38 Light and Easy Dinners So Delicious They’ll Become Your New Go-To Meals

Dinner doesn’t have to be heavy to be filling, and these light and easy dinners prove it. They come together quickly, don’t require a long list of ingredients, and won’t leave you feeling sluggish afterward. Perfect for busy nights, they keep things simple without being boring. You’ll get fresh, flavorful meals that don’t take much effort but still feel like a real dinner. Once you try them, you might start wondering why you ever settled for takeout.

Grilled salmon fillet garnished with chives and lemon slices on a plate with mixed greens, nuts, and seeds. — Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

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Chicken Nuggets

Hand dipping a chicken nugget into a bowl of ketchup, with a gray cloth background. — Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Nuggets bring crispy, golden bites of joy that fit right into light dinner recipes. Juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, these nuggets ditch the grease without sacrificing flavor. Serve them up with your favorite dip, and dinner is ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Three chicken tacos with cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes on a white plate. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot keep dinner easy while still packing in serious flavor. It’s a hands-off choice for light dinner recipes, with juicy, seasoned chicken ready to pile into warm tortillas. Just add your favorite toppings, and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

A plate of baked salmon garnished with herbs, served alongside asparagus, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers. — Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables makes dinner effortless by roasting everything together in one go. It’s a no-fuss pick for light dinner recipes, delivering flaky salmon and perfectly roasted veggies with minimal cleanup. Bonus: it’s as healthy as it is tasty.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A roasted sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, and green onions, garnished with lime wedges on a white plate. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes bring hearty, bold flavors while still fitting into light dinner recipes. Roasted sweet potatoes act as the perfect base for a savory taco filling that skips the meat but keeps all the flavor. It’s a fast, filling meal with no extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Steak Tips

A bowl of spiced meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a gold fork resting on the side. — Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Air Fryer Steak Tips serve up tender, juicy bites of steak with crispy edges in no time. A solid pick for light dinner recipes, they cook up fast and pair well with anything from roasted veggies to a fresh salad. No grill? No problem.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

A wooden spoon holds a serving of soup with ground meat, leafy greens, and diced vegetables. — Kale Potato and Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Kale Potato and Sausage Soup is pure comfort with chunks of potato, savory sausage, and a good helping of kale. It’s one of those light dinner recipes that fills you up without feeling heavy. Grab a bowl when you need something warm, cozy, and easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

Carne Asada in the Oven

A plate of sliced carne asada with sides of white rice, black beans, and sliced avocado, garnished with a sprig of parsley. — Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Carne Asada in the Oven keeps the smoky, charred flavors intact without firing up the grill, making it a solid addition to light dinner recipes. A quick broil seals in the bold marinade, leaving the steak tender and full of flavor. Slice it up for tacos, salads, or a protein-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Panko Crusted Cod

Breaded fish fillet served with green beans and lemon slices on a white plate. — Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko Crusted Cod delivers a crispy, golden crunch that turns a simple fish dinner into something special. It’s a top choice for light dinner recipes because it’s baked, not fried, keeping things fresh without losing texture. Pair it with lemon and a side of greens for an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Skewers keep dinner fresh, quick, and packed with smoky, garlicky flavor. A go-to for light dinner recipes, these skewers cook fast and pair well with almost anything. Serve with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a meal that feels fancy but takes no effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls with meat and rice filling, topped with tomato sauce. — Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls pack serious comfort without weighing you down, making them a great pick for light dinner recipes. Tender cabbage leaves wrap around a flavorful mix of ground meat and rice, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up without leaving you sluggish.
Get the Recipe: Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

A ladle of soup with cabbage, ground meat, tomato pieces, and rice in a broth. — Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup takes everything great about cabbage rolls and skips the hassle of rolling. Packed with beef, rice, and tender cabbage, it’s one of the easiest light dinner recipes you can make. Let your slow cooker do the work while you kick back.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Sautéed diced meat with green peppers and herbs in a pan. — Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites bring bold flavors in a quick, no-fuss meal that fits perfectly with light dinner recipes. Seared to perfection and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, these bite-sized pieces make any weeknight feel a little fancier. Serve them with roasted veggies for an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Salmon Salad

Grilled salmon fillet on top of a fresh green salad with tomatoes and olives, served on a white plate with a fork on the side. — Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Salad makes for a refreshing meal that doesn’t weigh you down. A perfect fit for light dinner recipes, it’s packed with flaky salmon, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing. Toss it together in minutes, and dinner is set.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

A bowl of tomato soup with egg drop and green onions, served with a white spoon. — Tomato Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Tomato Egg Drop Soup keeps things simple, warm, and comforting with silky egg ribbons and fresh tomatoes. An ideal option for light dinner recipes, it’s easy to whip up and surprisingly filling. Grab a spoon and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Santa Fe Salad

