Make your Lent meals comforting and filling! These 18 dinners are hearty, wholesome, and completely meat-free. Each recipe brings bold flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will enjoy. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. These Lent dinners show that meatless can be truly hearty!

Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo

This Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo creates a tender texture that stays moist during the baking process! The creamy coating adds a rich layer to the fish without needing a long list of ingredients for the Lent season. You get a protein-heavy dinner that feels substantial enough to replace any meat dish. Preparing this meal is a breeze for a busy Friday!
Get the Recipe: Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo
Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta

Garlic and oil form a light base for this Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta while the herbs provide a bright scent! Juicy tomatoes and pink shrimp toss together with the noodles for a fresh Lenten result. The natural flavors from the garden make it easy to skip the beef. You will love how fast this comes together!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tomato Basil Pasta
Spinach Cannelloni

Marinara and melted mozzarella cover this Spinach Cannelloni to create a bubbly and golden crust! Each tube holds a thick filling of ricotta and garlicky greens that fills you up fast during Lent. It provides all the comfort of a traditional Italian Sunday dinner without any ground meat. This cheesy tray is exactly what a hungry family needs!
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cannelloni
Homemade Pumpkin Soup

A hot bowl of Homemade Pumpkin Soup offers a smooth texture that warms you from the inside out! Simple ingredients blend into a velvety liquid that carries a natural sweetness for the Lenten season. It stays light on the stomach while providing a dense and cozy feeling. You can relax with this easy pot of gold!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pumpkin Soup
Soba Noodle Soup

These earthy buckwheat strands in Soba Noodle Soup soak up a savory miso broth for a deep saltiness! The balance of sweet and umami notes makes every spoonful a great meatless choice for Lent. It requires very little work and uses basic pantry items for a fast fix. This steaming bowl is a great way to stay full!
Get the Recipe: Soba Noodle Soup
Seafood Orzo Salad

Lemon and fresh herbs wake up the springy bits of squid in this Seafood Orzo Salad! Small rice-shaped pasta absorbs the citrus juices to ensure every bite is consistent for your Lenten menu. The texture is fun and light which makes it a great break from heavy fried foods. This chilled dish brings a bright coastal vibe to your plate!
Get the Recipe: Seafood Orzo Salad
Green Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Mashed potatoes create a thick and fluffy cap over this Green Lentil Shepherd’s Pie! The combination of legumes and chopped vegetables creates a base so hearty for Lent that you won’t miss the lamb. It provides a massive amount of protein to keep your energy up all evening. You will feel totally content after a single helping!
Get the Recipe: Green Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Tuna Pesto Pasta

Flaky fish and a coating of herby green sauce make this Tuna Pesto Pasta a vibrant choice for any weeknight! A hit of lemon and Parmesan cheese adds a sharp finish to the garlicky noodles during the Lenten season. It feels fancy but uses simple staples to get dinner on the table. This meal proves that pantry basics can be incredible!
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Broiled Walleye

High heat creates a beautiful flaky finish on this Broiled Walleye in just a few minutes! A simple topping of garlic and lemon allows the natural quality of the white fish to lead the way for Lent. It stays juicy in the middle while the edges get a little bit of color. You cannot beat such a fast and healthy main course!
Get the Recipe: Broiled Walleye
Honey Mustard Salmon

A sticky glaze turns into a sweet and tangy crust on this Honey Mustard Salmon! The caramelized edges provide a great contrast to the soft and pink center of the fish for a Lenten feast. Pairing this with rice or greens creates a complete plate that rivals any steak house. This recipe is a total winner for fish lovers!
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Salmon
Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Citrus and melted fat create a luxurious sauce for this Baked Lemon Butter Fish! The white fillets stay delicate and soft as they soak up the bright flavors in the pan. It uses only a few items but results in a high-quality dinner. You will find it hard to stop at just one serving!
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Tangy cheese and wilted greens make this Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta feel like a trip to the Mediterranean! Briny feta crumbles melt slightly into the warm garlic sauce for a sharp kick. It is a vibrant alternative to heavy meat sauces that often feel too weighted. This pasta is a refreshing change of pace!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Bold garlic and melted butter coat every strand of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta! Plump shrimp add a snap of texture that goes perfectly with the soft noodles and lemon juice. The richness of the sauce ensures that nobody leaves the table feeling hungry. You will appreciate how such a simple list of items tastes so grand!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Sharp cheddar and seasoned shrimp turn this Shrimp and Grits Casserole into a Southern masterpiece! The creamy base and the heat from the spices create a very bold profile. Baking everything together allows the flavors to meld into a dense and warm comfort meal. This dish is a powerhouse of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Creamy Pea Pasta

Sweet green peas pop against the velvet sauce of this Creamy Pea Pasta! Parmesan and garlic add a sharp depth to the cream for a very smooth finish. It feels like an indulgence even though it is packed with simple vegetables. This bowl is the definition of a cozy night in!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese define the bold spirit of this Bucatini Cacio e Pepe! The starchy water and cheese create a glossy coating that sticks to the thick, hollow noodles. It is a famous Roman staple that relies on quality rather than a long list of ingredients. You will be amazed by how much heat and salt can do!
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Air Fryer Cod

Using the air fryer creates a golden crunch on this Air Fryer Cod without any heavy oil! The inside stays moist and white while the outside provides a loud and happy snap. Herbs and lemon give it a finished look that is ready in a flash. This is the ultimate way to enjoy a crispy fish dinner!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod
Blackened Cod

Dark spices create a smoky and charred surface on this Blackened Cod! A quick sear in the pan locks the moisture inside so the fish stays flaky and light. It offers a big personality that stands up well against any side dish. This bold seafood choice is a thrill for the senses!
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
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Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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