7,151 light recipes

Fish fillets in zucchini cream sauce: pan-fried white fish topped with a sautéed zucchini, buttermilk, and sour cream sauce, finished with melted cheese under the broiler. A 25-minute light dinner.

Chicken breasts marinated in lime, soy sauce, brown sugar, and star anise, then gently steamed and drizzled with a reduced glaze. A fragrant, light Asian-inspired chicken dinner with bold anise flavor.

Pumpkin cake made with spice cake mix and canned pumpkin, topped with a cooked flour buttercream frosting. A moist, warmly spiced fall cake with a light, fluffy homemade frosting.

Pan-fried sole fillets in a quick rice wine and ginger sauce, brightened with lemon and finished with toasted pine nuts and scallions. A light, Asian-inspired fish dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

No-bake eggnog cheesecake built on a crumb crust, with sieved cottage cheese, gelatin, and whipped cream folded into a spiced eggnog custard. Light, airy, and finished with a dusting of nutmeg.

Linguine with crab and mushrooms in a light white wine sauce with chicken broth, turmeric, tomato paste, and fresh tarragon. A quick seafood pasta for two that's ready in 40 minutes.

A vibrant spinach and leaf lettuce salad tossed with crispy bacon, chopped eggs, and a tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this salad balances fresh greens with savory and sweet flavors.

Savory garlic pancakes with a creamy ham and sage butter sauce. Three whole heads of boiled garlic turn sweet and nutty in the batter. Silver dollar-sized for brunch, lunch, or light supper.

European-style chocolate hazelnut cake made with ground hazelnuts and breadcrumbs instead of flour. Whipped egg whites keep it light while chocolate, butter, and cinnamon bring deep, warm flavor.

Chinese shrimp balls (pai chiao hsia chiu) rolled in stale bread cubes and double-fried until shatteringly crisp. Served with Sichuan pepper-salt dip. 30 pieces.

Light, puffy souffleed crepes made with beaten egg whites folded into a classic crepe batter. Cook in a crepe pan or bake as a flat souffle, then fill with fruit, brandy, or vanilla.

Low-cal cheesecake made with cottage cheese, skim milk, whipped egg whites, and gelatin instead of cream cheese and butter. A light, no-bake cheesecake with graham cracker crumb topping.

Old-fashioned currant cake with lemon zest, folded egg whites, and cream of tartar leavening. A light, tender butter cake studded with dried currants. Makes 2 cakes in about an hour.

Light and airy no-bake watermelon chiffon pie in a buttery graham cracker crust. Pureed watermelon, whipped cream, and fluffy egg whites create a cloud-like filling that chills to set.

Old-fashioned Southern tea cakes made with buttermilk, vanilla, and self-rising flour. Soft, lightly sweet rolled cookies that taste like Grandma's kitchen. A big-batch heritage recipe.

Pollo con orégano: Mexican chicken braised with onion and broth, coated in a garlic-oregano paste, rested to marinate, and finished on the grill until lightly charred.