1,281 light recipes

Straw and Hay pasta combines regular and green fettuccine with mushrooms, peas, ham, and a light Parmesan cream sauce. A classic Italian dish named for its two-toned pasta, made lighter with skim milk.

A feather-light strawberry mousse that skips the heavy cream entirely. Whipped egg whites and skim milk powder create the airy texture, while gelatin holds it all together. Low-calorie indulgence that actually satisfies.

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.

Asian-style stuffed mushrooms with crispy bacon, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and garlic in a savory bread crumb filling. Blanched caps keep their shape, and they're make-ahead friendly.

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.

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.

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.

Ratatouille soup is the Provencal vegetable stew turned into a light, brothy bowl with eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and green pepper. Ready in about 35 minutes for an easy, healthy weeknight dinner.

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.

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.

Nutty bulgur wheat simmered in apple juice, tossed with sautéed zucchini, chopped apple, and warm cinnamon. A wholesome vegan side dish or light meal that comes together in 30 minutes flat.

Peaches and cream bread machine loaf: dried peaches and peach yogurt fold into a soft, lightly spiced bread with cinnamon and nutmeg. Sweet enough for breakfast toast, savory enough for sandwiches.

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.

Cod fillets brushed with oyster sauce, wrapped in napa cabbage leaves with soy-seasoned rice and ginger, then steamed into neat bundles. A light, elegant fish dinner served with mustard vinaigrette.

Speedy no-fuss rice pudding made with vanilla yogurt instead of slow-simmered custard, sweetened with honey and cinnamon, then layered with fresh summer berries and peaches. A light, chilled dessert.