Food Recipe Collections & Favorites 63 Light Dinner Ideas for When You're Just a Little Hungry Had a big lunch or brunch—or just don't have a big appetite? These dinner recipes are just right. By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 27, 2024 Close Photo: Victor Protasio Everyone has those nights where you're just not feeling like a big, meat-and-potatoes kind of meal. You can always opt for a pick-your-faves-from-the-fridge girl dinner, but why not give one of these light dinner ideas a try? They come together in no time flat, and will fill you without overstuffing you (and maybe even give you leftovers for the next day). Whether you're a fan of a light pasta dish or just want a simple and substantial salad, we have you covered. Light Dinner Salads When you think "light dinner" you probably think salad. But eating something light doesn't mean you have to skimp on flavor. Our favorite salads pack in plenty of it—along with plenty of healthy ingredients. 01 of 63 Warm Chicken Shwarma Recipe Greg DuPree Salads don't have to be a cold dish. Top your salad with warm chicken rubbed with Indian shawarma spices, with a tasty yogurt-based dressing to balance the dish. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 63 Nectarine-and-Burrata Salad Greg DuPree 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.) GET THE RECIPE 03 of 63 Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad Greg DuPree 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. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 63 Lemony Chopped Salad With Pita Victor Protasio 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. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 63 Grilled Halloumi Salad Greg DuPree Grilled Halloumi cheese is the highlight of this easy salad. (Think Greek salad with grilled Halloumi in lieu of feta.) GET THE RECIPE 06 of 63 Crunchy Salad With Chicken and Ginger Fred Hardy 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. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 63 Every Citrus Salad With Almonds and Manchego Caitlin Bensel 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. GET THE RECIPE 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. 08 of 63 Skillet Gnocchi With Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Greg DuPree This fast and easy recipe comes together in a flash. It pairs pillowy gnocchi with broccoli rabe and sausage. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 63 Ravioli With Sauteed Zucchini Anna Williams If you have a lot of extra zucchini from your garden, this fast and easy dinner is the perfect way to use it. It pairs sauteed zucchini with parmesan and cheese ravioli for a tasty, light dinner. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 63 No-Bake Summer Veggie Lasagna Fred Hardy. 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. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 63 Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta Christopher Baker A light, lemony cream sauce is the perfect pairing with spinach, leeks, and shrimp. (Bonus: This is a fast dinner to put together for busy nights!) GET THE RECIPE 12 of 63 Gnocchi With Corn and Miso Fred Hardy 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. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 63 Cold Peanut Noodles Greg DuPree 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. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 63 Lemony Cucumber Herb Pasta Salad Greg DuPree 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. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 63 Zucchini Pesto Pasta Caitlin Bensel 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. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 63 Grilled Mediterranean Pasta Salad JENNIFER CAUSEY 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. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 63 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. GET THE RECIPE 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. 18 of 63 Shawarma-Seasoned Caulflower and Chickpea Pitas Fred Hardy 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.) GET THE RECIPE Get the Recipe 19 of 63 Egg Salad Toast with Fresh Herbs and Capers Greg DuPree This isn't your old-school egg salad. Here radicchio, fresh herbs and capers make this light dinner idea anything but bland. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 63 Crab Rolls Marcus Nilsson Seafood salads make idea sandwich fillings. If lobster salad and shrimp salad aren't your thing, consider this crab option. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 63 Herby Chicken Salad Tartines Victor Protasio 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. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 63 Pork Banh Mi Sandwich Caitlin Bensel 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. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 63 Chicken Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches These take-anywhere sandwiches come filled with pesto, chicken, arugula, and mozzarella for a delicious and portable feast. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 63 Tomato Burrata Toasts Greg DuPree This easy, light dinner is perfect for summer nights when tomatoes are in peak season. But the marinade can even make out-of-season tomatoes taste delicious. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 63 Eggplant Mushroom Meatball Sub Caitlin Bensel Make meatless meatballs with eggplant and mushrooms to lighten up an easy weeknight dinner. (And you can freeze extras to use when you're schedule's busy.) GET THE RECIPE 26 of 63 Pesto Egg Salad Toasts CAITLIN BENSEL Egg salad has a very bland reputation. But pairing it with pesto and peppery arugula boosts its flavor profile. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 63 Chickpea Salad Sandwich Alison Miksch 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. GET THE RECIPE 28 of 63 Turkey Zucchini Burgers Caitlin Bensel 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. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 63 Heirloom Tomato and Herb BLTs Heami Lee Amp up the classic sandwich by including basil and dill in the mix. Seek out the heirloom tomatoes for this dish—they have a much stronger tomato flavor. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 63 Vegetarian BLT with Shiitake Mushrooms Caitlin Bensel BLTs can be just as delicious without the bacon! Just sub in shiitake mushrooms for the meat for a meatless variation on the classic. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 63 Garlic Toast With Squash, Pesto, and Olive Oil-Braised Chickpeas Jennifer Causey These garlic toasts are the perfect light fall dinner, with mashed kabocha squash, a generous helping of pesto, and roasted chickpeas. Bonus: It's a super-healthy sandwich idea, too. GET THE RECIPE 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. 32 of 63 Tex-Mex Gazpacho Romulo Yanes Poblano peppers make this a spicier take on the classic cool soup. It's one of the fastest light meals out there, coming together with just 10 minutes of prep. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 63 Lemony Lentil Soup Greg DuPree If you're looking for a soothing and simple light dinner, this comforting combo of lentils, lemon, and kale is the right choice. GET THE RECIPE 34 of 63 Spring Minestrone Caitlin Bensel 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. GET THE RECIPE 35 of 63 Green Gazpacho With Grapes, Honeydew, and Cucumber Greg DuPree Try this refreshing and sweet twist on gazpacho, swapping out tomatoes and peppers for grapes, honeydew melon, and cucumbers. It's a perfect light dinner for hot summer nights. GET THE RECIPE 60 Cold Dinner Ideas That Are Perfect for Hot Summer Nights 36 of 63 Butternut Squash Soup With Parmesan Croutons Jim Franco 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. GET THE RECIPE 37 of 63 Creamy Miso White Bean Soup Caitlin Bensel 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. GET THE RECIPE 38 of 63 Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup Greg DuPree 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.) GET THE RECIPE 39 of 63 Broccoli Soup With Cheddar Croutons Caitlin Bensel A touch of sour cream and a few potatoes give a veggie packed soup a touch of creaminess. (And don't forget to add the tasty cheddar croutons!) GET THE RECIPE Pizzas and Flatbreads Pizzas and flatbreads don't have to be too filling. Just stick with lighter toppings that'll still satisfy. 40 of 63 Chicken Peach Pizza Andrew Purcell Sweet toppings work beautifully on a pizza. (Just think of all those pineapple-on-a-pizza fans!) A light ricotta sauce makes the perfect base for toppings of peaches, shredded chicken, and red onions. GET THE RECIPE 41 of 63 Brussels Sprouts Flatbread Brie Passano For a fall or winter pizza, look to the in-season ingredients. Here, lemon and pecorino brighten up the flavor of earthy Brussels sprouts. GET THE RECIPE 42 of 63 Smoked Salmon Flatbread Victor Protasio Smoked salmon isn't just for brunch! Make this light dinner in just under 10 minutes start to finish. GET THE RECIPE 43 of 63 Squash Calzones Greg DuPree Calzones are an easy, take-anywhere dinner. This less-messy version features butternut squash, Swiss chard, and plenty of cheese. GET THE RECIPE Tacos, Fajitas, Quesadillas, and Nachos Many Mexican dishes can make a great light dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor. 44 of 63 Grilled Chicken Spinach Quesadillas Alex Farnum 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. GET THE RECIPE 45 of 63 Cheesy Chicken Nachos Greg DuPree Nachos may feel more Superbowl party than Monday night dinner. But with all the healthy ingredients in this nacho recipe (think avocado, peppers, radishes, and tomatoes), it's a fun treat for dinner. GET THE RECIPE 46 of 63 Fish Stick Tacos Caitlin Bensel Frozen fish sticks make fish tacos super easy to whip up for your next Taco Tuesday. GET THE RECIPE 47 of 63 Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas ANTONIS ACHILLEOS 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. GET THE RECIPE 48 of 63 Cuban Pork Tacos Caitlin Bensel Your slow cooker does most of the work for this tasty taco recipe, which features a sweet-tart orange sauce and fresh oranges in lieu of a standard salsa. GET THE RECIPE 49 of 63 Honey-Chipotle Shrimp Tostadas GREG DUPREE; FOOD STYLING BY EMILY NABORS HALL, PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN 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. GET THE RECIPE 50 of 63 Vegetarian Tacos With Goat Cheese, Corn, and Spinach Con Poulos Paired with traditional taco seasonings, tofu takes on the texture and flavor of taco meat. Here it's stuffed with goat cheese, spinach, and corn as well—but don't be afraid to swap in your favorite taco fixings. GET THE RECIPE 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. 51 of 63 Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl Greg DuPree Chicken and avocado make a perfect duo—especially when paired with pretty watermelon radishes. GET THE RECIPE 52 of 63 Farro Bowl With Pomegranate Vinaigrette CAITLIN BENSEL 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. GET THE RECIPE 53 of 63 Watermelon Poke Bowls Victor Protasio 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. GET THE RECIPE 54 of 63 Mason Jar Chicken Burrito Bowl Mason jar salads are easy to make and take along for meals on the go. Serve these on those nights when you're chauffeuring everyone from one event to another. GET THE RECIPE This Is the Easiest-Ever Way to Make a Mason Jar Salad 55 of 63 Spanish Beef and Rice Bowls With Avocado Christopher Testani Classic Spanish ingredients like capers, green olives, and peppers brighten up a basic meat-and-rice dish. GET THE RECIPE 56 of 63 Baked Barley Risotto With Butternut Squash Jonny Valiant Rice may be in the very name of the dish (risotto), but it isn't the only grain who can make the swap. Here, barley GET THE RECIPE 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. 57 of 63 Chard Herb Frittata With Cherry Tomatoes Greg DuPree You only need tomatoes for a side salad for this frittata, which is packed with healthy, flavorful greens. GET THE RECIPE 58 of 63 Tofu Scramble Wraps Erin Scott Jane Goodall shared this flavorful breakfast dish that also makes a wonderful dinner. Spicy sunflower seeds add crunch to the veggie-packed tofu scramble. GET THE RECIPE 59 of 63 Crunchy Skillet Eggs With Herbs Jen Causey Think of these as deconstructed eggs and toast. Panko crumbs make a crusty base for the herb-topped eggs. Pair it with a small salad or a little sausage for a light (but still substantial) meal. GET THE RECIPE 60 of 63 Potato, Egg, and Avocado Hash Jen Causey This fresh take on breakfast eggs-and-hash only dirties up a single pan. Serve it for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. GET THE RECIPE 61 of 63 Kale and Goat Cheese Frittata Greg DuPree Frittatas are an easy light dinner. This version pairs the tartness of goat cheese with the earthy flavor of kale and onion. GET THE RECIPE 62 of 63 Hanger Steak With Buttery Mashed Carrots Gentl & Hyers 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. GET THE RECIPE 63 of 63 Penne With Bacon and Black Olives Tina Rupp Pasta is an easy dish for when you're not feeling super hungry but you still want something filling enough. You can make this penne in just 20 minutes for a quick bite. But just because it's fast to make doesn't mean it's boring. This penne calls for bacon and black olives to give it a little something savory and extra. (And if you get hungrier as you smell the bacon in it, you can always make more pasta). GET THE RECIPE Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit