These 27 main dishes are the kind that get noticed at any party. They’re reliable, flavorful, and satisfying enough to keep guests happy. Each recipe is straightforward and made with common ingredients you can find easily. If you want to serve something that stands out without too much hassle, these dishes deliver every time.
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe
Pan-fried sockeye salmon takes about 15 minutes and uses fresh salmon fillets seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The salmon cooks to a crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. It has a rich, slightly smoky flavor that stands out. This recipe is a quick, impressive main for any party.
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Pasulj Serbian White Bean Soup
Pasulj Serbian white bean soup takes around 2 hours and combines white beans, smoked meats, and vegetables. The result is a hearty, filling soup with deep smoky and savory flavors. It’s perfect for serving a crowd during colder months. This recipe delivers comfort in every bowl.
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Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein
Homemade gefilte fish with beet chrein takes about 1 hour and includes ground fish, eggs, and a fresh beet sauce. The fish has a mild flavor, balanced by the sweet and tangy beet topping. It’s usually served cold or at room temperature. This classic dish offers a refreshing, light option for gatherings.
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Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella takes about 1 hour and features chicken thighs cooked with olives, prunes, and capers. The flavor is a balanced mix of salty, sweet, and tangy notes that work well together. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare ahead. This recipe is a solid choice for effortless entertaining.
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Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts
Pomegranate chicken with walnuts cooks in about 1 hour using chicken pieces, pomegranate molasses, and toasted walnuts. The dish has a sweet and tangy flavor with a nice crunch from the nuts. It’s colorful and flavorful without being complicated. This recipe works well for guests looking for something different.
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Baked Creamy Salmon
Baked creamy salmon takes around 25 minutes and combines salmon fillets with a smooth lemon-herb cream sauce. The flavor is rich yet fresh, with a nice balance from the citrus. It’s a simple dish that feels a bit fancy. This recipe fits well when you want a quick but elegant main.
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Spicy Tofu Tacos
Spicy tofu tacos take about 30 minutes and feature tofu marinated in bold spices with fresh taco toppings like avocado and salsa. The tofu soaks up the heat and flavor, giving the tacos a satisfying bite. It’s a flavorful, filling choice for a vegetarian crowd. This recipe works great for casual parties.
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Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes
Oven-baked buttermilk chicken and potatoes take about 1 hour and use chicken marinated in buttermilk alongside roasted potatoes. The chicken is tender with a slight tang, while the potatoes are crispy on the outside. It’s a straightforward dish that fills plates easily. This recipe fits well for relaxed gatherings.
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Easy Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza
Easy garlic scape pesto pizza takes about 20 minutes and combines pizza dough with fresh garlic scape pesto and melted cheese. The pizza is herbaceous and flavorful with a crispy crust. It’s a quick dish that’s impressive to serve. This recipe works well as a shareable party food.
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Mujadara
Mujadara takes about 1 hour and features lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. The dish is hearty with earthy flavors and a sweet note from the onions. It’s a filling vegetarian main that appeals to many tastes. This recipe is a simple, satisfying option for gatherings.
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Homemade Matzo Ball Soup
Homemade matzo ball soup takes about 1.5 hours and combines light chicken broth with soft matzo balls. The soup is comforting with delicate flavors from fresh herbs and broth. It’s a classic dish often served at family meals and holidays. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser in cooler seasons.
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Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)
Chicken Colombian tamales take about 2 hours and include corn dough filled with seasoned chicken and spices wrapped in banana leaves. The dish has savory, well-spiced flavors with a tender texture. It’s a traditional recipe that impresses with its unique look and taste. This recipe fits well for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Colombian Tamales (Tamales Colombiano)
Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
Moroccan salmon sheet pan dinner takes about 30 minutes and includes salmon, vegetables, and Moroccan spices roasted together. The dish is aromatic with warm spices and bright lemon notes. It’s easy to prepare and serve to guests. This recipe brings bold flavors with minimal effort.
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Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Grilled chicken kofta kebabs take around 25 minutes and use ground chicken mixed with herbs and spices, formed onto skewers. The kebabs have a savory, slightly smoky flavor from the grill. They are easy to eat and popular at parties. This recipe fits well for casual outdoor gatherings.
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Grilled Scallops With Lemon, Mint, And Pinot Grigio Sauce
Grilled scallops with lemon, mint, and pinot grigio sauce cook in under 15 minutes with fresh scallops and a light white wine sauce. The dish tastes fresh and slightly citrusy with delicate seafood flavor. It’s a light, elegant main or starter. This recipe adds a refined touch to any party.
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Nordic Fire-Grilled Salmon
Nordic fire-grilled salmon takes about 20 minutes and features salmon grilled over open flames with simple seasoning. The fish develops a smoky flavor and crispy skin while staying tender inside. It’s a straightforward but impressive dish. This recipe is ideal for outdoor gatherings or BBQs.
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Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken And Veggies
Sheet pan paprika chicken and veggies takes about 40 minutes and includes chicken thighs, paprika, and mixed vegetables roasted together. The paprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the tender chicken and crisp veggies. It’s an easy dish with balanced flavors. This recipe works well for no-fuss entertaining.
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Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks take about 1 hour and feature chicken marinated with garlic, lime, and spices before baking. The drumsticks are juicy with a bright, tangy taste. It’s a simple but flavorful dish that goes well with rice or salad. This recipe is a reliable hit at gatherings.
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Baked Feta Pasta
Baked feta pasta takes roughly 30 minutes and combines cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and pasta baked until creamy. The dish tastes rich and tangy with a burst of roasted tomato flavor. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make option. This recipe is perfect for casual party meals.
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Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ground turkey stuffed peppers take about 45 minutes and are filled with ground turkey, rice, and tomato sauce. The peppers taste savory and hearty, with a mild tomato flavor. This dish is both filling and colorful on the plate. This recipe fits well for family-style dinners or gatherings.
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Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Greek vegetarian moussaka takes about 1 hour and layers eggplant, potatoes, and tomato sauce topped with béchamel. The dish is rich and savory with a creamy finish. It offers a satisfying meat-free option for any crowd. This recipe brings classic flavors with minimal effort.
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Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
Middle Eastern tofu rice bowl takes about 30 minutes and features tofu, spiced rice, and fresh herbs. The tofu absorbs the spices well, and the rice is fragrant and flavorful. It’s a filling, plant-based dish. This recipe is great for casual get-togethers.
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Mushroom Leek Pasta Kugel
Mushroom leek pasta kugel takes about 1 hour and combines pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and leeks with a creamy sauce. The dish has a savory, earthy flavor with a smooth texture. It’s a comforting side or main dish. This recipe works well for holiday parties or family dinners.
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Classic White Fish In White Wine Sauce
Classic white fish in white wine sauce takes around 25 minutes using white fish fillets simmered in a light wine sauce. The fish tastes delicate and fresh with subtle acidity from the wine. It’s a simple yet elegant main. This recipe is suitable for refined party menus.
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Green Shakshuka
Green shakshuka takes about 35 minutes and features eggs poached in a sauce of greens and herbs. The dish tastes fresh and slightly spicy with a rich texture. It’s a flavorful alternative to traditional shakshuka. This recipe is a great option for brunch or casual dinners.
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Roasted Salmon On A Bed Of Apples And Potatoes
Roasted salmon on a bed of apples and potatoes takes about 40 minutes and combines salmon fillets with roasted apples and potatoes. The dish has a sweet and savory mix of flavors with tender textures. It’s a balanced, one-pan meal. This recipe works well for fall or winter gatherings.
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Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema
Peach salmon skewers with peach jalapeno crema take about 30 minutes and feature grilled salmon and peaches with a creamy, spicy sauce. The dish balances sweetness from the peach with a mild heat from the jalapeno. It’s fresh and flavorful. This recipe adds a unique touch to any party spread.
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