16 Delicious Ways to Cook With Couscous, the Forgotten Pantry Staple

What's the easiest thing to cook for dinner?

In our experience, meals that feature a bunch of different ingredients thrown together (think poke bowls, burrito bowls, stews, and salads) end up being the easiest options to cook for dinner. Plus, they're a great way to clear out any leftovers you may have from the fridge!

What can I cook in 10 minutes?

Easy meals like air fryer salmon, scrambled eggs and toast, and our risotto cupscan be made in 10 minutes or less. You probably won't be able to make something like a chicken breast or casserole in 10 minutes, but that doesn't mean your dinner still can't be delicious!

What can I cook in 30 minutes?

In addition to the 10-minute meals mentioned above, there are plenty of recipes you can make in 30 minutes (some of them are right on this list!). You can also check out our Instant Pot Recipes and Air Fryer Recipes for some more quick and delicious meals.

What meals can I make for $5?

Meals like canned soup, frozen veggies, bagged salads, and other single-serve, pre-assembled meals usually fall under $5. Frozen pizza and spaghetti with marinara sauce are some other great hearty options!

Easy Dinner Recipes To Make Tonight

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

We love a good Instant Pot meal, and this creamy and delicious pasta dish does not disappoint. It's great for any day of the week, and the leftovers save really well to last you all week! (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Heart-Shaped Pizza

20-Minute Vegan Nachos

Nachos that have no animal byproducts and only take 20 minutes? BRB — we're adding this to our easy dinner recipes lineup for the week. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Steamed Cod With Ginger Scallion Sauce

This easy Instant Pot-made dish can be on your table in roughly 30 minutes. From a frozen state, the fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook! (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Pressure Cooker Vegan Chili

Easy dinner recipes are supposed to be simple. Just dump the ingredients for this pick into your pressure cooker, and you'll have enough food to feed a family, all in less than 30 minutes. (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

10-Minute Vegan Trader Joe's Stir-Fry

Keep a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies and frozen brown rice on hand, and you have the base of a healthy, fast meal you can enjoy for dinner and beyond. (via Brit + Co)

Mango Shrimp Curry

A jar of mango chutney acts as the base of this flavorful shrimp stir-fry. Talk about summery goodness! (via Brit + Co)

Pancetta Pasta

This hearty, saucy, and salty pasta inspired by none other than Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis is the perfect easy dinner idea to whip up on chilly nights. You can make some easy swaps if you don't have pancetta or Pecorino on-hand, using bacon and Parmesan instead. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Dinner Recipes To Try This Week

Vegan Veggie Sausage Foil Packs

Whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven, these foil packets require no cleanup. That's why they're one of the best easy dinner recipes to keep in your back pocket! (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Thai Basil Stir-Fry

Punchy Thai basil, chiles, and garlic add a burst of flavor to this simple ground chicken stir-fry. Serve with sticky white rice, so you can soak up every last bit of sauce. (via Ashley Bare for Brit + Co)

4-Ingredient Vegan Baked Ziti

Bake your pasta without having to boil it beforehand by giving it a quick soak. You'll be surprised at how much time you save with this easy dinner idea. (via Brit + Co)

20-Minute Pizza

Trader Joe's ready-made pizza dough saves the day for this easily customizable pizza idea. (via Meredith Holser forBrit + Co)

Keto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

A rotisserie chicken cuts a lot of the labor involved in assembling these lettuce wraps. You can even use canned chicken if a rotisserie is out of reach. Add blue cheese crumbles and walnuts for a meal that's a little more elegant than your usual chicken salad. (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Get the classic flavor of cacio e pepe in even less time than usual. Skip waiting for a pot of pasta water to boil, and swap your noodles for chickpeas instead. They have more protein, too! (via Audrey Bruno for Brit + Co)

Foil Pack Chicken & Broccoli

Seasoned with your favorite spices or marinade, these flexible chicken and broccoli packets can be changed up every time you make them for dinner. (via Jessi Devenyns for Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Tuscan White Bean Soup

We love easy dinner recipes that are hearty and perfect for winter! Start with this veggie-loaded soup, then add sausage, bacon, and Parmesan. (via Brit + Co)

