Food Recipe Collections & Favorites Quick & Easy Meals 21 Friday Night Dinner Ideas to Kickstart the Weekend TGIF. It’s time to chow down. By Ariel Klein Ariel Klein Ariel Klein is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, fashion, beauty, technology, home, cooking, and gardening topics. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Well+Good, Travel+Leisure, Better Homes and Gardens, and Food & Wine magazine. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 04, 2024 Close Photo: Greg DuPree For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home. And after a long week of work and school, the best way to spend a Friday night is to gather in the kitchen and make a memorable meal for those you love. Ordering takeout may be convenient, but whipping up a homemade pizza, drool-worthy tacos, or veggie-packed pasta is not only tastier, but it’s healthier and more affordable, too. From unexpected dishes like squash lasagna and simple sheet pan meals, here are some of the best Friday night dinner ideas to bring you into the weekend. 14 Salad Dressing Recipes to Amp Up Your Greens 01 of 21 Clam Pizza Fred Hardy Turn a can of chopped clams into an herby, garlicky, cheesy pizza with store-bought dough. Serve this pie with a simple arugula salad, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Italian meal. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 21 Pork and Kabocha Squash Curry CHRISTOPHER TESTANI Kabocha squash and pork might be our new favorite pairing. The sweet and tender squash complements the savory and seasoned pork shoulder immaculately. White rice absorbs all the juices, so you don't miss out on any flavors. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 21 Jerk Pork Burgers With Pineapple Fred Hardy Swap ground beef for ground pork to create the most flavorful burger that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. The jerk seasoning combined with grilled pineapple is a match made in heaven. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 21 Spinach Alfredo French Bread Pizza Greg DuPree For many, French bread pizza is a nostalgic childhood meal. Now you can make a more elevated version right at home with just a few ingredients, such as Alfredo sauce, baby spinach, and shredded cheese. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 21 Salmon Tacos With Grapefruit Salsa Greg DuPree Salmon is a great option for fish tacos, especially when said tacos are topped with juicy grapefruit and fresh cilantro and scallions. Even if you’re not a big fan of salmon, these tacos may just change your tune. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 21 Artichoke-Chard Pasta and Cheese Greg DuPree The most ideal dish for a cozy night at home, this artichoke-chard pasta is basically a cross between mac and cheese and spinach and artichoke dip. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 21 Zucchini-Butter Spaghetti Jennifer Causey Nothing beats a delicious meal that can be made in a jiff, and this zucchini-loaded pasta is no exception. Once you start sautéing the garlic and shallots, the whole family will be flocking to the kitchen for the unbeatable aroma. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 21 Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna Romulo Yanes Squash is one of the most versatile vegetables—you can roast it, fry it, or even turn it into a beautiful golden sauce. This lasagna uses pureed squash instead of a classic red sauce, and it’s divine. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 21 Skillet Quinoa With Olives and Crispy Tofu Victor Protasio The secret to this skillet recipe must be the Moroccan spice mix, which includes cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and allspice. The fluffy quinoa, olives, and tofu are liberally coated in the flavorful blend. GET THE RECIPE 15 Food Bowls Packed With Protein, Fiber, and More 10 of 21 Herby Chicken Salad Tartines Victor Protasio A tartine is kind of like a delicate, smaller version of an open-faced sandwich. While you can add anything you’d like, nothing beats thick-cut toast, topped with homemade, herby chicken salad. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 21 Coconut Chicken Cutlets With Mango Chutney Slaw Fred Hardy If traditional chicken cutlets are in your weekly meal rotation, try this tropical version. This take calls for shredded coconut in the breading, which yields a sweet and salty crunch. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 21 Smoky Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes Caitlin Bensel Not all sheet pan dinners are created equal, in fact, this smoky salmon and potato dish is far superior to most recipes in the category. Simple ingredients like navel oranges, smoked paprika, cilantro, and lime juice help create a bright and flavorful meal. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 21 Crispy Peanut Tofu With Sugar Snap Peas and Peppers Greg DuPree Vegetarian or not, crispy tofu smothered in a spicy peanut sauce is the ultimate flavor combination. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, you’ll be making this dish time and time again. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 21 Grilled Turkey-Zucchini Burgers Caitlin Bensel It’s never been easier to make a delicious, veggie-loaded dinner that the whole family will enjoy (even the kids). By adding grated zucchini to your burger patty mixture, you’ll get a serving of greens and also have the juiciest burgers you’ve ever tasted. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 21 Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos Greg DuPree Grab your favorite brand of salsa verde and whip up the tastiest tacos in under 30 minutes. This recipe calls for succulent chicken thighs, but you could also use chicken breast, ground beef, or grilled steak, too. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 21 Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches Who knew store-bought pizza dough could transform into golden brown flatbreads for sandwiches? Instead of family pizza night, gather your loved ones in the kitchen to make their own chicken-pesto flatbread. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 21 Buttery Shrimp With Marinated White Beans Caitlin Bensel There are countless ways to use a can of white beans, but cooking them in a fragrant garlicky butter sauce with shrimp and lemon—now that’s a meal! GET THE RECIPE 18 of 21 One-Pot Chicken Sausage and Beans Caitlin Bensel This one-pot meal is so satisfying and comforting, it will warm your belly instantly. It’s also ready in under an hour, and requires minimal dishes. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 21 Cheesy Heirloom Tomato Tart Greg DuPree With this delicious, cheesy tomato tart, no one will mind skipping Friday night pizza. Part spanakopita, part Southern tomato pie, this recipe is all flavor, with pre-seasoned tomatoes, Cheddar-mayo sauce, and fresh dill. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 21 Supreme Pizza David Prince If "Friday night" is synonymous with "pizza" in your home, you'll love this take on a traditional supreme pie. Loaded with red bell pepper, pepperoni, cremini mushrooms, and red onion, you can kiss your regular pizza order goodbye and pop this in the oven instead. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 21 Sausage and Pepper Hoagies with Harissa Mayo Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen Kick off the weekend with a spicy kick with these harissa mayo hoagies! The mayo pairs perfectly with the herby Italian sausage, sweet onions, and melty peppers. Toss it all on a big roll and you've got the most scrumptious sandwich you'll ever taste! GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit