Our guide to the best, most delicious Easter dinner, including seasonal starters, classic roast lamb, meat-free centrepieces and dazzling desserts
Looking for Easter food ideas? What better way to mark this joyous occasion than with a delicious spread? We’ve got all you need for an epic Easter dinner, from light and colourful springtime salads and soups to roast lamb, fish or vegan mains, comforting sides and luxurious desserts. Sit down with friends and family to watch the kids get excited over copious amounts of chocolate while you enjoy one of our Easter drink recipes. To keep the celebrations going from the start of the day to the end, why not also check out our most indulgent Easter brunch recipes and top Easter lunch ideas? For more general inspiration, browse our collection of Easter recipes. We've also got plenty more entertaining tips for how to host a perfect Easter as well as budget-friendly Easter recipe ideas. Finally, Easter is as much about activities as it is about food. Keep children entertained with activities such as our Easter egg hunt, and try our Easter craft ideas. Or get down to a spot of baking with our Easter baking ideas and best Easter cupcake ideas. Meet Alice Alice Shields is our acting food editor and test kitchen manager. She has spent the last decade developing recipes for magazines. She's also an experienced host. Read on for her tips on building the perfect Easter dinner this year. How we build a reliable Easter dinner Prep ahead as much as you can: marinate your meat, chop veg and whip up salad dressings and sauces. If you’re making roast potatoes, you can boil them a day ahead and chill in the fridge. Roast them from chilled, when you’re ready to cook. Lamb is an Easter table staple, with leg often being the cut of choice as it looks impressive yet is easy to carve. For extra flavour, choose cheaper lamb shoulder instead, slow cooking it for sweet and tender meat. Pair your lamb with a fresh, herby sauce or marinade to contrast the rich meat. To save on oven space, choose a make-ahead pud that can be served chilled or at room temperature. No-bake cheesecakes, layered chocolate cake or fruit fools work well. Jump to: Easter starter ideas Easter dinner mains Easter sides Easter desserts Easter drinks Easter starter ideas Set the tone with light, seasonal starters that feel special without filling everyone up too much before the main event. 1. Spring sharing board This sharing board is the perfect starter for an Easter Sunday feast. Make it colourful with radishes, halved boiled quail’s eggs, chilli-flecked marinated feta and asparagus. Serve with a quick pea and artichoke dip, plus a sprinkle of pink pepper salt. See our guide on how to cook asparagus for extra tips. For more seasonal dishes, check out our Easter starter recipes. 2. Asparagus soup This vibrant green asparagus soup is a fantastic light starter to begin your Easter feast. It takes only 30 minutes to make, and is freezable, so you could simply reheat it for a fuss-free start to the meal. Serve with homemade bread, such as our delicious crusty bread. Discover more spring soup recipes. 2. Greek bouyiourdi This baked feta with tomatoes, garlic and chilli is a beautiful, low-carb, vegetarian starter. Enjoy it with pitta bread to scoop up the flavourful juices, or keep it keto-friendly with our keto bread. Discover more Greek-style recipes. 4. Spring celebration salad Showcasing the bountiful seasonal produce from spring such as new potatoes, asparagus and peas, this joyful salad will get your Easter meal off on the right footing. Make your own mayo to ensure a stellar starter. Now discover more spring salads. 5. Crab & tangled asparagus salad on toast For something a bit fancy, we recommend Tom Kerridge's elegant seasonal crab starter. Sourdough toast is topped with citrussy white crab, shaved asparagus ribbons and rocket salad. Ready in under 15 minutes, this speedy yet sophisticated dish will kick off your Easter menu in style. Easter dinner mains Choose a standout centrepiece that anchors your Easter table and sets the timing for everything else. 6. One-pan lamb with hasselback potatoes It’s everything we love about Easter dinner, in one tray! This one-pan lamb is flavoured with garlic, rosemary and thyme, and cutting your potatoes the hasselback way guarantees crispy edges. Serving size: 6-8 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 2.5 hrs We've got plenty more ideas for perfect Easter lamb recipes. 7. Spring chicken pot pie Looking for a more affordable alternative to traditional roast lamb? This chicken pot pie is bursting with seasonal flavours and makes a crowdpleasing centrepiece, while being friendly on your wallet. The creamy filling combines chicken thigh pieces with smoky bacon lardons, mustard, leeks and fragrant tarragon, and it's topped with a layer of flaky puff pastry. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr and 20 mins Tuck into more comforting Easter pie recipes. 8. Air fryer garlic & oregano lamb leg with crispy new potatoes Make this classic Easter dinner in your air fryer with our easy recipe. Crispy, parmesan-crusted new potatoes bring extra savoury flavour. Serving size: 4-6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr and 15 mins Discover more Easter air fryer recipes. 9. Cavolo nero, mushroom, potato & fontina strudel A beautiful meat-free showstopper, this strudel is perfect for a fancy occasion. Wrap a mix of caramelised onions, cavolo nero, mushrooms and cheesy potatoes in filo pastry, then bake until golden. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs Get more meat-free inspiration from our collection of vegetarian Easter recipes. 10. Bay-crumbed salmon with creamed spinach and wild mushrooms Prefer fish? Make salmon shine in Tom Kerridge’s showstopping dish. The salmon is cooked in a bay crust along with creamed spinach and wild mushrooms; plenty of double cream and a glug of white wine makes this recipe just as indulgent as lamb. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 55 mins Discover more Easter salmon recipes. 11. Roasted stuffed squash with herby pistachio salsa A stunning veggie centrepiece to rival any large join of meat, this impressive roasted stuffed squash is taken to the next level with a zingy pistachio salsa. Bursting with herby flavour and a hint of chilli, it adds freshness, texture and spice to the dish and balances perfectly with the feta filling. Serving size: 4 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs 15 mins Browse more of our Easter vegetarian ideas. 12. Slow cooker leg of lamb Make the most of your slow cooker this Easter Sunday. Our slow cooker leg of lamb is deliciously tender and moreish, and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. What’s more, the recipe includes a velvety red wine gravy for pouring at the table. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 8 hrs and 15 mins 13. Vegan beetroot bourguignon Make beetroot the star of the show in this vibrant plant-based bourguignon. This sweet, earthy root veg is roasted along with onions, carrots and thyme, then combined with lentils and mushrooms in a rich red wine stew. Serve in bowls with crusty bread for dunking, if you like. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr and 45 mins See our vegan Easter recipes and vegan Easter menu for more plant-based seasonal inspiration. 14. Baked mackerel with fennel, chilli & lemongrass Looking for a more affordable alternative to salmon on Good Friday? Mackerel is in season this time of year, making it a cheaper and more sustainable option. Serve with mixed green vegetables for a simple yet sophisticated main. Serving size: 4 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 55 mins Now discover more Easter fish ideas. 15. Chorizo-stuffed pork loin with braised beans Impress your guests with this showstopping stuffed pork loin, complete with juicy meat and crispy crackling. As well as giving the meat a beautifully smoky flavour, the herby chorizo stuffing helps to keep it succulent during cooking. Serve on a bed of braised butter beans. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs 50 mins 16. Creamy fish & leek pie Rich and comforting, fish pie is often a family favourite. Enhance it with the addition of king prawns to the filling, plus parmesan and cheddar to the mash. Everyone’s going to want seconds! Serving size: 4-6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 2 hr and 5 mins Discover more fish pie recipes. 17. One-pot braised lamb breast with beans, carrots & mint Looking for an impressive Easter lamb dish but can't justify the price of a premium cut this year? Lamb breast will help keep costs down while still delivering a sense of occasion. This French-inspired classic combines slow-braised lamb breast with beans in a hearty one-pot. We’ve used traditional flageolet beans, but canned cannellini or haricot would work just as well. Serving size: 6-8 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 4 hrs 18. Roasted carrot & whipped feta tart Carrots take on a beautiful caramelised flavour when roasted, which balances perfectly with whipped feta and pesto. This budget-friendly veggie main can easily be adapted. If you don’t have walnuts, you can use any nuts you have at home. We’ve also used the carrot tops in the pesto to reduce food waste. If you aren’t using carrots with tops, swap the tops for parsley, or use up any leftover pesto you have in the fridge. Serving size: 6-8 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr 20 mins 19. Greek roast lamb Serving eight people, this roast lamb is perfect for entertaining a crowd at Easter. With only 15 minutes of preparation time, there’ll be no slaving away in a hot kitchen. Serving size: 8 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs Discover more leg of lamb recipes. Sides Build out your menu with sides that bring colour, freshness and a balance of flavours to the plate. 20. Baked new potatoes with wilted wild garlic Forage for seasonal wild garlic to make these incredible baked new potatoes. They’re a healthy vegetarian side that can serve up to six people. You can also replace the wild garlic with watercress if you’d prefer. Discover more wild garlic recipes. 21. Next-level cauliflower cheese This next-level cauliflower cheese makes a rich and indulgent side dish. The parmesan, cheddar and spices in its sauce pair fantastically with the crunch and sweetness of the crispy onion and breadcrumb topping. Discover more cauliflower cheese recipes. 22. Dauphinoise potatoes Make our decadent dauphinoise potatoes for a mouthwatering side dish. Slow-cook slices of potatoes with cream, garlic and cheese, and watch as it bubbles and oozes. Follow along with our helpful video tutorial, perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Discover more dauphinoise recipes. Alice’s tips for building your own plate Main: One-pan lamb with hasselback potatoes Sauce: Green olive & herb dressing Sides: Next-level cauliflower cheese I don’t have the luxury of a double oven, so I love a two-in-one dish that’s going to save me some space, and this one-pan lamb with crispy hasselback potatoes is packed full of flavour. The punchy green olive dressing can be prepped a day ahead and is also delicious tossed through some steamed greens or a simple rocket salad, if you want to add a little extra colour to your plate. A hearty side like this next-level cauliflower cheese is great because it can also double up as a meat-free main if you’re catering for vegetarians. Desserts Finish with a dessert that feels celebratory, ideally something you can prep ahead so you can enjoy the moment too. 23. Chocolate egg baked tart Speckled with golden chocolate eggs, this eye-catching baked chocolate tart is a showstopping end to any meal, despite being incredibly simple to make. Enjoy with a dollop of crème fraîche or, for extra indulgence, why not pair it with our ultimate vanilla ice cream? Discover more chocolate tart recipes and Easter dessert recipes. 24. Easter drip cake Make a stunning Easter centrepiece with our easy drip cake, topped with creamy frosting, melted chocolate and mini chocolate eggs. Try more Easter cake recipes. 25. Easy rhubarb fool For a break from the Easter chocolate overload, serve a seasonal rhubarb fool. Forced rhubarb makes a pretty-in-pink dessert while the homemade pistachio cardamom biscuits give it a touch of elegance. Now try more recipes with rhubarb. 26. Hot cross bun & butter pudding If you love bread and butter pudding, you’ll love this twist on the classic which uses hot cross buns instead. This is a great dessert to make with leftover buns or freshly baked buns – try our simple hot cross buns recipe. Or, go even more decadent and check out our chocolate hot cross bun bread & butter pudding. Discover more bread and butter pudding recipes. 27. Easter egg cheesecake Need a simple but impressive dessert to round off your Easter dinner party? This easy no-bake cheesecake takes just 20 minutes to prep and is sure to please kids and adults alike. Add chopped mini eggs or leftover Easter eggs into the plain vanilla cheesecake mixture and decorate on top with all your favourite Easter chocolate for a colourful and moreish showstopper. Find more sweet treats to round off your feast in our Easter dessert ideas guide. Alice's tips for prepping in advance Chocolate egg baked tart: Make up to a day in advance and chill in the fridge. Easter drip cake: Make up to a day in advance and chill in the fridge. Bring to room temperature to serve. Easy Rhubarb Fool: Prepare the shortbread dough for the easy rhubarb fool and freeze up to a month in advance. Roast the rhubarb and bake the shortbreads up to three days ahead. Hot Cross bun & butter pudding: Make up to a day in advance and warm in a low oven to serve. Easter egg cheese: Prepare up to the end of step 2 up to a day in advance, then decorate with remaining mini eggs to serve. Drinks Keep glasses topped up with these fun, Easter-appropriate drinks. 28. Mini egg martini Satisfy a nostalgic chocolate craving and enjoy this creamy Easter cocktail with moreish mini chocolate eggs and a splash of Irish cream. Discover more chocolate cocktail recipes. 29. Rhubarb gin Use seasonal rhubarb to make this G&T with a difference! Top the finished gin with soda water for a refreshing and gloriously pink springtime drink. Discover more flavoured gin recipes. 30. Easy iced tea Make a jug of refreshing iced tea to rehydrate kids after a day spent running around hunting for Easter eggs. With a subtle tea flavour, oranges, lemons and mint, it’s also an excellent alcohol-free party drink, so adults will enjoy it too. Discover more non-alcoholic drink recipes. Enjoyed these ideas? Find more Easter recipes... The ultimate Easter Sunday lunch Vegetarian Easter recipes How to use wild garlic Budget Easter recipe ideas Easter lunch ideas The best Easter baking recipes Vegan Easter recipes Healthy Easter lunch menu Gluten-free Easter menu Best Easter cupcake recipes
30 dinners for when you don’t know what to cook
Wondering what to have for dinner? Let us inspire you with 30 easy (but exciting) recipes to try, the ingredients for which you probably already have…
Every dinner should be a delicious experience. But sometimes, especially during the week, it’s hard to muster the energy to even think about what to cook. We want something a little bit different, but not too challenging. Something easy and flavoursome, but not laborious to make. And we don’t want to buy loads of expensive, specialist ingredients that we probably won’t use again. Instead of turning to the same old dishes or a ready meal, let us help you decide what to cook for dinner tonight. From clever ways with chicken breasts to pasta dishes that make the most of flavoursome ingredients, we’re sure you’ll find something inspiring. Get daily dinner inspiration direct to your WhatsApp by following the Good Food easy dinner channel. 1. Spaghetti puttanesca It’s amazing how much flavour a tin of anchovies can add to dinner. Their salty, umami goodness turns tomato spaghetti into an intense and deeply savoury dish, ready in just over 30 minutes. Add juicy black olives and a handful of fresh parsley for authenticity. Head here for more quick pasta recipes, ways with tinned anchovies and our favourite spaghetti dinners. 2. Carrot biryani Everyone has a few carrots sitting at the bottom of their salad drawer. Make them the star of the show with our veggie biryani, which sees grated carrot, rice pouches and simple storecupboard spices like turmeric blended together into a creative, colourful dinner. Don’t skip the roasted cashews (for crunch), the coriander (for colour) or the yogurt on top (for creaminess). Discover more ways with carrot, plus our best biryani recipes and the health benefits of turmeric. 3. Summer veg tostadas Cook something a little different for tonight's dinner with this vegetarian recipe, ready on the table in under 30 minutes. Golden tortillas are covered in a herby pea dip, then topped with colourful summer veg, coriander and yogurt (don't forget to serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over). Try it for a flavourful, healthy and low-calorie dinner. Try more vibrant vegetarian Mexican recipes. 4. Chorizo chilli pepper pasta Guindillas (long green chilli peppers, readily available from supermarkets) are so versatile – it’s well worth keeping a jar in the fridge. Here they’re tossed with basil, cooked chorizo and a can of cherry tomatoes to make a quick, exciting sauce for penne. We like ours with a mountain of grated parmesan on top. Have you tried one of our best chorizo recipes? Or discover our favourite penne recipes and ways with canned tomatoes. 5. Summer runner bean stew Use up a glut of runner beans in this easy summer stew, served with chunks of bread for dunking. Just 10 minutes of prep is required, making it a standout option for a relaxed family meal. It also works served alongside lamb cutlets or white fish as part of a larger feast. Discover more vegetarian stews and runner bean recipes. 6. Chicken, sweet potato & peanut stew This vibrant stew is high in fibre and full of flavour, made with chicken, sweet potatoes and peppers. Feeding up to six, it's a batch-cooking winner – simply freeze your leftovers for weeknights when you're short on time. It's also budget-friendly, using storecupboard staples such as chopped tomatoes, as well as chicken thighs, an inexpensive cut of meat. See our collection of budget dinner recipes and as well as our high-fibre recipes. 7. Broad bean pasta with bacon, cream & mint Make the most of broad beans in the summer with this moreish pappardelle recipe, balancing a creamy sauce with smoked pancetta and fresh herbs. Serve with parmesan shavings and crusty bread and you'll be rewarded with a crowdpleasing family meal. You could even omit the pasta and bacon, and serve instead as a side for a Sunday roast. Check out more creamy pasta recipes as well as our most popular pasta recipes. 8. Peanut butter noodles with tofu & veg Looking for high-protein recipes to add to your repertoire? This plant-based peanut butter noodle recipe is packed with protein, plus it comes together in just 30 minutes. You can easily swap out the veg for seasonal alternatives too. Try more high-protein vegan meals and high-protein family recipes. 9. One-pan piri piri chicken dinner Try this one-pan piri piri chicken for an easy and affordable dinner. Packed with punchy and zesty flavour, watch it become a firm family favourite in no time. Adjust the chilli levels to suit your family's preference. You can use a whole chicken instead, if you like. See our chicken traybake recipes for more weeknight meal inspiration. 10. Paneer korma All it takes is 30 minutes to make a creamy, aromatic veggie korma, featuring cubes of golden paneer, fresh spinach and ground almonds. Use shop-bought korma paste for ease and extra crushed cardamom to crank this dish up a notch. Serve with rice or warm naan breads. Discover more ways with paneer and our best korma recipes. Banish dinner fatigue Download the Good Food app and you’ll never run out of ideas – we serve up brand-new recipes and curated meal plans every week. Get 3 months for 99p 11. Lemony tuna pasta Tuna pasta, but not as you know it. This fancy all-in-one version adds capers, mascarpone and cherry tomatoes to the mix, plus a little parmesan and lemon zest. Despite the sophisticated taste, it’s a budget-friendly recipe – and there’s only one pan to wash up. Find more canned tuna recipes, or try our one-pan pasta recipe and veggie pasta one-pot. 12. Summer meatballs & spaghetti Looking for an alternative to regular meatballs? Rustle up a quick and easy meal for two with this recipe for pork meatballs, served with spaghetti, courgette ribbons, lemon and parmesan. Perfect for long summer evenings, it can be ready in under 30 minutes. Try more meatball recipes and spaghetti and meatball recipes. 13. Pork noodle stir-fry Stir-fries are a great shout for when you want something quick, easy and healthy – but they can be boring, too. Make yours sing by using pork mince as a base, cooking it alongside garlic, soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce. Tip in your usual stir-fry veg and egg noodles, toss everything together and serve with extra sauce. Check out more stir-fry inspiration, plus our best pork mince recipes. 14. Chetna's end-of-summer veg curry Shake up your curry game with this versatile summer curry. It's packed with seasonal veg, and you can swap this for almost any other veg you have lurking in your fridge. This veggie recipe is loaded with health benefits too, being low-calorie and low-fat. It's also gluten-free. Try more exciting summer curries and gluten-free summer recipes. 15. Chorizo, orzo & sweetcorn summer stew Fry your veg with chorizo and orzo to make a healthy dish which doesn't compromise on flavour. Feel free to throw in any leftover veg you have in the fridge to reduce food waste. For example, you could add grated courgette or chopped aubergine, onion, or squash. Add more orzo recipes and sweetcorn recipes to your repertoire. 16. Summer squash risotto Add summer squash to risotto for a seasonal dinner which you can enjoy during the sunnier months. Summer squash such as crookneck or patty work well, or you can use courgettes, too. This vegetarian dish also works with winter squash: roast in a similar way along with the seeds from inside the squash to use as a garnish. See more vegetarian risotto recipes and vegetarian summer recipes. 17. Fish fingers & mushy peas It’s so easy to make your own fish fingers. Slice any firm white fish (we like pollock or hake) into chunky fingers, then dip each one first into seasoned flour, then whisked egg and finally breadcrumbs – use panko breadcrumbs if you want a really crisp coating. You can fry the fish fingers or oven-cook them. Serve with new potatoes and quick mushy peas for a family-friendly tea. Find more fish finger options, then check out our smashed minted peas recipe. 18. Chinese chicken curry Transform chicken breasts into a flavour-packed (and healthy) dinner for four. This recipe calls for the simplest ingredients and just a little bit of prep – whizz caramelised onion and garlic together with stock and storecupboard spices until smooth, then use that as the base for your curry. Serve with plenty of fluffy rice. Discover more Chinese-style recipes, plus what to do with chicken breasts. 19. Sweet potato & peanut curry You can do so much with a jar of peanut butter. Add a large spoon to a quick curry base (Thai red curry paste, onion, garlic and ginger), then simmer with coconut milk and sweet potato chunks to make a main that’s scored nearly 1,000 five-out-of-five reviews on our website. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice to finish. Find more recipes that make the most of peanut butter, then check out our more vegan curry recipes. 20. Chicken piccata with garlicky greens and new potatoes Chicken, veg and potatoes – but done properly, with plenty of olive oil, stock, capers, lemon zest and parmesan for maximum flavour. It’s easy to prepare chicken breasts piccata-style (slice through the centre lengthways, so you can open each one out like a book), and you can tip parboiled new potatoes into the same pan, frying until they’re both golden. “Easy and delicious” and “it went down a storm” are just a couple of the comments left for this dish. Find more quick chicken breast recipes and best ways with new potatoes. 21. Noodles with crispy tofu Elevate tofu to new heights by tossing in cornflour and cooking until crisp and golden in your oven or air-fryer. Combined with noodles, broccoli, peas and plenty of spices, it's a fail-safe weeknight meal which delivers in big, punchy flavours. If you're looking for easy and exciting ways to commit to a flexitarian or vegetarian diet, this is a great one to add to your repertoire. See more exciting ways to tofu as well as our main noodle recipe collection. 22. Creamy garlic pasta A bowl of rich, garlicky pasta never fails to bring comfort, and this quick and easy recipe will help you achieve creamy pasta perfection in just 25 minutes. It's a simple, satisfying midweek meal, showcasing everyone's favourite comfort ingredients such as parmesan and double cream. Any long pasta will work, so use whatever you have in the cupboard. Try more creamy pasta recipes or check out this tagliatelle recipe collection. 23. Creamy halloumi & tomato curry Showcase everyone's favourite salty cheese in this veg-packed, family-friendly curry – it has a wonderful texture, similar to paneer. If you think curries involve standing at the hob for ages, think again: this curry is ready in an impressive 25 minutes. If you're making it for young children, you may want to halve the amount of garam masala. Check out more halloumi recipes as well as our vegetarian curry recipes. 24. Sausage & kale minestrone Use whatever small pasta shape you have in the cupboard to make this comforting bowl of minestrone, mixing dark leafy greens with bite-sized sausage pieces. If you're craving spice, add as much sliced red chilli as you wish, and make sure to finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and plenty of parmesan shavings. Search for more minestrone dishes in our collection of minestrone soup recipes. 25. Harissa broccoli & flatbreads You need just five ingredients to rustle up this one-pan veggie dish. Simply top no-knead flatbreads with thick Greek yogurt, harissa-coated broccoli and a fried egg, et voilà! This dish has a delicious homemade-feel to it whilst being ready on the table in under half an hour. Perfect for the time-poor who still crave something fresh and flavour-packed. Try more of our quick vegetarian recipes. 26. Tahini miso noodles with crispy broccoli & sausages Try something a little different with broccoli with this umami bowl of udon noodles. It's pepped up with a crispy chilli oil topping, which really enhances the dish as a whole – it’s well worth investing in a jar. Check out more ways with miso as well as these chicken noodle soup recipes. 27. Speedy lentil coconut curry Craving a warming, nutritious curry but don't have time to spare? Turn your hand to this quick and easy lentil and coconut dish. It offers a great depth of flavour and tastes like it’s been cooked for hours, but it takes just 25 minutes to make. It's healthy too, as well as being low in fat and calories. Find more speedy curries or take a browse through these vegetarian curry recipes. 28. Fajita chicken rice bowl with burnt lime Enjoy chicken fajitas the easy way with this faff-free, one-pan recipe. It's a great way to up your family's veggie intake, plus it's full of nutrients and low in fat and calories. Ready in 25 minutes, it makes a perfect addition to your midweek meal rotation. Take a browse through our best fajita recipes for more midweek inspiration. 29. Thai curry noodle soup Sometimes after a long, hard day, a bowl of hot, fragrant noodle soup is the perfect pick-me-up. This 20-minute meal is just the trick if you're looking for a warming bowl of goodness, fast. To help combat food waste, use whatever veg you have lurking in the fridge. Find more Thai-inspired ideas as well as our best Thai green curry recipes. 30. Chicken & tzatziki wraps Pile chunks of chicken, a two-ingredient tzatziki, cucumber and tomatoes onto shop-bought wraps to make this zingy weeknight dinner. These wraps are budget-friendly, using just five ingredients, plus they take less than 30 minutes to make. A real win-win. Check out more wrap recipes for speedy weeknight dinners. Like this? Find more dinner inspiration: Quick dinner recipes Healthy dinner recipes Family meals 80 dinner recipes for two Budget dinner recipes What recipes do you usually turn to? Leave a comment below...
Our 10 most indulgent Easter brunch recipes
The best, most luxurious brunch recipes for Easter, including spiced buns, chocolate French toast and four ways with eggs
Chocolate pancakes, warm hot cross buns, eggs drenched in hollandaise… how do you like to indulge on Easter Sunday? Check out our favourite ideas, including homemade brioche (it’s easier than you think), chocolate checkerboard hot cross buns and Simnel tear ’n’ share buns. Next, check out our best Easter cupcake ideas, inspiration for roast lamb, Easter bread recipes and how to host a perfect Easter feast. For more Easter ideas, discover our complete Easter recipe collection, try one of our Easter desserts or browse our picks of the best Easter eggs to buy and the best Easter table decoration ideas. 1. Raspberry frangipane croissant bake Almond croissant lovers won't be able to get enough of this brunch bake, which transforms leftover plain croissants into a hearty pudding with the help of a little frangipane. 2. Next level eggs royale Easter feasting is all about eggs, so make this classic brunch with poached eggs over the long weekend Or, try Gordon Ramsay's classic eggs benedict recipe with toasted muffins, poached eggs, homemade hollandaise and slices of ham. 3. Spelt pancakes with rhubarb For pretty-in-pink pancakes that taste just as good as they look, these spelt pancakes are topped with delicate stewed rhubarb, orange zest, toasted almonds and crème fraîche. Plus, discover our top recipes using rhubarb. 4. Full English shakshuka Streaky bacon, chipolatas, cherry tomatoes, buttery mushrooms, haricot beans and eggs, all cooked together in a fiery tomato sauce, with plenty of hot buttered toast on the side. This Full English shakshuka will set you up for the whole of Easter Sunday. 5. Chocolate checkerboard hot cross buns These chocolate checkerboard hot cross buns are as fun as they are delicious. Arrange your dark chocolate orange buns and white chocolate cherry buns in a checkerboard pattern before baking, then tear and share at the table. Delicious toasted with lightly salted butter. 6. Flatbreads with brunch-style eggs Did you know that you only need flour, water and a little oil to make flatbreads? Our vegetarian flatbreads with brunch-style eggs is so simple that the kids can help make it. The bread is perfect for mopping up the cheesy, creamy tomato sauce that the eggs cook in. 7. Hot cross cinnamon buns This squidgy bun brings together the best of both worlds – cinnamon rolls and the hot cross variety – to create a power couple of Easter brunch dreams. Feeling inspired? Try more twists on hot cross buns. 8. Hot cross bun French toast dippers Try our fun twist on dippy eggs and soldiers with yogurt and lemon curd-filled chocolate eggs, plus fried hot cross bun soldiers for dipping. If you love a sweet breakfast you'll adore this sweet treat for spring. Now try our cinnamon & blueberry French toast for a vegan-friendly brunch treat, then discover more twists on hot cross buns. 9. Green shakshuka with harissa & crispy shallots Make the most of seasonal greens in this spring shakshuka. Mix the fresh herbs and veg with any ingredients that need to be used up, and top with crispy shallots. Discover more shakshuka recipes for more inspiration. 10. Chocolate-filled pancakes with caramelised banana Indulge in an epic Easter Sunday brunch with our towering stack of fluffy American-style pancakes, stuffed with chocolate hazelnut spread and topped with caramelised banana slices, a glug of maple syrup and toasted hazelnuts. For a plant-based variation, try our vegan banana pancakes. Enjoyed these ideas? Find more Easter recipes... The ultimate Easter Sunday lunch Vegetarian Easter recipes The best Easter baking recipes Vegan Easter recipes
Who says pancakes can't be a nutritious start to the day? Check out our 10 favourite low-calorie pancake recipes that make the most of hidden veg, wholemeal flour and alternative toppings.
