2,179 light recipes

Vegan beet borscht with apple cider, caraway seeds, and molasses simmered for hours then partially pureed for rich, complex vegetarian soup served hot or cold.

Coconut shrimp in a light beer batter, rolled in shredded coconut and fried golden and crispy. The restaurant-favorite appetizer made at home: sweet, crunchy, and made for a tangy dipping sauce.

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.

Jumbo shrimp marinated in brandy, garlic, and lemon then skewered with bok choy and broiled until charred and succulent. A show-stopping appetizer or light dinner ready in under an hour.

Low-calorie cottage cheese plate with fresh vegetables or tropical fruit, a hard-boiled egg, and rye crisp crackers. A high-protein, no-cook light lunch on a bed of lettuce.

Old-fashioned peach ice made with fresh peaches, sugar syrup, and beaten egg whites for a light, airy texture. A vintage frozen dessert from the days before electric ice cream makers.

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.

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.

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.

Light, crispy meringue cookies loaded with chocolate chips, made from just egg whites, sugar, and vanilla. Naturally gluten-free and baked low and slow for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Light and airy fruit whip dessert made with fruit cocktail, orange gelatin, and whipped egg whites. A no-bake retro treat with bright citrus flavor and a creamy, mousse-like texture.

Low-fat cherry cheesecake built on blended cottage cheese and whipped egg whites for a light, airy slice, with no added sugar. A crustless lightened cheesecake topped with sweet bing cherries.

Mussel and tomato soup: a quick four-ingredient Italian-style seafood soup with garlic, olive oil, plum tomatoes, and fresh mussels. Ready in 40 minutes for a light appetizer or main.

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.

Pineapple mint sorbet blends fresh pineapple, orange juice, lime, and mint into a smooth, tangy frozen dessert. A light palate cleanser or refreshing warm-weather finish, no ice cream maker required.

Shibu Kawa-Ni: Japanese chestnuts simmered first in green tea, then in a light sugar and soy sauce syrup. A refined, minimalist appetizer with just 4 ingredients and subtle, earthy sweetness.