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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Easy Recipes That Always Get Compliments

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated February 3, 2026 · Published February 8, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be a breeze, especially when you have a few go-to dishes that impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. From simple pasta recipes to elegant appetizers, these effortless meals are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting friends or just want to treat yourself, these dishes will surely leave a lasting impression.

    Smoked Salmon Dip

    A smoked salmon dip.

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    This easy smoked salmon dip is creamy and zesty, featuring lemon, Old Bay seasoning, and plenty of flaky smoked salmon mixed with fresh dill. It takes less than 10 minutes to make and pairs perfectly with crispy crackers or crunchy crostini, making it a great choice for picnics, brunches, or parties.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad

    Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie

    This Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad comes together in just 10 minutes and is perfect for a quick meal or as a tasty side. It's filled with garbanzo beans, cucumber, olives, tomatoes, onion, and parsley, all tossed in a light white wine dressing.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Brie

    A baked brie with bread.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baking brie is quick and easy, taking only 25 minutes with simple ingredients that you can personalize as you like. This delicious appetizer pairs perfectly with bread or crackers, and it's a great choice for family gatherings or special events.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad

    Shrimp Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Health Starts in the Kitchen.

    This dish brings together the classic taste of Caesar salad with pasta and grilled shrimp, making it a great choice for any dinner gathering. This dish is simple to prepare and sure to please your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Blue Cheese Coleslaw is quick to make and goes perfectly with steak, barbecue, or buffalo dishes. With its rich blue cheese flavor and balanced seasoning, it's sure to become a favorite.

    Get the recipe

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Nomss.com

    Japanese Mentaiko Spaghetti Noodles is a creamy pasta dish that packs a rich umami flavor. It's easy to prepare and looks impressive with its creamy fish roe and strips of nori seaweed.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Garlic Edamame

    Lemon Garlic Edamame.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    Charred garlic edamame is a quick and easy dish that's full of rich flavors, all brought together with a buttery garlic lemon sauce. This healthy snack can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

    ©Provided by Pups with Chopsticks

    Thai Basil Chicken is a delicious dish made with chicken, green beans, and fresh Thai basil in a savory sauce. It's a quick meal that takes only about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for impressing your guests.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives is a simple yet delicious meal that works well for any occasion. This light and refreshing dish can be made quickly, whether you use fresh or frozen salmon.

    Get the recipe

    Warm Vegan Pasta Salad

    Warm Vegan Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Healing Tomato.

    This quick cauliflower gnocchi pasta comes together in just 10 minutes. It's a simple dish that's sure to impress your friends and family.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites

    Salmon bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Salmon Bites are a quick and easy dinner choice that can be ready in just 5 minutes. With a zesty citrus flavor, they make for a delightful meal that's sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is quick to make and uses common ingredients. It's a straightforward dish that's sure to impress anyone you serve it to.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Halloumi

    Air fried halloumi on a blue plate with lemon wedges and chili flakes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi cheese is pan-fried until it's golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and delicious on the inside. This easy dish goes great with a fresh salad or any of your favorite sides.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp cook in just 3-5 minutes, making it an easy option for any meal. Seasoned with garlic and paprika, these shrimp are brightened up with fresh parsley and can be enjoyed with a salad or your favorite sauces.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara takes the traditional recipe and adds some extra flavor to make it even better. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that will impress anyone you serve it to.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    This pasta salad makes for a simple yet tasty meal, ideal for lunch or dinner. It's a great choice when you want to impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This gochujang pasta is quick and easy to make in just 15 minutes. It offers a tasty blend of creaminess and spice, giving a unique Korean twist to a classic pasta dish.

    Get the recipe

    Jalapeño Popper Wontons

    Jalapeno popper wontons.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This is a simple take on jalapeño poppers that packs in all the flavor without the hassle. It's a great way to enjoy a classic snack with less effort.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      25 Cozy Dinners to Beat the Winter Chill
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      27 Ground Beef Dinners That Are Sure to Please Everyone
    • Philly cheesesteak sliders.
      7 Amazing Sliders to Make You the Super Bowl Party Hero
    • Chocolate strawberry brownies.
      24 Easy Valentine's Desserts to Share With Your Love

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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