50 Easy Quick Monday Dinner Ideas

Are you wondering what to cook after a hard day’s work on the first day of the week? Then, here are some fantastic quick Monday dinner ideas that will make your hard day’s work worth it! With these easy dinner recipes, you will never return to getting a takeout on Monday! 

Some lovely quick Monday dinner ideas include delectable options like black bean and avocado wraps, a quick veggie stir fry, penne alla vodka, spinach and feta stuffed chicken, and Greek gyros tzatziki. The cuisine options are plenty, and these will help you explore some lovely flavors while also keeping it simple. 

Mondays are undoubtedly the toughest days of the week, and it can be hard to get through the day overall. On days like these, any foodie would just want to unwind with some delicious treats, which are also easy to put together. For that, there is nothing better than having a descriptive compilation of some lovely recipes! 

Quick Monday Dinner Ideas

If you are genuinely interested in cooking more often on weekdays, especially after a hard day’s work on Monday, you will love these recipe ideas. These recipes cater to every cuisine possible and also have plenty of options for every sort of dietary need! Have a look. 

1. Garlic Lemon Herb Chicken

Want to start your Monday on a slightly healthy note with as few carbohydrates as possible? Then, here is the perfect recipe for you to try! Other than being healthy, what makes this recipe even better is surely the fact that it is absolutely, utterly delicious! 

The ingredients used to make this recipe are pretty staple, including chicken breasts (or even thighs!), some garlic, butter, lemon, parmesan, and a whole lot of Italian seasoning! You can also experiment with your choice of herbs if you would like and use some of your favorites.

The recipe also includes an easy side of green beans that you can very well cook along with the chicken. What brings this recipe to life is the deliciously rich lemon garlic butter that compliments the chicken and the green beans well. 

Get The Recipe Here – Little Spice Jar

2. Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

If there is ever a time when you are unsure about what to cook while also saving as much time as possible, there is nothing better than a delicious pasta dish! This recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio is perfect for all types of pasta lovers. 

This recipe has the perfect punch of garlic from the sauce, but what makes it even better, and well, healthier too, is the addition of kale! Yes, you can skip the kale if you would like, but if you are a fan of the leafy green, then trust me, don’t skip out on this combination! 

Spaghetti aglio e olio does not take too long to bring together, making it another perfect venture for Monday night. Lastly, there is so much room for customization after adding the staple ingredients in this recipe, like garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and also some red pepper flakes for that kick of spice. 

Get The Recipe Here – Love & Lemons

3. Quick Veggie Stir-Fry

Cooking any sort of Asian meal at home may seem a little daunting. But with this recipe for a quick veggie stir-fry, you’ll be a pro at cooking oriental food in no time! What’s more? This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy Monday! 

This recipe includes an array of aromatic vegetables like red and yellow peppers, sugar snap peas, carrots, broccoli, and even baby corn. The recipe also consists of mushrooms and water chestnuts that add a perfect umami flavor, along with giving the stir fry a hearty bite. 

The sauce for the stir fry is simple, consisting of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and chicken broth as the base. The sauce has a small amount of brown sugar, creating a lovely balance. Moreover, in case you don’t have a wok, do not worry, as the recipe can be brought together in a simple pan! 

Get The Recipe Here – The Recipe Critic

4. Black Bean & Avocado Wraps 

Avocados, according to me, are one of the best things that has happened to the food industry over the past few decades! Their slightly nutty flavor pairs well with just about everything, including black beans, making a delicious and healthy wrap. 

This recipe does not need any sort of cooking, which is surely a huge plus! Starting with a perfectly seasoned black bean filling, which is also loaded with a bunch of spices and tomatoes, packed with an abundance of protein. 

Even avocados are not added to these wraps just as they are. Instead, the recipe consists of a delicious avocado and mango salsa, bringing a whole explosion of flavors. Once you try these wraps, they will be a staple in your diet, for sure! 

Get The Recipe Here – Cookin Canuck

5. Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon

Salmon in itself is something that will give you an utterly exquisite vibe with every single bite. Pair that salmon with ingredients that enhance its flavor further, and you have the best fine-dine experience meal! That, and more, is all that this honey mustard glazed salmon recipe is all about! 

Honey and mustard are truly a match made in heaven, especially if paired with the right sort of meat or seafood. Salmon in itself has a sharp flavor, and the honey and mustard pair up to take the flavor up a notch with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. 

This recipe starts by making a delicious honey mustard glaze with some garlic and other herbs. Then, place the salmon on a baking sheet and coat it with this amazing glaze, bake, and there you have it! Pair with a simple side salad, along with some bread, to make it a full meal. 

Get The Recipe Here – Simply Recipes

6. Mushroom Spinach Risotto

Risotto is one of the only Italian dishes that you may either love to the core or prefer not to have at all. If you belong to the ‘I love risotto’ club, then here is one recipe that you surely should not miss out on! 

