Looking for meals that are light and easy to make during the week? These 23 recipes are perfect for busy days when you want something quick but still delicious. Each dish is designed to keep things light without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these meals will help you stay on track with your week.
Kung Pao Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tomato Soup
A bowl of this tomato soup is comfort food at its finest, without feeling too heavy. Its rich, ripe tomato flavor delivers satisfaction with every spoonful while keeping things light. Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a meal that’s easy to love and hard to forget.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Bring a burst of brightness to your table with lime-marinated grilled chicken that’s bold and zesty. This tender and flavorful dish is light enough for busy weekdays but filling enough to feel like a treat. Try it for a quick meal that leaves you energized and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Tomato Lime Chicken
Add excitement to your dinner lineup with this tomato lime chicken that’s bursting with flavor. It’s versatile enough to shine in tacos, rice bowls, or even salads, making it a great fit for any meal. Keep this recipe handy for nights when you need something light, fast, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is proof that simple ingredients can create bold flavors without extra fuss. With just cheese, pepper, and pasta, it’s a dish that feels comforting without being overly rich. Make it your go-to when you want a quick, light meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Miso Glazed Salmon
This miso-glazed salmon is the perfect mix of savory and satisfying, without feeling too heavy. The tender fish absorbs the rich glaze, creating a balanced meal that’s packed with flavor. Add it to your dinner routine when you want something light yet memorable.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
A bowl of lentil soup can make any day feel better, and this Instant Pot version is quick and easy to prepare. It’s hearty without being too heavy, filled with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for a light meal that works any time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Tomato Basil Bisque
Fresh basil and tangy tomatoes come together in this creamy bisque that’s both refreshing and hearty. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that works perfectly on its own or paired with your favorite bread. Make it a part of your weeknight menu for a meal that feels special but takes little effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Kung Pao chicken salad is a delicious way to combine crunch and bold flavors in one dish. Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing make it as satisfying as it is refreshing. Whip this up when you’re craving a light, flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
This tuna and tomato pasta makes dinner simple while delivering big, bold flavors. The combination of ripe tomatoes and canned tuna is light yet hearty enough to leave you feeling full. Add this to your busy weekday rotation for a quick and satisfying option that’s always a win.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Asian Glazed Salmon
Sweet and savory flavors blend perfectly in this Asian glazed salmon, creating a dish that’s both light and delicious. The tender fish soaks up the bold glaze, making it a meal that feels effortless yet special. Try it when you’re looking for something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Vegan Couscous Salad
This vegan couscous salad is colorful, fresh, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make it satisfying and light. Fluffy grains mix with crisp vegetables to create a meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Keep it on hand for lunches, dinners, or as a vibrant side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a fresh and flavorful option that turns dinner into something easy yet special. Herby pesto pairs beautifully with tender fish, creating a dish that’s light but satisfying. Make it a regular part of your meal plan for a healthy option that always delivers great taste.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Simple Salmon Patties
These salmon patties turn canned salmon into a meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re light but filling and full of protein. Add them to your weeknight rotation for a dish that’s quick, delicious, and sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Bring some excitement to your table with spicy tuna rolls that are fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. Canned tuna, bold seasonings, and simple preparation come together for a light, sushi-inspired meal. Roll them up and enjoy a dinner that feels fun without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Reinvent a classic with this pesto tuna salad that’s bursting with bold flavors from sundried tomatoes and fresh herbs. It’s light enough for a quick lunch yet hearty enough for a satisfying dinner. Make it your go-to recipe when you’re craving something easy and packed with vibrant taste.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Poached Orange Salmon
Brighten your dinner with poached orange salmon that’s full of fresh, citrusy flavor. The tender fish absorbs the zesty orange, creating a dish that feels light and refreshing. Try it when you’re looking for a healthy meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Mexican skillet quinoa is a one-pan wonder that’s packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Beans, salsa, and corn come together for a protein-packed dish that feels light yet filling. Make this your answer to weeknight dinners that need to be simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Soy Ginger Salmon
Soy and ginger come together to create a glaze that transforms salmon into a flavorful and balanced meal. The tender fish carries bold flavors without feeling too heavy, making it a perfect choice for dinner. Try it on nights when you want something healthy and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Keep things simple and tasty with this shortcut chicken salad that’s ready in minutes but full of flavor. A mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients creates a light, refreshing meal that works for greens or sandwiches. Add it to your list for a go-to option when time is short but flavor is key.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken and rice soup is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, but it’s still light and fresh. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables come together in a flavorful broth. Use this recipe to turn leftovers into a dinner that feels hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach and Parmesan quinoa is a meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor, perfect for any time you need something light. The fluffy quinoa mixes with tender spinach and savory Parmesan to create a dish that works as a main or a hearty side. Add it to your table for a simple yet satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Carrot Ginger Soup
Sweet carrots and zesty ginger come together in this soup that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s light enough for a quick meal but bold enough to leave you feeling satisfied. Make it your pick when you need a wholesome dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Tomato quinoa salad is the perfect combination of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Fluffy quinoa and crisp vegetables make it a light but satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Keep this recipe handy for when you want something vibrant and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad