Ever come across a delicious and seemingly simple #foodstagram post, only to discover that the DIY version would call for 12 different spices, five types of mushrooms, and two kinds of quinoa? While we love to find new ways to experiment in the kitchen, we’re also really big fans of (ahem, often only have time for…) no-nonsense cooking, AKA minimalist dinners.
And how’s this for a challenge? We set out to find recipes for healthy dinners with a super-strict seven ingredient max. The rules were simple: any recipe that used more than seven food items (save for the staples like salt, pepper, and EVOO) were out of the question. And the quicker the prep time, the better.
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Turns out the challenge wasn’t all that challenging after all. From crunchy chicken tenders to an insanely creamy vegan soup, it quickly became clear that an inventive dinner is totally possible without a fully-stocked pantry.
Here, we share 14 recipes—from our own database and our trusted friends around the web— that will no doubt become part of your weeknight rotation.
14 Healthy Minimalist Dinners Made With 7 Ingredients Or Less
3-Ingredient Black Bean Soup
Honey and Birch’s take on the filling, fiber-packed dish calls for foods you probably have in your kitchen at this very moment.
Chicken Mushroom Burgers
Take a cue from @allbymichelle and top these oven-baked patties with a slice of avocado.
Ground Meat Stew
Hearty, warm, and basically effortless.
Cauliflower and Cashew Cream Soup
Cuddle up with a bowl of Olives For Dinner’s creamy vegan soup.
Parmesan-Coated Halibut with Spicy Sprouts
A sprinkle of chili pepper really takes this dish up a notch.
White Bean Soup With Spicy Chorizo
A delicious dinner whipped up from scratch in less than thirty minutes.
Turkey Grilled Cheese
The kids will love this one (and it’s a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers).
Alex’s Pureed Pumpkin and Wild Mushrooms on Sourdough
This dish has got a surprisingly simple list of requirements, from the super-savvy archive of @deliciouslyella.
Breaded Baked Chicken Tenders
They’re finger-licking good (without all the bad stuff).
Sauteed Chicken Breast with Tarragon-Mustard Pan Sauce
See why Kalyn’s Kitchen creator Kalyn Denny crowned tarragon the “King of the Herbs.”
Parchment Baked Salmon
Delicious, quick, and easy. (The minimal clean-up is yet another bonus.)
Spiralized Butternut Squash with Creamy Cashew Alfredo
What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t give you an eye-catching, Instagram-worthy @inspiralized dish?
Easy Lettuce Cups
This one’s super versatile and works with whatever veggies or protein you have in stock.
Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms with Ginger and Watercress
Pair with your grain of choice and you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser.