When life gets busy, it’s easy to let cooking fall by the wayside. But what if you could whip up a delicious meal or snack in just minutes? That’s where these 20 easy 3-ingredient recipes come in. From smoothies and toast to pasta dishes and baked goods, we’ve got you covered with simple, yet impressive, recipes that require minimal ingredients and effort. In this article, we’ll take a look at our top picks for quick and tasty meals that can be made with just three ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast boost or a post-work snack to satisfy your cravings, these recipes are sure to hit the spot.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A delicious and nutritious blend of peanut butter, ripe banana, and milk that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. This smoothie is easy to make and packed with protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, peanut butter, and milk.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey if desired for extra sweetness.
4. Taste and adjust as needed.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This smoothie is ready in just 1-2 minutes of blending time.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie!
Avocado Egg Toast
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious twist on classic toast – Avocado Egg Toast!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread (e.g. baguette or ciabatta)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, cilantro)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
3. Melt a tablespoon of butter on each slice of toast.
4. Fry the eggs in a non-stick pan with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the whites are set, then fold the yolks over.
5. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toasted bread.
6. Place an egg on each slice of toast, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any desired optional toppings (e.g. red pepper flakes or chopped herbs).
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp
A classic seafood dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor! This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
5. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate Mug Cake
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this quick and easy recipe that yields a moist and indulgent treat in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 chocolate chips or shavings (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the mug. Mix until smooth.
3. If using, add chocolate chips or shavings on top of the batter.
4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let stand for 30 seconds before serving.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Caprese Salad Skewers
Elevate your summer gatherings with these colorful and flavorful Caprese salad skewers, featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a toothpick. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 24 toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Alternate cherry tomato halves and mozzarella slices on a toothpick.
2. Top each skewer with a few leaves of chopped basil.
3. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! These skewers are best served fresh and at room temperature.
Enjoy your Caprese salad skewers!
Pesto Pasta
This classic Italian dish is a staple for any pasta lover. With its vibrant green color and rich flavor, pesto adds a delicious twist to your typical spaghetti dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto (see note)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat the pesto over medium heat until warmed through.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
4. Combine cooked spaghetti and pesto mixture in a large serving bowl. Toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
Beat the heat with these refreshing strawberry yogurt popsicles, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Made with just five ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and fun for kids!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Ice pop molds (6-8 pops)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine yogurt, honey, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the sliced strawberries to the blender and blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into ice pop molds, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
4. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Enjoy your delicious strawberry yogurt popsicles!
Cooking Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cheesy Quesadilla
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this simple yet delicious recipe! This classic Mexican dish is a staple for any gathering, and our version packs a punch of melted cheese and savory flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend)
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, chopped onion, and diced jalapeño.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese starts melting.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also lightly browned.
7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-7 minutes per quesadilla
Lemon Garlic Broccoli
Lemon Garlic Broccoli Recipe
A bright and citrusy twist on a classic vegetable side dish, this recipe adds a burst of flavor to your meals.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together broccoli and minced garlic.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper; mix until evenly coated.
4. Spread the broccoli mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
7. Toss to combine and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tuna Mayo Rice Bowl
A simple and satisfying Japanese-inspired dish that combines the flavors of tuna, mayonnaise, and rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari or Akita Komachi)
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cooked rice according to package instructions or by cooking it in a pot with water and sake (if desired).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
3. To assemble the bowl, place 1/2 cup of cooked rice on a plate or bowl.
4. Add the tuna-mayo mixture on top of the rice.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on cooking time for rice)
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional chicken, this baked honey mustard chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the top of each breast.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
A classic Italian appetizer that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the freshness of basil, all on top of crispy toasted bread.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch slices and toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions:
- Toasted the baguette slices until crispy.
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Brush the toasted bread with olive oil.
- Spoon the tomato-basil mixture on top of the bread.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach Feta Omelette
A delicious and savory omelette filled with wilted spinach and crumbly feta cheese, perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together with a fork.
2. Heat the butter in a small non-stick pan over medium heat.
3. Add the spinach leaves to the pan and cook until wilted, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to set.
5. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the eggs and use a spatula to gently fold the omelette in half.
6. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
7. Slide the omelette onto a plate and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Banana Oat Cookies
These soft-baked cookies are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, and they’re packed with nutritious ingredients like bananas and oats. With only 7 ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Banana Oat Cookies!
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
Beat the heat with this refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Dip! Perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is a no-cook recipe.
Apple Peanut Butter Bites
These bite-sized treats are a perfect combination of crunchy apples and creamy peanut butter, all wrapped up in a convenient package. With just a few ingredients and no cooking required, you’ll be snacking on these in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the oats and peanut butter until well mixed.
2. Add in the honey, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Fold in the diced apples and chia seeds.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the bites on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bites are ready to go as soon as they’re shaped and chilled.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of parmesan cheese, the pungency of garlic, and the natural sweetness of roasted potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
These bite-sized treats are a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sweet and indulgent snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough 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, using a fork to coat evenly.
6. Place the coated balls back onto the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None required! These bite-sized treats are ready in just a few steps.
Egg Fried Rice
A classic Chinese dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, Egg Fried Rice is a staple in many Asian households. This simple recipe yields a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Berry Yogurt Parfait
Start your day with a sweet and refreshing treat that’s packed with nutrients. This Berry Yogurt Parfait recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup granola
– 1/2 cup sliced banana
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 layers 2-4.
6. Top with sliced banana.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tips:
– Use your favorite type of yogurt and berry combination.
– Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
– Substitute other toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries to change up the flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Berry Yogurt Parfait!
Summary
Discover these quick and easy recipes that require only three ingredients each! From breakfast to dinner, and even snacks and desserts, this collection has something for everyone. Whip up a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie or Avocado Egg Toast for a nutritious start, followed by Garlic Butter Shrimp or Cheesy Quesadilla for lunch or dinner. Treat yourself with Chocolate Mug Cake or Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles, or get creative with Pesto Pasta and more! These simple recipes are perfect for busy days when cooking time is limited.
