20 Light Dinner Recipes That Still Fill You Up

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Copycat Pf Chang's Lettuce Wraps

These copycat PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps are a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant favorite right at home. Tender, savory chicken is cooked with flavorful seasonings and then nestled into crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves that add the perfect crunch. The combination of the warm, savory filling and cool lettuce makes each bite feel light yet satisfying. Quick to prepare and easy to share, they make an excellent appetizer for gatherings or a wholesome, lighter option for dinner.
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Fruit & Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

These lettuce cups are a fresh and vibrant way to enjoy a meal that feels both satisfying and light. Crisp lettuce leaves are generously filled with a chicken salad that’s been brightened up with sweet, juicy fruit, creating the perfect balance of savory and refreshing flavors. They make an easy yet wholesome option for lunch or a light dinner, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing taste. Every bite feels clean, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Fruit & Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Asian Chicken Salad

This Asian Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken with a colorful mix of crisp vegetables. The salad is tossed in a zesty, flavorful dressing that perfectly balances savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, making every bite satisfying and refreshing. It’s a wonderful option if you’re craving something light yet filling, and it offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a dish to share at a gathering, this salad is both nourishing and delicious.
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Sweetgreen Hummus Crunch Salad

This Sweetgreen Hummus Crunch Salad is a bright and flavorful dish that lets you enjoy the beloved restaurant favorite right at home. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like protein-rich chickpeas, shredded kale, crisp cabbage, and juicy tomatoes, all brought to life with layers of texture and freshness. The crispy za’atar-seasoned breadcrumbs add just the right amount of crunch, making each forkful both satisfying and exciting. What really makes this salad shine is the bold pesto vinaigrette, a zesty and herb-packed dressing inspired by Sweetgreen’s signature style. It’s simple to prepare, nourishing, and anything but boring — the perfect choice for a light lunch, a hearty side, or a feel-good dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweetgreen Hummus Crunch Salad

Easy Chickpea Salmon Salad

This chickpea salmon salad is a wholesome dish that combines hearty, nourishing ingredients with fresh, vibrant flavors. The richness of tender salmon pairs beautifully with the nutty bite of chickpeas, while crisp red onion and a hint of garlic bring just the right amount of zing. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything up, balancing the savory flavors with a subtle sweetness that keeps each bite light and refreshing. It’s the kind of salad that feels both filling and energizing, making it perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner. Best of all, it comes together in minutes—just toss everything in a bowl, give it a mix, and enjoy a protein-packed meal with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chickpea Salmon Salad

Ground Turkey Potstickers

These ground turkey potstickers are a tasty and satisfying twist on classic Asian-style dumplings. Each one is filled with a savory, aromatic blend of cilantro, ginger, sesame oil, chili oil, and crunchy red cabbage, creating a filling that’s both hearty and fresh. They’re pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside while staying tender inside, then paired with a zesty dipping sauce made with rice vinegar, sesame, and soy for the perfect finishing touch. Whether you serve them as a fun appetizer, a light meal, or a flavorful snack, these potstickers are surprisingly easy to make and always a hit at the table.
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Spinach Asparagus Frittata

This hearty plant-based frittata is full of comforting flavors and a satisfying, wholesome texture that you’d expect from the classic version, just without the eggs. It’s made with simple, nourishing ingredients that come together beautifully, giving you a dish that feels both familiar and refreshing. Whether you serve it warm straight from the oven or let it cool to enjoy at room temperature, it’s a versatile option that fits seamlessly into any meal. Perfect for breakfast, a cozy weekend brunch, or even a light and easy dinner, it’s a recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Asparagus Frittata

Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Tostadas with cheese shells are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic, giving you a crispy, cheesy base that’s both delicious and protein-packed. They’re topped with fresh veggies and your favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients, making every bite crunchy, creamy, and satisfying. From seasoned taco meat and crisp lettuce to creamy guacamole, tangy salsa, and a dollop of sour cream, the toppings can be as simple or as loaded as you like. Perfect for a quick lunch or a lighter dinner, these tostadas bring together comfort food flavors with a fresh, nutritious spin.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry with Peanut Stir Fry Sauce

When life gets busy and you need something fast yet nourishing, this shrimp noodle stir fry comes to the rescue. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a colorful medley of tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and carrots tossed together with rice noodles. Everything is coated in a rich, savory sauce made with ginger, garlic, and peanut for just the right balance of flavor. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough to whip up at home, making it perfect for weeknights when time is short but good food is a must.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry with Peanut Stir Fry Sauce

Grilled Chicken Wrap

This grilled chicken wrap is a wholesome and satisfying meal that brings together tender, smoky chicken with a smooth and creamy avocado spread. The tangy feta cheese adds a punch of flavor, while the crisp, colorful vegetables give it freshness and crunch in every bite. It’s quick to put together, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but fuss-free. Best of all, it’s easily customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings or switch up the veggies to suit your taste and mood.
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Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad

This shrimp, avocado, and mango lime salad is the perfect balance of fresh, vibrant, and zesty flavors that truly capture the taste of summer. Juicy shrimp pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado and sweet, tangy mango, while a squeeze of lime ties everything together with a refreshing brightness. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that feels both healthy and indulgent, making it perfect for warm days when you want something flavorful but not too heavy. Best of all, it comes together in just 10 minutes, so you can enjoy it as a quick lunch or an easy, breezy dinner without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad with Tarragon

This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic, blending crisp, juicy apples with buttery pecans, tender chicken, and the delicate bite of shallots and celery. Everything is brought together with a creamy lemon and tarragon mayonnaise dressing that adds a bright, herbal lift to each bite. The combination of textures—from crunchy to creamy—makes it both comforting and exciting, while the flavors strike just the right balance between savory and slightly sweet. Light enough for a midday lunch yet hearty enough for dinner, this salad feels fresh, wholesome, and satisfying without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pecan Chicken Salad with Tarragon

Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl With Easy Sauce

This cooked salmon poke bowl is a comforting twist on the traditional poke bowl, featuring juicy, pan-seared salmon cubes that are caramelized in a rich honey garlic glaze. Every bite is balanced with crisp, fresh vegetables and the smooth creaminess of avocado, creating a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. The mix of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors makes it a versatile choice, whether you’re enjoying it for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even serving it to guests. With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, this dish is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Get the Recipe: Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl With Easy Sauce

Rotisserie Chicken Salad With Roasted Grapes

This Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Roasted Grapes takes a beloved classic and gives it a flavorful upgrade. The tender rotisserie chicken is perfectly balanced with crunchy celery, fresh herbs, and a creamy blend of mayo and yogurt, creating a refreshing yet hearty base. What really sets this salad apart is the balsamic-roasted grapes, which add a subtle sweetness and a burst of juicy flavor that makes every bite more interesting. Light yet satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough to enjoy as an everyday lunch or a quick, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad With Roasted Grapes

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas

These Mediterranean chicken salad pitas are the kind of meal that feels both simple and special, all at once. Made with just seven fresh ingredients, they come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days when you still want something wholesome and flavorful. The bright Mediterranean-inspired flavors give a refreshing twist to the classic chicken salad, adding a balance of zest and heartiness. Whether you’re packing them up for lunch, prepping ahead for the week, or grabbing one on the go, they’re a satisfying option that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas

Bisquick Zucchini Quiche

This Bisquick Zucchini Quiche is a wonderfully versatile dish that works beautifully for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. It’s made without a crust, which makes it easy to whip up while still giving you that comforting, hearty quiche texture. The zucchini adds a fresh, garden-inspired flavor that pairs perfectly with the fluffy, savory filling. Whether you’re serving guests or just want a simple, satisfying meal at home, this recipe is both effortless and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Zucchini Quiche