Light meals are great for any day, whether busy or relaxed. These 17 recipes are easy, quick to prepare, and perfect for a quick lunch, filling snack, or a relaxed dinner.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
When you’re in the mood for something light and full of flavor, this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is just the thing. It combines chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños into a casserole that’s surprisingly easy to make. With only 20 minutes of prep time and just over an hour in the oven, enjoy the balance of spicy jalapeños and creamy cheese in a light meal that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Broccoli Fritters
Here’s a fun way to get some extra veggies on the table. These Broccoli Fritters combine ingredients like chopped broccoli florets and Parmesan cheese, which are formed into patties and pan-fried for a crispy exterior. Ready in just 35 minutes, these fritters are a quick, simple option for a meal or snack. This recipe uses Greek yogurt or sour cream as a dip but feel free to serve them on their own, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
In just 30 minutes, you can make these mini patties made with canned salmon spiced up with jalapeños and cayenne pepper and served with Lemon Dill Aioli. They’re so easy to make and very versatile. You can use any type of canned protein, customize the spice level to your liking, and serve them with whatever dipping sauce you prefer. Make them for a light meal or as an appetizer for gatherings, these are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are fresh, delicious, and high in protein. It’s very easy to make and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. After cooking the chicken salad, they are scooped into cucumber halves, and garnished with sea salt and pepper. Cucumber boats are very convenient meals and paired with pre-cooked chicken, they take half the time to make than cooking from scratch. These boats also store a day before so you can quickly grab a light lunch when you’re in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Use a bell pepper instead of bread for a light twist on a classic sandwich. Spread cream cheese, and stone ground mustard on the inside of a sliced bell pepper before sprinkling Everything Bagel Seasoning and filling it with your favorite deli, crispy bacon, cheese, mashed avocado, and cucumber. These sandwiches can be made in as little as 10 minutes, making them perfect for those days when you want something easy and light but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Canned Chicken Patties
Lunch has never been easier with these Canned Chicken Patties. Ready in only 20 minutes, these chicken patties are perfectly crisp on the outside, and juicy on the inside. These are also very easy to make — just mix and form the patties and cook on the stovetop. Pair them with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or tuck them into a sandwich for a light meal perfect any time of the day.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a crisp and refreshing salad you can make in just 30 minutes. The ingredients are simple, featuring cucumbers and red onions tossed in sour cream, mayo, and dill dressing. Make this as a light lunch with your favorite protein or a side for a full dinner. This salad complements many main dishes so you can serve this with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
For a refreshing and quick snack, try these 10-minute Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. The cucumbers are filled with cream cheese and tuna and then seasoned with Everything Bagel Seasoning, coconut aminos, and hot sauce. This recipe is an excellent choice for a simple, flavorful, and light meal, especially when you’re craving a dish with a bit of a kick.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Everyone needs a good salad once in a while and for those times when you just need something to grab and go, these Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars should be at the top of your list. These jars are filled with fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese with a simple dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Prepare them in just 10 minutes the night before, store them in the refrigerator to let the flavors marinate, and enjoy a flavorful salad the next day in no time at all.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Cauliflower Potato Salad
This Cauliflower Potato Salad is a refreshing twist on a traditional side. This faux-potato salad combines cauliflower with bacon and cheese for a flavorful yet light dish. Enjoy it chilled and top it off with a bit of hot sauce and paprika for extra flavor. It’s a great choice that requires no complicated cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
For a light meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are just the thing. They’re an excellent choice for any time of day, and feature a combination of chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices. These poppers are very easy to make and can be served in just an hour. Just prep and mix the ingredients, form them into balls, pop them in the oven until nice and golden brown, and garnish with ranch dressing. P.S. These also store well in the freezer. Make them ahead for meal prep or as a grab-and-go meal for those busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Zucchini Bites
These Zucchini Bites are an easy, light meal that focuses on common ingredients and simple techniques. Combining shredded zucchini with Parmesan and cheddar cheese, along with Italian seasoning, these bites are a great way to enjoy more vegetables. They’re great on their own or with a dip. Plus, it’s an excellent recipe for using up any extra zucchini you might have.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites
Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats
Once you try these Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats, you will never go back. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy crunchy and refreshing cucumbers filled with a creamy, spicy egg salad mixture. Cucumbers are very versatile and complement so many flavors. Whether you need a fast lunch or a healthier snack option, these cucumber boats are a smart way to enjoy something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats
These zucchini boats are topped with crispy bacon and shredded cheese and topped with sour cream and green onions. A playful take on potato skins, these are a wonderful option for a light and flavorful meal or as a party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
For those mornings when you want something easy and not overly heavy, try these Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. This recipe combines all the familiar breakfast ingredients you enjoy and love. Hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and creamy avocado are assembled as a sandwich for a new take on the classic breakfast favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, these are an excellent option for busy mornings or when you’re craving a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Creating a delicious and light meal is like a walk in the park with these Keto Chicken Nuggets. The ingredients are easy to find, using canned chicken and a special pork rind breadcrumb mix. The instructions are straightforward, too. Mix the ingredients, coat them with the breading, and pop in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is great to have on hand when you need a filling snack or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Avocado Tuna Salad
Effortlessly prepare a refreshing and light meal with this Avocado Tuna Salad. The creamy avocado and rich tuna provide a good balance of flavor and nutrition. It’s also a convenient meal prep option, only needing 5 minutes of your time. Mix the ingredients, chill in the fridge, and enjoy a ready-to-serve salad.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad