Lent lasts for several weeks, and it’s easy to run out of meal ideas. These 21 recipes are simple, comforting, and filling for the whole family. They include fish dishes and vegetarian mains that work for Fridays or any night of the week. The meals are designed to be satisfying without taking too much time, making it easier to plan dinners throughout the season.
Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Pizza Dough
Soft, homemade pizza dough makes it easy to customize toppings for a meal that feels interactive and complete. The dough holds sauce, cheese, and vegetables while staying chewy and satisfying. It allows meat-free ingredients to take center stage, creating a filling and approachable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Cheese-stuffed pasta shells turn a simple dinner into a filling, meatless option. Layers of melted cheese and noodles create a hearty yet approachable dish. They provide satisfaction, substance, and a comforting meal that feels complete without relying on meat. Pasta shells combine richness and flavor into a meal that’s both hearty and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Simple Marinara Sauce
Ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs simmer together into a marinara sauce that brings depth to any meal. The sauce coats pasta or works for dipping, giving meat-free dishes a satisfying, complete feeling. It keeps well and can be made ahead, saving time on busy Lent Fridays. Bold flavors turn simple ingredients into a versatile, flavorful sauce that enhances any meatless dish.
Get the Recipe: Simple Marinara Sauce
Poached Orange Salmon
Citrus brightens tender salmon in this easy, flavorful dish that feels special without extra effort. A few simple seasonings bring out the fish’s natural flavor while keeping the meal light. Preparation is fast, so it works well for Lent dinners that need protein without relying on meat.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Protein-packed beans and quinoa come together with corn, salsa, and spices for a one-pan meal. It’s high in protein and fiber while staying completely meat-free. The dish is quick to prepare, keeps well, and provides a filling dinner for anyone at the table. Beans, grains, and spices make a hearty, balanced meal that’s simple and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Cheesy noodles wrapped in sauce make portioned lasagna easy to serve and enjoy. The flavors stay rich while the format saves time and reduces cleanup. They make a filling dinner feel complete without extra effort, offering both familiarity and satisfaction in a simple way.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups
Potato Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi holds sauce perfectly while delivering a soft, comforting texture in every bite. The dumplings feel special while remaining simple to prepare. They’re filling and satisfying, providing substance without meat. Gnocchi pair with a variety of sauces, creating a hearty, thoughtful meal that feels complete and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Caprese Panini
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a simple sandwich that feels complete and satisfying. The melted cheese adds richness, while the fresh vegetables keep it bright and simple. It can be made in minutes and provides a complete meat-free option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Soy Ginger Salmon
Soy and ginger flavors enhance salmon to create a delicate, savory dish that works for a light Lent dinner. The sauce complements the fish without adding heaviness, keeping meals satisfying and balanced. Preparation is simple and stress-free, giving a restaurant-style option at home. Salmon and sauce come together to make a protein-rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Crisp asparagus and tangy goat cheese top a pizza that keeps the flavors simple but satisfying. The minimal cheese and lack of heavy sauce let the vegetables shine, creating a meat-free meal that still feels complete. The crust holds everything together for a balanced dinner that fills the appetite.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza
Cacio e Pepe
Simple ingredients come together in Cacio e Pepe to create pasta that’s creamy, rich, and satisfying without meat. Black pepper and Parmesan coat each strand of pasta in a smooth, flavorful sauce. The dish takes less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick Lent dinner. Pasta and sauce combine to create a comforting, hearty, and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy risotto comes together with peas and a touch of lemon to create a bright, filling meal in the Instant Pot. The rice cooks quickly while the vegetables add color, sweetness, and texture. It delivers a complete dinner that feels hearty even without meat.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Creamy ricotta clings to tender pasta while juicy tomatoes add brightness in this simple dish. It comes together quickly and needs only a few ingredients. The dish is filling, meat-free, and provides a complete dinner that’s light, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Ricotta and tomatoes blend to make a smooth, satisfying, and balanced pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Pesto Salmon
Fresh pesto coats tender salmon to create a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s light yet filling. The herbs highlight the fish while keeping the flavors simple and approachable. It provides a protein-rich alternative for a meatless dinner that feels substantial.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Nicoise Omelet
A Nicoise Omelet takes the classic salad’s flavors and transforms them into a protein-packed dish that works for breakfast or dinner. Eggs combine with tender vegetables and a touch of olive oil to create a satisfying, light meal. It offers a filling option without meat while keeping the flavors fresh and balanced. Eggs, vegetables, and olive oil create a thoughtful, quick, and complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Nicoise Omelet
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet green peas mix with a rich, creamy sauce to make a pasta that’s filling and satisfying. The combination provides enough substance to serve as a complete dinner. It comes together quickly and uses simple, everyday ingredients. Peas and creamy sauce make a hearty, protein-rich, and flavorful pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach and Parmesan lift protein-rich quinoa into a meal that feels full and thoughtful. The tender greens add color and flavor, while Parmesan gives a savory note that makes each bite satisfying. Quinoa provides enough substance to make a filling Lent dinner without meat.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Flaky tuna mixes with tomato sauce and pasta to create a quick, filling meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of ingredients keeps it approachable while offering plenty of protein. It’s simple to prepare and balanced enough to serve as a full dinner without adding extra meat. Tuna, pasta, and sauce combine into a hearty, protein-packed, and easy-to-prepare meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Calzones
Soft dough pockets hold a mix of cheese, vegetables, and herbs, creating a hand-held dinner that satisfies. Each bite combines mild creaminess with savory notes, creating a filling meal without relying on meat. They bake quickly and can be adapted with favorite vegetables or sauces.
Get the Recipe: Calzones
Carrot Ginger Soup
Sweet carrots meet bright ginger in this easy-to-make soup that feels filling without meat. The smooth texture and bright flavor make it easy to enjoy without meat. It’s simple to prepare with ingredients that are usually on hand and comes together quickly for a nourishing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Asian Glazed Salmon
Sweet and savory flavors bring Asian-glazed salmon to life in a way that keeps the fish tender and flavorful without heaviness. The glaze provides richness while allowing the natural texture of the salmon to shine. It’s easy to prepare for a quick dinner or dress up for a more formal meal. Salmon and glaze combine into a flavorful, protein-rich, and approachable dinner.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon