Hasselback Tomato Clubs
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutty Chicken Fingers
Watch the room light up with smiles when you bring this fun dish to the table. Our children love the crunchy nut coating on these chicken strips. And with only a handful of ingredients, preparation is a snap. —Beba Cates, Pearland, Texas
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wraps
This recipe has a real kick and is one of my husband’s favorites. It’s ready in a flash, easily doubled and the closest thing to restaurant Buffalo wings I’ve ever tasted in a light version. —Jennifer Beck, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Strawberry Rhubarb Cream
A friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Whole Wheat Fettuccini with Fresh Corn, Tomatoes, Spring Onion, Red Pepper and Feta
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with the best of fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a little feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that, as good as they taste, they’re also good for them. —Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Turkey Sandwich with Raspberry-Mustard Spread
My hearty sandwich has different yet complementary flavors and textures. Make it even cozier by adding slices of cooked sweet potato. —Sarah Savage, Buena Vista, Virginia
Peach Smoothie
Whip up this creamy concoction as a refreshing and nutritious snack or a quick chilled breakfast. Because you can use frozen fruit, you don't have to wait until peaches are in season to enjoy this delicious smoothie. —Martha Polasek, Markham, Texas
Cobb Salad Club Sandwich
You’ll never have to choose between a salad and a sandwich again. With its generous ingredients piled club-style high, we affectionately call it the “Alpha Clobb Sandwich”! —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
Penne with Veggies and Black Beans
Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
Copycat Chicken Salad
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and your family will love it. The sweet pickle relish gives it its signature taste. I like to use a thick, crusty oat bread for this sandwich. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Cobb Salad Wrap Sandwiches
These wraps are easy for a summer night—and even better, I don't have to turn on my oven. It's smiles all around when I make this for dinner. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Cheesecake Berry Parfaits
Berry season is always such a treat for me. This dessert is an easy way to enjoy cheesecake and a refreshing change from traditional pudding and fruit parfaits. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
Skillet Ham & Rice
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
Chocolate Chip, PB & Banana Sandwiches
I love finding new ways to combine peanut butter, chocolate and bananas. I was shocked when my nephews (who are very picky eaters) loved these sammies. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Southwestern Fish Tacos
These tacos, native to Southern California, are a real treat. This recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Chicken Curry for Two
I love to try new recipes for my husband and me, and I actually have cookbooks and recipes from all over the world. When I find a recipe that’s well-received, I make a copy and put it in a protective sleeve in a loose-leaf binder. I now have quite a few huge binders! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cranberry-Banana Smoothies
When the big meal is over, I make a smoothie using leftover cranberry sauce. Don’t have a frozen banana? Use a regular banana and add more ice. —Gina Fensler, Cincinnati, Ohio
Buffalo Sloppy Joes for Two
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Turkey Salad on Wheat Bread
When one of my favorite lunch spots closed, this recipe let me hold on to more than just good memories. The peas, bacon and cheese are such a fun and springy combo. I make big batches of the salad for parties—turns out I'm not the only fan! —Merrijane Rice, Kaysville, Utah
Tacos in a Bowl
This easy skillet dish offers a tasty use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for added Southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Zippy Egg Salad
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel Hair
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It’s easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Mixed Berry Sundaes for 2
Before serving yogurt sundaes, get ready for requests for seconds. Our family enjoys them for breakfast, but they're sweet enough for dessert. What an easy way to get our fruit and calcium. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwiches
A memorable pesto salmon I tried in Hawaii inspired these super convenient sandwiches. Pack them in a lunch or serve them on a brunch buffet.—Sherryl Vera, Hurlburt Field, Florida
Deli Turkey Lettuce Wraps
I used to make these during my training days when I worked at a restaurant in Hawaii. They're low-fat, low-carb, high-protein, quick and delicious—a great choice before or after a workout. —Duncan Omarzu, Astoria, New York
Berry Smoothie Bowl
We turned one of our favorite smoothies into a smoothie bowl and topped with even more fresh fruit and a few toasted almonds for a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Crabmeat Boats
I've been making this recipe for more than 40 years. You can also spread the filling on small rolls and serve them as an appetizer. —June Strang, Grand Blanc, Michigan
Easy Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
This is an old recipe that has been passed down in our family through my sister-in-law. When I was a child, she did most of the cooking in our house, and this was my favorite meal. The variety of vegetables makes this an attractive dish, and the cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Toasted Clubs with Dill Mayo
Simple to prepare, eye-appealing and loaded with flavor, this bistro-style sandwich couldn't be better! —Jenny Flake, Gilbert, Arizona
Peanut Turkey Satay
I found this recipe years ago and immediately served it for a company dinner. It’s easy and fun and takes only minutes to cook, but it makes a fancy entree for special occasions. The peanut butter and soy sauce lend a nice Asian flavor. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
Sweet and Spicy Peanut Butter-Bacon Sandwiches
I craved peanut butter and bacon toast while pregnant. Then I sampled a friend's peanut butter with chile pepper in it and loved it. The little zip made the sandwich better. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio
Thick Strawberry Shakes
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Loaded Avocado BLT
My husband invented this twist on a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I like to make it with extra slices of bacon; if you want, you can leave the Gorgonzola cheese out of the avocado spread. —Lori Grant, Kingsport, Tennessee
Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family, while not sacrificing on health or flavor. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Lemon Cream Delight
Indulging in this creamy dessert is like eating cheesecake out of a bowl. Light and luscious, it's a pleasing finish to any meal. —Inge Schermerhorn, Kingston, New Hampshire
Grilled Hummus Turkey Sandwich
I created this toasted sandwich last summer using homemade hummus and veggies from our garden. We really can't get enough! —Gunjan Gilbert, Franklin, Maine
BLT Skillet
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Barley Beef Burgers
Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan
PBJ on a Stick
I always try to come up with new ways to serve lunch to my kids. This recipe was a hit! —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Ground Beef Wellington
Trying new recipes is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s also the most gratifying. What could beat the smiles and compliments of the ones you love? This recipe is easy and fancy, perfect for when it’s just you and one kid or a friend. —Julie Frankamp, Nicollet, Minnesota
Sea Scallops and Fettuccine
This luscious and lemony pasta dish is so easy, it's become one of our weekly meal mainstays. But it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. —Donna Thompson, Laramie, Wyoming
Salmon Bean Wraps
Here’s a healthy wrap low in saturated fat and full of the wonderful nutrients in avocado, black beans and smoked salmon. It’s super easy and perfect for a quick lunch. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Mocha Pudding Cakes
These mouthwatering mini cakes make the perfect treat for a twosome. My mom used to make these when I was a little girl. Now I whip them up for a speedy dessert. —Debora Simmons, Eglon, West Virginia
Chicken Gyros
This yummy chicken gyro recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just take tender chicken, coat it in a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, then tuck it into pita pockets. Some folks like lettuce and diced tomato on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The post 45 Picnic Food Ideas for Couples appeared first on Taste of Home.
Annamarie Higley