2,200 light recipes

Stir fried asparagus with mushrooms in a light chicken bouillon sauce thickened with cornstarch. A quick, low-calorie vegetable side dish ready in 20 minutes with bright green, crisp-tender asparagus.

Chocolate yule log (buche de Noel) with a light sponge cake rolled around frosting and covered in scored chocolate bark frosting. A classic Christmas dessert with a realistic log branch detail.

Nonfat cheesecake fruit pie with a crisp corn flake crust, fluffy marshmallow-and-cream-cheese filling, and a swirl of fruit cocktail. Light, no-bake-style cheesecake with serious retro charm.

British rhubarb fool with stewed rhubarb, orange, and a light fromage frais or yogurt fold-in. Tart-sweet pink dessert that's lighter than a traditional cream fool. Spring on a spoon.

Lemony chicken salad with a vintage twist: cubed chicken, crushed pineapple, and tarragon set in lemon gelatin and chilled until firm. A retro molded salad that's bright, light, and refreshingly cool.

Lemon sponge bakes in individual custard cups in a hot-water bath. The filling separates magically into a tangy curd layer below and a feather-light cake-like sponge on top.

Rum chocolate mousse folds melted semi-sweet chocolate, rum syrup, beaten egg whites, and whipped cream into a light, boozy three-ingredient dessert. Chilled in sherbet glasses for an elegant finish.

A no-bake chocolate coffee torte: a chocolate wafer and almond crust under a light, Kahlua-spiked mocha cream filling. Chilled until sliceable, no oven required, and easy to make ahead.

Light, chewy coconut macaroons made meringue-style from whipped egg whites and grated coconut, sweetened sugar-free and scented with almond. Naturally gluten-free, and lovely topped with a glace cherry.

Grilled shrimp skewered on fresh rosemary branches, marinated in lemon, garlic, and chili, then served over a bright cherry tomato and black olive salsa. A showstopping Mediterranean appetizer or light main.

Silky strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream made with real strawberry puree, whipped egg whites, and butter. Light, not too sweet, and naturally pink without a drop of food coloring. Pipes beautifully on cake or cupcakes.

Orange roughy with basil and peppers is a light microwave fish dinner for two: mild white fillets steamed over julienned red bell peppers and onions with fresh basil and lemon. Ready in 25 minutes with almost no fat.

Summer bean and basil soup is a classic Provençal soupe au pistou. White beans, leeks, potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and macaroni in a light broth, served with a fresh basil-garlic pistou sauce on top.

Lemon tea snow with strawberry sauce: a light, airy gelatin dessert flavored with lemon and instant tea, beaten with egg whites into a cloud. Served with a warm-set strawberry-currant sauce. Retro Southern tearoom fare.

Cocoa chiffon cake made with whipped egg whites, cocoa powder, and a hint of cinnamon. Light as air with deep chocolate flavor, baked in a Bundt pan and finished with powdered sugar.

Rustic Italian chicken and vegetable soup with zucchini, carrots, and diced tomatoes simmered in light chicken broth. One Dutch oven, under an hour, with a handful of grated Parmesan on top for a nutty finish.