23 no-fuss recipes you can make in a time crunch

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I know how busy life can get, so here are 23 no-fuss, time-saving recipes for you. They’re perfect for any time you find yourself in a pinch and need to put something together quickly. Trust me, these easy-peasy meals will save the day, and they taste amazing too. Just give ’em a try and you’ll see what I’m talking about!

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to spice up your meals in a snap? Whip up some Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Mix corn, lime juice, and a few other ingredients, and there you have it! A sweet and tangy salsa, ready to compliment your meals. And all this in the blink of an eye.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla.
Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who doesn’t love a good quesadilla, especially when you can have it in a snap? Just fill a tortilla with cheese, pop it into your air fryer, and you’ve got an ooey-gooey treat. Quick, cheesy deliciousness – no fuss, no muss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
25 Minute Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re hungry, and that hunger can’t wait, this 25-minute Black Bean Burger’s got your back. Just mash black beans, mix with some spices, shape ’em into patties, and you’re set. Fast food, but homemade and so much better for you.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving something tangy and creamy to upgrade your pasta or salad? Pick up an avocado and whip up our speedy avocado sauce. Mash it, mix it, and you’re done. It’s an effortless way to add that extra zing to your meals without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Tortilla Pizza

Four tortilla pizzas on a wooden cutting board.
Tortilla Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need an instance pizza fix? Let’s turn to Tortilla Pizza. It’s simple: layering sauce and cheese onto a tortilla, topping it with your go-to toppings, and baking. In a short time, your tortilla pizza dish is ready to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

It’s all about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary. Like with these Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time. Just heat, season, and stir – and you’ve got a delicious side dish ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Grape Salad

Homemade fresh grape salad in a serving bowl with walnuts scattered on top.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, simpler is just better. Enter – our grape salad. It’s as quick and easy as washing and tossing some grapes together. Add a squeeze of lime or some mint leaves if you feel fancy. There you go – a refreshing, throw-together salad when you’re on the clock.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Remember those leisurely weekend waffle breakfasts? No time for that? Well, think again! With our quick waffle recipe, you can have those fluffy, golden pieces of heaven on your plate even on busy weekdays. These will brighten your mornings without taking much of your precious time.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says you can’t mix healthy and flavorful? Our Pizza Salad does just that. Take your favorite veggies, sprinkle some mozzarella, add a quick drizzle of pizza sauce, toss it together, and it’s good to go. It’s a delicious “healthy pizza” made in a snap!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Cacio e Pepe

A plate of spaghetti with parmesan cheese on a green cloth.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

In a serious rush but need something sumptuous to eat? Then let’s whip up some Cacio e Pepe, the Italian masterpiece. It’s just pasta, cheese, and pepper – basic pantry items doing the magic. Quick to prepare, hearty, and delicious, it’s a time-crunch lifesaver.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Do you have a handful of ingredients and just a few minutes to spare? No worries, make some egg bites! Whisk together your eggs, toss in some cheese or veggies, and pop it all into a muffin tin. Simple as that; you’ve got a protein-packed bite to fuel your day in no time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fried asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’ve got an air fryer, try our Asparagus air-fry recipe. It’s as simple as tossing the asparagus spears into your air fryer and setting the timer. Crispy, healthy, and ready in no time, it’s convenient to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Mashed Potato Fritters

A stack of mashed potato fritters.
Mashed Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got some leftover mash? Turning them into Mashed Potato Fritters! Mix, shape, and fry – you’ll end up with crispy delights ready to be devoured in a jiffy. It’s the perfect solution to the ‘too busy to cook’ dilemma.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

We all need a little sweet treat now and then. These Lemon Cookies are your answer to a quick, delicious dessert. Mix, shape, bake, and you’re looking at citrusy delights ready to be enjoyed. And the best part? It’s all done in a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Veggie Pizza

Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza.
Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a quick, healthy dinner option? Veggie Pizza is your answer. Spread your favorite veggies over a pizza base, bake and enjoy! It’s a great way to pack in your nutrients without missing out on taste and, best of all, it’s done in no time.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A classic made quick and easy, these hassle-free Hash Browns will hit the spot. Just shred some potatoes, season, and cook. It’s a deliciously crispy side, ideal for your busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.
Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s another quick salad for you – tomato, cucumber, and onion. Just slice ’em up, toss ’em together, and your refreshing salad is ready to enjoy. Trust me, even on the busiest days, this one’s a breeze to put together.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Hot Fudge Sauce

Hot fudge sauce being stirred in a pan.
Hot Fudge Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Maybe you’ve got a sudden sweet craving, or the kids demand a dessert. Either way, our hot fudge sauce got you covered. Melt, mix, pour over whatever you’d like – dessert is served! And all of this in just a few speedy minutes.
Get the Recipe: Hot Fudge Sauce

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

In a hype to put something delicious together? Look no further than our Easy Caprese Salad. Just a couple of ingredients, and a couple of minutes, and you’ve got an appetizing, fresh-tasting salad, ready to wow your palate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Baked Brie

A baked brie with walnuts and thyme, with a jar of honey next to it.
Baked Brie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy a warm, melty cheese delight? Check out this baked brie. Place the brie on a baking sheet, bake, and you’re all set. This elegant, luxurious treat is deceptively simple and quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Fajita Seasoning

Homemade fajita seasoning in a bowl with a spoon in it.
Fajita Seasoning. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to add some zing to your regular meals? Pull out our fajita seasoning recipe. Mix a few spices together and there you have it, a fiery mix ready to spice up your meals in a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Seasoning

Avocado Salad

Avocado salad with dressing in a serving bowl.
Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Love avocados? Perfect, time to throw together an Avocado Salad. Cube your avocado, toss in other veggies if you want, add some dressing, and you’re good to go. Quick, healthy, and oh-so tasty – all made in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A delicious and simple pasta recipe topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

In a rush? Got pasta? Great! Let’s do Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. This one’s as easy as cooking pasta and sautéing garlic in olive oil. Simple, speedy, and delicious. Save this recipe for when you’re strapped for time.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

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