Had a big lunch or brunchor just don’t have a big appetite?
These dinner recipes are just right.
Light Dinner Salads
When you think “light dinner” you probably think salad.
Photo:Victor Protasio
But eating something light doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavor.
Our favorite salads pack in plenty of italong with plenty of healthy ingredients.
(Don’t love nectarines?
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Try this salad with other stone fruit.)
It comes together in less than 15 minutes, for those nights when you need something quick and easy.
Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita
For a healthy light dinner, try this tasty Mediterranean-style salad.
Greg DuPree
Grilled Halloumi Salad
Grilled Halloumi cheese is the highlight of this easy salad.
(Think Greek salad with grilled Halloumi in lieu of feta.)
It punches up the chicken breast and the uber-crunchy combo of carrots, cabbage, and almonds.
Greg DuPree
It features prime-season citrus like oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit with radicchio and parsley.
An orange-maple syrup adds a little sweetness, while shaved Manchego cheese and roasted almonds add saltiness and crunch.
Light Pasta Recipes
Pasta is a common pick for a light dinner.
Victor Protasio
These simple-yet-satisfying pasta dishes will be the perfect pick when you’re not looking for a big meal.
Veggie Udon Stir-Fry
For a noodle dish thats satiatingandhealthy, give this recipe a whirl.
Everything is slathered in a slightly sweet sauce and garnished with scallions for an extra crunch.
Greg DuPree
It pairs pillowy gnocchi with broccoli rabe and sausage.
And a bit of pecorino cheese helps bring the whole dish together.
Cold Peanut Noodles
Light dinners don’t have to skimp on flavor.
Fred Hardy
Break out the chili crisp for people who can’t get enough spice in their lives.
Lemon, feta, and red pepper flakes brighten up a salad of pasta and cucumbers.
Zucchini Pesto Pasta
Zucchini helps lighten up the bold flavors of pesto for this dish.
Caitlin Bensel
Tortellini Basil Salad
you might make this easy dinner ahead of time for the busiest nights.
It features asparagus, shallots, watercress and basil for a fresh and light pasta salad.
Shawarma-Seasoned Caulflower and Chickpea Pitas
Sheet pan dinners are an easy way to get dinner made.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This meatless meal features a cool combo of chickpeas and cauliflower, paired with shawarma spice.
(Don’t love chickpeas or cauliflower?
Sub in mixed mushrooms, winter squash, or tofu instead.)
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
And the best part is that its ready in 30 minutes.
Butternut Squash Tartines
These sweet and savory tartines are an excellent light dinner option.
Chopped pistachios add crunch, while lemony sumac brings a fruity, tangy flavor.
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall
Pro tip: If fishy sardines arent for you, use canned tuna instead.
A tangle of baby arugula and a sprinkle of fried onions round out this easy-to-make light dinner.
Herby Chicken Salad Tartines
Tartines are simply open-faced sandwiches.
Greg DuPree
Pork Banh Mi Sandwich
No need for a side dish with a classic pork banh mi.
Pair it with veggie chips, a side salad, or a cup of soup.
Add some sweet potato orbutternut squash friesfor a healthier alternative to the traditional burger accompaniment.
Fred Hardy.
Light Soup Recipes
Skip the hearty chilis and stews.
These lighter-side soup recipes are perfect paired with a salad or sandwichor even as an all-in-one light dinner.
If you should probably warm up, this is the recipe for you.
Fred Hardy
Vegan Cashew-Cauliflower Soup
Thisvegan soupgets its irresistible creaminess from cashews and cannellini beans.
It’s also made with thyme leaves, roasted cauliflower, and vegetable broth.
confirm you have plenty of crusty bread on hand so you’re able to dip!
Greg DuPree
The leeks are flavored with bacon fat, and thensweet potatoand chicken broth are added to the mix.
To add richness, youll spoon in nearly a whole cup of cream.
For a more filling dinner, try adding white beans to the soup.
Greg DuPree
This recipe requires a little simmer time, but only 20 minutes of active prep.
It uses pantry staples like cannellini beans, broth, sherry vinegarand a few tablespoons of white miso.
(you might up your sandwich-making prowess withpro tips for the perfect grilled cheese.)
Caitlin Bensel
Pizzas and Flatbreads
Pizzas and flatbreads don’t have to be too filling.
Just stick with lighter toppings that’ll still satisfy.
If you need a shortcut, feel free to swap out the dough with a store-bought version.
JENNIFER CAUSEY
Smoked Salmon Flatbread
Smoked salmon isn’t just for brunch!
Make this light dinner in just under 10 minutes start to finish.
Squash Calzones
Calzones are an easy, take-anywhere dinner.
This less-messy version features butternut squash, Swiss chard, and plenty of cheese.
This is a great recipe if you need a light dinner for a group.
Smash Burger Tacos
A burger in taco form is surprisingly light, yet ridiculously tasty.
Fred Hardy
Here, perfectly warmed tortillas are packed with seasoned ground beef, avocado chunks, and pico de gallo.
To whip up these tasty tacos in 20 minutes, start by cooking ground lamb with cumin and harissa.
Garnish each taco with a sprinkle of cilantro to seal the deal.
Victor Protasio
Grilled Chicken Spinach Quesadillas
Cooking the classic quesadilla on the grill makes it satisfyingly crunchy.
You’ll want to use rotisserie chicken to help this light dinner come together in 20 minutes.
You just need some warm tortillas, sour cream, and salsa to finish the meal.
GREG DUPREE
Light Bowl Dinner Ideas
We love a good grain bowl for a filling and fast one-dish dinner.
These picks make a great light dinner.
The whole thing comes together courtesy of a punchy mustard vinaigrette.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Swap the mayo for vegan mayo to make thisdish vegan friendly.
A homemade chimichurri sauce brightens everything up for a dinner that will leave you satiated but not overly full.
Breakfast-for-Dinner Recipes
Breakfast for dinner?
Greg DuPree
It’s a must.
Serve with biscuits or English muffins to make an egg sandwich, and enjoy.
If you want an even lighter dinner, opt for more veggies than meat or cheese.
Greg DuPree
Garnish withparsleyand serve with crusty bread for a complete meal and a delicious end to your day.
Breakfast for dinner never tasted so good!
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart
Jen Causey
Greg DuPree
Victor Protasio
Caitlin Bensel
Alison Miksch
Caitlin Bensel
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Natalie Ghazali
Jennifer Causey
Greg Dupree
Caitlin Bensel
Jim Franco
Caitlin Bensel
Greg DuPree
Fred Hardy
CHRISTOPHER TESTANI
Victor Protasio
Greg DuPree
Greg Dupree
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Alex Farnum
Caitlin Bensel
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS
GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING BY EMILY NABORS HALL, PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN
Victor Protasio
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Greg Dupree
Greg DuPree
CAITLIN BENSEL
Victor Protasio
Gentl & Hyers
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Victor Protasio
VICTOR PROTASIO; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Food Stylist: Claire Spollen
