18 Friday Night Dinner Ideas to Kickstart the Weekend
TGIF. It’s time to chow down.
Greg DuPree
For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home. And after a long week of work and school, the best way to spend a Friday night is to gather in the kitchen and make a memorable meal for those you love. Ordering takeout may be convenient, but whipping up a homemade pizza, drool-worthy tacos, or veggie-packed pasta is not only tastier, but it’s healthier and more affordable, too. From unexpected dishes like squash lasagna and simple sheet pan meals, here are some of the best Friday night dinner ideas to bring you into the weekend.
Related: 14 Salad Dressing Recipes to Amp Up Your Greens
Clam Pizza
Fred Hardy
Turn a can of chopped clams into an herby, garlicky, cheesy pizza with store-bought dough. Serve this pie with a simple arugula salad, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Italian meal.
Jerk Pork Burgers With Pineapple
Fred Hardy
Swap ground beef for ground pork to create the most flavorful burger that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. The jerk seasoning combined with grilled pineapple is a match made in heaven.
Spinach Alfredo French Bread Pizza
Greg DuPree
For many, French bread pizza is a nostalgic childhood meal. Now you can make a more elevated version right at home with just a few ingredients, such as Alfredo sauce, baby spinach, and shredded cheese.
Salmon Tacos With Grapefruit Salsa
Greg DuPree
Salmon is a great option for fish tacos, especially when said tacos are topped with juicy grapefruit and fresh cilantro and scallions. Even if you’re not a big fan of salmon, these tacos may just change your tune.
Artichoke-Chard Pasta and Cheese
Greg DuPree
The most ideal dish for a cozy night at home, this artichoke-chard pasta is basically a cross between mac and cheese and spinach and artichoke dip.
Zucchini-Butter Spaghetti
Nothing beats a delicious meal that can be made in a jiff, and this zucchini-loaded pasta is no exception. Once you start sautéing the garlic and shallots, the whole family will be flocking to the kitchen for the unbeatable aroma.
Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna
Squash is one of the most versatile vegetables—you can roast it, fry it, or even turn it into a beautiful golden sauce. This lasagna uses pureed squash instead of a classic red sauce, and it’s divine.
Skillet Quinoa With Olives and Crispy Tofu
The secret to this skillet recipe must be the Moroccan spice mix, which includes cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and allspice. The fluffy quinoa, olives, and tofu are liberally coated in the flavorful blend.
Related: 15 Food Bowls Packed With Protein, Fiber, and More
Herby Chicken Salad Tartines
A tartine is kind of like a delicate, smaller version of an open-faced sandwich. While you can add anything you’d like, nothing beats thick-cut toast, topped with homemade, herby chicken salad.
Coconut Chicken Cutlets With Mango Chutney Slaw
Fred Hardy
If traditional chicken cutlets are in your weekly meal rotation, try this tropical version. This take calls for shredded coconut in the breading, which yields a sweet and salty crunch.
Smoky Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes
Not all sheet pan dinners are created equal, in fact, this smoky salmon and potato dish is far superior to most recipes in the category. Simple ingredients like navel oranges, smoked paprika, cilantro, and lime juice help create a bright and flavorful meal.
Crispy Peanut Tofu With Sugar Snap Peas and Peppers
Greg DuPree
Vegetarian or not, crispy tofu smothered in a spicy peanut sauce is the ultimate flavor combination. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, you’ll be making this dish time and time again.
Grilled Turkey-Zucchini Burgers
It’s never been easier to make a delicious, veggie-loaded dinner that the whole family will enjoy (even the kids). By adding grated zucchini to your burger patty mixture, you’ll get a serving of greens and also have the juiciest burgers you’ve ever tasted.
Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
Greg DuPree
Grab your favorite brand of salsa verde and whip up the tastiest tacos in under 30 minutes. This recipe calls for succulent chicken thighs, but you could also use chicken breast, ground beef, or grilled steak, too.
Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches
Who knew store-bought pizza dough could transform into golden brown flatbreads for sandwiches? Instead of family pizza night, gather your loved ones in the kitchen to make their own chicken-pesto flatbread.
Wild Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are great, because there’s almost always leftovers for the next day. Typically, stuffed shells are made with a cheese or beef mixture, but this dish calls for mushrooms, which adds the perfect depth of flavor.
Related: 3 Benefits of Eating Mushrooms—and Recipes to Get You Started
Buttery Shrimp With Marinated White Beans
There are countless ways to use a can of white beans, but cooking them in a fragrant garlicky butter sauce with shrimp and lemon—now that’s a meal!
One-Pot Chicken Sausage and Beans
This one-pot meal is so satisfying and comforting, it will warm your belly instantly. It’s also ready in under an hour, and requires minimal dishes.
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