Thyme: It's hard to believe that just three ingredients can create such a wonderfully rich, delicious dinner.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table 20. Almond-Encrusted Tilapia: This six-ingredient dinner will bust through all the common cooking roadblocks, making your weeknight dinners less chaotic, a bit healthier and a whole lot tastier.  Image courtesy of Fannetastic Food 21. 4-Ingredient Artichoke and Garlic Broiled Chicken Thighs: You'll only need four ingredients for these low-fuss, 30-minute artichoke and garlic broiled chicken thighs.  Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto 22. Cheddar Chicken Burgers: These five-ingredient cheddar chicken burgers are big on flavor and take just 20 minutes–perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table 23. 5-Ingredient Pesto Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Veggies: Pesto, chicken sausage, asparagus, red peppers and mushrooms are all you need for this simple, low-carb chicken sheet pan recipe.  Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto 24. 3-Ingredient Spicy BBQ Tofu: A flavor and texture lover's dream, this grilled or baked recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan and low carb.  Image courtesy of The Big Man's World 25. Ham and Swiss Stromboli: This five-ingredient delicacy is filled with ham, Swiss cheese, bacon and green onions for a delicious flavor combination.  Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything Finishing Touches26. Sweet and Spicy Roasted Radishes: This shockingly simple recipe makes a great side dish or brunch addition. Image courtesy of Fake Food Free 27. Za'atar Roasted Veggies: Veggies get an exotic twist with a sprinkling of za'atar.  Image courtesy of Foraged Dish 28. Easy Herb de Provence Roasted Mushrooms: Mushrooms transform into juicy, flavorful bites in this scrumptious side dish.  Image courtesy of Foraged Dish 29. Roasted Garlic and Kale Spaghetti Squash with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Who says comfort food has to be complicated to prepare?  Image courtesy of The Roasted Root 30. Simple Cilantro Jicama Salad: Quite possibly the simplest salad ever, it makes a great side dish, snack or topping for tacos.  Image courtesy of Fake Food Free 31. Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Golden Roasted Flax Seeds: Why not puree that big head of cauliflower and turn it into a lovely soup that’s ideal for lunch, dinner or an appetizer?  Image courtesy of The Healthy Apple 32. Ginger Maple Red Kuri Squash: This autumn side dish is warm and homey, and comes together in a flash.  Image courtesy of Foraged Dish 33. Beet Salad: This classic Russian four-ingredient vegan beet salad is made with garlic, walnuts and vegan mayo.  Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto 34. Pesto Chicken Polenta Stacks: This fun dish requires just five ingredients and is ready in just 10 minutes.  Image courtesy of Family Food on the Table Wash It Down35. Fresh Mint Mocha Cold Brew: Wake up to your coffee pre-brewed! Image courtesy of Foraged Dish 36. Roasted Banana Tahini Smoothie: Add an exciting new flavor profile to your next fruit smoothie with the addition of tasty tahini.  Image courtesy of The Healthy Apple 37. 4-Ingredient Fruity Sipper: This frozen berry drink has only five calories per serving. Swap up the berries and gelatin for a totally new recipe.  The Grand Finale38. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Stir together oats, strawberries, walnuts, blueberries and plain Greek yogurt for a parfait with a warm, nutty twist. Image courtesy of Fake Food Free 39. Vegan Caramel Chocolate Turtles: These simplified 15-minute vegan caramel chocolate turtles call for only five ingredients.  Image courtesy of Avocado Pesto 40. Soft-Serve Banana Ice Cream: Frozen bananas rival soft serve when given a whirl in the food processor—no cholesterol and no added sugar.  Have you tried any of these recipes? What are some other five-ingredient meals you'd add to the list? |
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