1,281 light recipes

Low-fat Scandinavian salmon souffle with canned salmon, dill, lemon juice, and whole wheat bread baked in a custard of egg and evaporated skim milk. A light, single-serving lunch.

Pasta shells tossed in a carrot sauce made by simmering chopped carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme in vegetable stock until reduced by half. Vegan, light, and naturally sweet with a red pepper flake kick.

This is a dish that was a favorite at our local Chineses eatery. I used to make it with ground turkey (before I saw the light) and have found that TVP works just as well. It's hot and spicy.delicious and just a little different.

Best borscht: a ruby-red Russian beet soup loaded with potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes in a rich beef broth, finished with a swirl of sour cream and fresh dill. Hearty yet light.

Texas-style venison chili simmered in beer and beef stock with chili powder, cumin, coriander, and masa harina. No beans, no tomatoes, just bold meat-and-spice flavor that deepens overnight.

This brown sugar angel food cake swaps plain white sugar for molasses-rich brown sugar, giving each cloud-soft slice a deep caramel flavor. Light, fat-free, and whipped to tall, airy perfection from a dozen egg whites.

Wine fruit cup with sliced plums, nectarines, and golden raisins soaked in a spiced white wine syrup infused with anise, cinnamon, and lemon. A chilled starter that doubles as a light summer dessert.

A light, fat-free poppy seed bundt cake built on apricot puree and egg-white meringue, finished with a tangy lemon glaze. A clever lower-cal cake that doesn't taste compromised.

Laal roti, a rosy Indian whole wheat flatbread kneaded with grated beetroot and warm cardamom. Naturally pink, lightly spiced rotis shallow-fried in ghee until soft and freckled brown.

A light vegetarian chilled soup with fresh lemon juice and zest, brown rice, vegetable stock, and dry apple cider. Bright, tangy, and refreshing, garnished with chives and lemon slices.

Cheese puffs made from choux pastry, light and airy bites packed with sharp cheddar, baked golden and crisp outside, tender within. A French gougere-style appetizer for any party.

Angel food sheet cake topped with fresh peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and oranges, brushed with a citrus-orange glaze. A light, pretty summer dessert using a boxed cake mix shortcut.

Refreshing low-calorie watermelon ice made with fresh melon, honey, lime juice, and a touch of gelatin. A frozen summer treat that's naturally light and bursting with fruit flavor.

Light tortoni frozen dessert made with whipped nonfat dry milk, almond extract, and graham cracker crumbs. A low-fat Italian-style ice cream treat with no heavy cream needed.

Fresh pineapple rings nestled in a chilled vanilla-honey sauce set with agar flakes. A light, elegant fruit dessert that's naturally dairy-free and comes together in 35 minutes.

Braised Belgian endive with diced Red Delicious apple, walnut oil, lemon juice, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. A light, elegant, low-calorie side dish in 15 minutes.