Looking for low-calorie pancakes that taste just as great? Make your next batch that bit healthier by using wholemeal flour, clever egg substitutes, or even with hidden veg in the batter – mashed pumpkin works particularly well. As for toppings, swap maple syrup and sugar for Greek yogurt, fresh berries or citrus fruit segments. Check out our top 10 vegan pancake recipes, the best healthy pancake recipes and 10 gluten-free pancake recipes. Now discover our keto pancakes and how to make your pancake day free-from. 1. Healthy pancakes Whipped egg whites are the key to a fluffy texture in this clever healthy pancakes recipe. Made with wholemeal flour to guarantee a filling breakfast, each pancake comes in at just 53 calories. Serve with berries and low-fat yogurt. 2. Vegan banana pancakes One of our most popular vegan breakfast recipes, these dairy- and egg-free pancakes are made naturally sweet by adding banana to the batter. Use oat milk to keep them vegan and swap the syrup for fresh berries. 3. Healthy bunny pancakes Children will love these bunny-shaped pancakes. Wholemeal flour makes this breakfast a filling and nutritious one, and they’re sweetened only with fresh banana and a few optional raisins for bunny paws. 4. Coconut & banana pancakes Go totally tropical with these colourful coconut & banana pancakes, served with passion fruit on the side. This recipe calls for coconut milk instead of the regular kind, and most of the sweetness comes from fresh fruit. 5. Three-minute blender banana pancakes Not only are these pancakes super speedy, they also contain only 153 calories per serving. As they're so easy to make, it's a great one for kids to get involved with too. 6. Healthy pumpkin pancakes Hidden veg in a pancake? Who’d have thought it! These healthy pumpkin pancakes use mashed pumpkin (or butternut squash) for natural sweetness, and if you use a really good non-stick pan, you won’t need any butter to fry them in. 7. Sweet potato pancakes with orange and grapefruit Mashed sweet potato (grated and cooked in the microwave, if you’re short on time) adds both colour and natural sweetness to this sweet potato pancakes recipe. Ricotta, orange zest, grapefruit segments and fresh mint lend plenty of flavour. 8. Blueberry & lemon pancakes Surprisingly, this blueberry & lemon stack comes in at only 69 calories per pancake. They’re made sweet by adding blueberries and lemon zest to the batter – so when you cut into them, you’ll get a burst of berry goodness. 9. Spinach crespolini For a more substantial savoury pancake option that's still low in calories, these healthy buckwheat pancakes with a nutritious spinach, tomato and ricotta filling deliver in flavour. And with all of your 5-a-day, what's not to love? 10. Dairy-free pancakes Cook a stack of super-light dairy-free pancakes for breakfast, made using hemp or coconut milk instead of the regular kind. You only need three ingredients for this recipe (plus a little oil for frying), but remember to rest the batter for 20 minutes before using. Like pancakes? Check out our other pancake guides... Most indulgent pancake recipes Top 10 vegan pancake recipes Best healthy pancake recipes
Ready for lunch, but don’t fancy a carb-heavy sandwich? Check out our favourite low-carb lunch ideas, all no more than 25g of carbohydrate per serving.
Low-carb eating can be easier than you think. Soups, salads and curries are all on the menu and a clever hack we like is to serve something indulgent like halloumi, in the place of chips or pitta. Next, check out our low-calorie pasta collection, low-calorie soups, low-carb breakfasts and low-carb chicken recipes. 1. Mediterranean turkey stuffed peppers Low in calories and providing just 15g of carbs per serving these stuffed peppers will keep you full and satisfied. They also pack in 3 of your 5 a day. 2. Nutty chicken satay strips Another popular recipe, our nutty chicken satay strips can be kept in the fridge for up to two days. Thick chicken breast strips are coated in a curried peanut butter batter, then baked until golden. Serve with cucumber and a sweet chilli sauce. 3. Masala frittata and avocado salsa Full of vitamins and minerals and packed with colour this spicy masala frittata is as good the next day as it is on the day it is cooked. Enjoy it for supper and have a delicious lunch the next day. We’ve teamed it with an avocado salsa, known for their healthy fat content, avocados are also a good source of fibre and help to keep you fuller for longer. Read more about the health benefits of avocado, including why they are so useful on a low-carb diet 4. Protein pots We’ve designed our tuna nicoise protein pot and Indian chicken protein pots to provide a protein boost when you need it – whether that’s post workout, at your desk or for a picnic lunch. Packed with flavour, and yet so little carbs. 5. Cumin-spiced halloumi with corn & tomato slaw At only 17g of carbs per serving, this cumin-spiced halloumi with corn & tomato slaw is a surprisingly healthy lunch option. Golden, cumin-spiked halloumi is matched with a vibrant homemade corn slaw, made zingy with fresh lime and fiery with red chilli. 6. Microwave shakshuka Low on time? This microwave shakshuka is ready in just 10 minutes – just crack an egg into a bowl of garlicky passata, cover and heat in the microwave until the white is set. Scatter with coriander to serve. 7. Celeriac soup Celeriac is naturally low in carbs and this comforting celeriac soup is packed full of fibre, vitamins and minerals. We’ve finished the soup with a hazelnut crumble to add a delightful crunch. 8. Tuna, fennel & bean salad Make your lunchtime salad that little bit more adventurous by mixing tuna, fennel and beans together, before scattering with lemon zest, cucumber ribbons, fresh herbs and pumpkin seeds. A low-carb (and low-calorie) staple that will keep you full until dinner. 9. Cashew curry Take a chance on this cashew curry from fitness guru Joe Wicks. Instead of rice, it’s served with steamed greens (we’d recommend iron-rich kale) and all those unsalted cashews and chicken breast chunks make it a high-protein option, too. 10. Mexican egg roll Swap bread for an omelette in this clever Mexican egg roll, which comes in at just 2g of carbohydrate per serving. Fill your egg ‘pancake’ with tomato salsa and fresh coriander for a super-speedy lunch that’s on the table in 15 minutes or less. Read more about low carb eating: What is a keto diet? What are low-carb diets? What is the Atkins diet? What is the Dukan diet? Protein and carbs – get the balance right Like these low-carb ideas? Discover more... Our top 10 low-carb fruits Our top 20 best low-carb vegetables Low-carb foods: the best carb replacements Low-carb foods: top 6 carb swaps This article was reviewed on 10 December 2024 by Kerry Torrens All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.
12 inspired hot dog toppers, from Korean-style mayo to pulled pork and street cart onions – plus our best hot dog sides.
