10 Last-Minute Dinner Ideas When Nothing Sounds Good

Weeknights can feel like a constant battle against the clock. Use these last-minute dinner ideas to whip up when nothing sounds good and you're in a pinch! Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, these dinner ideas are the perfect solution to chaotic evenings.

Ground beef, cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a skillet with text below the image.

It's easy to fall into a rut when it comes to dinner and eventually, you become sick of your go-to recipes.

As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I strive to find the balance between new and unique dinners but also ones that are still fueling and high in protein (learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet).

The last-minute dinner ideas below are perfect for nights when you don't know what to make and nothing sounds delicious. Scroll through and find some new "fall-backs".

Why You'll Love These Recipes

Easy to make: These dinner ideas are all quick to whip up and require no fancy ingredients. Just everyday gluten-free pantry staples.

Flavorful: They're packed with simple flavors and range from a kick of heat to pure comfort.

Healthy: All the dinners are dairy-free, gluten-free, and high in protein to keep you full.

Spicy Chicken Bites

The best meal prep recipe you didn’t know you needed. If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying snack, appetizer, or dinner base, these spicy chicken bites will surely hit the spot! To learn more: Spicy Chicken Bites

Inside Out Egg Rolls

Inside out egg roll in a skillet with green onions on top and a wooden spoon and white plates behind it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

A delicious blend of savory and umami flavors these inside out egg rolls are a 25-minute variation on the classic recipe. It’s lighter, faster, and made in just one skillet to make busy weeknights easier. You’ll fall in love with his unstuffed egg roll recipe in no time.

Get the recipe: Inside Out Egg Rolls

Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Cooked chicken skillet, with cheese, pepper, avocado and cilantro on it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Juicy pieces of chicken coated in a homemade seasoning before being sauteed sticky in your favorite barbeque sauce. This chicken taco skillet hits the dinner table in just 30 minutes and makes for a delicious, simple weeknight meal.

Get the recipe: Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Chicken Teriyaki Broccoli Skillet

White bowl with teriyaki chicken pieces and broccoli with chopsticks beside it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

A 15 minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This chicken teriyaki broccoli skillet combines bite-sized, tender chicken cooked in a homemade, gluten-free teriyaki sauce. A dinner r

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Baking tray with cooked steak, bell peppers, and veggies with a steel bowl of fresh tomatoes in the middle and flour tortillas folded to the side — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

No mess and no fuss! These sheet pan steak fajitas make the perfect weeknight dinner recipe. Made with fresh veggies, lean beef, and homemade fajita seasoning, this easy, healthy dinner comes together in under 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey and lemon baked chicken thighs with parsley on top in a baking dish. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes with these ultra-juicy, honey-baked chicken thighs. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free this busy weeknight dinner comes together with just a handful of ingredients and makes for a burst of sweetness in every bite.

Get the recipe: Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

15 Minute Pesto Pasta

Creamy pesto pasta in a white bowl with ingredients around it — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

An easy, flavorful dinner recipe made in just 15-minutes. Made with dairy-free, basil pesto and gluten-free noodles, this creamy chicken pesto pasta makes the perfect weeknight meal. To learn more: Pesto Pasta.

Dairy-Free Cobb Salad

Whole30 cobb salad in a large yellow mixing bowl with a peach napkin and a measuring cup of dressing behind it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Refreshing crunchy bursts with a savory dressing this dairy-free cobb salad makes a tasty lunch or light dinner. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and tangy dressing this cobb salad will win over everyone at the table.

Get the recipe: Dairy-Free Cobb Salad

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken

Roasted chicken, potatoes, and asparagus with lemons on a baking tray on a checkered red linen. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Baked until juicy this gluten-free lemon chicken is made all on one pan for simple clean up! Mixed with a tangy lemon garlic flavor and paired with roasted potatoes and asparagus, this dairy and gluten-free chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. To learn more: Lemon Chicken

Spicy Turkey Meatballs

Multiple turkey meatballs on parchment paper with a jalapeno, steel tin of sauce, toothpicks, and green onions around them. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Packed with protein and a fiery kick these whole 30 turkey meatballs make a great weeknight dinner! Baked in the oven to juicy perfection these meatballs make a great 30-minute dinner recipe and can even be prepped in advance!

Get the recipe: Spicy Turkey Meatballs