Easy + Quick Dinner Ideas

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket

Three ingredients, 12 minutes, and vegetarian to boot — could it get any easier?! (via Melanie Burke for Brit + Co)

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, and Green Beans

We love everything about this simple and fresh sheet-pan chicken and veggies. Swap out the veg depending on what you've got in the fridge for an easy dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Sheet-Pan German Sausage and Veggies

Hearty vegan cooking doesn't have to take forever. Whip out your handy sheet-pan, and you'll be eating this medley of veggie sausage, potatoes, and cabbage in about 45 mostly hands-off minutes. (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Make These Fast Dinner Ideas Tonight!

Mexican-Style Hot Dogs in Lettuce Wraps

A jumble of veggies and black beans put a much fresher spin on traditional hot dogs. (via Patricia Conte for Brit + Co)

20-Minute Tahini Salmon Salad

The rich and nutty tahini dressing is the key to transforming this salmon salad into an scrumptious easy dinner recipe you'll actually get excited about eating. (via Brit + Co)

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio With All-O the Parsley

You will always have something to eat when you bust out this recipe, which calls for all pantry staples: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, anchovy, red pepper, and whatever herbs you have. (via Where Cooking Begins)

Easy Chicken Piccata

Whip up your this easy dinner recipe in just over a half hour with a cast iron pan! A side of pasta or mashed potatoes completes the meal perfectly. (via Munchkin Time)

Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast

Sneak in some veggies by sandwiching them in between slices of cheese and chicken. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Baked Greek Chicken Wings With Tzatziki

Chicken wings don't have to be a labor of love — this recipe bakes them on a sheet tray for easy clean-up. Tangy tzatziki dip on the side is a fresh alternative to ranch dressing! (via My Modern Cookery)

Tasty Easy Dinner Ideas

Bean Stuff Casserole

Cheesy bean casserole will please the whole fam any night of the week. (via Crazy for Crust)

15-Minute Spam Fried Rice

This quick fried rice dish is savory, salty, and protein-filled, thanks to the addition of Spam. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza

You won't think twice about adding more Brussels sprouts to your meals after you taste them in this smoky, cheesy pizza. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This stir-fry will please those on paleo, low-carb, or gluten-fee diets. Plus, it's thrifty in time and cost of ingredients. (via Wholesome Yum)

Chicken Scallopini

This classic pasta dish stars a few secret convenient ingredients you probably have in your pantry already. (via The Cozy Cook)

Chorizo Scallop and Kale Stir Fry

Spicy chorizo and sweet scallops cook up quickly in this kale-flecked stir-fry. (via Neil's Healthy Meals)

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil

Cooking this buttery salmon in foil means you've got an easy dinner recipe that has a very seamless cleanup. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Greek Chicken Sheet-Pan Dinner

Sheet-pan chicken gets a big boost of flavor with lemon, feta, olives, and roasted veggies. (via Laughing Spatula)

Hearty Easy Dinner Ideas For You!

Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops

Using the grill for these pork chops adds another nice layer of unexpected flavor. (via The Life Jolie)

Easy Dinner Recipes For Every Season

Honey Ham, Gouda, and Apple Quesadillas

This unique spin on the quesadilla is the tastiest answer for nights when you can't bear the thought of eating yet another grilled cheese. (via Simple Seasonal)

Kale and Shrimp Tortellini

Keep frozen tortellini on-hand for when you need to whip up some filling dinners in a flash. (via Goodie Godmother)

Lemon Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Loaded with veggies, these protein-packed lemon chicken quinoa bowls fill you up while fueling your body with good stuff. (via Foodal)

Margarita Chicken Quesadillas

Make your quesadillas into a more substantial meal by filling them with tequila-lime chicken. A dollop of sour cream on top, and dinner is served. (via Life as a Strawberry)

Mexican Shrimp Skillet

This savory Mexican shrimp skillet can be on the table and ready to eat in 20 minutes tops. (via Family Food on the Table)

Pasta With Peas & Ricotta

Creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheeses transform this pasta dish into a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese. (via Mindy's Cooking Obsession)

