From zero to hero: 18 delicious and foolproof recipes for beginners

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Whether you’re a kitchen novice or just looking to build your culinary confidence, these foolproof recipes for beginners will take you on a delicious journey, ensuring success in every dish without breaking a sweat!

Salmon, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and roasted fingerling potatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Furikake Salmon

Furikake topped salmon on a white plate surrounded by sliced limes.
Furikake Salmon. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy-peasy baked salmon is marinated in a mouthwatering blend of soy, sugar, ginger, garlic, and jalapeño. A brush of mayo and a sprinkle of furikake take it to the next level, delivering a deliciously rich, savory, sweet, and oh-so-easy weeknight dinner that’ll have your family begging for more!
Get the Recipe: Furikake Salmon

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Say goodbye to kitchen stress with these Cast Iron Chicken Thighs! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe guarantees a beautifully crisp, savory, and salty exterior, while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Avocado Toast

Avocado tartine on a blue plate.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy recipe combines toasted bread, creamy avocado, luscious cream cheese, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, and a burst of tart lime juice. Perfect for any meal of the day!
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Elote Bowl

An elote bowl surrounded by cilantro, a halved lime, a white linen, and a glass of beer.
Elote Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This delicious Mexican street corn is made easy by using frozen roasted corn. Just serve this up with your favorite protein for a perfect meal!
Get the Recipe: Elote Bowl

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Air fryer turkey burger on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Turkey Burger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These super easy turkey burgers boast a juicy and perfectly seasoned patty, a crispy toasted bun, and all your favorite toppings. This quick, easy, and flavorful recipe is a game-changer for any weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Grilled, sliced chicken on a white plate with cilantro crema.
Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This perfect summer meal features juicy marinated and grilled chicken breast, topped with a creamy and tangy cilantro crema. It’s a mouthwatering combination that’ll have you savoring every delightful bite, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a lively summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Crema

Hearty Marinara Sauce

A closeup on hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon.
Hearty Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Making homemade marinara is so much easier than you think! This delicious sauce is made with hand-crushed tomatoes, sautéed garlic and onion, rich olive oil, fresh basil, and flavorful Italian herbs. It’s a recipe that will transport you straight to Italy with every delectable spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Marinara Sauce

Italian Grinder Sandwich

Overhead shot of a grinder sandwich on a marble serving plate.
Grinder Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

There’s no cooking needed with this incredibly flavorful Italian Grinder Sandwich. This recipe combines savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, onions, zesty pepperoncini, and a bright vinaigrette, all piled high on a crusty Italian loaf!
Get the Recipe: Italian Grinder Sandwich

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Instant Pot chicken stew in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Simplify your dinner routine with this Instant Pot Chicken Stew. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken thighs, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic thyme for a simple, warming, and delicious dinner that comes together in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Pesto orzo salad on two black plates.
Orzo Pesto Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy, vibrant pasta salad highlights bold ingredients like basil pesto sauce, crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and peppery arugula. It’s a bright, fresh, and flavorful salad that will transport you to a sunny Mediterranean paradise!
Get the Recipe: Orzo Pesto Salad with Sundried Tomatoes

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Salmon, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and roasted fingerling potatoes on a blue sheet tray.
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy and delicious dinner pairs Dijon, brown sugar, and chipotle-rubbed baked salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, sweet burst cherry tomatoes, savory asparagus, and fragrant thyme. It’s the perfect sheet pan recipe for a quick and tasty weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables in a roasting pan.
Spicy Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Classic roasted vegetables like zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, and red onions get an upgrade with a blend of spices. It’s a simple twist that will transform your veggie game from ordinary to extraordinary!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetables

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Tuna pesto pasta on a white plate with a copper fork.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This simple and quick recipe combines al dente pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, and flaked tuna. It’s a weeknight meal that will have you savoring each delightful bite!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Turkey egg and cheese sandwich on a white plate.
Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This crispy and creamy breakfast sandwich features savory turkey, perfectly cooked eggs, and melted cheese on a toasted English muffin. It’s perfect for any meal of the day!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Tuna salad on piece of iceberg lettuce topped with red onion.
Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This extremely easy recipe swaps out traditional mayo for a zesty blend of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can make it creamy with Greek yogurt or keep it dairy-free, creating a guilt-free tuna salad that’s bursting with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad with Fresh Herbs

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This simple and delicious Mediterranean dish combines crispy romaine hearts, creamy feta cheese, fresh scallions and dill, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s the perfect side salad to accompany any meal! You can top it with a protein of your choice for a full meal, too.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Garlicky Spaghetti

Closeup of noodles coated in olive oil with chili flakes.
Aglio Olio d Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This spaghetti recipes pairs pasta with garlic cooked until just golden, rich olive oil, fresh basil, and chili peppers. It’s a recipe that celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients and brings the taste of Italy to your table!
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Spaghetti

Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Lemons, sweet peppers, thyme, and cherry tomatoes with baked chicken thighs on a sheet tray.
Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bring the flavors of summer to your dinner table with this Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. This easy weeknight meal features crispy, savory chicken thighs, fresh thyme, roasted sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and a bright squeeze of lemon. It’s a burst of incredible flavors that will make your taste buds sing!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

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