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. 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. 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. 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. 5.Sweet Sunshine Carrot Spread: Because we can all use a little more sunshine in our lives (especially at snack time!). 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. 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. 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. 10.Dump-and-Bake Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp: With just five ingredients and no prep work, this healthy dinner is ready in 15 minutes.Getting Started
1.3-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.
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Image courtesy of The Healthy AppleThe Main Event
6.4-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.
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11.4-Ingredient Healthy Chicken Quesadilla Casserole: This ultimate family-friendly dinner comes together in just five minutes to make busy weeknights easier.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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15.Asian Pan-Seared Salmon: This simple, flavorful salmon recipe is easy to whip up and tastes like a million bucks.
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16.Peanut Butter Oatmeal with Dates and Bananas: Enjoy a sweet, fiber-rich breakfast without any added sugars.
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17.Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage and Spinach: Customize by tossing in your favorite veggies, fresh tomatoes or Parmesan cheese.
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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!
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19.Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with Thyme: It's hard to believe that just three ingredients can create such a wonderfully rich, delicious dinner.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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25.Ham and Swiss Stromboli: This five-ingredient delicacy is filled with ham, Swiss cheese, bacon and green onions for a delicious flavor combination.
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Finishing Touches
26.Sweet and Spicy Roasted Radishes: This shockingly simple recipe makes a great side dish or brunch addition.
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27.Za'atar Roasted Veggies: Veggies get an exotic twist with a sprinkling of za'atar.
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28.Easy Herb de Provence Roasted Mushrooms: Mushrooms transform into juicy, flavorful bites in this scrumptious side dish.
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29.Roasted Garlic and Kale Spaghetti Squash with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Who says comfort food has to be complicated to prepare?
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30.Simple Cilantro Jicama Salad: Quite possibly the simplest salad ever, it makes a great side dish, snack or topping for tacos.
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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?
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32.Ginger Maple Red Kuri Squash: This autumn side dish is warm and homey, and comes together in a flash.
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33.Beet Salad: This classic Russian four-ingredient vegan beet salad is made with garlic, walnuts and vegan mayo.
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34.Pesto Chicken Polenta Stacks: This fun dish requires just five ingredients and is ready in just 10 minutes.
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Wash It Down
35.Fresh Mint Mocha Cold Brew: Wake up to your coffee pre-brewed!
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36.Roasted Banana Tahini Smoothie: Add an exciting new flavor profile to your next fruit smoothie with the addition of tasty tahini.
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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 Finale
38.Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Stir together oats, strawberries, walnuts, blueberries and plain Greek yogurt for a parfait with a warm, nutty twist.
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39.Vegan Caramel Chocolate Turtles: These simplified 15-minute vegan caramel chocolate turtles call for only five ingredients.
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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?