Quinoa Taco Salad

Skip the fried tortilla bowl, and add extra nutrition to your taco salad by including a healthy dose of quinoa. If you're still craving some crunch, sprinkle in a handful of pepitas. (via Fannetastic Food)

Coconut Lime Shrimp

Zesty shrimp cooks up in minutes for a seriously ideal meal any night of the week. (via Salt & Lavender)

Spicy Vietnamese Salad With Garlic Shrimp

This is not your average salad. Garlic shrimp, avocado, rice noodles, and lots of herbs combine for a hearty bowl with quite the kick! (via The Rustic Foodie)

Spinach & Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Bake these rolled chicken bites in the oven for a surprisingly easy and satisfying meal. (via Primavera Kitchen)

Tortellini, Pesto, and Asparagus Soup

A cozy soup featuring pasta and veggies is the fastest way to sate your comfort food cravings. Pesto contributes to the bright, herbaceous flavor of this easy dinner recipe. (via The Freelancer's Cookbook)

Tuna Panzanella

Adding a little protein to your favorite Italian bread salad makes it into a full meal. Use oil-packed Italian tuna for a luxurious touch. (via Inside the Rustic Kitchen)

Za'atar One Pot Chicken & Rice

Za'atar, a blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame, puts a Middle Eastern twist on this easy, one-pot chicken and rice dish. (via Living Sweet Moments)

High-Protein Wraps From Brit + Co

Keto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Whether you're chowing down on these wraps for a snack or a full meal, they'll hold a deliciously bright flavor that's super refreshing for a food break. (via Anna Monette Roberts forBrit + Co)

Vegan Lettuce Wraps

Originally developed by Chef Bai, these vegan lettuce wraps have all the ingredients you need to feel your best. (via Chef Bai for Brit + Co)

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Bulked up with plenty of flavorful chicken, these lettuce wraps are far from those lousy, low-protein recipes. (via Brit + Co)

High-Protein Wraps With Chicken

Greek Goddess Chicken Wraps

Roasted chicken, avocado, olives, cucumbers make this wrap an easy and delicious combo. Pair it with pita and go lighter on the carbs with lettuce. Either way, you'll find these will be your go-to lunch or dinner wrap year-round! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Buffalo Chicken + Avocado BLT Wrap

The secret ingredient here? Potato chips for extra crunch. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Your classic chicken teriyaki in a healthy lettuce wrap will keep your energy up, post-lunch. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Coconut Curry Wrap

These high-protein wraps host a flavorful kick of spices, perfectly paired with a little apple crunch. (via Whole Foods)

Mexican Chicken Quinoa Salad Wraps

Quinoa + beans + chicken = the high-protein trifecta. You won't find yourself reaching for a snack a few hours later, because this Mexican wrap will fill you up – and then some. (viaSpices in my DNA)

Greek Grilled Chicken + Hummus Wrap

This wrap is everything you love from your go-to Greek lunch spot. Did someone say CAVA dupe?! You have tons of veggies and olives, tangy feta cheese and chicken and hummus (both of which are full of protein) in these high-protein wraps. (via Cooking Classy)

Grilled Lemon Chicken Flatbread Wraps with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Take your leftover grilled chicken from dinner the night before, squeeze a lil' lemon on it, and whip up this wrap for lunch. Just add the homemade spicy garlic sauce to these high-protein wraps, and you have a whole new meal in your hands! (via The Cozy Apron)

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps

Take your lunch outside and enjoy it in the sunshine for once! When you get back to work after lunch, you’ll be reenergized from your Hawaiian-influences high-protein wraps, and your 30 minutes of vitamin D. (via Tastes Better From Scratch)

Grilled Chicken Naan Wraps with Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce

Playing around with different high-protein wraps is a fun way to switch up your mealtime routine. This grilled chicken wrap is housed in Indian naan bread and drizzled with a nutty red pepper tahini sauce. Dreamy! (via Tara’s Multicultural Table)

Chicken, Spinach & Cream Cheese Tortilla Wrap

You’ll feel like Popeye when you eat this chicken spinach wrap for lunch! Not only are these high-protein wraps filled with fresh spinach, they're also all wrapped up in a yummy spinach tortilla. (via Tried and Tasty)

