13 Easy Meals That Aren’t Frozen Dinners (We Won’t Tell Anyone)

It’s time to break free from the cycle of reaching into the freezer for food options. These recipes are made to make your evenings less stressful because they decrease mealtime preparation and cooking while offering the joy of putting a homemade meal on the table. Impress the entire household and fill their appetites with this list of 13 easy meals that aren’t frozen dinners. Check it out and keep your family happily fed.

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

If you’re looking for a meal idea that is not a frozen dinner, this is it. California Eggs Benedict offers a vibrant mix of flavors that feels special yet is super easy to put together. It’s perfect for a leisurely brunch at home, bringing that restaurant feel without the hassle. Everyone at the table will love the combination, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This refreshing salad is an easy side dish for any meal and is far from a boring frozen option. Cucumber Salad with Feta is light and crisp, making it a great addition to lunch or dinner, especially on warmer days. The simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to for those busy nights when you need something quick and healthy. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything you’re serving.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Recreate a takeout favorite at home with this easy and delicious recipe. Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp brings the familiar taste of the restaurant to your kitchen, without any complicated steps. It’s a great way to enjoy a special meal any night of the week. The quick preparation makes it perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious and homemade.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

For a simple yet delicious breakfast or snack, this toast is a perfect choice that feels far from a frozen meal. Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries combines ease and great taste in a way that fits perfectly into your busy schedule. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a fresh, homemade option without spending much time in the kitchen. It’s ideal for a quick bite that’s wholesome and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Skip the freezer aisle and make this popular takeout dish at home with ease. Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken is quick to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. It offers the bold flavors you love from the restaurant, without the wait or the cost. This recipe proves that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Combining two favorites, this salad is a quick and easy meal that’s not from the freezer. Pizza Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner. It’s a fun twist on the regular pasta salad dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

These croquettes bring a touch of restaurant-quality food to your home without the need for frozen alternatives. Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes are easy to make and perfect for a special meal at home. They offer a delicious flavor, making any dinner feel a bit more elegant. It’s a great way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This comforting dish is an easy way to bring a classic meal to your table, skipping the frozen dinners. Diner Style Salisbury Steak is hearty and enjoyable, perfect for a cozy night. The rich flavors and tender meat will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on taste without much effort, making it a favorite in any household.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy a restaurant favorite at home with this easy-to-make dish that’s way better than frozen meals. Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken offers a delicious blend of flavors that is perfect for family dinners. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy nights when you still want something special. The familiar taste and easy preparation will make it a regular in your meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Close up photo of salmon pasta salad.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

A light and easy meal that skips the frozen section entirely is Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. It combines fresh ingredients in a way that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s quick to prepare and great for meal prep, offering a delicious and convenient option. This dish brings a touch of elegance to everyday meals without much effort, making it a great choice for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Copycat Maggiano Sausage & Peppers on a white plate.
Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This hearty dish recreates a restaurant classic at home, offering an easy meal that’s not from the freezer. Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers is perfect for a great dinner that’s full of flavor. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a mouth-watering taste, making it ideal for any night of the week. Enjoy the comfort of a homemade meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maggiano’s Little Italy Sausage & Peppers

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Turn leftovers into a delicious meal with this quick and easy recipe. Leftover Steak Quesadilla is perfect for a busy night when you want something delicious without resorting to frozen options. This dish will be a hit with everyone. It’s a great way to reinvent last night’s dinner into something new and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

This pasta dish brings restaurant flavors to your home with minimal effort, skipping the frozen meals entirely. Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka is rich and comforting, making it perfect for a special night. This dish creates a lovely meal that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy a favorite dish without leaving your kitchen, making any night feel special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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