You know how it goes; you’re sitting around scrolling through Pinterest, and you see a recipe that looks so delicious you just have to make it for dinner tonight… until you see the long list of ingredients. Your pantry is probably stocked with the basics like olive oil, garlic and salt + pepper, but when a dish calls for things you hardly ever use, it can quickly loose its appeal. But don’t give up and head for the drive thru just yet! Here are 21 recipes that you can make with just three simple ingredients.

1. French Market Chicken With Herbed Potatoes: The only thing simple about this recipe is the ingredients. Impress your friends with a whole roast chicken on a bed of crispy red potatoes and fresh herbs. Bon appetit! (via Refinery29)

2. Root Beer Pulled Pork: Barbecue sauce is a summertime necessity. The next time you get a hankering for that sweet smokey flavor, try these pulled pork sandwiches. They’re sure to have you coming back for seconds! (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)

3. Potato Gnocchi Pasta: Transform ordinary kitchen staples like potatoes, eggs and flour into light and fluffy gnocchi. Grab that half used jar of pasta sauce that’s been hanging out in the back of the fridge and you’ve got a meal just asking to be devoured. (via Eugenie Kitchen)

4. Veggie Burger: Craving a burger but not the beef? Blend together tempeh, egg and harissa (a red chili paste), and you’ll get a veggie burger that is not only filling and but also packed with flavor and protein. (via Earthy Feast)

5. Nutella Crescent Rolls: Some recipes are better left uncomplicated. And when the end result is a flaky crescent roll filled with warm Nutella and topped with powdered sugar, you’ll know why. (via Life Tastes Like Food)

6. Sweet and Sour Meatballs: Don’t know what to bring to the next potluck? These meatballs are a real crowd pleaser, and since you’re making them in the crockpot, you won’t have to rush at the last minute. They’ll be ready when you are. (via Frugal Fanatic)

7. Avocado Chicken Salad: Dress up leftover chicken with avocado, cilantro and salt and pepper and make something you won’t mind eating two days in a row. Enjoy it on a bun or as a filling for lettuce wraps! (via Hip 2 Save)

8. Chili: Sometimes you just need a good hearty meal but don’t have time to stand around a simmering pot all day. Now you can have the best of both worlds. This chili is great on its own but would also be a good way to use up any leftover veggies hanging out in your crisper. (via I Heart Naptime)

9. Watermelon Granita: Kick back and cool down with a bite of this easy to make granita. The prep work takes a little patience but is worth it. Save the watermelon rind and repurpose as a serving bowl for a fancy display. (via The Kitchn)

10. Apple Juice Chicken: This recipe may have been created by accident but our love was meant to be. Coated in a sauce of reduced apple juice, it is one dish you’ll never pass up. (via Oatmeal With a Fork)

11. Peanut Butter Cookies: We all have days where the only cure is a sweet treat. Use up that half empty jar of peanut butter in your cabinet and make something worth Instagraming. #yum! (via Barefeet in the Kitchen)

12. Mini Strawberry Pies: Everything is better when it’s bite sized. These pies are no exception. Bring them to brunch or your BFF’s bridal shower. Whatever the occasion, people will think you slaved away all day. (Your secret is safe with us.) (via Brit + Co)

13. Homemade Butterfingers: No more late-night trips to the store to satisfy your sweet tooth, now you can give in to the urge with this no-bake recipe. (via Bless This Mess)

14. Pineapple Skewers: The perfect combination of savory and sweet, pineapple and chicken skewers are an easy way to serve up big flavor. In the off-chance you don’t eat them all at once, they make a great second day lunch served over rice. (via Brit + Co)

15. Summertime Salsa: Salsa is good on just about everything and can add a punch to even the blandest meals, so it’s important to have a go-to recipe. This one is foolproof! (via South County AZ)

16. Grapefruit Avocado Salad: Expand your taste buds with an unlikely, yet strangely delicious, flavor combination of tart pink grapefruit and thick slices of avocado. Light and refreshing, this is one salad that will help you keep your cool all year round. (via Shop Sweet Things)

17. Cheesy Monkey Bread: A recipe made up entirely of cheese, bread and butter? There is no way this could go wrong! (via Brit + Co)

18. Hummus: A perfect spread for sandwiches or dip for pita chips, hummus is a healthy and versatile condiment or snack to have in your kitchen. Make a big batch and it will stay good for at least a week… if it lasts that long! (via The Space Between)

19. Pumpkin Bread: Pumpkin-spice season is quickly approaching but with this easy recipe you can get your fix any day of the year. It’s so good you might even be tempted to share. Please? (via Bower Power)

20. Garlic Cheddar Biscuits: Biscuits are a great companion to any meal, from soup to salad, and since these are so easy to make you’ll be able to whip up a batch in a snap. (via Two Twenty One)

21. Gin Tarragon Cocktail: Everyone should have a simple, but impressive cocktail recipe in their arsenal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner party or just getting together with the girls, this is one drink that is always on the VIP list. (via Freutcake)

Which three ingredients are hanging around in your pantry? Spill the beans below!

Ashley Tyler
A South Florida native, Ashley is a new mom who is just trying to figure it all out while still finding time to blog at TWO TYLERS AND A BABY. There, she shares bits of her everyday life, DIY projects, recipes and everything in between.