7,057 light recipes

Old fashioned macaroni and cheese layers cooked elbows with sharp cheddar in a milk-and-egg custard, baked under a paprika-dusted cheese crust. No bechamel, no shortcuts.

Southern lemon fruitcake with pecans, raisins, candied pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Light, golden, and lemon-forward, the alternative to traditional dark fruitcake.

Cinnamon oatmeal muffins made with egg whites, skim milk, and brown sugar with a hint of orange zest. Light and tender with optional chopped apple pieces.

Vegan coleslaw skips the mayo for an apple cider vinegar dressing with honey, slivered cabbage, Granny Smith apple, raisins, and celery seed. Crisp, tangy, naturally light side dish.

A diabetic-friendly spice cake made with whole wheat flour, sour cherries, dates, and applesauce instead of refined sugar. Warmly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Pineapple upside-down cupcakes with a brown sugar-cinnamon topping, crushed pineapple, and maraschino cherry centers. Light cake flour batter with whipped egg whites for extra lift.

French-style wild game pate layered with cognac-marinated duck and seasoned pork, wrapped in blanched bacon, and baked in a water bath. Slice it cold and serve with crackers.

Lightly sweetened applesauce cupcakes with a generous dose of nutmeg, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. Ready in 30 minutes - serve plain or with a simple cream cheese frosting.

No-bake frozen strawberry pie with egg whites whipped 15 minutes with berries and sugar, then folded into cream. Light, airy, and icebox-cold in a graham cracker crust.

Boston chowder with fish and clams, potatoes, carrot, onion, and milk. A light, simple New England-style seafood chowder finished with fresh savory and thyme.

Low-calorie lemon Bavarian mousse made with no added sugar, using apple juice concentrate, pineapple juice, and whipped evaporated skim milk for a light, airy gelatin dessert.

Light, pillowy yeasted beignets fried golden and buried under powdered sugar. This overnight dough recipe makes about 5 dozen New Orleans-style French doughnuts.

French onion, garlic and cumin bread, a bold savory yeast loaf packed with crispy bacon, sauteed onion and garlic, Swiss cheese, pecans and warm cumin. An artisan round that freezes well and slices like a dream.

Quick stir-fried crab with crisp snow peas, water chestnuts, garlic, and white wine over rice. A light, fresh Asian-inspired seafood dinner ready in 30 minutes.

Pear and parsnip salad with blanched parsnips, fanned fresh pear slices, green onions, and a light honey yogurt dressing. A low-fat, elegant side for fall and winter.

Lightly sweet banana tea loaf with orange zest and juice concentrate. A diabetic-friendly quick bread with no added sugar, baked in a standard loaf pan.