Easy 5-Ingredient Recipes for Busy Families

Avocado Toast (under 5 ingredients)

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Weeknights can be overwhelming. 

As moms ourselves, we’ve been there more times than we can count.

Once you figure out what to make, looking at a long list of ingredients can feel like you’re adding to your long list of to-do’s for the day … and you still have to go to the grocery store

At The Produce Moms, we love to take the overwhelm out of your busy weekdays. So you can spend more time with your kids and get a well balanced, nutrient-rich meal on the table any time of day. 

So if you’ve been searching for some easy, 5-ingredient recipes, then this is for you.

No extra stress included.

We’ve rounded up our produce-loving recipes with five ingredients or less so you feel confident in your family’s meal plan. We can’t wait to hear what you cook up tonight!

Here are a few of our family’s favorite 5-ingredient meals.

Note: Since you likely have spices and seasonings on hand – such as salt and pepper – we didn’t include those as part of the list of five ingredients.

Easy Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast

Avocado toast has become all the rage in the last few years and it’s easy to see why. Avocados are loaded with healthy fats to keep you feeling full. That’s why it’s landed at the top of our 5-ingredient recipes list.

Plus, toast is so versatile you can pretty much add anything as a topping and call it a meal. 

Try eggs, bacon, and Swiss cheese for an open-faced sandwich option. Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and dill create the classic smoky flavor and creamy texture of a lox bagel. Or use olives, sun dried tomato, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired breakfast. 

Avocado toast appeals to all types of preferences, even picky eaters. Simply set out a few toppings and let your family assemble their own avocado toast. It’s a breakfast of champions that everyone will love.

4 Ingredient Smoothies

Smoothies are next on our curated list of 5-ingredient recipes. We’ve got twelve smoothie recipes to keep your family coming back for weeks. Whether you’re craving fruits, nuts, chocolate, or veggies — we’ve got a smoothie that you’re sure to swoon over. 

Each smoothie recipe has only four ingredients and is loaded with nutrient-dense produce and whole ingredients. 

For quick and easy mornings, store the produce in a ziploc bag in your freezer. Dump the frozen fruit or veggies into the blender, add your liquid or yogurt, and blend. Quick, easy, and stress free.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

creamy pumpkin soup in a bowl

Not only do you need just a few simple ingredients to make creamy pumpkin soup, it’s ready in 30 minutes! Simply toss all the ingredients into the blender, transfer to a saucepan, and heat it up. 

Our creamy pumpkin soup is the perfect light lunch on a cool day or a first course appetizer for a dinner party. The smooth aromatic fall flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cumin are like a spoonful of comfort in each bite. 

Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten free.

Grilled Apple, Cheddar, and Red Onion Panini

Panini Sandwich Recipe

Sandwiches are an easy, go-to lunch or dinner option when you need something quick. But when you can heat your sandwich in a panini press, it feels like takeout. The crispy edges of the naan bread and gooey cheese filling pair perfectly with sweet apples and mild red onions. This yummy combination will make any kid want this easy recipe over and over again. 

As you heat the panini, build the next one to create an assembly line and get your hungry helpers fed quickly.

Crispy Potato Tacos

tacos with crispy potatoes, cheese, and lettuce

Next on our 5-ingredient recipes list, we combine tacos with the versatile potato. Tacos are one of our favorite affordable ways to feed our families. Potatoes are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so feel free to serve these guys at any time of the day. 

The most important part is cooking your potatoes to crispy perfection with a soft fluffy center. We’ve included three different cooking methods for you to try to make sure you get an excellent cook on your potatoes. 

Top your tacos with shredded cheese, lettuce, and our homemade ranch dressing

Blueberry Brie Grilled Cheese

bite taken out of blueberry grilled cheese sandwich

Everyone loves a melty grilled cheese sandwich, even adults. We used brie cheese because it melts to gooey perfection in minutes. The blueberries add a natural sweetness to an otherwise rich sandwich for balanced flavors. 

Similar to the panini, this yummy combination elevates an otherwise regular sandwich. Lightly toast your butter-slathered sandwich for a crisp crust that bursts with a sweet, creamy filling in each bite in just 15 minutes.

Strawberry Caprese Salad

strawberry, mozzarella, and basil salad in a bowl

Strawberries add a fun twist to a traditional Caprese salad with tomato, basil, and mozzarella. We’ll swap the tomatoes for strawberries for a sweet addition to this classic Italian salad. 

It’s perfect for hot summer days as a snack or light lunch. And it’s sure to be a favorite with your family. The simple balsamic dressing still keeps this light and nutritious salad on the 5-ingredient recipes list — that’s one of the reasons we love it so much. 

For a refreshing BBQ side, be sure to use fresh strawberries and basil.

Raspberry and Chocolate Energy Bites

When it comes to your kids, you can never have too many snacks on hand. These no-bake energy bites are a fun five-ingredient recipe that your kids can grab as they want. 

Made with …

  • cashews
  • dates
  • oats
  • raspberries
  • dark chocolate chips

… this recipe is so easy and quick that your kids can help you make them. Mix the ingredients in a food processor, form into balls, and chill in the fridge for an hour for an easy snack that your kids will love.

Pineapple Whip

Pineapple Whip Featured Image

Our last entry on our 5-ingredient recipes list might just be our favorite! Disney is known for its smooth and creamy pineapple whip. But guess what … you don’t have to go to Disney to get your fill of this tropical dessert. 

With less sugar, our version will have you excited to serve this classic favorite to your kids at any time of the year. 

Simply add frozen pineapple, coconut milk, and orange juice to a blender, transfer to a storage container, and freeze until the craving strikes. 

Just 5 Ingredients Away …

Whether you’re looking for a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack recipe, you can whip up something yummy for your family with five ingredients or fewer. Fruits and veggies are simple and nutritious and can be used in a variety of ways.

If you made any of our five-ingredient recipes, let us know in the comments below!   

Pinterest Pin 5 ingredient recipes

About Kristin

Kristin Ahaus is the Director of Content and Communications for The Produce Moms. Her focus and passion is helping all of TPM's brand partners share their stories while also helping consumers understand how to select, serve and store fresh produce. Connect with Kristin on LinkedIN.

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