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21 Smaller, Lighter Dishes That Come Together Easy And Taste Great

These recipes prove that light meals don’t have to be boring. With options like grilled seafood, crisp salads, stuffed mushrooms, and bright ceviches, there’s something here for every craving — and every occasion. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a weekend cookout, or a meal prep session, this lineup gives you plenty of ways to eat fresh without sacrificing flavor. Dive in and discover your new favorites!

High Protein Egg Drop Soup

High Protein Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This version of egg drop soup adds extra protein to the traditional recipe, making it a more satisfying choice for lunch or a light dinner. It’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and great for when you need something warm and filling without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: High Protein Egg Drop Soup

Greek Orzo Pasta

Greek Orzo Pasta. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This Greek-inspired orzo pasta salad is filled with chopped veggies, olives, and feta, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a great make-ahead side dish or light meal, perfect for potlucks or warm days.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta

Grilled King Salmon

Grilled King Salmon. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Grilled King Salmon is a simple and elegant way to serve seafood. Light seasoning lets the rich flavor of the salmon shine, and the grill adds just the right amount of char. Ideal for a healthy dinner that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled King Salmon

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Juicy balsamic-marinated chicken is the star of this fresh salad, served over greens with crisp veggies. It’s quick to prepare and works well for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Spinach and Strawberry Salad. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway Places.

This salad blends baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and a homemade vinaigrette for a refreshing combo. It’s great as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken for a quick, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Traeger Parmesan Cabbage Steaks

Traeger Parmesan Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Thick-cut cabbage rounds are grilled on a Traeger until tender and smoky, then finished with Parmesan. A unique veggie side dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Parmesan Cabbage Steaks

Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad

Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A chilled veggie mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a zippy vinaigrette. This salad is easy to prep and pairs well with richer mains or grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad

Traeger Grilled Broccolini

Traeger Grilled Broccolini. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This broccolini side dish is grilled for a slight char and topped simply to highlight its natural flavor. It’s a quick veggie option to go with anything from fish to steak.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Broccolini

The Best Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Baked Recipe)

The Best Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Baked Recipe). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

These hearty mushrooms are filled with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, then baked until tender. A great meatless option for dinner or as a savory starter.
Get the Recipe: The Best Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Baked Recipe)

Smoked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Smoked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Cauliflower gets smoked for extra depth and served with a velvety cheese sauce (made without processed cheese). A smart pick for low-carb meals or a standout side dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Easy Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiba)

Easy Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiba). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This refreshing crab ceviche blends tender crab with citrus, peppers, and onion for a light, flavorful appetizer or snack. Serve chilled with chips or lettuce cups.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crab Ceviche (Ceviche de Jaiba)

Easy Bruschetta Salmon

Easy Bruschetta Salmon. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Pan-seared salmon gets a flavorful upgrade with fresh bruschetta topping — tomato, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. Great for a quick weeknight dinner or a light summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bruschetta Salmon

Smoked White Chicken Chili

Smoked White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This lighter take on chili uses white beans and chicken, with a smoky edge that adds richness without the heaviness. Ideal for casual dinners or batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Smoked White Chicken Chili

Rockfish and Spot Prawn Ceviche

Rockfish and Spot Prawn Ceviche. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A light and citrusy ceviche made with rockfish and prawns. Serve this bright seafood dish cold for a healthy appetizer or summery lunch.
Get the Recipe: Rockfish and Spot Prawn Ceviche

Bluefin Tuna Poke Bowl

Bluefin Tuna Poke Bowl. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This poke bowl layers chunks of bluefin tuna with rice, veggies, and flavorful toppings. It’s a fresh, build-your-own style dish that works great for lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bluefin Tuna Poke Bowl

Grilled Mandarin Chicken Salad

Grilled Mandarin Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Sliced grilled chicken and juicy mandarin oranges come together in this bright, refreshing salad. It’s simple, colorful, and great for meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mandarin Chicken Salad

Cucumber Onion Salad

Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A crisp and tangy cucumber onion salad that’s quick to assemble and pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. A great low-effort side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Onion Salad

Tortellini Caprese Salad

Tortellini Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Cheese-filled tortellini, tomatoes, and fresh basil are tossed in a light dressing for a fast, flavorful salad. It makes a great meatless meal or colorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Caprese Salad

Roasted Carrot & Honey Feta Salad

Roasted Carrot & Honey Feta Salad. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Roasted carrots are paired with creamy feta and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory salad that’s simple but packed with flavor. A beautiful side or light main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot & Honey Feta Salad

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu (Easy Sauce Recipe)

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu (Easy Sauce Recipe). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Classic chicken cordon bleu made easier in the air fryer. It comes out crispy, melty, and flavorful, with a fast prep and a delicious homemade sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu (Easy Sauce Recipe)

Grill and Chill Shrimp Cocktail

Grill and Chill Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Classic shrimp cocktail gets an upgrade with grilled shrimp, adding a smoky edge to this chilled favorite. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Grill and Chill Shrimp Cocktail