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Martha Stewart is known for recipes that feel elegant but are surprisingly easy to pull off—even on a busy weeknight. This list rounds up simple dinner ideas inspired by her style: fresh ingredients, reliable techniques, and a touch of something special.
From one-pan meals to comforting pastas and lighter options, these dishes are practical and satisfying.
1. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
A whole chicken rubbed with olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon, then roasted until juicy with crispy skin. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels fancy enough for guests.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the chicken rest 10–15 minutes before carving so the juices stay locked in.
Get the Lemon Herb Roast Chicken recipe.
2. One-Pan Salmon with Veggies
Salmon fillets roasted on a sheet pan with asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and lemon slices. The fish stays moist while the veggies roast tender and flavorful.
Olivia’s Tip
Line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup and no sticking.
Get the One-Pan Salmon with Veggies recipe.
3. Skillet Chicken and Rice
Chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered with rice, garlic, and broth in one pan. The rice soaks up all the rich flavor from the chicken.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a handful of spinach or peas during the last 5 minutes for a pop of color and nutrition.
Get the Skillet Chicken and Rice recipe.
4. Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil (Aglio e Olio)
Spaghetti tossed with sautéed garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fast, simple, and loaded with flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Save a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
Get the Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil (Aglio e Olio) recipe.
5. Shrimp and Grits
Plump shrimp sautéed with garlic and a bit of spice served over creamy grits. Comfort food with Southern flair, ready in about 30 minutes.
Olivia’s Tip
Use stone-ground grits for the best texture, and finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Get the Shrimp and Grits recipe.
6. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa topped with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing. Filling but light.
Olivia’s Tip
Roast a double batch of veggies to have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Get the Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl recipe.
7. Turkey Meatballs with Marinara
Baked turkey meatballs simmered in marinara sauce. Serve over pasta or tucked into hoagie rolls.
Olivia’s Tip
Mix in a bit of ricotta to keep the meatballs extra moist.
Get the Turkey Meatballs with Marinara recipe.
8. Broiled Flank Steak with Chimichurri
Flank steak cooked under the broiler and topped with a fresh herb chimichurri. Bold and simple.
Olivia’s Tip
Slice the steak thinly across the grain for tender bites.
Get the Broiled Flank Steak with Chimichurri recipe.
9. Baked Ziti with Mozzarella
Pasta layered with marinara, mozzarella, and a touch of ricotta, baked until bubbly. Classic and comforting.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it rest 5 minutes after baking so the layers hold together when serving.
Get the Baked Ziti with Mozzarella recipe.
10. Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp marinated in olive oil, lemon, and garlic, then grilled until just cooked. Light and fast.
Olivia’s Tip
Soak wooden skewers in water first so they don’t burn on the grill.
Get the Grilled Lemon Shrimp Skewers recipe.
11. Chicken Piccata
Chicken cutlets sautéed and finished with a lemon-caper butter sauce. Bright and zesty.
Olivia’s Tip
Pound the chicken thin so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Get the Chicken Piccata recipe.
12. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
Crisp veggies and golden tofu tossed in a light soy-ginger sauce. Quick, colorful, and healthy.
Olivia’s Tip
Press the tofu before cooking so it browns better and holds together.
Get the Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu recipe.
13. Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Pork tenderloin roasted with sliced apples and onions. The fruit softens and sweetens the sauce.
Olivia’s Tip
Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Get the Pork Tenderloin with Apples recipe.
14. Lentil Soup with Spinach
Hearty lentils simmered with carrots, celery, and spinach. A warming, healthy bowl.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a splash of vinegar at the end—it brightens the whole pot.
Get the Lentil Soup with Spinach recipe.
15. Grilled Veggie Sandwiches
Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and peppers stacked on crusty bread with a swipe of pesto or goat cheese.
Olivia’s Tip
Press the sandwich lightly while grilling to get those crispy edges.
Get the Grilled Veggie Sandwiches recipe.
16. Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Shredded chicken, black beans, and your favorite toppings in warm tortillas. Easy and satisfying.
Olivia’s Tip
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave before assembling so they’re soft and flexible.
Get the Chicken and Black Bean Tacos recipe.
17. Cod with Tomatoes and Olives
Mild cod fillets baked with tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs. Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.
Olivia’s Tip
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Get the Cod with Tomatoes and Olives recipe.
18. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
A simple curry with tender sweet potatoes and chickpeas in a coconut-tomato sauce. Rich and hearty without being heavy.
Olivia’s Tip
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime for an extra pop of flavor.
Get the Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry recipe.
19. Frittata with Spinach and Feta
Eggs baked with spinach, feta, and herbs. Works for breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner.
Olivia’s Tip
Let it cool slightly before slicing—it cuts cleaner and tastes great warm or at room temp.
Get the Frittata with Spinach and Feta recipe.
20. Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
Sausage links roasted with bell peppers and onions in one pan. Easy cleanup, big flavor.
Olivia’s Tip
Toss everything in olive oil and Italian seasoning before roasting for extra flavor.
Get the Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers recipe.
21. Pasta Primavera
Pasta tossed with lightly sautéed zucchini, asparagus, and peas in a garlic-olive oil sauce. Bright, fresh, and perfect for spring and summer.
Olivia’s Tip
Finish with a generous squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the veggies’ flavors.
Get the Pasta Primavera recipe.
22. Chili Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey patties mixed with a touch of chili powder and garlic, grilled or pan-seared, and topped however you like.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a spoonful of grated onion to the mix for juicy burgers.
