16 Light & Fresh Dinner Recipes That Are Still Satisfying

Are you tired of feeling heavy after dinner? Look no further! We have 16 amazing light and fresh dinner recipes that are perfect for you, with dishes like Summer Squash And Lemon Spaghetti that are both healthy and delicious.

These recipes are great for anyone who wants to eat well without feeling weighed down.

You can choose from a variety of flavorful meals that are easy to make and fun to eat. From quick and simple dishes to more elaborate meals, there’s something for everyone in our collection of light and fresh dinner recipes.

Summer Squash And Lemon Spaghetti

Light and rejuvenating summer squash and lemon spaghetti dish.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 medium summer squash
• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Slice the summer squash into thin strips and sauté in olive oil until tender.
3. Mince the garlic and add to the squash, cooking for an additional minute.
4. Zest and juice the lemons, setting aside for later use.
5. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add to the squash mixture, tossing to combine.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then top with grated parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon zest and additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Grilled Chicken And Vegetable Skewers

Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers make a healthy and flavorful dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 zucchinis
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the chicken, bell pepper, onion, and zucchinis into bite-sized pieces.
3. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
4. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush the mixture onto the skewers.
6. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Baked Cod With Fresh Herbs

Delicious cod baked with fresh herbs and lemon juice.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the cod fillets.
5. Sprinkle chopped parsley, dill, and garlic over the cod.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place a lemon slice on top of each cod fillet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod is cooked through.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Zucchini And Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Tender chicken breast stuffed with zucchini and feta.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a horizontal slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket.
3. Chop the zucchini into small pieces and sauté in olive oil until tender.
4. Mix cooked zucchini with crumbled feta cheese and minced garlic.
5. Stuff each chicken breast with the zucchini and feta mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Light And Easy Shrimp Stir Fry

Quick and flavorful dish made with sautéed shrimp and mixed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
5. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
6. Add the sliced bell pepper and mixed vegetables, cooking until they are tender-crisp.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and honey.
8. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the vegetables and stir to combine.
9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Roasted Vegetable And Quinoa Bowl

Roasted vegetable and quinoa bowl is a healthy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large sweet potato
• 1 large carrot
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: avocado, feta cheese, nuts for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions.
3. Peel and chop the sweet potato, carrot, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
4. Slice the red onion and mince the garlic.
5. In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
7. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside.
8. To assemble the bowls, place a scoop of quinoa on the bottom, followed by the roasted vegetables.
9. Add any desired toppings, such as avocado, feta cheese, or nuts.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Spinach And Mushroom Stuffed Portobellos

Savor the earthy flavors of Spinach And Mushroom Stuffed Portobellos, a hearty and healthy dinner option.

Ingredients

• 4 Portobello mushrooms
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean and prepare the mushrooms by removing the stems and gills.
3. In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
5. In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
6. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach and cheese mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken And Avocado Salad

Fresh mix of chicken, avocado, and vegetables in a zesty dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the cooked chicken into small pieces and set aside.
2. Cut the avocado into cubes and mix with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
4. Add the chopped chicken and avocado to the bowl and toss gently.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tomato And Mozzarella Salad

Fresh mozzarella and tomato salad made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 4 large tomatoes
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
4. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each tomato slice.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad.
6. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Grilled Salmon With Citrus And Herbs

Grilled salmon with a zesty citrus and herb flavor combination.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and brush with olive oil mixture.
4. Top each salmon fillet with a slice of lemon, a slice of orange, some rosemary, and some thyme.
5. Grill salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Vegetable And Bean Chili

A hearty and flavorful Vegetable And Bean Chili perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Add the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and ground cumin.
5. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Lemon Garlic Chicken And Asparagus

Lemon garlic chicken and asparagus is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for spring.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the chicken with lemon juice and sprinkle with minced garlic.
5. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet.
6. Roast the asparagus in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
7. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. Serve the chicken with roasted asparagus and enjoy.

Fresh Vegetable And Goat Cheese Wrap

Crunchy vegetables and creamy goat cheese in a wrap make for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Lay the tortilla on a flat surface and spread the goat cheese evenly over the center of the tortilla.
2. Arrange the mixed greens on top of the cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Add the sliced cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion on top of the greens.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap up tightly.
6. Slice the wrap in half and serve immediately.

Slow Cooker Chicken And Vegetable Stew

Hearty stew with tender chicken and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Add the chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure all the ingredients are covered.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.

Pan Seared Chicken Breast With Lemon Butter

Pan-seared chicken breast with a zesty lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 lemons
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
7. While the chicken is cooking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
8. Add the garlic and lemon juice to the saucepan and stir to combine.
9. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush the lemon butter sauce on top.
10. Serve the chicken hot and enjoy!

Grilled Turkey And Avocado Wrap

Grilled turkey and avocado wrap is a healthy and flavorful dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sliced turkey breast
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 large flour tortilla
• 1/2 cup mixed greens
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon hummus
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the sliced turkey breast with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the turkey for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Spread the hummus on the tortilla.
5. Slice the grilled turkey into thin strips.
6. Arrange the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced turkey on the tortilla.
7. Slice the avocado and add it on top of the turkey.
8. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap up tightly.
9. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Conclusion

You’ll love these 16 light dinner recipes, packed with fresh herbs and lean proteins. Notably, 70% of Americans prefer lighter meals, and these recipes deliver. From Summer Squash And Lemon Spaghetti to Grilled Chicken And Vegetable Skewers, you’ll find a dish to satisfy your cravings without the heavy ingredients, making them perfect for any night.