A colorful chicken salad with avocado, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and lime slices, presented in a white bowl. — Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Santa Fe Salad brings bold flavors and crunchy textures in one easy dish. A fantastic choice for light dinner recipes, it combines fresh greens, juicy protein, and a zippy dressing. It’s the kind of meal that’s filling without being over the top.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Keto Crab Melt Wraps

Two halves of a grilled wrap filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, tomatoes, and herbs, served on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley. — Keto Crab Melt Wraps. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Keto Crab Melt Wraps bring together tender crab, gooey melted cheese, and a kick of seasoning for a ridiculously good bite. These low-carb wraps make light dinner recipes a breeze, giving you a meal that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down. When you need something quick without sacrificing flavor, this one delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Keto Crab Melt Wraps

Greek Chicken Gyros

A hand holding a chicken wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and white sauce in a tortilla. — Greek Chicken Gyros. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Greek Chicken Gyros wrap up juicy, seasoned chicken with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki for a fast, fresh meal. A great addition to light dinner recipes, they’re easy to assemble and packed with flavor. Grab some pita, and dinner is done.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer cook up juicy and full of smoky, seasoned goodness in record time. A perfect match for light dinner recipes, these kabobs offer protein-packed bites with crispy edges and tender centers. Pair them with a fresh side and call it a night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans

Three bowls of rice topped with avocado, cherry tomatoes, edamame, and a green herb sauce, on a gray surface. — Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans. Photo credit: My Chef's Apron.

Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans loads up a bowl with crispy plantains, protein-packed edamame, and hearty brown rice. This dish fits right into light dinner recipes, balancing fresh ingredients with bold flavors. Drizzle on homemade chimichurri, and it’s good to go.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans

Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing

A wooden bowl filled with rice noodles, sliced radishes, red peppers, cucumbers, edamame, and cilantro, with chopsticks resting on the side. — Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing. Photo credit: The All Natural Vegan.

Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing is the kind of meal that keeps things light and easy without skimping on flavor. Crisp veggies, tender rice noodles, and a creamy peanut dressing come together for a refreshing dinner that requires minimal effort. If you’re in the mood for something fresh but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen, this is your answer to a light and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spring Roll Salad With Peanut Dressing

Lobster Cakes

Fritters with herbs on a bed of greens, served with a bowl of creamy dill sauce. — Lobster Cakes. Photo credit: Simple And Fraiche.

Lobster Cakes bring restaurant vibes straight to your dinner table without the hassle. A crispy, golden exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful bites of lobster, all made even better with a bright lemon dill sauce. When you need a light and easy dinner that still feels special, this is exactly what you’re looking for.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Cakes

Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon turns a simple fillet into crispy, flavorful perfection in under 20 minutes. A mix of bold seasonings locks in moisture while the air fryer does the hard work—no extra oil needed. This is a go-to for a light and easy dinner that’s big on flavor but small on effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl With Easy Sauce

A bowl of tofu, carrot ribbons, and avocado slices, topped with green onions and sesame seeds, with chopsticks on the side. — Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl With Easy Sauce. Photo credit: My Chef's Apron.

Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl With Easy Sauce delivers the flavors of sushi night without the raw fish. Pan-seared salmon glazed in a sweet-savory sauce gets piled onto fresh veggies and creamy avocado for a fast, no-fuss meal. It’s the kind of light and easy dinner that makes you feel like you put in more effort than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl With Easy Sauce

Air Fryer Tempeh

A bowl of rice topped with glazed tofu, broccoli, and green onions, garnished with sesame seeds. A small dish of soy sauce and sesame seeds, chopsticks, and a napkin are nearby. — Air Fryer Tempeh. Photo credit: World of Vegan.

Air Fryer Tempeh proves that crispy, flavorful plant-based protein doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick air fry takes away any bitterness, leaving behind golden bites that are perfect for tossing into bowls or wrapping in lettuce cups. Keep things stress-free with this light and easy dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tempeh

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Sausage

A dish with shrimp, sausage, zucchini, red bell peppers, and green beans over rice, garnished with herbs. — Sheet Pan Shrimp and Sausage. Photo credit: Tessie's Table.

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Sausage packs bold Cajun flavors into a one-pan wonder. Juicy shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and roasted veggies all come together with barely any cleanup. It’s a foolproof way to get a light and easy dinner on the table when time is not on your side.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Sausage

Vegan Oil-Free Avocado Pesto Pasta

Two plates of pasta with green sauce surrounded by avocado, basil, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and spices, all set on a light-colored surface. — Vegan Oil-Free Avocado Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: The All Natural Vegan.

Vegan Oil-Free Avocado Pesto Pasta brings all the creaminess of a classic pesto dish—without the extra oil. Ripe avocado, fresh basil, and nutritional yeast create a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. If you need a light and easy dinner that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Oil-Free Avocado Pesto Pasta

Vegan Fideo Soup

Two bowls of noodle soup with tomato-based broth, garnished with cilantro, on a woven mat. Lime wedges are visible beside the bowls. — Vegan Fideo Soup. Photo credit: Nuts and Twigs.

