63 Light Dinner Ideas for When You’re Just a Little Hungry

Roasted Acorn Squash Salad

Salad for dinner may sound boring, but this salad is anything but. It’s packed with hearty kale, juicy pomegranate seeds, roasted squash, a more, and features a maple syrup-based dressing that ties everything together.

Nectarine-and-Burrata Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that balances sweet and savory, this may be the perfect pick. Sliced nectarines are paired with red onions, basil, and burrata for an easy, dreamy salad that satisfies. (Don’t love nectarines? Try this salad with other stone fruit.)

Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad

This light salad has a bit of a creamy vibe, with avocado and a soy-mayo dressing. 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. Chickpeas, feta, tomatoes and lettuce get a crunchy topping of toasted pita as a fun twist on croutons.

Grilled Halloumi Salad

Grilled Halloumi cheese is the highlight of this easy salad. (Think Greek salad with grilled Halloumi in lieu of feta.)

Crunchy Salad With Chicken and Ginger

The highlight of this dinner-perfect salad is a tasty orange-soy-ginger marinade-slash-dressing. It punches up the chicken breast and the uber-crunchy combo of carrots, cabbage, and almonds.

Every Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego

Light dinner ideas are a little scarce in the winter, but that’s the prime season for this salad. 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. These simple-yet-satisfying pasta dishes will be the perfect pick when you’re not looking for a big meal.

One-Pot Miso Mushroom Pasta

Since this dinner is made in one pot, you don’t need to worry about a mountain of dishes once you’re done. The dish is made with fettuccine and butter-sautéed mushrooms that are coated in a sauce made with vegetable broth, white miso, and a dollop of crème fraîche, making it light yet satisfying.

Veggie Udon Stir-Fry

For a noodle dish that’s satiating and healthy, give this recipe a whirl. It’s got thick udon noodles, as well as thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, onions, and shredded Napa cabbage. Everything is slathered in a slightly sweet sauce and garnished with scallions for an extra crunch.

Sicilian-Inspired Pasta with Sardines

Sardines add protein to this pasta dish, which is inspired by a Sicilian classic. You’ll also find plump golden raisins, crisp fennel, buttery pine nuts, and assertive kale leaves, as well as an umami-packed blended vinaigrette made with anchovies, garlic, and lemon.

Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

This fast and easy recipe comes together in a flash. It pairs pillowy gnocchi with broccoli rabe and sausage.

No-Bake Summer Veggie Lasagna

Lasagna is rarely counted as a light dinner idea, but this deconstructed lasagna definitely fits the bill. It features light layers of ricotta cheese and fresh veggies in lieu of the sauce and heavy mozzarella in most lasagna dishes.

Gnocchi With Corn and Miso

Corn and miso make for an unexpected (but totally delicious) pasta dish combo. And a bit of pecorino cheese helps bring the whole dish together.

Cold Peanut Noodles

Light dinners don’t have to skimp on flavor. This cold recipe features noodles, fresh herbs, and peanuts to add crunch and flavor to a plate of noodles dressed with a savory combo of peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Break out the chili crisp for people who can’t get enough spice in their lives.

Lemony Cucumber Herb Pasta Salad

For a light dinner idea that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, try this spicy-tart pasta salad. 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. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to sneak in extra veggies if you have a picky eater in your crew.

Grilled Mediterranean Pasta Salad

When you don’t want to heat up the kitchen, try this easy recipe, where most of the ingredients are prepped on the grill. And don’t be afraid to mix it up with whatever produce you have on hand—this is the perfect opportunity to clear out your produce drawer.

Tortellini Basil Salad

You can 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.

Dinner Sandwich Ideas

A great sandwich is not only fast to get on the table, it’s also a perfect all-in-one light meal.

Shawarma-Seasoned Caulflower and Chickpea Pitas

Sheet pan dinners are an easy way to get dinner made. 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.)

Ham and Egg Croissant Sandwiches

Ready in 15 minutes, these croissant sandwiches are piled high with fried eggs, French bistro-style ham, baby arugula, and a mayonnaise mixture flavored with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh chives.

Spring Greens Tartine With Prosciutto, Fontina, and a Fried Egg

Think of this dish as an elevated breakfast sandwich that tastes good no matter what time of day you eat it. The tartine is topped with melty fontina cheese, wilted greens cooked with sliced spring onions and garlic, and an irresistible fried egg. Yum!

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This recipe is a combination of two beloved dishes—grilled cheese and spinach artichoke dip. The sandwich filling is made with garlicky cream cheese, fontina cheese and Parmesan cheeses, thawed frozen spinach and chopped artichoke heart quarters. And the best part is that it’s ready in 30 minutes.

Butternut Squash Tartines

These sweet and savory tartines are an excellent light dinner option. Each slice of country bread is topped with thin slices of roasted butternut squash and a creamy ricotta spread spiked with a hit of lemon zest and black pepper. Chopped pistachios add crunch, while lemony sumac brings a fruity, tangy flavor.

