Finding time to cook during the week can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. These 17 light and easy recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy home-cooked meals without the hassle. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you can have dinner on the table every night, no matter how busy your day is.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables simmer in a flavorful broth for a meal that feels both hearty and light. This soup is a perfect way to use up leftovers while creating something warm and comforting. It’s filling enough for dinner yet easy enough to make any time of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Tomato Soup
Smooth and rich, this tomato soup is packed with the bold flavors of ripe tomatoes in every bite. It’s a comforting and timeless dish that’s perfect for days when you want something simple but satisfying. Pair it with bread or enjoy it on its own for a light meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Carrot Ginger Soup
Sweet carrots and zesty ginger combine to create a soup that’s both bright and wholesome. It’s a light dish that’s easy to prepare and feels refreshing yet filling. Perfect for when you need a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fluffy quinoa come together in this vibrant and refreshing salad. It’s a light and healthy dish that works well as a main meal or a flavorful side. The simple ingredients and bold flavors make it a perfect choice for an easy and nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup is rich in nutrients and loaded with flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any day. The Instant Pot makes it quick to prepare, so you can enjoy a wholesome dinner without much effort. It’s a light yet filling option that keeps you fueled and feeling good.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Protein-packed quinoa and tender spinach are paired with savory Parmesan for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s a light vegetarian option that’s easy to make and big on flavor. Whether it’s for dinner or a quick lunch, this meal delivers both taste and health in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Zesty lime marinade adds refreshing flavor to tender grilled chicken for a dish that’s light yet satisfying. This meal is easy to prepare and works well for lunch or dinner. It’s a perfect option for when you want something flavorful without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
Simple ingredients like pasta, cheese, and pepper create a dish that’s rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying. This pantry-friendly meal is quick to prepare and feels like a treat despite its simplicity. Perfect for when you need a comforting dinner that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Vegan Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous is combined with a variety of fresh vegetables to create a dish that’s light, colorful, and full of flavor. This salad is hearty enough to serve as a main meal or makes a great side for anything you’re cooking up. It’s an easy, nutritious option that’s both versatile and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Canned tuna and ripe tomatoes come together to create a pasta dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a light and filling meal that can be made in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy days. With minimal ingredients and effort, this dish is a go-to for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Soy Ginger Salmon
Savory soy sauce and zesty ginger glaze tender salmon in a dish that’s as flavorful as it is light. This meal is easy to make and packed with bold, refreshing flavors that don’t feel heavy. It’s a great choice for a healthy dinner that’s both quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Pesto Salmon
Herb-filled pesto adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to rich, tender salmon for a meal that feels balanced and satisfying. This dish is light but packs a punch when it comes to taste, making it an excellent choice for dinner. With its simple preparation, it’s perfect for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tangy tomatoes and fragrant basil are blended into a creamy bisque that’s rich, comforting, and satisfying. This light soup is full of bold flavors and ready in just 30 minutes, making it an easy option for any evening. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of bread for a meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Asian Glazed Salmon
Sweet and savory glaze coats tender salmon for a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying. This meal is light, easy to prepare, and perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s a simple way to enjoy salmon in a recipe that’s as delicious as it is wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon
Miso Glazed Salmon
Miso glaze adds a rich, savory flavor to perfectly cooked salmon for a meal that’s light but full of depth. This dish is easy to make and brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s a great option for a healthy, satisfying dinner that feels special without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Spicy Tuna Rolls
Canned tuna is the star of these easy-to-make spicy tuna rolls that bring just the right amount of heat. This light meal is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy sushi at home without the hassle. It’s a perfect choice for when you want something different that’s still simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls
Shortcut Chicken Salad
Canned chicken makes this salad quick and easy without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. It’s a light and refreshing option that works as a meal on greens or in a sandwich. Perfect for a no-cook lunch or dinner when you want something simple but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad