A good meal should fill you up and taste great, even without meat. These Lent-friendly recipes are hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. From warm soups to seafood favorites and comforting pasta, there’s plenty to enjoy all season long. Whether you’re looking for something light or something filling, these dishes make meat-free days simple. You won’t have to worry about feeling hungry or running out of ideas.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cacio e Pepe
Why overcomplicate dinner when a few simple ingredients can create something this good? Cheese, black pepper, and pasta water come together to coat every bite in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat. This quick and satisfying meal is perfect for Lent when keeping things meat-free and easy is the goal.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Spinach Soufflé
A fluffy soufflé sounds fancy, but this one is easy enough for any night of the week. Fresh spinach and creamy cheese bake into a light, savory dish that looks as good as it tastes. Whether served as a side or a main, it’s a delicious way to keep Lent meals satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Soufflé
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
All the cheesy, saucy comfort of lasagna, but with a faster, easier twist. Ricotta and mozzarella fill tender pasta sheets, which are rolled up and baked until golden and bubbly. This hearty, meat-free meal is perfect for Lent when something warm and filling is needed.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Asian Glazed Salmon
A sweet and savory glaze takes this salmon to the next level. As it cooks, the sauce caramelizes, locking in moisture and creating a rich, flavorful bite. With bold flavors and minimal effort, this Lent-friendly meal proves that skipping meat doesn’t mean skipping great taste.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Pizza Dough
Why settle for store-bought when homemade dough is this easy to make? A simple mix of ingredients comes together for a chewy, crisp crust that’s ready for any topping. Perfect for a Lent-friendly pizza night that feels homemade and special.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Dough
Creamy Pea Pasta
A rich, cheesy sauce coats every noodle in this comforting pasta dish. Sweet peas add a fresh pop of flavor, blending perfectly with the smooth, creamy base. It’s an easy and satisfying Lent meal that proves simple ingredients can create something special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Looking for a meal that’s rich, creamy, and full of fresh flavor? Arborio rice cooks down with peas and a touch of lemon, creating a dish that’s both hearty and bright. This meat-free meal is perfect for Lent when something comforting and filling is needed.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Nicoise Omelet
A classic omelet with a fresh, flavorful twist. Creamy eggs are filled with tender potatoes, briny olives, and just the right amount of cheese for a satisfying meal. This Lent-friendly recipe is a simple way to enjoy breakfast for dinner without missing the meat.
Get the Recipe: Nicoise Omelet
Potato Gnocchi
Soft, pillowy dumplings turn a handful of ingredients into a dish that feels like a treat. Whether tossed in a rich tomato sauce, buttery sage, or pesto, these little bites soak up flavor in the best way. This homemade gnocchi is a filling and satisfying choice for Lent.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Caprese Panini
A warm, melty sandwich that brings classic Italian flavors to the table. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil are pressed together in crispy, golden bread. It’s an easy, satisfying Lent meal that comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Oatmeal Pancakes
Hearty and fluffy, these pancakes are packed with oats for a filling meal that keeps you going. The added texture gives them a rich bite, making them a great choice for a Lent-friendly breakfast or dinner. Whether topped with syrup or fresh fruit, they’re simple, comforting, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Pancakes
Mini Apple Pancakes
Soft, bite-sized pancakes with a warm apple flavor that makes every bite a treat. They have a fluffy inside and just the right amount of crisp on the outside, making them perfect for a Lent-friendly meal or snack. Easy to make and fun to eat, they prove that skipping meat doesn’t mean skipping flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pancakes
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
A smooth, rich soup packed with beans, garlic, and herbs for a comforting bowl of goodness. The creamy texture makes every spoonful satisfying, while the flavors blend together for a dish that’s simple but full of depth. This is an easy and filling choice for Lent when a warm, meat-free meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Apple Puff Pancake
A light and airy puff pancake that rises beautifully in the oven. Warm apples give it a sweet, caramelized flavor, while the crisp edges and custard-like center create the perfect balance of textures. Whether for breakfast or dinner, this Lent-friendly dish feels like a treat without the need for meat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pancake
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Tired of the same old tuna salad? A spoonful of pesto and sundried tomatoes give it a bold, flavorful twist that turns a simple meal into something special. It’s a quick and affordable choice for Lent that proves meat-free meals don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Homemade sushi is easier than it looks, and these rolls are packed with flavor. Canned tuna, a touch of spice, and fresh ingredients come together for a budget-friendly Lent meal that feels anything but ordinary. Simple to roll and fun to eat, they make skipping meat easy.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Soy Ginger Salmon
A soy and ginger glaze adds just the right balance of salty and sweet to this tender salmon dish. As it cooks, the sauce seeps in, creating a bold, flavorful bite that pairs well with rice or veggies. This easy Lent meal proves that simple ingredients can create something special.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Poached Orange Salmon
A bright citrus sauce gives this salmon a fresh, delicate flavor that makes every bite taste light and juicy. The orange adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing out the tender fish. Quick to make and full of fresh flavor, this is a great choice for a Lent-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Need a one-pan meal that’s filling and packed with flavor? Quinoa, beans, salsa, and corn cook together for a dish that’s hearty, spicy, and full of texture. This easy Lent recipe proves that meat-free meals can still be bold and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Tomato Soup
A rich, velvety tomato soup that brings deep, roasted flavor to every spoonful. It’s simple, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with bread or a grilled cheese for an easy Lent meal. With just a few ingredients, this is proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells are filled with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Every bite is cheesy, hearty, and full of comforting flavors that make it a perfect Lent meal. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, proving that meat-free meals can still feel indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells