31 Quick Dinners for May

Day 1: Easy Stuffed Poblanos

My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon

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Day 2: Tilapia & Lemon Sauce

Serve this lemon tilapia with any tossed salad full of your favorite vegetables and buttered bread. It's easy, quick and unique. And it's a big hit with company, too. —Susan Taul, Birmingham, Alabama

Day 3: Prosciutto Pasta Toss

I love quick, simple dishes, and this pasta with prosciutto and peas is one of my favorites. I prepare a tossed green salad while the pasta cooks and serve up a lovely light supper in minutes! —Laura Murphy-Ogden, Charlotte, North Carolina

Day 4: Lemon Shrimp Orzo

What I love about this lemon shrimp orzo is that it's so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. It tastes great with chicken, too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York

Day 5: Rosemary Lime Chicken

I experimented with herbs and seasonings quite a bit before creating the final version of this entree. The tartness of the lime juice really complements the rosemary. Everyone loves it.—Nicole Harris, Mt. Union, Pennsylvania

Day 6: Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad

I love this chicken ramen salad because it's a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it's on the table—that's a reaction that doesn't happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California

Day 7: Taco Pizza Squares

Everyone will come running the minute you take this fun twist on pizza out of the oven. I top convenient refrigerated pizza dough with leftover taco meat, tomatoes and cheese, bringing a full-flavored fiesta to the table in under half an hour. —Sarah Vovos, Middleton, Wisconsin.

Day 8: Applesauce Barbecue Chicken

You only need a few ingredients to create this sweet and peppery chicken. The subtle flavor of apple makes this tender barbecue dish stand out from the rest. —Darla Andrews, Farmers Branch, Texas

Day 9: Almond-Topped Fish

A co-worker gave me this recipe, but I didn't try it until recently. What a mistake it was to wait! It's easier than dipping, coating and frying—and the flavor is outstanding. Once you've tried this tender fish, you'll never go back to fried. —Heidi Kirsch, Waterloo, Iowa

Day 10: Fettuccine with Black Bean Sauce

When my husband needed to go on a heart-smart diet, I had to come up with new ways to get more vegetables into our daily menus. This meatless spaghetti sauce is a winner; it's even prettier with spinach fettuccine. —Marianne Neuman, East Troy, Wisconsin

Day 11: Buffalo Sloppy Joes

Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts

Day 12: Pork Chops ‘n’ Pierogi

The Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Day 13: Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet

We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio

Day 14: Baked Chicken with Bacon-Tomato Relish

We eat a lot of chicken for dinner, so I'm always trying to do something a little different with it. My children love the crispiness of this chicken, and my husband and I love the flavorful relish—you can't go wrong with bacon! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Day 15: Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts

These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Day 16: California Burger Wraps

I love the way these fresh flavors blend. It's a snap to throw these wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa

Day 17: Artichoke Chicken Pesto Pizza

Make pizza night an upscale affair with this fun twist on the traditional pie. A prebaked crust and prepared pesto keep things quick and easy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Day 18: Mushroom Pasta Carbonara

I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal. —Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin

Day 19: Country Chicken with Gravy

Here's a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina

Day 20: Asparagus Beef Saute

I love filet mignon, but I'm not crazy about its price, so I came up with a recipe for more affordable beef tenderloin. Now I cook it once a week. My husband loves the leftovers, too. —Linda Flynn, Ellicott City, Maryland

Day 21: Blushing Penne Pasta

I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California

Day 22: Tomato Walnut Tilapia

Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa

Day 23: Chicken Provolone

Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska

Day 24: Pork Medallions with Garlic-Strawberry Sauce

These crispy pork medallions are treated to a refreshing strawberry sauce that's ideal for a springtime or summer meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Day 25: Crispy Orange Chicken

We enjoy these tangy nuggets so many ways—over noodles or rice, in sandwiches, even on top of lettuce and cabbage. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Day 26: Tenderloin with Herb Sauce

Tender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight red pepper kick. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and is always a dinnertime winner at my home. —Monica Shipley, Tulare, California

Day 27: Ramen Stir-Fry

This ramen stir-fry is unique and flavorful. The whole gang will enjoy the hearty, colorful meal-in-one. —Marlene McAllister, Portland, Michigan

Day 28: Teriyaki Glazed Chicken

I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California

Day 29: BLT Chicken Salad

Featuring all the fun fixings for a BLT chicken sandwich, this salad is so lovable. I can prep the ingredients ahead of time and just throw it together at the last minute. Barbecue sauce in the dressing gives it unexpected flavor. Even picky eaters love my chicken salads. —Cindy Moore, Mooresville, North Carolina

Day 30: Zesty Grilled Ham

If it's ham, my kids will eat it, but they like this kicked-up recipe best of all. Even the small ones eat adult-sized portions, so be sure to make plenty. —Mary Ann Lien, Tyler, Texas

Day 31: Light Linguine Carbonara

When we have to rush off at night, I make this speedy pasta with veggies and bacon. Serve with breadsticks or garlic toast, and dinner's done. —Mary Jo Miller, Mansfield, Ohio