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, pastas, 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 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 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 some toast 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—plus they’re incredibly easy to make! Serve them with your favorite toppings for a meal you won’t forget.
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