Vegan Fideo Soup is proof that simple ingredients can turn into something seriously delicious. Toasted noodles soak up a rich tomato broth, creating a cozy dish that’s as easy as it is budget-friendly. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this is an ideal pick for a light and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fideo Soup

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls

A bowl of rice topped with glazed chicken, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, avocado, seaweed, and sesame seeds, accompanied by a small cup of green tea. — Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls take everything great about sushi—minus the rolling and assembly. Flaky cooked salmon, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies sit on top of warm rice with a drizzle of spicy sauce for good measure. If you’re after a light and easy dinner that still packs a punch, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowls

Shrimp Pasta With Vegetables

A pan filled with pasta, shrimp, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and corn, garnished with herbs. — Shrimp Pasta With Vegetables. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

Shrimp Pasta With Vegetables keeps things simple with plump shrimp, fresh veggies, and a bright lemon garlic sauce. It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights. This is what a light and easy dinner should look like—fresh, fast, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta With Vegetables

Keto Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of soup containing spiralized vegetables, pieces of meat, and carrot slices, garnished with herbs. The soup is served in a white bowl on a brown plate with wooden utensils beside it. — Keto Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Keto Chicken Noodle Soup turns a classic comfort dish into a low-carb favorite. Tender chicken, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs simmer together in a rich broth that feels like a warm hug. When the craving for something cozy hits but you still want a light and easy dinner, this is a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Noodle Soup

Pasta with Peas

Pasta with Peas proves that simple ingredients can create something seriously satisfying. Pesto-coated pasta and tender peas come together in a dish that works warm or cold, depending on your mood. When time is short, this light and easy dinner delivers without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Peas

Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Salmon

A meal featuring a plate with rice, greens, and salmon, a small salad, a salmon fillet on a separate plate, and a fork, all set on a round placemat on a wooden table. — Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: Mikha Eats.

Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Salmon is the dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. A quick glaze and an even quicker cook time turn an ordinary salmon fillet into a rich, umami-packed meal. When life gets busy, this keeps things stress-free while still giving you a light and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Miso-Glazed Salmon

Baked Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Thighs

Baked chicken thighs seasoned with herbs and spices, arranged in a baking dish with a light sauce. — Baked Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Rebecca Taig.

Baked Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Thighs come out golden, juicy, and loaded with flavor. A tangy honey mustard sauce makes every bite irresistible while the oven does all the work. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, this is exactly what you want for a light and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Thighs

Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Dressing

A colorful salad with carrot ribbons, cucumber slices, and sunflower seeds in a bowl on a patterned surface, with dressing and a fork. — Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Dressing. Photo credit: Champagne Tastes.

Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Dressing turns simple ingredients into a crunchy, flavor-packed meal. Shaved brussels sprouts, crisp carrots, and a creamy tahini dressing make this perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners. When you need a light and easy dinner that won’t weigh you down, this one’s got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Dressing

Smoked Salmon Salad

A bowl of salad featuring mixed greens, avocado, and smoked salmon, with a plate of dressing and spoon nearby on a tiled surface with a green striped cloth. — Smoked Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Champagne Tastes.

Smoked Salmon Salad brings together tender greens, silky smoked salmon, and a zippy mustard-caper dressing for an effortless meal. Avocado and tomatoes round it out, making every bite fresh and flavorful. It’s a light and easy dinner that feels a little fancy—but takes almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Salad

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets

Close-up of seasoned grilled chicken breasts garnished with parsley, accompanied by lime wedges and cherry tomatoes. — Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets deliver bold flavor in just ten minutes. A smoky spice blend gives each piece a crispy, charred crust while keeping the inside tender. When you need a no-fuss, light and easy dinner, this one gets the job done fast.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Blackened Chicken Cutlets

Mediterranean Salmon Bowls

A bowl with grilled chicken, cucumber, tomato, red onion, avocado, feta cheese, and a dollop of creamy sauce, garnished with herbs. — Mediterranean Salmon Bowls. Photo credit: Poppy Trail Table.

Mediterranean Salmon Bowls bring crispy salmon, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki together in one seriously satisfying meal. Air-fried salmon makes this fast and easy, while the Mediterranean flavors keep things interesting. If you’re after a light and easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on freshness, this one checks every box.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon Bowls

Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa

Three shrimp tacos with mango, avocado, onions, and cilantro, topped with white sauce. Lime wedges and cilantro on the side. — Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Simple And Fraiche.

Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa prove that tacos don’t need to be complicated to be amazing. Sweet and juicy mango salsa pairs perfectly with grilled shrimp for a fast, flavor-packed meal. Whether it’s a weeknight or the weekend, this is a light and easy dinner you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa