7,151 light recipes

Dad's linguine with white clam sauce keeps it light and simple: canned clams and their briny liquid simmered with onion, garlic, and parsley, then tossed with linguine and parmesan. A pantry-friendly weeknight clam pasta.

Flageolet beans sauteed with garlic and tarragon, tossed with fusilli pasta and finished with balsamic vinaigrette. A light, French-inspired vegetarian pasta dish with creamy beans.

Schnecken are German-style cinnamon pecan rolls made from a soft yeasted dough filled with brown sugar, raisins, pecans, and cinnamon, then baked in muffin tins until golden.

Hazelnut cheesecake with a toasted hazelnut and vanilla wafer crust, creme de cocoa in the filling, and a broiled sour cream topping. Rich and nutty.

Old-fashioned peanut squares with a light sponge cake base, iced and rolled in ground peanuts for a crunchy, nutty finish. A classic vintage church-supper treat.

Fettunta Toscana is Tuscan grilled bread rubbed with raw garlic and topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. The original Italian bruschetta, simple and seasonal.

Light, airy Vermont maple chiffon cake with walnuts, drizzled in reduced maple syrup glaze. Baked in an angel food pan and cooled upside down for a tall, tender crumb.

Light corn and tomato broth made with fresh ears of corn, ripe tomatoes, and chicken broth, finished with a bright squeeze of lime. Ready in under 40 minutes.

Kahlua orange nut cake is a moist tube cake with a buttery walnut crumb crust, fragrant orange-Kahlua batter, and a coffee liqueur glaze. Coffee, citrus, and toasted walnut in every bite.

Lighter cheddar chicken pot pie with a Bisquick crust, loaded with potatoes, carrots, celery, and chicken in a cheesy broth filling. Comfort food with less guilt, ready in 90 minutes.

No-bake cheesecake with cream cheese and cottage cheese in a buttery graham cracker crust, set with lemon gelatin and whipped cream. Light, tangy, and ready after a simple chill.

Diabetic-friendly lemon pie uses sugar substitute and a meringue-lightened lemon filling on a graham cracker crust. Lower-sugar tang and lightness without sacrificing the classic lemon pie hit.

Orange layer cake with a from-scratch orange curd filling and orange buttercream frosting. Light, citrusy layers made with whipped egg whites and fresh orange zest.

Chilled blueberry buttermilk soup with orange zest and fresh juice, served icy cold with an orange slice and berry garnish. A refreshing Scandinavian-inspired starter or light dessert that's ideal for hot summer days.

Light, custardy Southern spoon bread made with white cornmeal, butter, milk, and whipped egg whites. Puffs up golden in the oven and gets scooped right from the dish.

Fresh tomato basil pasta with a no-cook summer sauce: ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic marinated in olive oil, then tossed with hot pasta. Light, bright, and ready in the time it takes to boil noodles.