Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, rummaging through your pantry and fridge for ingredients to whip up a delicious meal? Well, we’ve got great news for you! Today, we’re sharing 18 easy recipes that require just three ingredients or less. That’s right – fewer than four items to get cooking. These simple yet satisfying dishes are perfect for busy days when you need something quick and tasty.
From breakfast to dinner, and even snacks in between, these recipes will keep your taste buds happy without requiring a PhD in culinary arts. Say goodbye to meal prep woes and hello to stress-free cooking with our 3-ingredient wonders. In this article, we’ll be sharing the best of the bunch – from classic comfort foods to international twists. So go ahead, get creative, and let’s get cooking!
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This delicious and healthy smoothie is a perfect blend of peanut butter, banana, and yogurt, making it a great way to start your day or as a quick snack. With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, you’ll be hooked from the first sip!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if needed.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just blend and go!
Enjoy your creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie!
Avocado Egg Toast
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious twist on classic toast – this Avocado Egg Toast recipe combines the richness of avocado with the creaminess of scrambled eggs, all on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt. Cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until scrambled, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Spread mashed avocado on top of toasted bread slices.
4. Place the scrambled eggs on top of the avocado.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired for an extra kick.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp
This recipe yields a mouthwatering dish of succulent shrimp smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this delightful seafood dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
These bite-sized treats are a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these deliciously indulgent treats at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Optional: chopped peanuts or sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the softened butter until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required. Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze.
Tomato Basil Pasta
This classic Italian-inspired recipe combines fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta to create a simple yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add diced tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the tomato mixture for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Drain cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Chicken
A bright and citrusy twist on classic chicken, this Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner solution that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the lemon-garlic mixture.
4. Dot the top of each breast with butter and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
Beat the heat with these sweet and tangy popsicles, perfect for a hot summer day. Made with fresh strawberries, creamy yogurt, and a hint of honey, these treats are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 10-12 popsicle sticks
– Ice cube trays
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the sliced strawberries until smooth.
2. In a bowl, mix together the strawberry puree, yogurt, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
4. Insert a popsicle stick into each tray.
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. To unmold, run the popsicles under warm water for a few seconds and gently pull them out of the tray.
Cooking Time: 4 hours or overnight
Cheese Quesadilla
A classic favorite that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser! This simple recipe yields a deliciously gooey cheese quesadilla with a crispy exterior and melty center.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the cheese.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese starts to melt.
5. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-6 minutes per quesadilla
Spinach Feta Omelette
Start your day with a flavorful and nutritious omelette packed with spinach and feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat the butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and cook for about 2 minutes or until the edges start to set.
4. Add the chopped spinach and stir gently to combine.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on half of the omelette.
6. Use a spatula to fold the other half over the filling.
7. Cook for an additional minute, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Honey Mustard Salmon
This recipe combines the rich flavor of salmon with the sweetness of honey and tanginess of mustard, making it a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and garlic.
3. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the fish and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Banana Oat Pancakes
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that’s perfect for the whole family. These banana oat pancakes are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and melted butter.
3. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the pan.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes per batch, depending on the size of pancakes.
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
Beat the heat with this simple and delicious dip that’s perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
– Chopped fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 10 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Pesto Mozzarella Sandwich
Elevate your sandwich game with this creamy and flavorful Pesto Mozzarella Sandwich! Fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and crispy bread come together for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 tbsp basil pesto
– Lettuce leaves, for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Spread 1-2 tsp of pesto on each bread slice.
3. Place a mozzarella slice on top of the pesto.
4. Top with another bread slice, creating a sandwich.
5. Grill or place in the panini press for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
6. Garnish with lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Apple Peanut Butter Bites
These bite-sized treats are a perfect combination of sweet and savory, featuring the natural sweetness of apples paired with the creamy richness of peanut butter. They’re easy to make and perfect for snacking or as a quick dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe apple, diced
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Add diced apple to the bowl and stir until apples are evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
4. Drop small balls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Elevate your meal with this simple and flavorful baked zucchini recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying crispy, cheesy goodness in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired additional flavorings.
5. Coat each zucchini slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place coated zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate Mug Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and fudgy chocolate mug cake, perfect for a quick dessert fix. This single-serving treat requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 tablespoon milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
3. Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until cake is cooked through and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let stand for 30 seconds before serving.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Enjoy your indulgent treat!
Tuna Mayo Wrap
A classic and easy-to-make snack or light meal, this Tuna Mayo Wrap is a simple combination of canned tuna, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 2 tbsp of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup of sliced carrots
– 1 lettuce leaf
– 1 large flour tortilla
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the tuna and mayonnaise until well combined.
2. Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
3. Place the tuna mixture in the center of the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
4. Arrange the chopped cucumber, sliced carrots, and lettuce leaf on top of the tuna mixture.
5. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap into a neat cylinder shape.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just assemble and serve!)
Berry Yogurt Parfait
Start your day with a refreshing and healthy Berry Yogurt Parfait, packed with sweet berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt and honey until well combined.
2. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into a glass or parfait dish.
3. Top with half of the mixed berries.
4. Sprinkle with half of the granola.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 to create another layer.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a busy morning or as a healthy snack.
Summary
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen on busy days? Look no further! This article shares 18 easy-to-make recipes that require only three ingredients. From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Shrimp and Lemon Garlic Chicken, to sweet treats like Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls and Banana Oat Pancakes, these recipes are perfect for a quick and delicious meal or snack. With ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, eggs, avocados, and more, you’ll be whipping up tasty meals in no time. Get cooking with these 3-ingredient recipes!