Perfect for barbecues, movie nights, parties (such as Bonfire Night or New Year's Eve) and Friday night dinners with the family, hot dogs are always high on our list of treat foods. But how do you top your frankfurter? Just with ketchup and mustard? Caramelised onions, maybe? Or something far more sophisticated, such as chimichurri or even pulled pork? Check out our best hot dog toppings and hot dog sides below, then try our best burger recipes, veggie burgers and barbecue inspiration. Hot dog toppings 1. Honey-mustard hot dogs Bury your ’dog underneath a blanket of melted emmental, cheddar, mustard and honey for a quick and delicious dinner, perfect for family nights in. You can find more cheddar recipes here or check out our best family film recipes (including sweet potato curly fries, and s’mores dip). 2. Cheesesteak hot dogs Give fried green peppers the limelight in this simple recipe, which adds smoked cheddar slices and crispy onions to the mix. Have you tried our smoked cheddar & chilli jam croquettes? Or our smoked cheese in blankets? 3. Hoisin hot dogs Brush your hot dogs with hoisin for a salty, tangy kick, then top with cucumber, sliced spring onions and a sriracha-mayonnaise combo. Next, try our honey & sriracha hot wings, sriracha-glazed chicken burger or sriracha & lime potato salad. 4. NYC-style hot dogs with street cart onions Ketchup, bright yellow mustard, carefully cooked caramelised onions and a little sauerkraut – perfect in its simplicity. It’s an American classic for a reason, and we love it on top of frankfurters in a hot dog bun. Check out our best American-style recipes, or learn how to make your own sauerkraut. 5. Sticky cider onion hot dogs Hot dogs and onions are meant to be together. Here finely sliced onions are cooked in melted butter, cider and vinegar for just over 30 minutes, then piled on top of frankfurters alongside mustard-mayo. Try 11 more ways to cook with cider or make even stickier caramelised onions. 6. Korean hot dogs Swap onions and ketchup for kimchi and spicy mayonnaise (honey, mayo, gochujang and rice wine vinegar) in this Korean-style hot dog. Finish with carrot ribbons and sesame seeds for a final flourish. Check out our best Korean-style recipes and learn more about gochujang. 7. Chorizo hot dogs with chimichurri Add a splash of colour to your hot dog with homemade chimichurri, a punchy sauce made from shallots, red chilli, garlic, parsley, coriander and a big glug of extra-virgin olive oil. We like ours with crumbled feta on top, too. Check out our steak with chimichurri sauce recipe or black bean chimichurri salad.­ 8. Maple-glazed hot dogs with mustardy onions Mustard seeds add a punchy kick to slow-cooked caramelised onions in this sticky recipe. Perfect on top of good-quality pork sausages brushed with maple syrup. Check out more ways with maple syrup and our best sausage recipes. 9. Tropical vegan hot dogs Top vegan frankfurters with a fruity salsa made from pineapple, red onion, green chilli, lime and fresh coriander. Don’t forget the sriracha! Check out our best salsa recipes and more vegan inspiration. 10. Sweet chilli dogs Slow-cooked onions are pepped up with sweet chilli sauce in this five-ingredient recipe, ready in less than 30 minutes. Check out more quick and easy dinner recipes, or learn how to make your own sweet chilli sauce. 11. Pulled pork sloppy joe dogs Pile homemade pulled pork on top of hot dogs for this epic recipe, then finish with soured cream, shallot rings and toasted yellow mustard seeds. Try more pulled pork recipes and our best sloppy joe recipes. 12. Philly-style cheese dogs Chipolatas, caramelised onions, roasted peppers and a creamy cheese sauce… what else could you want on top of your frankfurters? We’ve suggested shop-bought cheese sauce in this recipe but you could easily make your own. More hot dog toppings and sauces Need even more inspiration? Here are some more quick and delicious hot dog toppers to try. BBQ sauce Learn how to make superb homemade BBQ sauce and improve your hot dog with our easy recipe – it's incredibly moreish. Chunky guacamole This is the best version of this classic guacamole dip. The ingredients are kept to a minimum, so it's as fresh-tasting as possible. Blue cheese sauce Pack a flavour punch with our cheese dip made with stilton. Enjoy with your hot dog, try on salads for a real kick or serve with breadsticks. Ultimate tomato salsa Make this tasty healthy salsa in just 5 minutes with tomatoes, onion, garlic, lime, coriander and white wine vinegar. Serve on top of hot dogs or with nachos, and let everyone dig in. Crispy onions Scatter these crispy onions over hot dogs or burgers for extra crunch – they can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for quick dinners. Quick celeriac remoulade The all-time classic way of serving celeriac, this hot dog topper (or dinner party starter) is healthy and requires no cooking. Hot dog sides What do you like on the side on your hot dog? Check out our best sides, from loaded fries to luxury coleslaw and homemade baked beans. Greek loaded fries Bake some budget-friendly frozen fries and pile them high with a moreish Greek-inspired topping of feta, olives, tomatoes and cucumber. Great for sharing. Loaded potato skins Enjoy these potato skins as a relaxed starter or snack. Use chives instead of spring onion for a milder flavour, or omit the bacon for a veggie version. Classic homemade coleslaw Forget shop-bought versions and make a homemade slaw. It's an ideal side dish for barbecues or to serve with burgers, salads, sandwiches and more. Chopped green salad with herby chilli dressing This fresh, crunchy side dish makes a great addition to any buffet, with avocados, cucumber, green peppers and a zingy dressing. Dill pickled cucumbers Forget shop-bought gherkins and pickles – making your own preserved cucumbers is much tastier, and easy to do, too. Three bean salad with mozzarella This substantial salad features a delicious mixture of cannellini, kidney and green beans, and is ideal for a summer picnic. Healthy baked beans Try our speedy, healthy recipe for homemade baked beans. It wins hands down when it comes to taste and texture, and delivers three of your five-a-day. Like this? Find more BBQ inspiration Easy barbecue recipes BBQ recipe ideas Budget barbecue recipes Top 10 most popular barbecue recipes How do you top your hot dog? Let us know in the comments below...
Keep it fresh and fashionable with a chopped salad for lunch. Our colourful recipes come packed with nutritious veg, fruit and grains.
Chopped salads are just that – great big colourful bowls of salad, where all the ingredients are chopped into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more variety you get with each forkful. As timelessly fashionable in L.A (where they were invented) as they are over here, chopped salads are all about getting as many ingredients into your bowl as possible. Start simple with our easy chopped salad, raid the veg patch for our chopped allotment salad, or cool down on a hot day with a watermelon and feta medley. Next, check out our heatwave recipes, what to eat and drink in a heatwave and how to keep cool in a heatwave. You can also find healthy summer recipes and discover our colourful rainbow salad recipes. 1. Easy chopped salad Red, green, orange, purple, yellow… do salads get any more colourful than this? Add a little zing to cucumber and beetroot with a quick lemon juice and poppy seed dressing, and make avocado super-fresh with lime juice. Next up, try our California quinoa & avocado salad. 2. Crunchy chopped salad Ready in 20 minutes with no cooking involved, this step-by-step recipe was written with kids in mind. They can help squeeze the lemon and shake the mustard-honey dressing together – maybe they’d like to add their own favourite veggies to the mix? Have you seen our kids’ chopping and knives skills guide? 3. Mexican corn salad More than 20 five-out-of-five ratings make this corn salad a must-try. It takes only 15 minutes to toss a load of sweetcorn, red onion, tomatoes and fresh coriander together with a honey and lime juice dressing. Check out more ways to use tinned sweetcorn. 4. Chicken & freekeh chopped salad with salsa verde Got left-over roast chicken? Pair it with nutty freekeh, asparagus, radishes and a whole bunch of fresh herbs in this wholesome salad, finished with toasted pine nuts. Discover more about freekeh. 5. Chopped herb & pomegranate salad Made gloriously green with fresh parsley, dill and mint, this chopped salad has got summer-eating written all over it. Finish with pomegranate seeds for dots of ruby-red colour and bursts of crunchy sweetness. Learn how to prepare a pomegranate properly. 6. Epic summer salad More than 100 five-out-of-five reviews? Let’s get chopping! Cassie Best’s summer-in-a-bowl is a protein-packed jumble of black beans, spinach, tomatoes (heritage are best), mango, radishes, avocado, feta and more, tossed together with a quick chilli dressing. Have you tried our crunchy radish salad yet? 7. Barley & bulgur chopped herb salad Now this is the kind of salad you want for dinner. Fibre-rich and filling, this grainy number delivers two of your five-a-day and comes flavoured with cloves, loads of garlic and three different herbs. More ways to include bulgur wheat in your diet. 8. Watermelon & feta salad Cool down with great big chunks of watermelon, layered with fresh mint leaves, crumbled feta and cucumber chunks. Perfect for lunchtime in the garden, this salad only takes five minutes to prepare. Ever made a watermelon pizza? Check out 5 surprising ways with watermelon. 9. Chopped allotment salad Raid the veg patch for this celebration of all things green. Peas, cucumber, celery and Baby Gem make for a perfect side salad. Add a handful of edible flowers and an elderflower dressing to make it memorable. Is your allotment bursting with goodies? Put them to good use in our allotment cake. 10. Chopped tarragon, bacon & chicken salad Crispy bacon meets left-over roast chicken, fresh tarragon, peas, celery and a quick mustard dressing in this classic salad. Serve al fresco for lunch, or ramp up the portion size for a filling dinner. Also, discover our how to cook bacon guide. More ways to use tarragon in your cooking. Like this? Find more salad recipes: 104 healthy salad recipes Summer salad recipes Green salad recipes Warm salad recipes Peach salad recipes Radicchio & puntarelle salad with anchovy dressing What ingredients do you like in a chopped salad? Leave a comment below...
