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.
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.
Warm Chicken Shwarma Recipe
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Ravioli With Sauteed Zucchini
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.
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.
Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta
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!)
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.
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
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.
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
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.)
Related: Get the Recipe
Egg Salad Toast with Fresh Herbs and Capers
This isn't your old-school egg salad. Here radicchio, fresh herbs and capers make this light dinner idea anything but bland.
Crab Rolls
Seafood salads make idea sandwich fillings. If lobster salad and shrimp salad aren't your thing, consider this crab option.
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.
Chicken Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches
These take-anywhere sandwiches come filled with pesto, chicken, arugula, and mozzarella for a delicious and portable feast.
Tomato Burrata Toasts
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.
Eggplant Mushroom Meatball Sub
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.)
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.
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.
Heirloom Tomato and Herb BLTs
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.
Vegetarian BLT with Shiitake Mushrooms
BLTs can be just as delicious without the bacon! Just sub in shiitake mushrooms for the meat for a meatless variation on the classic.
Garlic Toast With Squash, Pesto, and Olive Oil-Braised Chickpeas
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.
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.
Tex-Mex Gazpacho
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.
Lemony Lentil Soup
If you're looking for a soothing and simple light dinner, this comforting combo of lentils, lemon, and kale is the right choice.
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.
Green Gazpacho With Grapes, Honeydew, and Cucumber
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.
Related: 60 Cold Dinner Ideas That Are Perfect for Hot Summer Nights
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.)
Broccoli Soup With Cheddar Croutons
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!)
Pizzas and Flatbreads
Pizzas and flatbreads don't have to be too filling. Just stick with lighter toppings that'll still satisfy.
Chicken Peach Pizza
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.
Brussels Sprouts Flatbread
For a fall or winter pizza, look to the in-season ingredients. Here, lemon and pecorino brighten up the flavor of earthy Brussels sprouts.
Smoked Salmon Flatbread
Victor Protasio
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.
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.
Cheesy Chicken Nachos
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.
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.
Cuban Pork Tacos
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.
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.
Vegetarian Tacos With Goat Cheese, Corn, and Spinach
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.
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.
Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl
Chicken and avocado make a perfect duo—especially when paired with pretty watermelon radishes.
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.
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.
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.
Related: This Is the Easiest-Ever Way to Make a Mason Jar Salad
Spanish Beef and Rice Bowls With Avocado
Classic Spanish ingredients like capers, green olives, and peppers brighten up a basic meat-and-rice dish.
Baked Barley Risotto With Butternut Squash
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
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.
Chard Herb Frittata With Cherry Tomatoes
You only need tomatoes for a side salad for this frittata, which is packed with healthy, flavorful greens.
Tofu Scramble Wraps
Jane Goodall shared this flavorful breakfast dish that also makes a wonderful dinner. Spicy sunflower seeds add crunch to the veggie-packed tofu scramble.
Crunchy Skillet Eggs With Herbs
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.
Potato, Egg, and Avocado Hash
This fresh take on breakfast eggs-and-hash only dirties up a single pan. Serve it for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
Kale and Goat Cheese Frittata
Frittatas are an easy light dinner. This version pairs the tartness of goat cheese with the earthy flavor of kale and onion.
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.
Penne With Bacon and Black Olives
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).
For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Real Simple.
