Rice is a great staple food that can pair well with almost any dish. But after a while, eating rice as a side dish or main course can get a bit boring.
So, if you are looking for a change, we have compiled a list of 37 delicious and easy dinners that do not include rice.
These meals are easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you do not have much time to cook.
37 Easy Dinners Without Rice
1. Baked Chicken Parmesan
A classic Italian dish made with chicken breast, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Serve with a side of vegetables or garlic bread.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Frittata
A delicious and filling egg dish made with mushrooms, spinach, and cheese that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
3. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting stew made with beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery. Perfect for cold winter nights.
4. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
A healthy and protein-packed salad made with quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice.
5. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A classic salad made with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and croutons. Perfect for a light and healthy dinner.
6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A simple and flavorful pasta dish made with shrimp, spaghetti, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
7. Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops are a classic and delicious summertime dish. They’re relatively easy to make and can be customized with a variety of marinades and rubs.
8. Dijon Baked Salmon
Dijon baked salmon is a fantastic choice for a delicious and easy meal! This is a simple and flavorful recipe that highlights the tangy mustard and fresh herbs.
9. Vegetable Stir Fry
An easy and healthy stir fry made with your choice of vegetables and a savory sauce.
10. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers
Flavorful chicken skewers marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Serve with a side of hummus and pita bread.
11. Spaghetti Carbonara
A classic Italian dish made with spaghetti, bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.
12. Blackened Tilapia
A spicy and flavorful fish dish made with tilapia fillets and blackening seasoning.
13. Baked Greek Chicken
Tender and juicy chicken breasts baked with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
14. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese
A comforting and classic meal that never gets old. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra delicious meal.
15. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
A savory and sweet stir fry made with chicken, broccoli, and a homemade teriyaki sauce.
16. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
A vegetarian alternative to traditional beef or chicken enchiladas made with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans.
17. Cheesy Baked Ziti
An easy and comforting pasta dish made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and lots of gooey melted cheese.
18. Meatball Subs
A classic Italian sandwich made with homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and fresh-baked rolls.
19. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
A delicious and healthy meal made with chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice, herbs, and garlic.
20. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Smoky and savory pulled pork slow-cooked in the oven or in a slow cooker and served on a soft bun.
21. Shepherd’s Pie
A comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The perfect meal for a cold winter night.
22. Spicy Thai Basil Chicken
A flavorful and spicy Thai stir-fry made with ground chicken, basil leaves, chili peppers, and a savory sauce. Serve with steamed vegetables or lettuce wraps.
23. Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Salad
A hearty and nutritious salad made with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
24. Balsamic Glazed Salmon
A sweet and tangy glaze on perfectly cooked salmon fillets. Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables.
25. Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and tomatoes, then baked to perfection. Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
26. Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vegetarian stir-fry featuring tofu and a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful stir-fry sauce.
27. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Marinated portobello mushrooms grilled to perfection and served with a fresh salad or as a burger substitute.
28. Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and artichoke filling. Bake until the chicken is cooked through.
29. Butternut Squash Soup
A creamy and comforting soup made with roasted butternut squash, onions, and a touch of nutmeg.
30. Sausage and Peppers
A classic Italian dish featuring sautéed sausage and bell peppers in a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve on its own or with crusty bread.
31. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Create “zoodles” by spiralizing zucchini and tossing them with homemade pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes.
32. Lemon Butter Shrimp Scampi
A quick and tasty shrimp scampi dish made with a buttery lemon garlic sauce and served over your choice of pasta or zoodles.
33. Moroccan Chickpea Stew
A hearty and spiced stew made with chickpeas, vegetables, and a blend of Moroccan spices. Serve with couscous or a side of pita bread.
34. Teriyaki Salmon
Salmon fillets marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then broiled or grilled to perfection. Serve with steamed broccoli or rice alternatives like cauliflower rice.
35. Eggplant Parmesan
Breaded and baked eggplant slices, layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. A delicious and vegetarian twist on a classic Italian dish.
36. Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers
Skewer shrimp and a variety of vegetables, then grill or roast them for a flavorful and low-carb meal. Serve with a dipping sauce or a side salad.
37. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and easy stir-fry made with tender slices of beef, broccoli, and a savory ginger-soy sauce. Perfect when served with cauliflower rice or on its own.
Final Thoughts,
Eating rice every day can get boring, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition.
These 37 easy dinners are perfect for mixing things up in the kitchen and they are all delicious without the addition of rice. From healthy salads to hearty stews, there is something for everyone on this list.
So, go ahead and try something new tonight and enjoy a delicious dinner without rice.