This recipe for mushroom spinach risotto is easy, to say the least, and also uses the simplest of ingredients. It consists of standard aromatics like garlic and onion, along with button mushrooms, a whole bunch of spinach, some wine, cream, and, of course, arborio rice. 

The key to making a perfect risotto is to be as patient with it as you possibly can. Do not rush through the process of making the rice, as the longer it takes, the better flavor it will absorb. The mushrooms are also coated with some tamari, giving them an added umami flavor. This recipe is also perfect for vegans! 

Get The Recipe Here – Bianca Zapatka

7. Thai Basil Chicken

Most of us tend to think of curries and pad Thai whenever we think of a staple Thai meal. But the cuisine is so much more than that, and this recipe for Thai basil chicken will surely change your entire perception of Thai food!

This recipe does need some special ingredients like Thai basil and Thai chilis. However, the great news is that even if you cannot find them, you can very well use a bunch of substitutes that will make the dish taste just as great! 

This dish consists of ground chicken as the main ingredient, which is honestly a blessing considering how fast it cooks! Along with the chicken, Thai basil, and chilis, you will also need onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper for that perfect flavor. Serve with some hot, steaming rice for the ultimate experience. 

Get The Recipe Here – Feasting At Home

8. Classic Margherita Pizza

Sometimes, on hard days like Mondays, the only thing that can cheer anyone up is a piping hot pizza! Too bad the pizza won’t be piping hot by the time it gets home from the pizza parlor! In that case, why not try making a delicious Margherita pizza of your own at home?

This recipe is as uncomplicated as it can get. I know making the pizza base at home may seem too much or too time-consuming for many of you. In that case, you can save some time and use a store-bought pizza base instead. 

The ingredients for the sauce are standard, including crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, sugar, and pepper. Layer the pizza base with this tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, and bake till you get a crispy yet light and soft pizza! You’ll be making pizza at home a lot more after trying this recipe! 

Get The Recipe Here – Once Upon A Chef

9. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Do you think salads are boring and just a bunch of leafy vegetables put together? In that case, this Mediterranean chickpea salad is here to change your entire perception of salads! Once you try this out, salads will be far from boring. 

What makes this salad so special? Well, firstly, the sheer array of ingredients used to make this dish, like tomatoes, parsley, onion, cucumbers, feta cheese, and of course, a whole bunch of chickpeas as well, making this salad well balanced in terms of nutrition too. 

The dressing of this salad is simple and delicious, made by mixing mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The dressing also consists of a hint of balsamic vinegar for that perfect umami flavor lingering in the end! 

Get The Recipe Here – Jessica In The Kitchen

10. Zucchini Noodles With Pesto

Whoever said that the only way to enjoy a pasta dish is with actual, carb-filled pasta! In case you are intolerant to gluten or, well, just want to keep the extra carbs at bay on a Monday night, here is a recipe that I know you will love. 

Zucchini noodles make the perfect replacement for regular pasta, making you feel less heavy even if you eat too much. With this delicious recipe, trust me, you might be going for seconds or even thirds! 

The recipe starts easy by first getting the zucchini noodles ready. Once they are done, you’ll have to prepare a simple pesto with basil leaves, garlic, onion, olive oil, and the secret ingredient, some delicious pumpkin seeds, for that perfect nutty flavor. Toss the two together, and there you have it! 

Get The Recipe Here – Cookie and Kate

11. One Pan Sausage And Veggies

Sausages are very underrated when it comes to meals other than a hearty breakfast. They are versatile, which is exactly what makes them something really special and worth adding to your lunch and dinner meals. This recipe for one pan of sausage and veggies is a great place to start. 

This recipe is a great place to start for many reasons. The first reason is that it is extremely versatile in terms of ingredients. You could go for the standard ingredients mentioned in the recipe, like pork sausages, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and broccoli. 

Or, you can even spice things up by using kielbasa instead of regular sausage and pair that with an array of vegetables that you prefer. Toss all of them on a sheet pan, along with some parsley, salt, pepper, olive oil, and a generous amount of parmesan cheese, bake, and there you have your one-pan meal! 

Get The Recipe Here – The Cooking Jar

12. Taco Salad With Ground Beef

Taco salads are the ultimate comfort food, taking care of delicious Mexican food cravings. These salads are also easy to put together, making them an ultimate quick dinner idea for Monday nights. 

This taco salad with ground beef needs minimal cooking time and is more about assembly, which in itself is a lot of fun. The beef is loaded with delicious taco seasoning, making it very appetizing to go along with the rest of the ingredients! 

Other than ground beef and taco seasoning, this recipe uses simple ingredients like tortilla chips, corn, avocados, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. The seasoning for this salad is made with Greek yogurt as a base, mixed with some lime juice for that perfectly sour flavor. 

Get The Recipe Here – Ahead Of Thyme

13. Tomato Basil Mozzarella Toasts

I don’t think there is any list of ingredients that screams Italian, unlike tomatoes, basil, and some mozzarella cheese! The simple flavors and execution of this dish are truly the highlight of it as well! 

This dish is made with a bunch of simple ingredients, ranging from chunky Roma tomatoes, some fresh Mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and just a baguette. You can also spread some herb butter on the bread before adding the rest of the ingredients. 

Layer the sliced baguette with some mozzarella cheese, topped with thinly sliced tomatoes and basil, then bake in the oven till it is all gooey and delicious. Drizzle just a little balsamic vinegar on the toast if you would like a kick of umami flavor. 

Get The Recipe Here – Tastes Better From Scratch

14. Penne Alla Vodka

Penne alla vodka has been catching everyone’s attention lately, and very rightly so! This dish, consisting of a smooth tomato-based sauce with just that little kick of spice from the vodka, makes for a lovely pasta to devour. 

Moreover, pasta, all in all, is something that is best enjoyed when you are in a hurry since it takes barely any time to cook! This adult-friendly pasta dish consists of ingredients like penne, olive oil, butter, onions, tomato paste, some garlic, heavy cream, and, of course, vodka as well! 

Make sure you stick with any vodka that has a neutral flavor. Prepare the sauce by sauteing garlic and onions, then add some vodka and let it simmer for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and heavy cream, toss in cooked pasta, and there you have a perfectly indulgent pasta dish! 

Get The Recipe Here – Salt & Lavender

15. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

The beauty of chicken lies in its simple flavor, which gives so much room for complementing flavors to shine just as well as the main dish! This balsamic glazed chicken thighs recipe makes the chicken rich and delicious with a perfect char. 

Moreover, this recipe uses chicken thighs instead of breasts, which makes them even more juicy after cooking. The list of ingredients needed to make this dish includes some skinless chicken thighs, along with a balsamic glaze, honey, lemon juice, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, and even some paprika. 

You can use store-bought balsamic glaze to save some time or even make one of your own at home. To make this delicious chicken dish, mix all the mentioned ingredients, marinate the chicken in the mix, and bake, which is about it! Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes. 

Get The Recipe Here – The Mediterranean Dish

16. Greek Gyros With Tzatziki

Mediterranean food is a delight for just about anyone who enjoys fresh ingredients, grilled meat, and sauces. One of the most popular Mediterranean meals is a Gyro, and the good news is, now you can make Greek gyros right at home with this easy recipe!   

Gyros may seem too complicated to make, but this recipe proves to be the exact opposite of that. The gyros are packed with delicious beef mixed with a bunch of aromatic spices like cumin and garlic powder, along with herbs like rosemary and thyme. 

The beef is further grilled in a pan. This recipe will also teach you how to make homemade tzatziki, which is essentially made with cucumber and Greek yogurt as the base, along with some herbs and spices. All you have to do is grill a pita, stuff it with all the goodies mentioned above, and enjoy your homemade Mediterranean treat! 

Get The Recipe Here – Wyldflour

17. Quick Egg-Fried Rice

Egg-fried rice is a staple order for so many of us whenever we are getting some good old Asian takeout. If you love yourself some egg fried rice but also want to keep getting takeout at bay, now you can make your own at home with this exceptional recipe. 

You will surely like this recipe even more if you love a good amount of veggies in your egg-fried rice. This recipe consists of the most staple ingredients, like eggs, cooked rice, bell peppers, bok choy, green onions, and also some carrots. 

Of course, if you would like, you can add as many more vegetables as you would like. The egg-fried rice is tossed in some soy sauce, along with salt and pepper, for the best flavor. This is about it with the egg fried rice, making it a great main meal or even a lovely side dish.  

Get The Recipe Here – Yummy Bowl

18. Vegetarian Quesadillas With Black Beans

If you are a vegetarian, the best way to incorporate protein into your diet is by having beans of any kind. Black beans, in particular, make a protein-rich meal, along with a soft and smooth texture with every bite, which is what you will get with these vegetarian quesadillas. 

These vegetarian quesadillas are great for not just this one but many more reasons. The quesadillas need a very small amount of time for prep, as you can use most store-bought products to bring it all together. 

The ingredients include canned beans, red onions, and corn, along with some garlic, cheese, and a generous amount of taco seasoning. Toss them all together in a bowl, add the mix to a tortilla, grill it on both sides, and there you have a quick and delicious Monday night meat! 

Get The Recipe Here – Budget Bytes

19. Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta

Most of us tend to associate pasta dishes with a thick and rich sauce to bring it all together. Well, it is all just a myth that you need a rich sauce with pasta. Thai lemon butter shrimp pasta is here to change your mind in case of any doubts! 

As the title suggests, the main ingredients used to make this dish are lemon, butter, and shrimp. Along with that, the recipe also includes some pantry staple ingredients, like heavy cream, garlic, parmesan cheese, and good old linguini pasta. 

The method to prepare this pasta dish is also simple, starting with cooking the pasta. Then, cook the shrimp in a saucepan, followed by the cream, lemon juice, and red peppers, followed by some parmesan and pasta, which is all! 

Get The Recipe Here – Cooking Classy 

20. Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Wraps are always the way to go when you want to make the quickest and most fuss-free dinner on a tired Monday night. Similarly, buffalo chicken is a staple for many people, who love to devour every bite of it. Combine the two, and you get these amazing fuss-free buffalo chicken wraps! 

Preparing the chicken for these wraps may seem like a bit of work, but it isn’t since everything is cooked easily in a skillet. Marinate the chicken in a homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, spices, and some Worcestershire sauce. 

Let the chicken cook until it is perfectly tender, making sure to remove the rest of the marinade, as that can turn the chicken soggy. Then, wrap the chicken in a tortilla along with ranch dressing, onions, lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes. Lastly, crumble some blue cheese on all of that, and enjoy every bite! 

Get The Recipe Here – The Gingered Whisk 

21. Spicy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

This is your sign to try a Buddha bowl if you haven’t till now. Although now you will find many variations of a classic Buddha bowl, this dish is most often made vegetarian. This recipe for spicy chickpea buddha bowl sticks to the classic route. 

The recipe is simple, consisting of ingredients like chickpeas cooked in a spicy Indian-style sauce. The sauce has the perfect balance of spice, along with a smooth flavor that has a hint of sweetness.

The recipe also includes some black quinoa. However, that can be switched for any other carb of your choice. Lastly, to bring it all together, the chickpeas and rice are accompanied by some wilted spinach and tossed red cabbage, making a delicious, nutritious meal! 

Get The Recipe Here – Full Of Plants

22. Spinach And Feta Stuffed Chicken 

I have honestly tried too many versions of a stuffed chicken before, often stuffing it with mozzarella cheese. I never imagined feta cheese would work as a stuffing for chicken due to its dry and crumbly texture. But this recipe for spinach and feta stuffed chicken proved me completely wrong! 

The crumbly texture of feta works wonderfully well with stuffed chicken and spinach, leaving you with a moist, juicy, and flavorful bite. The baby spinach, along with lemon juice and butter, gives a tremendous amount of moisture to the chicken. 

This recipe also consists of sundried tomatoes, which add a rich and umami flavor to the overall dish. Another great thing about this recipe is that the chicken is first cooked in a pot, which gives it a charred texture, and then it is further cooked in some stock, making it the juiciest chicken you might ever have! 

Get The Recipe Here – Scrummy Lane

23. Ginger Soy Tofu Bowls

If you are looking for meatless Monday options, I’ve got one for you that you will love! These ginger soy tofu bowls capture the essence of modern Asian cuisine while also being as fuss-free as possible. 

The recipe starts with some simple ingredients, like tofu and edamame for protein, along with sweet potatoes and carrots as the veggies, all over a bed of brown rice. As you may have noticed, the meal is also very nutritionally balanced, along with being easy and tasty. 

To bring the recipe together, you will have to cook the elements separately. Then, prepare a ginger soy sauce base by mixing soy sauce, mirin, and rice wine vinegar, followed by some ginger and garlic. Lastly, build your bowl to bring the dish together and devour! 

Get The Recipe Here – Fork In The Road

24. Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

Avocados, due to their smooth texture, tend to be the perfect ingredient to make a delicious pasta sauce base. Although most of us associate avocados as a breakfast food, this creamy avocado spinach pasta will for sure change this perception. 

This recipe is made with a few simple ingredients, which include avocados, spinach, spaghetti, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, pecans, and basil leaves. These might not be staples for your pantry, but the good news is that you can very easily buy them from just about any store! 

Think of the sauce for this pasta dish as an elevated version of pesto. The sauce is made by blending the spinach, basil, avocado, seasonings, some lemon juice, and pecans for that nutty flavor. Mix in boiled pasta, top with grated parmesan for that cheesy finish, and there you have a delicious Monday night meal! 

Get The Recipe Here – Jo Cooks

25. Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps

There may be times when you wouldn’t want to fill up on carbohydrates on a Monday night. On such Mondays, switching to lettuce-based wraps is the best option, considering they are easy and delicious. Moreover, if you are a fan of Asian-inspired food, here is a recipe that you shouldn’t miss! 

These lettuce wraps, although Asian, use a set of very staple ingredients. So you won’t have to worry about going to a supermarket on a Monday! The wraps start with some lettuce leaves, filled with a saucy and delicious beef filling. 

The filling is made with ginger, garlic, scallions, some shredded cabbage, and an ingredient you wouldn’t have expected – water chestnuts, for an extra crunch! The sauce for the beef base comes together easily, and overall, the dish is worth devouring till the very last bite! 

Get The Recipe Here – Sweet Savory and Steph

26. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Flatbread

Speaking of fusion food, have you ever wondered what would happen if you combined Mediterranean and Italian flavors? The result will surely leave you in complete awe, and that is exactly what this roasted red pepper hummus flatbread will do. 

Roasted red pepper hummus, in general, takes regular hummus up a notch. The flavor of roasted red pepper adds a mild kick of spice while making sure the rest of the ingredients in the hummus also shine through just as much. The flatbread is pretty simple to put together, starting with pizza dough as the base and topped with some delicious hummus. 

The good part about this recipe is that if you don’t have time to make these from scratch, you can use a store-bought pizza base and also hummus! Top the flatbread with some red peppers, feta cheese, red onion, and kale, bake, and enjoy! 

Get The Recipe Here – The Almond Eater

27. One-Pot Cajun Pasta

Here is another fusion food dish that you cannot miss! Do you like your pasta to be on the spicier side? Then you should try this cajun pasta recipe. Moreover, the fact that all of it is made in a single pot surely makes the process so much easier and quicker. 

This pasta is also loaded with chicken, which adds protein to the meal and makes it more nutritious. However, you can skip it if you want. This pasta dish, along with chicken, also consists of ingredients like red and yellow peppers, red onions, roasted tomatoes, and garlic. 

The veggies and chicken are cooked and then loaded with fiery cajun seasoning. To bring down the heat, the pasta base also consists of heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the pasta boil with the sauce for it to soak up as much flavor as possible, then top with some parsley and parmesan cheese to finish! 

Get The Recipe Here – Cooking Classy

28. Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich

I personally believe that nothing at all can beat a well-made sandwich, regardless of what meal you may be having it for. Anyone who shares that belief would love this basil pesto chicken sandwich for dinner, I am sure! 

This sandwich is made by grilling the chicken first, where the way to go about it is to brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, then top with some salt and pepper. Grill the chicken till it is perfectly juicy, then top with mozzarella cheese and let it melt for a minute. 

Meanwhile, you can assemble the sandwich by spreading some homemade or store-bought pesto on one side and topping it with a leaf of romaine lettuce. Top the lettuce with the chicken, then a piece of thinly sliced tomato, and there you have your fuss-free dinner ready in just 20 minutes! 

Get The Recipe Here – Spoonful Of Flavor

29. Spicy Thai Noodles With Peanut Sauce

Until I tried Thai food for the first time in my life, I just somehow never imagined a combination of peanut butter and noodles to work. But, I was so mistaken, that too in the best way possible! Peanut butter makes a lovely and easy base to make these delicious Thai-style noodles. 

The list of ingredients for this recipe are noodles, sesame seeds, and green onions, which is about it other than the sauce! You can, however, skip adding the sesame seeds in case you don’t like the flavor or are allergic to them. The sauce base is where all the magic happens with this recipe. 

It is made by mixing peanut butter with soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and lastly, some Sriracha chili sauce. As you may have noticed, the combination of flavors is pretty intense, with a nutty finish from the peanut butter, followed by some umami and heat from the chili sauce! 

Get The Recipe Here – The Recipe Critic

30. Curried Lentil Soup

Although lentils may not be a staple for many, they are pretty nutritious and make a great vegetarian source of protein. This dish of curried lentil soup is perfect for a cold night when all you want is the utmost comfort in a single bowl. 

This lentil soup is made in a single pot, which is surely a huge plus and saves a lot of time and effort, too. The recipe uses some staple ingredients like lentils, onions, ginger, garlic, peppers, diced tomatoes, salt and pepper, curry powder, vegetable broth, and some coconut milk to make the soup creamy and delicious. 

You can use store-bought coconut milk or even homemade if you have the time. The flavor of curry powder, aromatic veggies, and coconut milk make a lovely balance that is smooth, spicy, and creamy, all at the same time. This soup can be served alongside some rice or even a piece of bread to make it a completely balanced meal. 

Get The Recipe Here – Two Peas & Their Pod

31. Mango Salsa Chicken

This recipe for mango salsa chicken has a mild Italian touch to it, along with a whole lot of Mexican flavors that make it what it is. Whenever you want a protein-rich, delicious meal on a busy night with minimal effort, here is a great recipe worth trying out. 

The recipe starts off by pounding the chicken as thin as you can and topping it with olive oil. The chicken is further rubbed with a number of spices, including chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and a whole lot of Italian seasoning. 

The mango salsa can be brought together by mixing chopped mangoes, onions, cilantro, and red peppers together, topped with some lemon juice. The grilled chicken is topped with delicious mango salsa, and you can enjoy this dish with a side salad or, for carb lovers, a bit of Mexican spicy rice! 

Get The Recipe Here – Creme De La Crumb

32. Parmesan Zucchini And Corn

This one serves more as a side dish than it does as a main. Although, on days when you really want to eat as little as you possibly can, this dish can also make a great main dish. The recipe, as the name suggests, is pretty simple, made with three prominent ingredients which are zucchini, corn, and parmesan cheese. 

The recipe starts with cooking garlic along with olive oil in a pan, then adding zucchini and corn until they are both tender. Sprinkle some oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice over the dish and let the zucchini and corn absorb the flavors. 

Finally, top the dish with a bunch of parmesan cheese for that extra nutty and delicious flavor, which gives it a great aftertaste. A way to make this dish more nutritious is to add some grilled or shredded chicken for that extra source of protein! 

Get The Recipe Here – Damn Delicious

33. Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos

Nothing gives as much of a summer beach day vibe as chili lime shrimp tacos! These tacos make the perfect snack when you feel peckish while also being the perfect, well-balanced, and nutritious meal. 

As you may know, a great thing about shrimp is that they barely take any time or effort to cook, which, for a busy Monday night, makes a huge difference. Similar to any other recipe made with shrimp, these tacos will be ready before you know it! 

The best part about these tacos is also the fact that they do not have too many elements to them. Other than the chili lime shrimp, you will also need to make a simple slaw to top these tacos, and finally, assemble this delicious citrusy goodness for a perfect beach vibe right at home! 

Get The Recipe Here – Peas and Crayons

34. Grilled Cheese With Avocados And Tomatoes

Everyone loves having a grilled cheese sandwich once in a while. But are you bored of having the same old version of a grilled cheese sandwich again and again? In that case, you should try this elevated version of a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. 

This grilled cheese sandwich with avocados and tomatoes is as easy and uncomplicated as it could possibly be. The recipe uses sliced Roma tomatoes, along with avocados that are mashed with some lemon juice, salt, and pepper. 

The sandwich is layered with some Colby Jack cheese, followed by sliced tomatoes, and then the avocado mix, which is the highlight of this dish. Grill the sandwich in a hot skillet with butter on both sides, and your Monday dinner is ready in almost no time! 

Get The Recipe Here – Meal Planning Magic

35. Classic Beef Sliders

Beef burgers, or hamburgers, are a classic that most of us enjoy. If you need to feed a whole family and want to make the burger-eating experience fun while also not complicating the process, you should try making these classic beef sliders. 

These beef sliders are exactly like mini beef burgers. They have all the elements that you would expect in a hamburger, like burger sauce, patty, cheese, and even some caramelized onions if you would like to add them for fun. 

The original recipe also features adding bacon and one onion ring to the sliders. However, you can skip adding those if you want to keep the process of making them simple. Serve with a side of fries, and your meal is good to go! 

Get The Recipe Here – The Sweet Balance

36. Tomato Spinach Garlic Pasta

The versatility of pasta is what makes it an amazing ingredient to work with. Pasta also takes barely any time to cook, which makes it a perfect meal for a busy Monday. This tomato-spinach garlic pasta dish is the perfect treat for anyone who loves their share of veggies in pasta. 

This recipe uses ingredients that are pretty basic, like onions, garlic, spinach, and crushed tomatoes. The way to go about this recipe is to cook the garlic along with chopped onions in some olive oil. Then, you can go ahead and add the spinach, finally followed by the crushed tomatoes. 

The tomato sauce base also has cream cheese added to it, which makes the sauce creamy, cheesy, and extra decadent. Finally, you add the boiled pasta along with some pasta water, which is it! You can also add some cooked chicken if you would like extra protein and serve it with a side of garlic toast! 

Get The Recipe Here – Making Thyme For Health

37. Miso Soup With Tofu And Greens

There was a time when I really wanted to eat healthily, but I soon found myself completely running out of ideas. Soup always crossed my mind, but I never thought it would be nutritionally balanced. However, once I tried this miso soup, I finally came across a soup that was packed with just about everything! 

This soup has everything from protein in the form of tofu to macronutrients in the form of veggies. Sure, the soup does not have carbohydrates. However, you are free to add some boiled rice noodles to the soup if you would like. 

The soup also has added nori, but you can skip adding that if you would like. Make sure to use white miso for this recipe, as it will give a subtle mild flavor, which will also make the aromatic vegetables shine in terms of flavor. This soup will be like a bowl of comfort on a hot day! 

Get The Recipe Here – Namely Marley

38. Herbed Quinoa And Chickpea Bowl

We were just speaking of healthy food, and here is one more option that you will surely love! This dish is made with quinoa, a complex carbohydrate. Hence, it will surely keep you full for longer and away from junk food on a Monday night while also being utterly delicious. 

