Go beyond the frozen fish sticks with these easy Lent meal ideas! We have over 20 delicious, family-friendly dinners to choose from.
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Pin RecipeLooking for Lent-friendly meals to make for dinner this week? Look no further! Here are 20+ delicious and easy Lent meal ideas that will satisfy your appetite without breaking the rules of Lent. From light soups and salads to hearty sandwiches, pasta, and more—there’s something here for everyone!
1. Air Fryer Tilapia
Ready in just 15 minutes, this air fryer tilapia will be your go-to dish for a light and healthy Lenten meal. Serve it with a side of steamed veggies, and you’re good to go!
2. Cauliflower au Gratin
This creamy and delicious cauliflower dish is sure to satisfy your tastebuds without sacrificing flavor. Layer it with fresh-grated cheese, herbs, and spices for an extra special dinner that’s sure to please. Sure, it’s normally a side dish, but trust us: it’s filling enough for a meal!
3. Creamy Tomato and Basil Penne Pasta
This flavorful and comforting dish will be a hit for the whole family and it’s one of our favorite Lent meal ideas! The creamy sauce will coat the pasta perfectly, and the addition of fresh tomatoes and basil makes this an unforgettable Lenten meal.
4. Pesto Salmon
For a heartier dinner option, try this tasty pesto salmon. It’s full of flavor and can be served with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Plus, it’s super simple to make and ready in just minutes!
5. Strawberry Waffles
If you want a Lent meal idea that your kids will love, breakfast for dinner is always a safe bet! These strawberry waffles are fluffy, crispy on the edges, and have sweet strawberries baked into every bite.
6. Instant Pot Black Beans
This tasty dish is meatless, affordable, and super easy to make! Cook up a batch of Instant Pot black beans for a filling dinner that everyone will love. Make them into tacos, burrito bowls, and more for a budget-friendly Lent meal idea.
7. Instant Pot Tortellini
Ready in just minutes, this Instant Pot tortellini is a great Lent meal idea for busy weeknights. Serve it with your favorite veggies to make it even more filling and delicious.
8. Tuna Casserole
Casseroles are always a hit, and this tuna casserole is no exception. It’s full of flavor and the perfect dish for feeding a crowd. You’ll love the combination of creamy sauce, crunchy veggies, and protein-packed tuna.
9. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Add a touch of sweetness to your Lenten meals with this air fryer coconut shrimp. Serve it as an appetizer or snack. Or, add some sides for a complete dinner. Delicious!
10. Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This is another Lent meal idea that your kids will be clamoring for! Add some steamed broccoli for a one-dish dinner.
11. Manicotti
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for Lenten dinners. Layer the pasta with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese for an unforgettable meal you’ll want to make over and over again.
12. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This comforting casserole is perfect for a chilly night. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, and the cheesy broccoli rice will be sure to satisfy your hunger. Serve it with a side of French bread or salad for a complete meal.
13. Brussels Sprout Salad
For a lighter and healthier Lent meal idea, try this tasty Brussels sprout salad. It’s full of crunchy veggies and tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette. Serve it as a side dish, or enjoy it as a main course. Either way, you’ll love it!
14. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Tacos are always a great choice for dinner, and these grilled shrimp tacos are no exception. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors will leave you wanting more! Serve them with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal.
15. Zucchini Corn Fritters
These zucchini corn fritters are great for a light dinner or snack. They’re packed with flavor and easy to make in just minutes. Serve them with your favorite sauce or dip—yum!
16. Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic dish that’s perfect for Lenten meals. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and loaded with veggies. Serve it as a main course by adding shrimp or a side dish. Either way, you’ll love this delicious meal!
17. Eggs Florentine
This Eggs Florentine dish is a delicious way to enjoy eggs for dinner. It’s full of flavor and easy to make in just minutes. If you’re not a fan of fish, eggs are a great Lent meal idea!
18. Instant Pot Penne Alfredo
This creamy Instant Pot Penne Alfredo is sure to be a hit with the family. It’s full of flavor and ready in just minutes—perfect for busy weeknights! Serve it with some garlic bread, and you’ll have an unforgettable meal.
19. One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus
This one-pan dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. The combination of salmon and asparagus creates a delicious and nutritious meal you’re sure to love. Serve it with some rice or potatoes for a complete meal.
20. Ricotta Stuffed Shells
These ricotta stuffed shells are sure to satisfy your hunger. They’re full of flavor and easy to make in just minutes. Enjoy them with a side salad or some roasted veggies to round things out.
21. Tuna Salad
This tuna salad is a great way to enjoy seafood for dinner in an easy, low-effort way. It’s packed with protein and full of flavor. Enjoy it on its own, or serve it on sandwich bread for a simple Lent meal idea that the whole family will love.
22. Margherita Pizza
This classic Margherita pizza is sure to be a hit with the family. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. Plus, it’s ready in just minutes! Who needs delivery?!
23. Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are always a great choice for dinner. They’re full of flavor and packed with protein. Even better, they’re incredibly easy to make! Serve them with your favorite toppings for a meal you won’t forget.
24. Air Fryer Salmon
You can’t go wrong when it comes to air fryer salmon. Learn the ins and outs of cooking the tasty fish in the air fryer for a healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy.
25. Stuffed Lasagna Spaghetti Squash
Get ready to fill up on this stuffed lasagna spaghetti squash. The cheese melts perfectly into the sauce that surrounds the spaghetti squash, creating the perfect, nutritious bite.
26. Zucchini Casserole
Turn this side dish of zucchini casserole into a main course during Lent. The simple dish layers fresh-cut zucchini with tomatoes, cheese, and breadcrumbs. It’s filling, savory, and delicious!
27. Egg Salad Recipe
Sometimes the simple recipes are the best, and this egg salad recipe proves it! Quick, easy, and flavorful, it’s ready in minutes and the perfect way to use up leftover eggs. Serve it on its own, with crackers, or bread.
28. Cabbage Steaks
Steak night is something to look forward to during Lent when these cabbage steaks are on the menu. Top the steaks with nuts or cheese to finish off the dish with extra flavor and crunch.
29. Easy Black Bean Burger
You won’t miss the meat at all in this black bean burger. The beans mix up with onions, garlic, and chipotle peppers, keeping the flavors front and center. Top the black bean burger with your favorite condiments, just like you would a traditional burger. Yum!
30. Classic Eggplant Parmesan
This comforting dish of eggplant parmesan is great to put on your Lenten meal rotation. The cheesy meal hits all the spots for the perfect comfort dish. It’s a dish that even your pickiest eater will enjoy.
31. Air Fryer Crab Cakes
If you are craving something filling, go with these air fryer crab cakes. The meaty crab will satisfy that craving for something hearty. Plus, cooking everything in the air fryer keeps the meal feeling light and healthy.
32. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Get your fill of buffalo wings in during Lent with these air fryer buffalo cauliflower. While this dish is typically a side dish, it can easily become the main star of the meal. Don’t forget to serve with Ranch or bleu cheese for dipping!
33. Salmon Patties
These salmon patties are so good that they will make it into your regular dinner rotation after Lent is over. The patties are made with canned salmon, so there is no fussing for hours in the kitchen. Make some extras to keep in the freezer for when you need a last-minute dinner.
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