California Chicken Club Wrap

Turn your favorite sandwich order into a portable feast! These chicken club high-protein wraps have a double-dose of protein from the bacon and chicken, and will keep you full until your work day is over. The recipe even incorporates fruit for a varied taste and texture. (viaTaste & Tell)

Grilled Chicken + Broccoli Wraps

Tender chicken and broccoli are seasoned to perfection with a cheesy filling in these high-protein wraps. This recipe is the best mix of delicious and healthy! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Chicken Caesar Wrap

You’re going to love this Caesar salad-inspired wrap. It has strips of tender chicken breast and a zesty homemade Caesar dressing made with protein-rich Greek yogurt. Get ready to make your salad-loving coworkers jeal-ous! (via Skinny Ms.)

BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Upgrade your classic BLT with tender chicken chunks, creamy avocado oil mayo, red onion, fresh chives and avocado for a healthy and hearty lunch or dinner. Yum! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Waldorf Chicken Salad Wrap

Apples and walnuts gives these high-protein wraps a delightful crunch. The protein-packed chicken salad included can be made in a big batch at the start of the week for an easy and healthy meal prep option! (via Salt & Lavender)

Kale Chicken Caesar Wrap

This Chicken Caesar wrap is a lot healthier since it uses a lighter homemade Caesar dressing, chicken breast, multigrain wraps and kale (which is full of good nutrients). (via The Girl on Bloor)

High-Protein Wraps With Egg

Mediterranean Egg Wrap

This versatile wrap is perfect for breakfast or lunch, and will keep you satisfied through whatever the work day brings. Dress it up with veggies and cheese for added taste. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Keto Breakfast Egg Wrap

This low-carb wrap is stuffed with chicken sausage, avocado, and jalapeño cream cheese for a heavenly breakfast bite. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Keto Egg Roll Wrap

These warm wraps are inspired by your favorite egg rolls – yum! They're keto-friendly and especially high in protein, thanks to the eggs and meat. You'll want to eat one every single day. (via A Spicy Perspective)

High-Protein Wraps With Beef + Pork

Beef + Lamb Shawarma Wrap

This Lebanese street food makes for a perfect lemony, garlicky savory lunch. Marinated beef and Greek yogurt give this recipe a boost of protein! (viaForks & Foliage)

Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps

These spicy pork wraps are so easy to make and ready in less than 20 minutes. Here's your high protein, gluten-free dinner to add to your dinner rotation! (via Averie Cooks)

Carnitas Tacos Lettuce Wrap

Crunchy, juicy, and delicious taco flavors swarm every bite of this lettuce wrap. Choose to wrap in lettuce or a tortilla, depending on your mood. (via The Endless Meal)

Steak Lettuce Wrap

Prefer to keep it light with lettuce wraps? You'll never miss a thing with this savory, steak-centered recipe. (via The Endless Meal)

Cuban Press

Panini-fy this wrap for a warm protein-packed lunch! (via Mission Foods)

Loaded Philly Cheese Steak Wraps

A good Philly cheese steak can be hard to find. Skip the search and make your own version into a portable wrap that’s totally desk-appropriate. (via Maebells)

Healthy Ham Wrap

Customize these high-protein wraps with your favorite veggies (or just any ingredients you have lying around), and you can have a healthy lunch on the table in just 10 minutes! (via Salt & Lavender)

Black + Blue Steak Wraps

It doesn’t get much more protein-filled than a steak wrap! Your work buddies will be begging for a taste of this steakhouse-style lunch at the office. (via Emily Bites)

High-Protein Wraps With Seafood

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

These fresh and tasty Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are full of flavor with lime, garlic and cilantro, plus a little guac and salsa! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Tuna Wrap

Walnuts, raisins, and capers give these tuna high-protein wraps a sweet n' salty vibe. If you don’t like mayo, try using Greek yogurt as your tuna salad binder instead, for added protein. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Spicy Tuna Wraps

Give your usual tuna salad a little zest by adding a squirt of Sriracha to the mix! Spread it on a whole wheat tortilla with some fresh veggies and you’re good to go! You could also get fancy with your high-protein wraps and use rice paper rolls with this recipe. (via Goodie Godmother)

Hot Honey Salmon Wrap

Here's a hot tip: add hot honey-glazed salmon, avocado, and a creamy scallion slaw for an instant lunch upgrade! (via Whole And Heavenly Oven)

High-Protein Wraps With Veggies

Easy Black Bean Wrap

Making sure you have enough protein is important, especially if you're a vegan eater. Black beans are a great plant-based source of protein, and go perfectly in this lunchtime wrap. (via Veggie Primer)

Vegan Grilled Sweet Potato + Mint-Tahini Cauliflower Rice Wraps

These vegan wraps are a light and healthy lunch option that won’t put you in a total food coma for the afternoon. Prep them on Sunday, and you can have a healthy lunch every day of the week. (viaFood Faith Fitness)

Portobello Mushroom Gyro

Seasoned with Mediterranean spices, these high-protein wraps are satisfyingly drizzled with a creamy tzatziki saucethat brings the protein. (via Live Eat Learn)

Green Goddess Wrap

Mashed avocado, arugula, purple cabbage, edamame, and zucchini all wrapped in a warm wholegrain wrap will treat your body so good. (viaTwo Spoons)

Hummus Veggie Wrap

Homemade spicy hummus serves as the main protein source for this vegetarian lunch wrap. It’s packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, spinach and avocado. Even though there’s no meat, you’ll be full and focused for the rest of the work day! (via Foodiecrush)

Ultimate Veggie Wrap

With herbed cream cheese and Havarti cheese, this fresh veggie wrap is anything but boring. (via Culinary Hill)

Vegan Tofu Wrap

Vegan Caesar dressing, flour tortillas, baked tofu, and pico de gallo make for some easy and flavorful high-protein wraps in you're eating plant-based. (via Cilantro & Parsley)

Vegan BBQ Tempeh Coleslaw Wrap

Even meat-eaters will be drawn to this easy, healthy, and plant-based wrap recipe. The coleslaw is wrapped up inside these high-protein wraps, so all you need is a side of sweet potato wedges to complete your meal. (via Veggie Primer)

Chard Sandwich Wrap

Filled with a chickpea tuna salad, these high-protein wraps provide a crunchier and more filling alternative to butter lettuce. (via Live Eat Learn)

Spinach And Feta Wrap

Inspired by the Starbucks spinach feta wrap, this version is packed with protein and veggies for the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast or lunch. (via Rachel Mansfield)

As a bonus, we're throwing in one of our favorite easy and healthy wrap recipes that pushed all the right buttons on flavor. You'll combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, herbs, lettuce, and a little cheddar cheese, fold them up in wraps, then pan-fry until warm and crispy!

These easy wraps, made by Half Baked Harvest, come together in mere minutes. They're crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside. Serve with the deliciously creamy jalapeño lime ranch and additional buffalo sauce! These healthy wraps are great for both lunch and dinner, but equally fun for a game night, too!

First things first: start with the buffalo chicken. Shred up a couple of chicken breasts and toss them with homemade buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt (for creaminess), and fresh herbs. Most buffalo chicken fillings are made with cream cheese, but you can swap in yogurt for a healthier choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 4 large (burrito size) whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas
• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 1-2 jalapeños or poblano peppers, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• Olive oil, for cooking

Ingredients for jalapeño ranch:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños chopped + 2 tablespoons brine
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• One-quarter of buffalo chicken
• Another quarter wrap of greens n' things
• A quarter full of ranch
• And finally a quarter full of cheese
• Fold it all up into one triangle

Rachel Zegler's Snow White is more inspirational than ever.

In the standout ballad “Waiting on a Wish," Snow White wonders “is it almost someday?” as she confronts the exhaustion and weary hope of waiting for a day of peace she’s not sure will ever come. Snow knows her father can set everything right, but struggles to believe she’s as “fearless, brave, fair, and true” as he is, even if she knows her true identity is a future queen.

Throughout the course of the movie, she finally comes to believe it’s up to her to change the fact the Evil Queen has “poisoned everyone into believing it’s everyone for themselves.” It’s that echo from the wishing well that provides an undercurrent to this new story — Snow White is waiting, but she’s actively waiting.