This recipe consists of quinoa as the main ingredient, along with chickpeas that are loaded with protein. But that is surely not all! The dish is also packed with an abundance of ingredients like spinach, green onion, feta cheese, cilantro, and some pumpkin seeds for that extra crunch factor. 

The recipe also consists of a delicious dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and some salt and pepper for flavor. Combine cooked chickpeas and quinoa with the rest of the ingredients, add the dressing, and your salad is ready in a jiffy! 

Get The Recipe Here – Cookie and Kate

39. Grilled Eggplant and Mozzarella Sandwich

I bet you have had an abundance of delicious sandwiches till now. But have you ever tried a sandwich with eggplant? As crazy as that may sound, the combination of eggplant in a sandwich surprisingly works really well! 

The eggplant pieces are grilled, which surely adds a lovely dimension of flavor to the overall dish. The recipe is simple and uses a bunch of ingredients that have an umami flavor. Soy sauce and Balsamic vinegar are some of those ingredients glazed over the eggplant. 

Further, the grilled eggplant is topped with some roasted red peppers which give it a delicious flavor kick, along with a small amount of spice. Lastly, the mozzarella cheese on top adds a layer of gooey goodness! This sandwich will surely make you fall in love with eggplants if you don’t like them already! 

Get The Recipe Here – Toshi’s Table

40. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

More often than not, all of us have some of those days where we want to keep the meal as light as possible while also keeping it fancy. Maybe you have some unexpected guests on a Monday night and are wondering what you could feed them that has a balance between being fancy and easy. 

For that, these Teriyaki chicken skewers are the perfect way to go. These skewers will surely give you a fancy vibe but, at the same time, will keep your work in the kitchen minimal and pretty uncomplicated. 

The key to this recipe is to use a store-bought teriyaki sauce, which makes the process much easier than you could imagine. The chicken is also marinated with some umami flavors like soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, which give it a lovely kick along with the sweetness of Teriyaki sauce. 

Get The Recipe Here – Ramona’s Cuisine

41. Lemony Asparagus Risotto

Asparagus is one of those ingredients that has really divided people. Sure, there are a lot of people who simply love the flavor of asparagus, while others would rather not have it at all. If you belong to the first group, here is a recipe that you will not be able to resist! 

Asparagus adds an interesting crunchy texture to risotto, something that you would not have expected to work, but it sure does! This recipe is made with arborio rice, or risotto rice, which is the key ingredient to get the perfect texture. 

Along with all of that, this recipe also has a generous amount of lemon juice, giving it a perfectly sour flavor. Moreover, the texture of the sauce is predominantly creamy, all thanks to the huge amount of parmesan cheese added to it! All in all, if you love risotto, asparagus, and some cheese, nothing will stop you from loving every bite of this amazing dish! 

Get The Recipe Here – The Real Food Dieticians

42. Chopped Greek Salad with Chicken

Love some Mediterranean flavors? For that, here is a lovely salad recipe that you should not miss! This salad has the essence of Greek food in every single bite and is also light on the stomach. If you thought salads were boring, this one will surely change your perception! 

The list of ingredients used to make this salad is as simple as they can get. The salad base is made with olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and arugula. However, you are free to switch the arugula with a green on your choice. 

The chicken is perfectly grilled, with a seasoning of some oregano, salt, and olive oil, making it tender and juicy with every bite. For an extra touch of Greek flavors, this salad also has a generous amount of feta cheese, which creates an amazing symphony of flavors with a simple dressing. 

Get The Recipe Here – Clean Food Crush

43. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo

Who doesn’t love delicious Alfredo pasta? If made well, this pasta sauce tends to be the creamiest you could ever have and can be paired with an array of ingredients. This chicken alfredo pasta is not just delicious but also efficient as it can be made in a single pot. 

This pasta uses pantry staples that I am sure you will have stocked if you cook often. The list of ingredients is boneless chicken, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, penne pasta, a whole lot of parmesan cheese, some salt and pepper, garnished with parsley! 

The method, too, is as simple as it could possibly be. First, cook the chicken, then add in the broth and cream, and add the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, add some shredded parmesan along with salt and pepper, which is it! As an added bonus, you can also add some hot sauce to spice things up! 

Get The Recipe Here – No. 2 Pencil

44. Bahn Mi Sandwiches

Bahn Mi sandwiches are a delight to enjoy for anyone who loves Vietnamese food. Sadly, they can be difficult to find in some places. Well, now, with this sandwich recipe, you won’t have to worry about traveling all the way to Vietnam or even looking for these sandwiches in your neighborhood! 

Making these sandwiches is pretty simple and an efficient way to make your Monday night meal. The sandwiches are made with a few essential ingredients, which are pate, Vietnamese cold cuts, a whole lot of crunchy veggies, some mayo, and crispy baguettes. 

In case you have trouble finding Vietnamese cold cuts, you can instead use regular cold cuts as well. However, I would recommend not to change the rest of the ingredients, as they are essential to the overall flavor of the sandwich. Enjoy this no-cook sandwich for a lovely dinner experience! 

Get The Recipe Here – RecipeTinEats

45. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tostada

Tostadas are a fun way to give a twist to regular tacos, and they are also nutritionally dense while being delicious, making them a lovely meal to enjoy. These tostadas are easy to make, fun, and also well-balanced. 

For this recipe, the only thing that may take up some of your time is getting the sweet potatoes baked. But the good news is that this is also one of those recipes where you can do pre-preps and keep everything ready for assembly later on. 

Baking the sweet potatoes is one thing that can be done ahead of time, and you can also toss the beans with some olive oil and smash them beforehand. Next, prepare the cabbage slaw, assemble the tostada, and there you have a fun dinner for Monday! 

Get The Recipe Here – Flora & Vino

46. Seared Scallops With Garlic Butter

It took me a while to try scallops, to be honest. Every time I used to see characters in Sitcoms or Movies enjoying some scallops, they would end up eating too many and getting sick. However, a friend made me try them with this recipe for the first time, and I immediately realized why those characters ended up eating so many! 

Scallops are soft and have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture as long as they are cooked well. This recipe has a very simple take on scallops, which honestly makes the flavor of this delicious seafood shine through in the best way possible. 

My recommendation would be to go for fresh scallops, as they truly have a great flavor. But you can use frozen ones, too. The scallops are seared in some olive oil, along with a tad bit of lemon juice for the right acidity. The seasonings are simple, helping you taste the freshness of scallops with every single bite! 

Get The Recipe Here – Dinner At The Zoo

47. Quick Vegetable Paella

Most of us are used to having paella with an abundance of different kinds of seafood. But have you ever tried a vegetarian version of this famous Spanish dish? If not, here is your sign to try some delicious vegetable paella! 

In general, paella is one of those dishes that takes a little extra time to cook. But, if you would like to save some time on Monday night, you could prep the veggies beforehand. This paella, too, has a delicious crispy crust at the base, which is almost like the heart of this dish. 

Another good news about this recipe is that most of the vegetables and other ingredients used are simple pantry staples. You will need some onions, tomatoes, peas, and peppers, along with some wine, saffron, and rice, to make this amazing recipe! 

Get The Recipe Here – Dishing Out Health

48. Crispy Parmesan Tilapia

Is there really a better way to enjoy fish than frying it? One thing the Brits did well was to bring us all the concept of fried fish, which is delicious. This crispy parmesan tilapia is not exactly like a beer-battered fried fish, but it is just as crispy for sure! 

The recipe is even better as it will give you all the flavors and textures of a crispy fried fish while being baked! This recipe is also made with just six simple ingredients, which is another huge plus. 

To go about with this dish, you will first have to dip your fish filet into some melted butter and then roll it in a mixture of parmesan and cornflakes. Bake the fish until it is crispy, and serve it with a side of veggies and a garlic mash! 

Get The Recipe Here – A Couple Cooks

49. Pulled Pork Tacos

This is another one of those recipes where you can do major preparations ahead of time to save yourself a lot of time later on. These tacos are made with slow-cooker pulled pork, which will take about 4 hours to make. 

But that is surely a good thing since you can place the pork in the cooker, and you would essentially just have to assemble the tacos later on. The essential ingredients needed for this dish include pork, which is cooked with a bunch of amazing spices. 

There are onions added to this recipe, too, which get cooked along with the pork. This ends up giving the pork an amazing flavor. You can also garnish the tacos with whatever toppings you prefer, ranging from salsa to cheese and a lot more! 

Get The Recipe Here – Creme De La Crumb

50. Kale & White Bean Soup

Somedays are too cold, and the only thing that could feel comforting at the end of such a day would be a warm cup of soup. Although most of us know soup is healthy, many of us may not think of it to be nutritionally balanced. 

However, this soup is indeed as balanced as it could possibly get! The soup is filled with the goodness of kale, which is packed with a number of nutrients. Moreover, the soup also has white beans as an essential ingredient, making it a great source of protein.

The rest of the ingredients in this recipe include a bunch of veggies, stock, garlic, onion, herbs, and a lot more! If you would like some carbohydrates with this recipe, you can serve it alongside some steaming rice or a piece of bread! 

Get The Recipe Here – The First Mess

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Conclusion

As we have come to the end of this article, I hope you are inspired by plenty of recipe ideas that you can quite easily make on a Monday night. Monday nights can be tough for sure, but with these simple recipes, you won’t have to rely on getting takeout anymore. 

Moreover, the range of recipes is almost endless, covering an array of cuisines, which is surely a cherry on the cake! Which of these recipes did you try? Let me know in the comments! 

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