Home | Food and Recipes | 10 Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Just 5 Ingredients
Sometimes, the best meals come from simplicity. When you're short on time, energy, or ingredients, you don’t need a long grocery list to create something delicious. With just five key ingredients, you can whip up a variety of meals that are quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you're in the mood for a snack, a quick dinner, or a sweet treat, these easy recipes prove that less is more.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients: Shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon, parsley
This garlic butter shrimp is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s rich in flavor but requires minimal effort. Simply sauté shrimp in a pan with melted butter and minced garlic until the shrimp is cooked through. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque (3-4 minutes per side).
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve immediately.
2. Caprese Salad
Ingredients: Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar
A classic Caprese salad is as simple as it gets, but it's always a crowd-pleaser. Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, arrange them on a plate, and top with basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s a light, refreshing dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or a light lunch.
Instructions:
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into thick rounds.
- Arrange them on a plate, alternating between tomato and mozzarella.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
3. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Ingredients: Banana, peanut butter, milk (or dairy-free milk), honey, ice
This creamy peanut butter banana smoothie is the perfect quick breakfast or snack. The banana and peanut butter blend together to create a rich and satisfying texture, while the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. Add a few ice cubes and milk (dairy or plant-based) to get the perfect smooth, drinkable consistency.
Instructions:
- Place banana, peanut butter, milk, honey, and ice into a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
4. Tomato Soup
Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, vegetable broth
A warm bowl of tomato soup is a comforting, simple meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer, blend until smooth, and you’ve got a delicious homemade soup with minimal ingredients.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add canned tomatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or blend in batches).
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve with a side of crusty bread.
5. Avocado Toast
Ingredients: Bread, avocado, olive oil, lemon, salt
Avocado toast is a trendy but timeless dish that can be made with just five ingredients. Toast your favorite bread, mash a ripe avocado, and spread it over the toast. Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt. It's an easy and nutritious breakfast or snack that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Instructions:
- Toast the bread until golden and crispy.
- Mash the avocado in a bowl with a fork.
- Spread the mashed avocado on the toast.
- Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt.
- Enjoy immediately.
6. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Ingredients: Bread, garlic, butter, cheese, parsley
This cheesy garlic bread is the perfect side to any Italian meal, and it’s so simple to make. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, then spread it on slices of bread. Top with shredded cheese (mozzarella or parmesan works great), then bake until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic.
- Spread garlic butter on slices of bread.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
7. One-Pot Pasta with Pesto
Ingredients: Pasta, pesto, garlic, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese
This simple one-pot pesto pasta is a quick dinner idea that’s packed with flavor. Cook your pasta, then toss it with fresh pesto, garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes. Top with grated parmesan cheese for an easy, satisfying meal that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with pesto and cherry tomatoes.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve with freshly grated parmesan.
8. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Ingredients: Strawberries, chocolate (dark or milk), coconut oil, vanilla extract, sea salt
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for a date night or special occasion. Melt the chocolate with a little coconut oil to make it smooth, then dip each strawberry into the chocolate. Add a touch of vanilla extract and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate with a bit of coconut oil and vanilla extract in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip each strawberry into the chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Let them set in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving.
9. Egg Salad
Ingredients: Eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper
Egg salad is an easy and tasty dish that requires only five ingredients. Boil the eggs, peel and chop them, and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Serve on bread, crackers, or as a simple salad for a quick lunch or snack.
Instructions:
- Boil eggs and chop them into small pieces.
- Mix with mayonnaise and mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on bread or as a dip with crackers.
10. Banana Ice Cream (Nice Cream)
Ingredients: Frozen bananas, vanilla extract, almond milk, peanut butter, cocoa powder
This healthy "nice cream" is a great alternative to traditional ice cream and requires just frozen bananas. Blend frozen bananas with a little almond milk, then add in your choice of flavorings such as vanilla extract, peanut butter, or cocoa powder. Blend until smooth, and enjoy a dairy-free, guilt-free dessert.
Instructions:
- Place frozen banana slices into a blender or food processor.
- Add almond milk and any flavorings (vanilla, peanut butter, cocoa powder).
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer consistency.
Conclusion
With just five ingredients, you can create a variety of meals that are quick, easy, and full of flavor. From savory snacks like garlic butter shrimp to sweet treats like banana ice cream, these recipes prove that simplicity can still be delicious. So next time you’re looking for a tasty meal with minimal fuss, turn to these easy recipes for satisfying results!