If you've ever had a so-called light dinner and then raided the kitchen before bed, this is for you. These light dinners actually keep you full without feeling weighed down. They're the kind of meals that get the job done without leaving you staring into the fridge at 10 PM, wondering what went wrong. Simple, doable, and yes—still great for when you want something that won’t knock you out or leave you hungry five minutes later.
Vegetable Korma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Instant Pot Jollof
Nigerian Jollof rice cooked with tomatoes and peppers makes a bold one-pot dinner. It’s a great pick when you need something filling that still feels light enough for the evening.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy green bean casserole with a crispy top is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great side or light dinner that won’t leave you hunting for snacks later.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Vegan Ham
Vegan ham made with vital wheat gluten is a solid plant-based option that feels hearty. It works well when you want something that fills you up without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This creamy mushroom pasta is packed with garlic and comes together fast. It’s a great choice when you want something cozy but still light enough for the evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma with eggplant and tomato sauce is simple and bold. It’s a meat-free meal that works well for a light dinner that holds you over.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Stuffed spaghetti squash with veggies and mozzarella makes a quick, no-fuss meal. It’s great when you want a lighter option that still feels like dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Vegan rasta pasta with fresh veggies and spices is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a quick meal that brings flavor without leaving you feeling too full.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Kung Pao Tofu
Kung Pao tofu with peppers and peanuts comes together fast and packs a punch. It’s a plant-based dinner that keeps you full without being too much.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu
Chana Masala
Chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry that’s simple and comforting. It’s great for cooler nights when you want something filling that’s still on the lighter side.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala
Vegetable Korma
Vegan mixed vegetable korma with potatoes and peas is creamy and rich. Pair it with bread or rice for a dinner that keeps you full but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Korma
Easy Mushroom Wellington
Vegan mushroom Wellington with herbs and flaky pastry is packed with texture. It’s great for a cozy dinner that feels special but won’t leave you too stuffed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Paccheri al Forno
Paccheri al Forno is a Southern Italian pasta bake that’s ready in under an hour. It’s a go-to when you want something hearty but still works as a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno
Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
Vegan efo riro is a flavorful Nigerian spinach stew that goes great with rice. It’s a meatless meal that feels full without being too much for the evening.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Broccoli pesto pasta with roasted veggies and ricotta is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a fresh and easy meal that still holds up as dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Aloo Gobi Masala
Roasted aloo gobi with cauliflower and potatoes takes less than 15 minutes to prep. It’s a quick, meat-free option that keeps things light but filling.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Dal Tadka
Dal tadka is a simple lentil curry that’s full of flavor and protein. Serve it with rice or bread for a meal that’s light but still holds you over.
Get the Recipe: Dal Tadka
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e piselli with peas and Pecorino cheese comes together quickly. It’s a solid meat-free option when you need something easy that won’t leave you hungry later.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
Ethiopian chickpea stew with warm spices is done in 45 minutes. It’s a bold plant-based meal that works well when you want dinner to be light but filling.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Kitchari, made with rice and lentils, cooks in 45 minutes and is easy to digest. It’s a simple dish that works great when you want something comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Vegan Fajitas
Vegan fajitas with sautéed vegetables and dairy-free yogurt make a light, quick wrap. They’re perfect when you need a dinner that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta is ready in 15 minutes and comes together with just a few ingredients. It’s a light meat-free dinner that won’t leave you hungry in an hour.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is creamy, fast, and filled with tender broccoli. It’s a great option when you want comfort food that still works as a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
This Chipotle-style burrito bowl is packed with flavor and comes together in 30 minutes. It’s a lighter way to get a full dinner without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Lightened-up tuna noodle casserole is creamy and full of vegetables. It’s a classic dish that fits perfectly when you want dinner to feel complete but not too much.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Healthy Fried Chicken
Baked crispy chicken skips the oil but still brings crunch and flavor. It’s a great way to keep things light without missing out on texture.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Fried Chicken
Best Blackstone Chicken Breast
Grilled chicken breasts made on the Blackstone are easy and flavorful. They’re great for a simple dinner that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Best Blackstone Chicken Breast
Creamy Halloumi Pasta
Creamy halloumi pasta with herbs is quick and rich without being too much. It’s a go-to when you want something comforting that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Halloumi Pasta
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