Dinner Ideas That Won't Weigh You Down

Lean protein is key to a light and satisfying dinner. Chicken, fish, tofu, or beans can all be the base for a flavorful and nutritious dish.

A bowl of quinoa salad with grilled chicken, black beans, and a variety of chopped vegetables

Who says light has to be boring? Lighten up your favorite sauces with low-fat yogurt, vegetable broth, or a squeeze of lemon for a flavorful boost.

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Salads don't have to be just a side dish. Load them up with protein, healthy fats, and whole grains for a complete and satisfying meal.

[{"selector":"#anim-2153126a-c9c0-4cd8-ae98-7ca2f0252d16 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9204118f-0a52-4a8e-b08f-fad540b5aea8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-27ba8114-9aec-47a9-8226-98def53feddf","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 346.54964%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a3d7a3bc-7945-4ead-8ab0-c4519046402a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-bbee7906-b330-4122-85eb-1cf741234422","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.22224%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A close-up of a chopped salad with grilled chicken, avocado, crumbled cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette

Hearty and nourishing, soups can be a fantastic light dinner option. Lentil, minestrone, or vegetable broths are all perfect choices.

[{"selector":"#anim-8ecf2433-ff5e-4b2b-9231-d4235ac548f5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c9728b3e-9d4c-4aec-9d2e-e7c2c9973643","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-92ed4cee-6bc5-41f4-9380-7d0bd23fa272","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 602.60033%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-64dccf91-26eb-4832-9cd4-7729ecde73fa","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-090f7868-d703-4fdb-83db-c32742f7ed23","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.22224%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A steaming bowl of lentil soup with a side of whole-wheat bread

Vegetables are packed with flavor and nutrients. Roast them, grill them, or stir-fry them for a light and delicious dinner.

[{"selector":"#anim-e86ca7d5-8d65-465d-a45b-2d56c6a77481 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fe64108c-04f8-4805-91ef-f4f5f22e0cf3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6e792a0b-143f-4738-b0d4-da38c372c71f","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 436.93282%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ed05099a-6630-42b2-831b-68b2cbf4e8b4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1a296b88-fbf6-4e46-a9a4-6d6029fdc858","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 204.22224%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A sheet pan filled with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, and red onion

Look beyond your usual routine for inspiration. Many cuisines offer light and flavorful dishes perfect for a satisfying meal.

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Simplify your cooking with one-pan meals. Toss everything together and let the oven do the work.

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Don't let leftovers go to waste! Get creative and turn them into a new and exciting light dinne

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Love your favorite comfort foods? Lighten them up with healthy substitutions. Lean protein, whole grains, and lower-fat options can keep your favorites on the menu.

[{"selector":"#anim-c03f2040-4e81-49ee-9581-bb7562703332 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ef74167b-af04-41f0-88a9-709536409ff8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2b56be82-aa8e-4917-92b5-8704a4d5e04f","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 434.11596%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-278a3a91-bc49-44ef-99bd-d27ba4e44cb6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0d7af490-b9f6-4bcf-9bda-84b8098a93c7","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 161.77774%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A plate of turkey burgers on whole-wheat buns with a side of sweet potato fries

With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals without feeling weighed down. So get cooking and explore the world of light dinners!

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