21 Light and Delicious Meals That Won't Leave You Hungry

Who says light meals can't be tasty and satisfying? This post is your guide to 21 delicious recipes that are perfect for lunch or dinner. From vibrant salads to hearty soups and lean proteins, each meal is designed to be both nutritious and filling.

So forget the heavy dinners and greasy fast food – it's time to discover a world of healthier eating that tastes amazing!

Easy Penne Pomodoro

This Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring a delicious, flavor-packed red tomato sauce with hints of basil and garlic. This easy pasta recipe is quick and easy to make, and you can have it ready at the dinner table in under 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

White Miso and Seaweed Soup

I'll show you how to make a White Miso and Seaweed Soup in just 10 minutes. So easy, delicious and featuring a savory Miso paste broth, silken tofu, wakame and no dashi, this fast and fail-proof soup is sure to become your favorite for busy days. Get the recipe.

Creamiest Tomato Risotto

This Tomato Risotto is an incredibly simple recipe but is still packed with flavor in each bite to give you a dinner meal that's sure to become a family favorite! It features perfectly cooked risotto with a beautiful, creamy texture and the fresh summer flavors of cherry tomatoes. What's best is that it's also vegan and can be made in just 30 minutes from scratch! Get the recipe.

Creamy Salmon Asparagus Pasta

One thing I can tell you for sure - Creamy Salmon Asparagus Pasta is one satisfying meal. In fact, my whole family enjoyed a tasty bite of this extremely satisfying pasta recipe. Get the recipe.

Broccoli and Mushroom Salad 

This Broccoli and Mushroom Salad Recipe features some of my favorite ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms, fresh crunchy broccoli, Kalamata olives, and amazing red onion vinaigrette. So healthy, clean, and perfect for a light dinner, a colorful side, or meal prep. Get the recipe.

Vegetable Curry with Chickpeas and Coconut Milk

This easy Curry Recipe with chickpeas and coconut milk is perfect for cleaning out the fridge. Use any vegetables you have, add some aromatic spices and coconut milk, and boom, you have a fantastic and healthy plant-based meal perfect for busy days! Get the recipe.

Easy Salmon Soup

Tired of baked salmon dishes? Try my Lohikeitto recipe - delicious and the easiest ever salmon soup that is so popular in Finland. Made in just under 40 minutes, this cozy and hearty fish soup is sure to warm you on chilly winter nights. Get the recipe.

Tortellini Salad

This Tortellini Salad is a delicious combination of cheese-filled tortellini, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. With its creamy Cotija cheese and tangy dressing, it's a perfect blend of delicious textures and flavors. Get the recipe.

Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo with Zucchini Spaghetti 

Creamy, flavorful, a bit sweet and tart, this Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo With Zucchini Spaghetti will make a quick and easy dinner recipe that is perfect for busy weekdays, but is also delicious and satisfying for a Sunday family meal. Get the recipe.

Pesto Chicken, Kale + White Bean Soup

This 30 Minute Pesto Chicken, Kale + White Bean Soup is the perfect cozy recipe to whip up on a cold night when you want something healthy and easy. Get the recipe.

Mussels Pasta with Garlic and Fennel

This Mussels Pasta with Garlic and Fennel is a culinary trip to Tuscany. It tastes and looks like a luxury but comes together simply and in less than half an hour. It's the best mussels recipe for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal but still want a deliciously inspired one. Get the recipe.

Chicken Romaine Salad with Caramelized Cashews

This easy Chicken Romaine Salad with Honey Caramelized Cashews has all attributes of a healthy and delicious lunch. Get the recipe.

30-Minute Stir-Fry Noddles

These Stir Fry Noodles are incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and the perfect recipe for busy weeknights! It features perfectly stir-fried veggies, tasty tofu, and delicious noodles coated in a simple, flavorful homemade stir-fry sauce! Get the recipe.

20-Minute Seared Cod with Tomato-Caper Sauce

The easiest and most delicious cod recipe you'll ever need. Seared to a flaky perfection and served with a tangy tomato-caper sauce over mashed potatoes or rice, this cod recipe makes an easy and delicious weeknight meal. Get the recipe.

Soupe Au Pistou (Provencal Vegetable Soup)

This Soupe Au Pistou or Provencal Vegetable Soup is refreshing, healthy and delicious. Great for lunch or light dinner. Get the recipe.

Pea Fritters with Yogurt Sauce and Radish Salad

Pea Fritters are not just for babies. These delicious protein and healthy-grain packed patties make an easy and healthy 30-minute weeknight lunch or dinner. Get the recipe.

Healthy Orange Chicken Recipe

I’m SO excited to share this orange chicken recipe with you because it’s a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, made with everyday ingredients, and contains all the components I look for in a healthy meal – protein, produce, carbs, and flavor!  Get the recipe.

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

ThisInstant Pot Chicken Stew is the easiest chicken stew you will ever make. Prep it for 10 minutes, then set it and forget it - and enjoy a flavor packed veggie loaded meal in under 45 minutes. Get the recipe.

Easy Salmon Caesar Salad

This easy salmon Caesar salad is a family favorite at our house! Not only is this Caesar salad with salmon a nutritious and delicious meal, but it’s incredibly easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner meal. Get the recipe.

Thai Eggplant Red Curry 

This Thai Eggplant Red Curry is simple yet flavor packed meal perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Zucchini and tofu add richness and nutrients to this already healthy freezer-friendly dish. Made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes. Get the recipe.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef and cabbage makes an easy skillet dinner loosely inspired by an Asian stir fry. With tons of texture, aromatic spices and a light savory sauce, this 30-minute meal is a weeknight winner. Get the recipe.