Black Bean-Oat Burger

The backbone of these vegan burgers is two cans of black beans, which are satiating but not heavy. Each patty is also made with other pantry staples, including rolled oats, garlic, soy sauce, chili powder, and scallions. Top each burger with jarred or freshly made salsa, lettuce, and sliced tomato on a hamburger bun and dinner is served.

Smoked Sardine Toasts With Lemon Mayo and Fennel Salad

Don’t sleep on savory toast as a light dinner option! In this recipe, sardine fillets are nestled into a homemade lemony garlic mayo on toasted bread, and topped with a fresh fennel-radish salad. Pro tip: If fishy sardines aren’t for you, use canned tuna instead.

Banh-Mi-Inspired Pork Burgers

This Vietnamese-inspired recipe uses ground pork to make a unique and flavorful burger. The banh-mi sandwich, usually stuffed with pork, pickled carrots, and daikon, gets flipped on its head while maintaining the distinct flavors with a marinade of fish sauce, garlic, shallots, and sriracha. Mayo, matchstick carrots, spicy jalapeños, and fresh cilantro go on top, and a buttery brioche bun holds it all together.

Loaded Tuna Salad Tartines

These open-faced sandwiches are light, yet they won’t have you scrounging the kitchen for food just before bed. Each one features a thick slice of crusty rye bread as a base, plus homemade tuna salad studded with celery and capers, and creamy avocado slices.

Fancy Tomato Sandwiches

While a tomato sandwich might not sound like the heartiest meal in the world, we promise this one delivers. You’ll start by spreading salted chive butter on both sides of a freshly cut baguette, and then you’ll add some thick slices of cheese to the mix—we like Gruyère, Comté, or sharp Cheddar—before bringing in the juicy tomato rounds. 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. You can use either a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to whip this light dinner up in under 15 minutes.

Pork Banh Mi Sandwich

No need for a side dish with a classic pork banh mi. It’s a full (and light) meal all in one bite, thanks to the veggie topping for the pork tenderloin.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This meatless take on the classic tuna- or chicken-salad sandwich is perfect for a light dinner. Pair it with veggie chips, a side salad, or a cup of soup.

Turkey Zucchini Burgers

Shredded zucchini helps keep the ground turkey moist for a lighter take on a hamburger. Add some sweet potato or butternut squash fries for a healthier alternative to the traditional burger accompaniment.

Light Soup Recipes

Skip the hearty chilis and stews. These lighter-side soup recipes are perfect paired with a salad or sandwich—or even as an all-in-one light dinner.

Curry Tomato Soup With Naan Croutons

For a soup that’s filling but not too filling, give this dish a try. The slightly sweet soup is flavored with curry and smoked paprika, and topped with savory naan croutons for crunch and heartiness.

Crispy Tofu Noodle Soup

This fan-favorite dish is proof positive that vegan soups can be just as cozy as their non-vegan counterparts. Here, you’ll find planks of crispy tofu, hearty rice noodles, and ribbons of Swiss chard in a spiced vegetable broth that’s spiked with ginger, garlic, tamari, and star anise. If you need to warm up, this is the recipe for you.

Vegan Cashew-Cauliflower Soup

This vegan soup gets its irresistible creaminess from cashews and cannellini beans. It’s also made with thyme leaves, roasted cauliflower, and vegetable broth. Make sure you have plenty of crusty bread on hand so you can dip!

Creamy Sweet Potato and Leek Soup

Though this soup looks like it took hours to prepare, it requires just 20 minutes of hands-on work and is a great light dinner option. The leeks are flavored with bacon fat, and then sweet potato and chicken broth are added to the mix. To add richness, you’ll spoon in nearly a whole cup of cream. Garnish each bowl with chopped chives, bacon bits, and crushed red pepper flakes, and watch this soup disappear.

Spring Minestrone

Fresh spring veggies like leeks, green beans, and swiss chard add a punch of flavor to the classic Italian soup. For a more filling dinner, try adding white beans to the soup.

Butternut Squash Soup With Parmesan Croutons

The classic butternut squash soup gets a little extra pizzazz from super-easy parmesan croutons. This recipe requires a little simmer time, but only 20 minutes of active prep.

Creamy Miso White Bean Soup

You may already have everything you need on hand to make this creamy soup. It uses pantry staples like cannellini beans, broth, sherry vinegar—and a few tablespoons of white miso.

Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup

Make this creamy tomato soup and some grilled cheese sandwiches, and you’ve got a classic light meal. (You can up your sandwich-making prowess with pro tips for the perfect grilled cheese.)

Pizzas and Flatbreads

Pizzas and flatbreads don’t have to be too filling. Just stick with lighter toppings that’ll still satisfy.

Clam Pizza

Pizza isn’t necessarily a light dinner, but this particular pizza recipe is surprisingly light and fresh. Store-bought dough is topped with chopped clams, fresh parsley and oregano, garlic, crushed red pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest, yielding a bright and delicious pie.

Sicilian Pizza with Shaved Delicata, Salami, and Pecorino

Homemade dough made in a food processor is the base of this flavor-packed Sicilian pizza. Fresh mozzarella is left to melt underneath the marinara sauce, while delicata squash, savory salami, and pecorino top the flavorful pie. If you need a shortcut, feel free to swap out the dough with a store-bought version.

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.

Tacos, Fajitas, Quesadillas, and Nachos

Many Mexican dishes can make a great light dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Summer Nachos

For a lighter take on nachos that certainly doesn’t skimp on flavor, give this vegetarian recipe a whirl. Here, tortilla chips are topped with paprika-spiked corn for pops of smoky sweetness, tender bits of sautéed zucchini, and a creamy avocado-yogurt topping you’ll want to smear on everything. 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. Here, perfectly warmed tortillas are packed with seasoned ground beef, avocado chunks, and pico de gallo. Drizzle each taco with a homemade mayonnaise mixture spiked with cilantro, garlic, and lime juice for even more flavor.

Spiced Lamb Tacos

Lamb isn’t necessarily a common taco filling, but it’s certainly a light and delicious one. To whip up these tasty tacos in 20 minutes, start by cooking ground lamb with cumin and harissa. Then, you’ll make a zippy Greek yogurt sauce spiked with garlic and lemon, and prepare some lemon-marinated cabbage. Garnish each taco with a sprinkle of cilantro to seal the deal.

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.

Fish Stick Tacos

Frozen fish sticks make fish tacos super easy to whip up for your next Taco Tuesday.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Get the sizzle without the mess by cooking fajita fixings on a sheet pan. You just need some warm tortillas, sour cream, and salsa to finish the meal.

Honey-Chipotle Shrimp Tostadas

This sweet and smoky shrimp dish comes together in just 30 minutes for a quick, light dinner. Refried beans and cotija cheese bring some richness, while cabbage and lime give the dish freshness and a tangy zip.

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.

Roasted Root Veggie Quinoa Bowls

Squash, parsnips, red onions, and Brussels sprouts are the veggies that add color and protein to these satiating and healthy grain bowls. The vegetables are roasted with a little olive oil and salt, and joined by quinoa, spinach, and a dollop of hummus. The whole thing comes together courtesy of a punchy mustard vinaigrette. 

Egg Roll Bowls

This take on a deconstructed egg roll has all of the flavors you know and love, but without any rolling or frying, making it a light dinner choice. Still, you’ll find store-bought wonton wrappers that’ll bake until golden brown, ground pork flavored with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha, and pre-cut coleslaw and carrots that add that trademark egg roll crunch.

Avocado Grain Bowl With Beet Ginger Dressing

This hearty vegetarian recipe is likely one you’ll want to make over and over again. A  combination of rice, lentils, and quinoa form the base of this dish, while a topping of shaved fennel and creamy avocado, plus a bold dressing made from beets, ginger, and kefir, round out the healthy meal.

Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl

Chicken and avocado make a perfect duo—especially when paired with pretty watermelon radishes.

Farro Bowl With Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Farro is a grain bowl favorite, thanks to its earthy, nutty flavor. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the feta, sweet potato, and fennel toppings—along with the sweet-tart pomegranate dressing.

Watermelon Poke Bowls

Watermelon makes a surprisingly good substitute for raw tuna in poke bowls and other sushi-style meals. Swap the mayo for vegan mayo to make this dish vegan friendly.

Hanger Steak With Buttery Mashed Carrots

You may not think of steak and potatoes as a traditionally “light” meal, but subbing in carrots cuts down on the carbs and still tastes incredible. 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? It’s a must. The recipes are easy to make, feature fridge staples, and add a little extra fun to an average Wednesday.

Cheesy Baked Eggs

Yes, you can make this egg dish for a crowd, but it also works as a light dinner for an even smaller group. No matter the occasion, the recipe combines the titular eggs with ingredients such as fresh chives, a touch of garlic powder, a little half-and-half, and some creamy Cheddar cheese. Serve with biscuits or English muffins to make an egg sandwich, and enjoy.

Focaccia Breakfast Sandwiches

The key to this easy recipe is buying the best, tastiest focaccia you can find. Then, you’ll sandwich cheesy scrambled eggs, salty prosciutto, fresh spinach, and Parmesan-roasted tomatoes between two fluffy slices of the stuff for a 20-minute meal that won’t leave you feeling too full.

Use-It-Up Quiche

Save some food from going to waste with this use-it-up quiche. Instead of calling for specific ingredients, this recipe calls for a cup of veggies, a half cup of meat, and a half cup of cheese, leaving interpretation up to what’s in your refrigerator. If you want an even lighter dinner, opt for more veggies than meat or cheese.

Zucchini Frittata With Parmesan

This light dinner recipe pairs healthy zucchini with eggs, onion, and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread for a complete meal and a delicious end to your day. Pro tip: This frittata also works well for breakfast or lunch—just serve it with a simple salad or fresh fruit, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Steamed Egg and Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches

A dozen steamed eggs, which you’ll batch-cook in the oven, are the stars of these scrumptious breakfast sandwiches. Each sandwich also includes a breakfast sausage patty, Swiss cheese, a schmear of red pepper jelly, and baby arugula, all stacked on a perfectly cooked English muffin. Breakfast for dinner never tasted so good!