7,151 light recipes

This light dinner is full of vegetables and pairs well with a simple salad in summer or a warm bowl of soup in winter. Can be made gluten-free!

Smoked salmon canapes on crisp jicama triangles with lime-spiked Neufchatel cheese and cracked black pepper. A light, no-cook appetizer that looks like it came from a caterer.

Braised Belgian endive with diced Red Delicious apple, walnut oil, lemon juice, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. A light, elegant, low-calorie side dish in 15 minutes.

Broccoli-pasta toss with fettuccine, Parmesan, toasted sesame seeds, and garlic. One pot, 20 minutes, low calorie, and just 6 ingredients for a quick vegetarian side or light meal.

Light spinach dumplings made from cooked spinach, bread crumbs, egg, butter, and parsley, boiled until they float. A quick, simple dumpling to drop into stews, soups, or simmering stock.

Torta di nocciole: Italian hazelnut cake made with toasted ground hazelnuts and barely any flour, topped with soft whipped cream. A light, elegant Piedmontese dessert with intense nut flavor.

Oriental garbanzo soup is a simple, soy-seasoned broth thickened with flour and flavored with sauteed onion, sweet basil, and garlic. A light, warming vegetarian soup in 30 minutes.

Linguine tossed with fresh spring vegetables including asparagus, broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and leeks. A light, veggie-packed pasta dish that puts the season's best produce front and center.

Sleigh Belles are angel food cake mix cookies in three festive flavors: chocolate chip walnut, coconut, and chopped date. Light, airy holiday cookies from one box of cake mix.

Mixed red greens and pear salad with a toasted hazelnut vinaigrette made with lemon juice and lemon zest. A light, elegant fall salad with radicchio, endive, and butter lettuce.

Chinese chicken meatball soup with water chestnuts, snow peas, carrots, and green onions in a sherry-spiked broth. Light, fast, and full of crisp vegetables. Ready in 15 minutes.

Light and airy citrus chiffon pie with fresh lemon and orange juice, set with gelatin in a flaky pastry shell. A no-bake filling that's bright, fluffy, and refreshing.

Smoky charred tomatoes meet tender poached chicken and crisp broccoli in a bright lemon dressing with a kick of chili, creating a protein-packed salad that's light yet satisfying.

Lightly floured fish cubes sautéed with mushrooms, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and curry powder, deglazed with white wine and served over rice. A quick dinner for two in 30 minutes.

Light, tender white cake with a fine crumb made from sifted cake flour and whipped egg whites. Works as a layer cake or cupcakes and pairs with any frosting.

Fluffy whipped Jello cake with raspberry gelatin, crushed pineapple, and Cool Whip layered over angel food cake. A retro no-bake dessert that's light, fruity, and church-potluck approved.