7,151 light recipes

Old-fashioned sour cream cookies with nutmeg, rolled and cut into rounds with a sugar-sprinkled top. Soft, tender, and lightly spiced with a big-batch yield of 60 cookies.

Holiday mint log is a light chocolate sponge cake rolled into a classic yule log shape. Separated eggs keep the cake airy enough to roll without cracking, baked in just 12-15 minutes.

Soupe de saumon a la creme is a French salmon cream soup made with a homemade fish stock, diced salmon, and whipped cream finished with fresh dill. An elegant, light first course for a dinner party.

Rice Pilaf with Apricots, Raisins and Pine Nuts recipe

Easy asparagus salad with whole canned asparagus spears, sieved hard-boiled egg, and mayonnaise on lettuce. A retro 5-minute side that feels straight out of a 1960s ladies' luncheon.

Portuguese fried squid rings in a light egg-white batter that fries up crispy and dry when the oil is hot enough. Lulas Sevilhana are a classic Iberian calamari dish seasoned with lemon juice.

Tarragon chicken salad dressed in a light yogurt sauce built on a white wine, shallot, and fresh tarragon reduction, then plated with new potatoes and crisp green beans. A composed, mayo-free chicken salad.

A lower-fat version of traditional meat loaf made with ground beef. Could also be baked as patties with cooking time adjusted.

Blueberry puffs baked in individual custard cups with lemon-kissed berries on the bottom and a light cake batter on top. Turned out upside down for a warm, fruity dessert.

Hungarian sour cherry soup (meggyleves): a chilled summer soup of cherries, sugar, cinnamon, dry red wine, and heavy cream. Served cold, sweet, and tangy as a starter or light dessert.

Parmesan tomato tart layers ricotta, fresh tomatoes, oregano and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano in a flaky pie shell. A light Italian-style savory tart that shines at summer brunch or lunch.

Pumpkin chiffon pie with a light, mousse-like filling set with gelatin and whipped egg whites, topped with ginger-spiced whipped cream. An airy, no-bake twist on pumpkin pie.

Smoked turkey slices rolled around turmeric-spiced couscous, creamy avocado and red bell pepper, brightened with lime, orange juice and fresh cilantro. A colorful make-ahead appetizer or light lunch.

Spiced cocoa doughnuts: cake-style chocolate rings fried until light, then dusted warm with cinnamon-spiked powdered sugar. Mace and cinnamon in the dough add a soft, bakery-style aroma.

Date pudding cake with chopped dates and nuts in a light egg batter with barely any flour. Dense, sticky, and caramel-sweet, served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Linguine with clams in a peppery watercress and white wine sauce with garlic and green onions. A light, briny pasta dinner for two that comes together in under 30 minutes.