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Home » Recipe Collections

33 Lazy Fall Recipes That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Published: Aug 30, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Lazy fall recipes are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something great without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are all about easy, no-fuss meals that bring those cozy fall vibes to your table. Think of hearty, comforting dishes that are super easy to throw together after a long day. You don't need to be a master chef to whip up these dishes—just a few simple ingredients and a little time, and you'll have a fantastic meal ready to enjoy. So, kick back and let these recipes make your fall nights a little easier and a lot more satisfying.

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe (3 Ingredients Only!). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Daikon Salad

Overhead image of daikon salad served in a plate.
Daikon Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A quick daikon and carrot salad with a refreshing sweet and sour dressing comes together in under 10 minutes. This light dish adds a crisp and refreshing element to any meal, ideal for when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Daikon Salad

Vegan Cabbage Fritters

An overhead image of cooked cabbage fritters in a pan.
Vegan Cabbage Fritters. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan fritters, or pakoras, filled with cabbage and onions, are a comforting snack perfect for colder weather. They offer a warm, flavorful option for tea time or as an appetizer during the fall season.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cabbage Fritters

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side.
Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A cranberry pecan salad with tangy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans is a quick and nutritious option. Tossed in a zesty dressing, this salad is ready in 10 minutes, making it a great protein-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Savory Bombay Toast

Close-up image of savory bombay toast on a white plate, with a fork and knife placed beside the plate.
Savory Bombay Toast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Savory Bombay toast, featuring jalapenos and Indian spices, adds a spicy twist to traditional French toast. This dish is a great choice for a hearty breakfast, especially on cool fall mornings.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bombay Toast

Korean Street Toast (Gilgeori Toast)

A close up image of cooked gilgeori toast.
Korean Street Toast (Gilgeori Toast). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy a delicious Korean street toast with cabbage, carrots, eggs, and a mix of Korean spices, ready in just 15 minutes. This easy breakfast adds a fun and flavorful twist to any morning routine.
Get the Recipe: Korean Street Toast (Gilgeori Toast)

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This classic bucatini cacio e pepe, featuring just three ingredients, is adapted from a favorite Roman recipe. It offers a quick way to enjoy authentic pasta, making it a great choice for easy fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Spinach Avocado Salad

An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background.
Spinach Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A spinach and avocado summer salad, featuring cherry tomatoes, radishes, and cotija cheese, is finished with a lemony vinaigrette. It's a fresh and light option for summer cookouts, perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick and easy fried rice made with day-old rice and whatever ingredients you have on hand is a practical choice for busy nights. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Kale Harvest Salad

An overhead image of kale salad in a large serving bowl.
Kale Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A fall kale salad featuring carrots and dates comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a nutritious choice for weeknight meals. Its quick preparation time makes it a convenient option for enjoying seasonal flavors.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Roasted Kabocha Squash

Close-up of baked kabocha squash slices seasoned with sesame seeds.
Roasted Kabocha Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This roasted kabocha squash recipe requires only a few ingredients, making it a straightforward option for busy home cooks. It's a simple way to enjoy the rich flavors of fall in a vegan-friendly dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kabocha Squash

Homemade Refried Beans

An overhead view of a bowl of refried beans with a spoon beside it.
Homemade Refried Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan refried beans are a simple one-pot, 20-minute recipe that offers a flavorful alternative to canned beans. With its quick preparation, this dish is perfect for any meal, especially during the fall.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Refried Beans

Kale Salad With Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This kale salad with cranberries, zesty lemon, and crunchy nuts provides a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ready in just 5 minutes, it complements any main course as a quick and refreshing fall side dish.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A close up image of air fryer brussels sprouts.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Prepare crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, simply seasoned with avocado oil, salt, and pepper, in under 30 minutes. This quick recipe makes it easy to enjoy a tasty fall side dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Easy Mango Salsa

An overhead image of mango salsa in a serving plate.
Easy Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This homemade mango salsa, made with fresh ingredients, adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Quick to prepare, it's a great accompaniment for tacos, meats, or fish, making it a vibrant option for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mango Salsa

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious stovetop side dish that’s ready in 25 minutes. The combination of broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and a simple cream sauce makes it a tasty option for fall.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turn simple rice into a show-stopping meal with garlic, ginger, and tender chicken chunks. This easy one-dish recipe is a convenient way to enjoy a hearty meal that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Air fryer Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Enjoy crispy Brussels sprouts in just 10 minutes with this simple air fryer recipe, needing only six ingredients. High in fiber and nutrients, it’s a quick and easy side dish for any weeknight fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites deliver juicy, tender chicken pieces cooked in a delicious buttery garlic sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for quick fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This easy tuna pesto pasta, with burst cherry tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, is a perfect weeknight meal. Quick to prepare, it’s an effortless way to enjoy comforting pasta in the fall.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

A plate of Chinese honey chicken over rice with chopsticks.
15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick weeknight meal that combines chicken breasts and thighs in a crave-worthy sauce. This easy recipe offers a delicious and satisfying dinner, perfect for busy fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach recipe features shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk, all cooked in one pan. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful yet straightforward dish perfect for fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These versatile Italian Chicken Cutlets are quick to make, delivering a salty, crispy, and savory experience. Perfect for busy evenings, they add a satisfying element to any fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

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.

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa features sweet corn, tangy lemon and lime, and smoky roasted poblano peppers. This versatile salsa is great as a dip, taco topping, or salad enhancer, adding zest to any fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Tomato Burrata Salad

An assembled tomato burrata salad with sliced basil and burrata on a cutting board and a bowl of chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Tomato Burrata Salad elevates a classic caprese with vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes, fresh burrata, and tangy balsamic reduction. This salad is a perfect, refreshing choice for warm fall days.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Air Fryer Pizza

A pizza is being cooked in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Pizza offers a quick way to enjoy a crispy crust and melty cheese without heating a traditional oven. Ideal for busy weeknights or pizza nights, it’s a fun twist on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Ninja Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chops on a white plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tomahawk pork chops, with a flavorful rub and a hint of smoke, are a quick and impressive dish for any occasion. Easy to prepare on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, they bring bold flavors to the fall table.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.
Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Treat yourself to a comforting bowl of Navy bean and ham soup, an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for fall. With its hearty flavors, this soup is sure to leave you feeling content.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Indian-Style Okra Curry (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table.
Indian-Style Okra Curry (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Bhindi Masala Gravy (Okra Curry) is an easy Indian stir-fry featuring fresh okra, onions, and tomatoes. This dish offers mild heat and a rich aroma, making it a comforting option for fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye's Copycat)

Blackened chicken tenders in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye's Copycat). Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Juicy blackened chicken tenders capture the essence of a popular fast-food favorite but are healthier and more budget-friendly. This simple recipe brings bold flavor to your table without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye's Copycat)

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops offer a flavorful, crispy meal without the need for frying, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and a favorite among families.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Aglio Olio e Peperoncino brings pasta together with garlic, rich olive oil, fresh basil, and spicy Calabrian chili peppers. This quick dish offers a burst of flavor, making it a great choice for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Hash Browns

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

Crispy hash browns are an easy breakfast side dish that combines grated potatoes with simple seasonings. Golden brown and tender inside, they’re a great choice for fall mornings or holiday brunches.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Panko Crusted Rockfish

panko crusted rockfish on a plate with spinach.
Panko Crusted Rockfish. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Panko Crusted Rockfish provides a light yet satisfying meal with a crispy coating that adds texture and flavor. Ready in about 25 minutes, this dish offers a comforting seafood option for fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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