Our 15 best family-friendly recipes to try this week

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Ever wonder if your family dinner could double as a peace treaty? Introduce this top 15 family-friendly meals and watch domestic negotiations go smoother than ever. These recipes promise to break the monotony of your weekly meal plan and possibly even the ice at the dinner table. It’s about making mealtime less of a chore and more of a choice—finally, dishes that have everyone volunteering for dish duty!

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re a fan of sweet and savory shrimp dishes, here’s something special. It’s inspired by a popular restaurant favorite and brings the same exciting flavors to your kitchen. This recipe combines crispy shrimp with a sweet honey glaze, topped with candied walnuts for a bit of crunch. Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is perfect for those nights when you want to whip up something quick and delicious that the family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a light side dish, why not try a refreshing salad that’s as easy to make as it is to eat? It tosses together crisp cucumbers and tangy feta cheese, creating a simple yet flavorful combination. This Cucumber Salad with Feta is ideal for hot summer days, offering a cool complement to any main dish. Plus, it’s a great way to get the family to eat their veggies without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s something about homestyle cooking that brings everyone together around the table. This dish captures the essence of comfort food with tender chicken and soft dumplings simmered together in a flavorful broth. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins makes for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s a throwback to those family gatherings where everyone leaves the table happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who says you have to choose between pizza and pasta? Here’s a dish that combines the best of both worlds in a way that’s both fun and practical for a weeknight dinner. Pizza Pasta Salad is loaded with all your favorite pizza toppings but served cold as a pasta salad, making it a hit at any family meal or gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest dishes that make a meal feel special. With just a few ingredients, these glazed carrots add a sweet touch to any dinner. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are so easy to make, and they’re a sneaky way to get kids to enjoy their vegetables. They’re tender, flavorful, and might just become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking for a healthy, flavorful option that’s far from boring? This salad is packed with crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. Chinese Chicken Salad is a great way to mix up the weekly meal routine with something light yet fulfilling. It’s a dish that proves salads can be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring the classic diner experience into your home with a dish that’s both nostalgic and tasty. This version of Salisbury steak combines ground beef with rich gravy, making it a comforting and fulfilling meal. Diner Style Salisbury Steak is perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re in the mood for something that feels a bit more special but is still easy to make, this is the dish for you. It’s inspired by a well-loved restaurant recipe and features grilled chicken with a mouthwatering topping of cheese, mushrooms, and bacon. Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or entertaining guests. It’s proof that you don’t need to go out to enjoy restaurant-quality meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

A sliced muffin with visible nuts and green specks is topped with butter and placed on a black plate.
Zucchini & Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

For those mornings when you want a quick breakfast that everyone will love, these muffins are a perfect choice. They’re loaded with the goodness of zucchini and the crunch of walnuts, making them a tasty way to start the day. Zucchini & Walnut Muffins are not just delicious; they’re also a smart way to sneak some extra veggies into your family’s diet. And the best part? They taste so good, no one will ever guess they’re eating their greens.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Here’s a dish that brings a fresh twist to the table. This salad is vibrant, full of flavor, and makes a perfect side or a light main course. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes combines the traditional elements of tabouli with a smoky hint from the tomatoes, adding depth to every bite. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their mealtime routine.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re looking for a hearty dish that comes together quickly, this skillet meal is a game-changer. It’s got everything you need: carbs, protein, and greens, all sautéed together for maximum flavor. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a one-pan wonder that saves on cleanup and delivers on taste. It’s sure to become a weeknight staple in your household.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Give your usual potato salad a makeover with this grilled version that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Asparagus adds a nice crunch and a touch of elegance to this familiar dish. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a side dish for your next family dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re ready to take your grilling game to the next level, these ribs are the way to go. They’re marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s guaranteed to make them a hit at any cookout. Korean Galbi Ribs are not only delicious, but they also offer a fun way to explore different flavors from around the world. It’s a dish that’s sure to bring everyone together, making it perfect for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. It combines orzo pasta with shrimp and a variety of fresh veggies, all dressed in a light and tangy dressing. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is perfect for those hot days when you’re looking for something fulfilling yet refreshing. It’s a salad that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew something so simple could turn out so great? With minimal effort, you can have a meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is the go-to recipe for those days when you’re short on time but still want a homemade dinner. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you take care of other tasks.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

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