The best beach food recipes to take to the seaside
Got a seaside holiday planned? Pack a beach-friendly picnic with our top tips and recipes, from bite-sized snacks to easy to slice bakes.
View Green Video on the source website Sun, sand, sea… and squashed sarnies. Swap your usual beach food for something fancier with our clever ideas, from make-ahead pesto whirls, to cakes that can be packed in a cool bag and pitchers of homemade ginger beer. Beach food should be easy to make, pack, hold (especially if children are coming along) and tidy away. Plus, it has to be both refreshing and safe to eat at room temperature, unless you have the energy to lug a cooler across the sand (check out our best cool boxes, if you fancy that challenge). Check out our beach-ready recipes below, then pick a picnic rucksack to buy, enjoy our best family picnic recipes and read all about the best British seaside breaks for foodies. Top tips for packing a beach picnic Don’t pack anything that requires chilling. Remember, beach days are usually long days. Nobody ever wants to leave! So, no sweaty cheeses, melty foods (chocolate is the biggest culprit), or meat and fish – unless you’re going to eat them straightaway. Avoid coffee and tea. Famous for their diuretic properties, they’re likely to leave you feeling dehydrated and in desperate need of the toilet. Instead, stick to water, homemade mocktails or juices. Add giant ice cubes to your bottles. They’ll melt eventually, but adding ice to your drinks before you leave will keep them cooler for longer. Try filling your water bottle halfway up, then freezing it on its side. Once frozen, fill up with water just before you leave the house. Remember the beach towels: one to keep everyone dry and another to lay your picnic out on. Or, if you have the room, pack a picnic blanket. Check out our favourite picnic accessories. Leave only footprints. The nearest bin might be a trek away across sandy dunes, so pack a bag for all your rubbish. You can find a bin on the way back to the car, or dispose of the lot at home. No glassware! It might not be allowed on the beach, and it’s best to keep glass well away from little toes anyway. Instead, check out our best reusable travel cups and favourite sustainable picnicware products. Most fruit (the less juicy the better), sandwiches and wraps, veggie pasta salads (pack a bunch of recyclable forks), homemade sponge cakes, chunky biscuits and anything bite-sized all make great beach food. Be careful with melon – once cut, melons create a great environment for bacteria to grow. The same goes for cut tomatoes and leafy greens. 10 beach picnic recipes 1. Almond, raisin & popcorn trail mix Perfect for snacking on and full of energy, this healthy popcorn mix can be made on the morning of your beach day in less than 10 minutes. It’s also free from chocolate and anything sticky – nice and mess-free. 2. Seeded cheese & chive flapjacks One of the many wonderful things about flapjacks is that they slice so neatly. That means no crumbs all over your flip-flops. This recipe is packed with porridge oats and mixed seeds, both great for slowly releasing energy. 3. Avocado hummus & crudités Make your avocado hummus the night before (it’s a simple and takes about 5 minutes) then pack it in a small airtight container with carrot batons, pepper strips and sugar snap peas. If you wash the veg before you leave the house, you won’t have to bother doing it at the beach. 4. Deep-fried olives Small enough to scoff whole, we think a box of these golden nuggets would go down a storm at a beach picnic. Make them the day before and forget about the mayo on the side – these panko-crusted snacks are good enough on their own. 5. Cheese & pesto whirls The whole family can get involved with making these rolls. Stuff the pastry whirls with mozzarella, semi-dried tomatoes and pesto, then take them to the beach in one slab to tear and share on the sand. 6. Banana bread Thick and easy to transport, banana bread slices so well, even if you have to do it on the beach. We’ve got dozens of banana bread and banana cake recipes, but this one has more than 1,500 five-star reviews. 7. Blackberry bakewell squares Bring Tom Kerridge’s traybake to the beach, and you’ll be the envy of every other day-tripper. It’s a sturdy, sponge-based bake that will stand up to the sun well. Slice in advance and transport in a tin. 8. Carrot cake flapjacks You know we love a flapjack! This easy to cut sweet version is crammed with carrots, oats, walnuts, seeds, cranberries and spices. Best to leave the icing off – it will likely melt in the heat. 9. Easy blueberry muffins Easy to hold, even easier to demolish. Our foolproof muffins are a perfect beachside pick-me-up. You can use frozen berries if you can’t find fresh ones, and take inspiration from even more muffin recipes. 10. Homemade ginger beer Iced water is a must for a sunny day, but fiery ginger beer would go down a treat at lunchtime. This recipe calls for fresh ginger, lemons, sugar and sparkling water, but we’d omit the mint leaves – they’ll probably wilt in the sun. Find more soft drink ideas and health benefits of ginger. Like this? Find more picnic recipes: Top 60 picnic recipes Picnic snack recipes How to pack the perfect picnic Kids' picnic recipes What do you like to pack for a beach picnic? Leave a comment below.
From nurturing garden herbs to making rainbow spaghetti together, check out our top tips for budget-friendly fun with the kids this summer.
Grow a herb garden Growing your own food is a rewarding project at any age, and a simple kitchen herb garden is a great place for kids to start. You only need a sunny windowsill and a few basics to begin. Easy herbs for kids The easiest herbs to grow are perennials, which keep growing throughout the year and beyond. You can buy these in pots – such as rosemary, mint and oregano – or if you’d like to grow from seed, then chives are a fast-growing option with a kid-friendly mild onion flavour. Annual herbs complete their life cycle in a season and can be grown from seed, but will require warmer temperatures and have the potential to bolt (or flower) if not watered regularly or given too much sun. Parsley, coriander and basil are good annual herbs for novice gardeners. You will need: A hand trowel, if you have one Small pots (you can use old yogurt pots or other containers – simply add drainage holes) Peat-free, multi-purpose compost Seeds or potted herbs Plant your herbs 1. First, fill your container with compost and press it down gently to remove air holes. Water, then allow to drain. 2. Scatter a few seeds on the surface. Sprinkle over a thin layer of compost. 3. Place on a windowsill and wait for the herbs to sprout up. After this, you’ll need to water the compost whenever it’s dry – about once a week. When your herbs have grown to around 10cm tall, you can move them into bigger pots or move them outside. Sensory play ideas Allowing children the freedom to be messy is not only good fun, it also helps develop their motor skills. Kids can try these tactile activities with a little grown-up supervision. 1. Fun with foam Use an electric whisk to mix bubble bath and water in a bowl with a few drops of food colouring. Whisk until you have foam that holds its shape, then repeat to make as many colours as you like. Kids will love playing with rainbow foam in the garden on a sunny day. 2. Colourful spaghetti Cook some spaghetti following pack instructions, then divide between bowls and mix a different food colouring into each. Soon you’ll have a whole rainbow of squidgy ‘worms’ for toddlers to play with. 3. Ice block excavation Freeze small plastic toys inside an ice block for kids to ‘excavate’. Place a few toys in the base of a container, then fill partially with water and freeze. Repeat until full. Give kids’ tools or cutlery and help them bash into the ice. Easy, budget-friendly treats for kids Cereal milk ice lollies Who says cereal is just for breakfast? Make these moreish milk ice lollies flavoured with honey nut cornflakes – they'll go down a storm with kids. Vegan orange lollies A combination of orange, satsuma and carrot make these refreshing lollies a low-calorie treat. They're also vegan, gluten-free and sure to be a hit with kids! Chocolate chip muffins Make these easy chocolate chip muffins with kids over the weekend or school holidays. They take just 15 minutes prep and are a guaranteed family favourite. Easy cornflake tart Make this cornflake cake for a fabulously easy family dessert that uses simple ingredients. With a pastry case and jam base, it's delicious served with custard. Tips for making ice lollies Use fruit juices, yogurt, cordials or blended fruit and veg, such as avocado, for the base. For creamier results, mix yogurt with the fruit. For a healthy alternative, you can freeze watermelon slices. Summer berries, bananas, apples, oranges, kiwis, mangoes and pineapple all freeze well. If you don’t have moulds, use clean yogurt pots, large ice cube trays or hollowed-out oranges. No lolly sticks? Try setting a teaspoon in each lolly instead – you can then wash and use them again. More budget-friendly ideas 7 days of healthy budget family meals Family budget meal plan Top 10 budget family chicken recipes Freezable family meals
As well as being packed with juicy umami flavour, steak is also rich in iron and protein. Discover five healthy ways to make steak shine, from salads to lunchtime wraps.
Steak doesn't have to be a rare treat. Instead of serving with chips (like in our steak haché with pommes frites & cheat’s béarnaise sauce recipe), make steak the centrepiece of a fresh salad, Vietnamese-style noodle dish or lettuce-cup canapé. Red meat provides us with iron, zinc and B vitamins, and meat is one of the main sources of vitamin B12 in the diet. For more iron-rich content, check out our iron-rich recipe collection for plenty of inspiration (there are more than 100 recipes to choose from). Looking for vegetarian options? We've got an iron-rich vegetarian recipe collection, too. Vietnamese-style steak & noodle salad To make the dressing, mix 1 sliced red chilli, the juice of 1 lime, 2 tsp light brown soft sugar, 1 tsp rice wine vinegar, 1 chopped garlic clove and ½ tbsp fish sauce with 1 tbsp water until the sugar has dissolved. Cook 80g brown rice noodles following pack instructions, then cool in cold water. Drain, then toss with 2 carrots peeled into ribbons, ½ shredded Chinese cabbage, 4 sliced spring onions and the dressing. Heat 1 tsp rapeseed oil in a frying pan over a high heat. Season a 250g fillet steak, then cook for 2-3 mins on each side for medium rare, or 5 mins for well done. Rest for 5 mins, then slice. Serve the salad and steak with chopped coriander scattered over. Discover more Vietnamese-style recipes Chilli beef wraps Mix 150g sliced steak with 1 tsp chilli powder, a pinch of ground cumin and 2 chopped garlic cloves. Marinate for 2 hrs. Heat 2 tsp oil in a wok over a high heat and fry the steak for 1-2 mins. Transfer to a plate. Fry 1 sliced yellow pepper and ½ sliced red onion, 2 chopped tomatoes and a 400g tin black beans (drained) for 5 mins. Stir in the steak and some coriander leaves. Wrap in tortillas. Try more of our healthy wrap recipes Steak with goulash sauce & sweet potatoes Heat the oven to 240C/220C fan/gas 7 and put a wire rack on top of a baking tray. Cut 250g sweet potatoes into chips and toss with 1 tbsp thyme leaves and 2 tsp rapeseed oil, then scatter over the rack. Heat 1 tsp rapeseed oil in a non-stick pan over a medium heat, add 2 small halved onions, cover and cook for 5 mins. Stir, then add 1 diced green pepper and 2 sliced garlic cloves, cover and cook for 5 mins. Bake the chips for 15 mins. Meanwhile, stir 1 tsp smoked paprika into the onion mix, pour in 150ml water, then stir in 85g halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato purée and 1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder. Cover and simmer for 10 mins. Rub 2 125g fillet steaks with rapeseed oil, fry in a non-stick pan over a high heat for 2-3 mins on each side. Transfer to a warm plate and rest for 5 mins. Spoon the goulash sauce onto serving plates, top with the steak and serve with the sweet potato chips and 200g wilted baby spinach. Head here for 10 of our best fillet steak recipes Steak lettuce cups To make a chimichurri sauce, mix 1 tbsp chopped parsley, ½ tbsp rapeseed oil, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, a pinch of oregano, 1 tbsp water and seasoning. For a chilli & lime sauce, mix ¼ chopped red chilli, zest and juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp fish sauce, 1 tsp groundnut oil and pinch of sugar. Separate the leaves of 4 Little Gems. Heat a pan over a medium-high heat. Coat 200g fillet steak in ½ tbsp oil, season, then fry for 2-3 mins on each side. Rest for 10 mins, then cut into 20 strips. Wrap each strip in lettuce and dip in sauce. More lettuce wrap recipes Steak, beetroot, horseradish & warm lentil salad Whisk together 1 tbsp hot horseradish sauce, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt and ½ tsp honey. Season, then add the juice of ½ lemon, or to taste. Season a 200g fillet steak on all sides. Heat 1 tbsp rapeseed or sunflower oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook to your liking (2-3 mins on each side for medium rare or 5 mins for well done), then set aside to rest. Put the pan back on the heat, add ½ tbsp rapeseed oil and 2 crushed garlic cloves, then tip in 200g frozen peas, 250g cooked puy lentils, 120g sliced runner beans and 200g cooked beetroot cut into wedges. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, until the peas and beetroot are warmed through. Remove from the heat, then stir through the juice of ½ lemon, ½ small pack of chopped dill and 2 handfuls of rocket. Thinly slice the steak. Divide the lentil salad between two plates, nestle in the steak and drizzle over the dressing. Our best lentil salad recipes Craving more steak? We've got plenty of ideas Grilled steak with peperonata Sesame steak & buckwheat noodle bowls Sirloin steak recipes 10 steak sauces you can make in minutes Simple sirloin steak recipe Steak salad recipes