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Home Recipes Dinner Recipes

Dinners to Eat in May

Kristen Stevens
By: Kristen Stevens
Posted: 05/01/2026
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This is the time of year when dinner starts to feel lighter, brighter, and a little more relaxed. These are the kinds of recipes that lean into that shift—fresh, flavor-forward, and easy enough to make any night of the week.

A bowl of penne pasta with shrimp, creamy sauce, herbs, and a lemon wedge—perfect for May dinners—with the text dinners to eat in May overlaid.

This is the time of year when dinner starts to feel a little lighter, a little brighter, and a lot more relaxed. Windows are open, evenings stretch out just a bit longer, and suddenly you’re craving meals that feel fresh but still satisfying—things with a squeeze of lemon, a handful of herbs, or something sizzling on the grill.

This mix leans right into that shift. There’s a balance of quick weeknight dinners and a few that feel just a little special, all with big, vibrant flavors that don’t weigh you down. The kind of recipes you can throw together after a busy day or linger over outside with a glass of something cold—exactly how dinner should feel this time of year.

A bowl of shrimp pasta mixed with penne and herbs, topped with a lemon wedge and a fork resting inside, features a light lemony pasta sauce for a fresh, zesty finish.
Lemony Ricotta Pasta Sauce with Shrimp
This lemon ricotta pasta sauce with shrimp is made with creamy ricotta, parmesan, fresh lemon juice, and basil for a smooth, flavorful sauce. Tossed with tender shrimp and short pasta, it’s a quick, comforting dinner that’s bright, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights.
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A plate with crispy pork cutlet, breaded and sliced alongside unsliced pieces, served with lemon wedges and a side of mixed green salad.
Crispy Pork Cutlet – Your new favorite dinner!
This crispy pork cutlet recipe has been a total weeknight winner in my house—I’ve made it more times than I can count! The outside turns golden and crunchy (like, perfectly crunchy), and the inside stays juicy every single time. A squeeze of lemon and a simple salad on the side, and dinner feels a whole lot fancier than it actually is. It’s easy, satisfying, and seriously hard to mess up!
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Cashew shrimp in a white bowl with broccoli and rice.
Cashew Shrimp (20-minute recipe!)
Cashew shrimp is a sweet, sticky, and totally delicious recipe. Skip the takeout and make this easy dinner at home instead! 
4.86 stars (27 ratings)
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Hot honey chicken bowls on the dinner table
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe
These hot honey chicken bowls are as good as it gets! The crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken contrasts wonderfully with a bowl of rice, coleslaw, sweet pickles, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. You get all the good flavors and textures in every bite.
4.43 stars (7 ratings)
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Coffee Rubbed Steak, sliced medium-rare, and green beans served on a white plate.
Coffee Rubbed Steak Recipe
Recipe video above. This is one of my favorite ways to cook steak. It's seasoned with a incredible coffee flavored rub and then seared on medium heat, flipping the steak often so the spices don't burn. It's absolutely incredible!
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Meaty Lasagna Soup with Ricotta (30 Minutes!)
Recipe video below. While lasagna is one of my all-time favorite dinners, even making an easy lasagna can sometimes feel like too much work. That's why I came up with this lasagna soup recipe. It has all the flavors of traditional lasagna but is made into a soup in only 30 minutes. Don't skip the herbed ricotta topping – it's my favorite part!
5 stars (3 ratings)
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A hearty steak salad featuring sliced steak atop a mixed salad with arugula, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese, served with a fork on the plate.
Best Steak Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
This is the steak salad of your dreams! It's loaded with a juicy steak, your favorite veggies, and a creamy balsamic vinaigrette. It makes a delicious lunch or dinner salad!
4.75 stars (144 ratings)
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a bowl of roasted veggies for dinner with satay sauce
Roasted Veggie Dinner Recipe
This roasted veggie dinner is a quick weeknight meal. Fresh vegetables are roasted until crispy, then served with an irresistible almond butter satay sauce.
5 stars (43 ratings)
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Baked Salmon with Tomato Salsa on a white dinner plate
Baked Salmon with Tomato Salsa Recipe
This baked salmon with tomato salsa is one of those recipes you want to keep in your back pocket for a meal that's ready in 30 minutes. It's covered in a sweet and smoky rub and served with juicy roast tomato salsa. All you need now is a fork!
4.95 stars (20 ratings)
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two Baja Fish Tacos on a plate with avocado sauce
Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
Keep things fresh and flavorful with these Baja fish tacos. Perfectly seasoned white fish is tucked into warm tortillas with a colorful southwest slaw and creamy avocado dressing. This weeknight dinner is simple to make and ready in 30 minutes!
4.98 stars (36 ratings)
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Kristen Stevens

Kristen Stevens

Hi, I'm Kristen! I LOVE everything to do with food: making it, taking pictures of it, and (the best part) eating it. ♡♡♡

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Posted: 05/01/2026
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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Kristen Stevens

I’m a self-taught chef, food photographer, and author of the cookbook Sugar Free Dinner Recipes. Since 2011, I have been sharing my well-tested and approachable recipes, helping home cooks like you feel comfortable and confident in the kitchen. My work has been featured in Food & Wine, Pioneer Woman, The Every Girl, Self, and many more. Let’s have some fun cooking together!

Learn more!

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