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50+ Easy Light Dinner Ideas

50+ Easy Light Dinner Ideas
Home  /  Cook / Recipes RoundUp   /   50+ Easy Light Dinner Ideas

These light dinner recipes are easy on the stomach and low in calories, but will still leave you feeling satisfied. Featuring our favorite fresh ingredients, including salads, grilled lean meats, veggie bowls, and more, they are perfect for busy nights and save time on cooking and cleanup while delivering a wholesome, healthy meal everyone will love. Enjoy!

Sidney Yang
by Sidney Yang
Sidney Yang

Sidney is part of the Eatwell101 family since 2014. As an editor, she shares her enthusiasm for food, cooking tips, and entertaining across more than a thousand written articles published on Eatwell101.

View full profile →
Updated Aug 10, 2025
50+ Easy Light Dinner Ideas - #light #dinner #recipes #eatwell101 - These light dinners recipes include our favorite fresh ingredients. Keep your meals lightweight all summer long with these tasty and light dinner recipes!
Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-cod-asparagus-skillet-recipe

1. Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon Asparagus Skillet

This cod and asparagus recipe will have you enjoy a delicious and nutritious dinner! Garlic butter cod with lemon asparagus - Healthy, tasty, simple and quick to cook!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet (20 Minutes) - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/blackened-shrimp-asparagus-recipe

2. Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet (20 Minutes)

These delicious blackened shrimp and asparagus take less than 20 minutes to make! Get the secret to this restaurant quality dish you can easily make at home!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil  - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/healthy-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe

3. Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil 

A quick salad with rotisserie chicken, pasta, avocado chuncks, and juicy tomatoes. Enjoy for lunch or a light dinner at home!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Asado Chicken Breast with Sauteed Lemon Zucchini - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/asado-chicken-sauteed-zucchini-recipe

4. Asado Chicken Breast with Sauteed Lemon Zucchini

Delicious Asado chicken breast recipe is a winner for dinnertime! Forget dry chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are marinated then grilled and served with sauteed lemon zucchini.

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cowboy Butter Chicken with Zucchini Noodles (15-Minute) - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/cowboy-butter-chicken-and-zucchini-noodles

5. Cowboy Butter Chicken with Zucchini Noodles (15-Minute)

Easy and delicious butter chicken recipe with zucchini noodles - You'll want to sip the sauce by the spoon!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Shrimp Avocado Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/shrimp-avocado-salad-recipe

6. Shrimp Avocado Salad

This healthy shrimp avocado salad for two tastes crazy good and is loaded with the freshest ingredients.

Cooking time: 5 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Shrimp Skillet - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-shrimp-recipe

7. Garlic Shrimp Skillet

We love making these shrimp when there's leftover rice to reheat. Perfect for a light dinner!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Chicken with Chili Lime Sauce - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/grilled-chicken-with-honey-chili-lime-cilantro

8. Grilled Chicken with Chili Lime Sauce

Kabobs are not only for gathering and cookouts! There are an overlooked option for a weeknight dinner: Marinate, thread, grill and you're done!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
One Pan Shrimp and Asparagus - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/lemon-garlic-butter-shrimp-asparagus-recipe

9. One Pan Shrimp and Asparagus

Easy and flavorful, buttery garlic-y shrimp and asparagus are ready in 20 minutes. The whole family will beg for seconds on this one!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Salsa Chicken Lettuce Wraps - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/salsa-chicken-lettuce-wraps-recipe

10. Salsa Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These chicken lettuce wraps are so delicious - Citrusy, sweet, spicy, and savory all in one, the salsa that goes with grilled chicken will steal the show. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/shrimp-and-broccoli-foil-packs-recipe

11. Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

This shrimp and broccoli foil pack meal is ready in under 30 minutes. Shrimp is seasoned to perfection with lemon, butter, garlic and herbs. The easiest way to bake shrimp in your oven!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/lemon-garlic-butter-thighs-and-green-beans-skillet

12. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans Skillet

We like chicken thighs for the flavor, but for a leaner version, you can also use chicken breasts. This light dinner is ready in 30 minutes - even less!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-shrimp-parmesan-cauliflower-rice-recipe

13. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice

This Garlic Butter Shrimp is Super nourishing and easy to whip up. The shrimp and cauliflower rice combination is a winner!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/healthy-avocado-chicken-salad

14. Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad

This avocado chicken salad recipe is light, flavorful, and easy to make - Perfect Healthy salad recipe for your next barbecue or potluck!

Cooking time: 6 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Pan-Seared Tilapia in Tomato Basil Sauce - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/tilapia-recipe-in-tomato-basil-sauce

15. Pan-Seared Tilapia in Tomato Basil Sauce

This fish dinner recipe is both healthy AND satisfying! This recipe works with any white fish: cod, halibut, sea bass, etc...

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/lemon-garlic-butter-shrimp-with-zucchini-noodles

16. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

This Lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe with zoodles is an easy and simple shrimp recipe that cooks in one skillet in just 10 minutes.

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon Asparagus - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-salmon-lemon-asparagus-skillet-recipe

17. Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon Asparagus

This seared salmon recipe with asparagus makes a delicious and nutritious dinner. Healthy salmon is quick to cook and ready in under 15 minutes!

Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/baked-salmon-asparagus-foil-packs-recipe

18. Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This baked salmon and Asparagus in foil with garlic butter sauce makes for an amazingly tasty dinner. The salmon recipe of your dreams!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/tomato-spinach-sausage-pasta-recipe

19. Tomato Spinach Sausage Pasta Recipe

Try this easy pasta dish for a great source of iron and enjoy it as a light lunch or supper.

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Avocado Corn Salad Recipe with Feta - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/avocado-corn-salad-recipe

20. Avocado Corn Salad Recipe with Feta

This light salad will make everyone happy - especially when you had a feast the day before!

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-shrimp-broccoli-recipe

21. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

This garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet recipe is quick, simple, and big on flavor!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Avocado Shrimp Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/healthy-lettuce-shrimp-avocado-salad-recipe

22. Avocado Shrimp Salad

Try this creamy and flavorful salad with shrimp and avocado, perfect for a quick lunch or a light supper.

Cooking time: 5 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/pasta-broccoli-stir-fry-recipe

23. Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta

This broccoli stir fry recipe with pasta cannot get easier or quicker! It's loaded with flavor and ready in less than 30mn.

Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Corn Chicken Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/chicken-salad-recipe

24. Corn Chicken Salad

Try this healthy salad recipe for a light dinner!

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Easy Cajun Pork Chops with Lemon Garlic Zucchini - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/cajun-pork-chops-recipe

25. Easy Cajun Pork Chops with Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Juicy Cajun Pork Chops with Lemon Garlic Zucchini ready and on your table in less than 20 minutes!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Baked Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/baked-shrimp-recipe

26. Baked Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This flavorful, low-fat shrimp casserole is easy to make and keeps very well in the refrigerator, so why not double the batch and have shrimp for light meal preps?

Cooking time: 12 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Salmon Recipe - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-skewers

27. Grilled Salmon Recipe

This grilled salmon recipe is coated in a flavorful marinade - A perfect healthy grilling salmon recipe that’s done in 20 minutes.

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Blackened Chicken Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/blackened-chicken-avocado-salad-recipe

28. Blackened Chicken Salad

This blackened chicken salad recipe with avocado is crisp and full of flavor - Salad with chicken is the simplest and healthiest meal you can make!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Asian Noodle Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/asian-noodle-salad-recipe

29. Asian Noodle Salad

This Asian noodle salad is perfect for midweek lunches or larger gatherings.

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/cajun-shrimp-sausage-foil-packs-recipe

30. Cajun Sausage Shrimp Foil Packs

This healthy dinner cooks in just one packet!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Zucchini Noodles Skillet - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/lemon-garlic-butter-chicken-thighs-zucchini-noodles-recipe

31. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Zucchini Noodles Skillet

So much flavor and so easy to throw together! This skillet chicken recipe with zucchini noodles will make your weeknight way easier.

Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/parmesan-spinach-mushroom-pasta-skillet-recipe

32. Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

This parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet is super quick and impossible to mess up - The ultimate win for vegetarian weeknight dinners!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
10-Minute Sheet Pan Steak with Lemon Zucchini - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/sheet-pan-steak-zucchini-recipe

33. 10-Minute Sheet Pan Steak with Lemon Zucchini

A light and easy midweek steak dinner recipe, with just a little hint of spice and heat. You'll love it!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-asparagus-recipe

34. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus

This chicken bites and asparagus recipe is a winner for dinnertime. So much flavor and so easy to throw together!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-turkey-with-cauliflower-recipe

35. Garlic Butter Ground Turkey with Cauliflower

This Ground Turkey Cauliflower is a rich and indulgent bowl of comfort with a healthy twist!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Avocado Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/avocado-salad-recipe

36. Avocado Salad

Avocado Salad with Tomato, Eggs, and Cucumber is so easy to make! Fresh, healthy and super delicious, the best salad to add to your dinner table.

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
10-Minute Pizza Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce & Pepperoni - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/pizza-zucchini-noodles-with-pepperoni-recipe

37. 10-Minute Pizza Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce & Pepperoni

A complete low carb meal you will feel great about eating!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Zucchini Noodles - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-with-lemon-zucchini-noodles

38. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Zucchini Noodles

These delicious chicken bites recipe is so juicy and tender you'll eat them hot right off the pan!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Garlic Butter Sausages with Lemon Green Beans - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/garlic-butter-sausages-lemon-green-beans

39. Garlic Butter Sausages with Lemon Green Beans

This easy sausage recipe with green beans is a complete dinner made in just one-pan!

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Healthy Roasted Chicken Parmesan Kale Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/healthy-chicken-parmesan-kale-salad-recipe

40. Healthy Roasted Chicken Parmesan Kale Salad

This wholesome chicken kale salad recipe is packed to the max with goodies!

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Garlic Mushroom Skewers - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/grilled-mushroom-skewers-recipe

41. Grilled Garlic Mushroom Skewers

The perfect side for a lightweight dinner.

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Baked Shrimp in Foil Packets - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/shrimp-in-foil-packets-recipe

42. Baked Shrimp in Foil Packets

These Shrimp in Foil Packets recipe make a healthy, nourishing dinner with hearty flavors!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Steak Kabobs - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/grilled-steak-kabobs-recipe

43. Grilled Steak Kabobs

Skewers at the ready- these lightweight beef kabobs are marinated in soy sauce and Sriracha and served with lime slices.

Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Sausage, Pepper and Cauliflower Fried Rice - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/cauliflower-fried-rice-skillet-recipe

44. Sausage, Pepper and Cauliflower Fried Rice

A nutritious blend of flavors for a delicious dinner ready in 20 minutes.

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Chicken Breasts with  Lemon Garlic - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/grilled-lemon-garlic-chicken-skewers

45. Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic

Make the juiciest grilled chicken skewers with this easy chicken recipe. These grilled chicken breasts kabobs are made with marinated chicken and served with crisp asparagus for a complete low-carb, Keto-friendly dinner!

Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Spinach Salad with Mozzarella, Tomato & Pepperoni - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/spinach-salad-recipe-mozzarella-tomato-pepperoni

46. Spinach Salad with Mozzarella, Tomato & Pepperoni

This spinach salad is healthy and delicious - So simple and perfect for a quick lunch!

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Chicken with Garlic Brown Sugar Sauce - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/grilled-brown-sugar-garlic-chicken

47. Grilled Chicken with Garlic Brown Sugar Sauce

A light chicken recipe with a modern twist that'll win over friends and family!

Cooking time: 8 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Zucchini with BBQ Sauce - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/grilled-zucchini-bbq-sauce

48. Grilled Zucchini with BBQ Sauce

Grilled Zucchini with the best BBQ Sauce is a quick and simple Grilled Zucchini recipe guaranteed to impress! Backyard barbecue, with a vegetarian twist!

Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/honey-lime-grilled-chicken-salad

49. Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta

This grilled chicken salad is the best option for an easy weeknight meal for two!

Cooking time: 12 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Spring Roll Noodle Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/noodle-salad-recipe

50. Spring Roll Noodle Salad

This light dinner recipe can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator until serving.

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad - #recipe by #eatwell101 - https://www.eatwell101.com/pesto-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe

51. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

This Pesto chicken pasta salad recipe is like a circus of flavors at every bite!

Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

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50+ Easy Light Dinner Ideas - #light #dinner #recipes #eatwell101 - These light dinners recipes include our favorite fresh ingredients. Keep your meals lightweight all summer long with these tasty and light dinner recipes!
50+ Easy Light Dinner Ideas - #light #dinner #recipes #eatwell101 - These light dinners recipes include our favorite fresh ingredients. Keep your meals lightweight all summer long with these tasty and light dinner recipes!

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