2,200 light recipes

This is a wonderful and light dessert to offer people as a contrast to the heavy holiday meals and desserts normally offered at this time.

Retro orange gelatin mold loaded with pineapple, mandarin oranges, marshmallows, and coconut folded into whipped topping. A nostalgic potluck classic that's light, fruity, and fun.

Bomma's heirloom date nut cookies made with beaten egg whites, chopped dates, and pecans. No butter needed! Light, chewy, and naturally sweet. Makes 60 cookies.

Crispy phyllo seed straws made with toasted poppy and sesame seeds, folded in layers and baked golden. A light, crunchy appetizer that stores for weeks.

Cold fruited chicken salad with dried apricots, orange segments, grapes, and toasted almonds in a white wine-vinegar dressing. A light, low-calorie summer lunch.

Pisang goreng (Indonesian fried bananas) in a light egg batter, served over vanilla ice cream with a warm brown sugar rum sauce. A tropical dessert.

Light-as-air meringue cookies studded with mini chocolate chips. Just five ingredients, virtually fat-free, and they melt on your tongue. Makes 36 cookies.

Cold lemon soup with zucchini in a silky egg-lemon chicken broth, served chilled. A Greek avgolemono-style summer soup that's light, tangy, and refreshing.

Old-fashioned pineapple ice made with fresh pineapple, sugar syrup, lemon juice, and meringue for a light, scoopable frozen dessert. No ice cream maker needed.

Crisp piped meringue kisses made with egg whites and superfine sugar, with an optional bittersweet chocolate ganache filling. Light, shatteringly crisp, and naturally gluten-free.

Cinnamon apple noodle kugel with sautéed Golden Delicious apples, pecans, raisins, and whipped egg whites. A light, airy take on the classic Jewish noodle casserole.

Traditional Italian egg cookies made with just three ingredients: eggs, sugar, and flour. Light, airy, and gently sweet with golden edges. A nonna-approved classic.

Chilled penne pasta salad with julienned carrots, zucchini, green onions, and fresh basil in a light sesame-cream dressing. A vibrant make-ahead side dish.

Light-as-air meringue cookies with ground hazelnuts and candied citron, perched on crisp baking wafers. A classic European confection that melts on your tongue.

Crisp, light date macaroons made with just four ingredients: egg whites, dates, nuts, and powdered sugar. Naturally flour-free and baked to a golden brown.

Poached pears in mint sugar syrup served chilled with chocolate morsels. An elegant, light dessert with fresh mint-infused fruit and a simple chocolate garnish.