We are, after all, living in a post ‘90s-princess world, where our canon includes Belle daydreaming about a life outside her village and Mulan taking destiny into her own hands. Rachel Zegler’s Snow White isn’t just dreaming of a different life, she’s dreaming about actually changing her life, and becoming the boldest, truest version of herself.

This shift proves Disney movies are no longer purely about celebrating an original story’s beauty or providing comfort; they’re a call to action. Whether that shift is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen, but I walked out of the theater feeling better than I did walking in.

Despite Disney’s OG princess getting a couple contemporary updates, the integrity of the character remains intact because the updates aren’t harsh or biting. The character doesn’t steer into one-dimensional territory where she’s only obsessed with true love or only obsessed with reclaiming the kingdom. Snow White doesn’t let anyone step all over her, but none of her sweetness is sacrificed for shock value, and that combination of firm and bold kindness inspires change in others.

Whether it’s offering comfort or literally saving someone’s life, Snow White actually shows up for people. And the butterfly effect of her actions culminate in a true, old fashioned showdown between Snow White and the Queen. Snow White’s return to the palace — as princess and not servant — moves the townspeople to sing her parents’ old song, in turn giving her the confidence to claim she’s “everything [she was] wishing and waiting for.”

'Snow White' is the kind of nostalgic Disney movie we haven't seen in years.

Erin Cressida Wilson's script feels like the kind of sweet Disney story we all love, with emotional beats, pacing, and humor that had me reminiscing on titles like Tangled, Miramax's Ella Enchanted, and the first season of Once Upon a Time on ABC.

Director Marc Webb reframes the original cartoon’s theme of waking up in a really remarkable way because outside the literal poison apple of it all, after Snow White challenges the Queen, she reminds the soldiers of their true identities to wake them up and reclaim the palace.

Snow also ties the idea of waking up with falling in love, because contrary to internet chatter, the live-action Snow White does actually have a love story. And it’s one that had me literally giggling. Rachel Zegler and Andrew Burnap’s fun banter quickly morphs into butterfly-inducing stares and smaller, quiet moments every romance fan will love. And yes, they do address the kissing-without-consent issue a lot of Disney viewers have with the original cartoon.

The fleshed-out love story as well as added subplots about Dopey’s inability to speak and Snow White’s desire to make her father proud — plus a truly gorgeous score from Jeff Morrow — add so much nuance and emotion to the iconic story that people in my theater gasped and applauded throughout the third act.

Rachel Zegler is a true shining star.

Rachel Zegler is radiant as Snow White, and her performance makes the whole film shine. I’ve said for years that her voice solidifies her as a generational talent, but her expressions and awareness of the world around her truly set her apart. Not to mention the fact the film itself is a gorgeous, textured visual display that made me forget I was in a movie theater. And I could talk forever about the animated woodland animals!

The movie features songs from the original like “Whistle While You Work” (and if you listen closely, you can hear Rachel humming a few notes of “Someday My Prince Will Come” during a key scene), but the movie also adds some new songs from Justin Paul and Benj Pasek that join the ranks of great Disney music — especially “Waiting on a Wish” and “A Hand Meets A Hand,” which they co-wrote with Lizzy McAlpine.

But Gal Gadot's performance leaves something to be desired.

Compared to Rachel Zegler’s stellar performance, Gal Gadot’s role as the Evil Queen left me wanting more, especially when it comes to her big number “All Is Fair,” which I wish I'd heard from a Broadway diva. The character’s obsession with her physical beauty in and of itself also feels thin and outdated compared to the depth the new story offers Snow White. (The beginning of the movie does mention the Queen’s beauty is the source of magical power, but it’s so brief I forgot about it until my second watch).

And while I found the animated Seven Dwarves charming (and their story brought me to tears), I still don’t understand the decision to animate the characters rather than casting seven actors with dwarfism.

Overall, Disney’s live-action Snow White is a heartfelt film that inspires audiences to not just dream of redemption, but to actually make changes that better the world around them. Because Snow White will always be kind, but she’s not whispering anymore.