23 meat-free Lenten dinners for busy folks

Tired of the same old meatless meals during Lent? Ditch the tuna salad and skip the cheese pizza this year. We’ve got a delicious line-up of recipes that are bursting with flavor, easy on your wallet, and perfect for satisfying even the pickiest eaters. From creamy pasta dishes to cozy winter favorites, these meat-free meals are sure to become new family traditions.

Pesto Salmon

Succulent salmon baked with flavorful pesto creates a healthy and delicious meal packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vibrant herbs. This smart dinner option is easy to prepare and satisfying for both taste and well-being.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Creamy risotto studded with sweet peas and infused with fresh lemon zest creates a bright and zesty flavor combination. Enjoy this sophisticated and easy-to-make dish for a special occasion or elevate your weekly dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Move over traditional pizza! This unique option uses no sauce and minimal cheese, letting the flavors of asparagus and goat cheese shine through. It’s a surprisingly delicious and easy-to-make alternative to your usual pizza routine.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Goat Cheese Pizza

Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

Experience the comfort of velvety Tuscan bean soup, a blend of cannellini beans, kale, and Italian herbs simmered in a flavorful broth. This hearty and satisfying soup warms you from within with its creamy texture and delightful Tuscan flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

Creamy Pea Pasta

Fresh peas blended into a smooth sauce coating tender pasta, finished with dill for a light and flavorful dish, ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights. Serve it with Parmesan cheese on the side for an extra touch of flavor and let everyone customize their plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta

Potato Gnocchi

Fluffy potato dumplings tossed in your favorite sauce for a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired dinner, light enough for spring but cozy enough for cooler nights. Pair it with a tomato sauce for a classic taste, or experiment with pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi

Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso’s savory and slightly sweet notes enhance the salmon’s succulence for a flavorful and unique main course. This impressive dish is perfect for those seeking to elevate their meal with a touch of sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Poached Orange Salmon

Flaky salmon poached in a citrusy orange-infused broth for a light and elegant meal. This simple yet refined dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon

Cacio e Pepe

Simple yet elegant pasta dish featuring only Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper for a bold and unforgettable flavor, showcasing the magic of minimalist cooking. Use the freshest ingredients you can find to let the true flavors shine through, and experiment with different types of pepper for a unique twist.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Soy Ginger Salmon

Simple yet flavorful, this salmon is marinated in a punchy blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before baking to flaky perfection. This healthy and easy-to-prepare weeknight meal is packed with satisfying taste.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon

Asian Glazed Salmon

Pan-seared salmon glazed in a vibrant blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a sweet and savory explosion. This impressive yet easy dish brings Asian flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Asian Glazed Salmon

Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Flaky tuna and juicy tomatoes tossed with pasta in a flavorful sauce for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, a healthy and protein-packed option that’s perfect for busy families. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness, or stir in some chopped olives or capers for a salty and savory twist.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta

Carrot Ginger Soup

Sweet carrots and zesty ginger combine in a warm and wholesome soup perfect for any season. This easy recipe brings everyday ingredients together for a comforting and flavorful soup experience.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Nutty quinoa tossed with earthy spinach and creamy Parmesan cheese makes for a delicious and nutritious side dish. This wholesome choice is a perfect complement to main courses and provides a satisfying balance of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Apple Puff Pancake

This giant pancake bakes up fluffy with tender apples throughout, offering a fun and festive centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. Dust it with sugar or top it with ice cream for a delightful and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Puff Pancake

Calzones

Golden pockets filled with savory ingredients like ricotta, mozzarella, and your favorite meats or vegetables for a hearty and customizable winter meal, offering endless possibilities for creative fillings and flavors. Get creative with the fillings, using leftover cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, or even breakfast sausage for a fun twist. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them plain for a portable and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Calzones

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a velvety blend of creamy cheese and tender broccoli florets in under 30 minutes. This hearty and filling soup is perfect for cozy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that stands on its own without needing additional sides.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Creamy ricotta and spinach filling baked inside giant pasta shells for a delicious and comforting weeknight meal, perfect for satisfying picky eaters and grown-ups alike. Enjoy it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Stuffed Shells

Lasagna Pizzas

Experience the best of both worlds with pizza topped with layers of seasoned ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. This convenient fusion of two beloved Italian classics satisfies pizza cravings with the comforting flavors of lasagna.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas

Caprese Panini

Savory grilled cheese gets a cozy winter twist with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil. This classic comfort food is easy to make and adds a touch of warmth to your winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Nicoise Omelet

Eggs, tuna, olives, and vegetables come together in a protein-packed and flavorful omelet. This quick and easy meal provides a satisfying balance of taste and nutrition, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Nicoise Omelet

Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Layers of lasagna goodness, including ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, rolled up in pasta sheets for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, packed with all the familiar lasagna flavors everyone loves. Prepare them in advance and bake just before serving for a stress-free meal, or freeze them for later for a convenient and tasty option any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll Ups

Mexican Skillet Quinoa

Protein-rich quinoa combines with Mexican-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, and spices for a flavorful and wholesome one-pan meal. This satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights and allows for customizing with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa