2,179 light recipes

Tropical chicken salad with rice, pineapple, banana, grapes, and coconut in a light yogurt-mayo dressing. No cooking required, just toss and serve for a refreshing lunch in 10 minutes.

Cocoa espresso brownie bars with walnuts, made with egg substitute and corn oil spread for a lighter take. Fudgy, coffee-spiked, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Refreshing iced tea float with almond-flavored herbal tea and scoops of lemon or orange sherbet. Light, cooling beverage perfect for summer afternoons.

Crispy bacon bits and melted cheddar coat tender red potatoes roasted until fork-tender. Ranch dressing adds creamy tang to this crowd-pleasing side that feeds a group.

Crispy phyllo Parmesan straws layered with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a hint of cayenne, baked golden in 10 minutes. A light, low-fat cocktail snack made with pantry staples.

Mint macaroons with shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and peppermint extract in a crispy meringue base. Naturally gluten-free and light as air. Makes about 4 dozen.

Ful medames is a traditional Egyptian stewed fava bean dish simmered with red lentils, cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil. Hearty, vegan, and high in protein.

Poached salmon steaks gently cooked in a lemon-and-vegetable broth, served with creamy horseradish sauce. A light low-calorie classic for dinner parties or healthy weeknights.

Chocolate pistachio meringue cookies with finely ground pistachios and semi-sweet chocolate folded into stiff egg white peaks. Light, crisp, naturally gluten-free, and just 6 ingredients.

Indian carrot salad with cumin, cinnamon, lime juice, and garlic, served chilled and garnished with wheat sprouts. A light, spiced vegetarian side dish.

Cinnamon oatmeal muffins made with egg whites, skim milk, and brown sugar with a hint of orange zest. Light and tender with optional chopped apple pieces.

Vegan coleslaw skips the mayo for an apple cider vinegar dressing with honey, slivered cabbage, Granny Smith apple, raisins, and celery seed. Crisp, tangy, naturally light side dish.

Low-calorie lemon Bavarian mousse made with no added sugar, using apple juice concentrate, pineapple juice, and whipped evaporated skim milk for a light, airy gelatin dessert.

Pear and parsnip salad with blanched parsnips, fanned fresh pear slices, green onions, and a light honey yogurt dressing. A low-fat, elegant side for fall and winter.

Lightly sweet banana tea loaf with orange zest and juice concentrate. A diabetic-friendly quick bread with no added sugar, baked in a standard loaf pan.

Grilled angel food cake with skewered nectarines basted in a lemon-sugar glaze, served alongside fresh blueberries for a light summer dessert straight off the grill.