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    Home » Main Dish Recipes

    40 Lent Dinner Ideas

    Published: Feb 11, 2022 · Modified: Mar 7, 2023 by Deanne Frieders · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    When it comes to dinner ideas for Lent, it can be hard to find some delicious, mouthwatering recipes that you know the family will love. Come Ash Wednesday and throughout the Lenten season, our family is looking for easy recipes for Friday night!

    Luckily, I've done all of the hard work for you and have found some of the best meatless dinner ideas that don’t skip out on the flavor. Plus, these dinner ideas are easy to make and can be whipped up in no time.

    From pasta dishes to meatless alternatives of your favorite recipes, these meatless meals will be something the whole family will enjoy. Who knows, you may find easy recipes to add to your weekly meal routine!

    lent dinner ideas

    Meatless Recipes

    It seems that the week of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday is a double whammy when it comes to coming up with Lent dinner ideas. We have to plan out two ideas instead of the one Lenten Friday meal.

    Here are some great Lenten recipes I think you'll enjoy!

    Easy Dinner Recipes for Lent

    No meat doesn't have to be a drag! These Lent dinner ideas will have you and your family happy throughout the Lenten season.

    1

    Easy Tuna Salad with Egg

    Just because it's meatless doesn't mean it can't be protein packed! This Tuna Salad with Eggs does just that. Use it as a traditional sandwich filling or make it into lettuce wraps to keep it low carb.

    2

    Mexican Spaghetti Squash Boats

    These Mexican Spaghetti Squash Boats have tons of Mexican flavors like beans and cheese but they’re made into a healthy but satisfying meal using one of my favorites…spaghetti squash!!

    3

    Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

    Minestrone is an easy, hearty Italian soup full of vegetables. This classic soup recipe can be easily in your Instant Pot

    4

    Crockpot Creamy Potato Soup

    Enjoy potato soup all year round when you make Crockpot Creamy Potato Soup. No heating up the kitchen, just a big bowl of comfort eating when you walk in the door! Spoiler alert: leave out the bacon for Lent dinner.

    5

    Instant Pot Tuna Casserole

    Tuna Noodle Casserole can be made in the Instant Pot, saving you time on boiling noodles and leaving only one dish to wash. Perfection!

    6

    Baked Salmon Recipe with Parmesan Herb Crust

    Photo Credit: www.annsentitledlife.com

    An easy to make dinner idea, this baked salmon is topped with a tasty parmesan herb crust for extra flavor.

    7

    Pantry Tuna Pasta Casserole

    This Mediterranean take on a tuna casserole uses oil packed tuna, marinara sauce and other pantry ingredients. It's ready in under 30 minutes!

    8

    Healthy Vegan Taco Pasta Bake (With Cream Cheese)

    Photo Credit: thefreshfig.com

    An easy 30-minute meatless dinner idea, this taco flavored pasta is a healthy meal the family will love.

    9

    Healthy Baked Fish Tacos

    Photo Credit: www.thisfarmgirlcooks.com

    Taco Tuesday and fish Friday got tastier with the addition of these healthy fish tacos. They cook in only 15 minutes and you can use a variety of fish for this recipe.

    10

    Lazy Slow Cooker Mushroom Spinach Lasagna

    Photo Credit: thelazyslowcooker.com

    Filled with fresh veggies, a savory marinara sauce, cheese, and noodles, this slow cooker dinner will be a delicious dish.

    11

    Vegetable Divan – warming and soothing comfort food for the holidays | Everyday Plant Based Meal Prep

    Photo Credit: sevenroses.net

    A no meat option to a traditional comfort food, this delicious vegetable divan is baked to perfection.

    12

    Mexican Chopped Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing

    As a lover of Mexican food, Mexican Chopped Salad is one of our favorite main course salads. Bursting with flavor and color, this healthy salad is also right at home served as a side for tacos, grilled chicken or pork carnitas!

    13

    Mushroom Lentil Pot Pie (with Puff Pastry) - Sunglow Kitchen

    Photo Credit: www.sunglowkitchen.com

    A filling dinner idea, this shepherd’s pie is made with a lentil filling that guests at the dinner table won’t be able to get enough of.

    14

    Vegan Butter Chicken (Indian Butter Chickpeas)

    Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

    Also known as Indian Butter Chickpeas, the family will love and devour this vegan butter chicken.

    15

    Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

    There's a secret to making the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. Super gooey, melty cheese and crisp, golden brown bread are just the beginning of this simply delicious sandwich adored by families everywhere.

    16

    Spicy Pasta with Cauliflower Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.thismamacooks.com

    A vegetarian recipe that is sure to be a hit, this spicy pasta with cauliflower is perfect for a meatless dinner.

    17

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder with Bacon

    Wholesome ingredients added to the crockpot make corn chowder a delicious, comfort food classic! Sweet kernels of fresh corn, smoky green chilis, and a rich creamy broth simmer away without heating up the kitchen. (Pssst - leave out the bacon for Lent)

    18

    Creamy Wild Rice Mushroom Soup in the Slow Cooker

    Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup has wild rice, plenty of vegetables and a secret ingredient for a lighter take on a creamy soup.

    19

    Easy Buffalo Shrimp Tacos

    15 minutes is all you need to get Buffalo Shrimp Tacos on the table for an easy, weeknight dinner! Perfect for game night or Friday night!

    20

    General Tso's Cauliflower

    Photo Credit: swirlsofflavor.com

    No need to skip out on the Chinese food when you have to avoid meat, this General Tso Cauliflower is a delicious alternative.

    21

    Vegan Jackfruit Bolognese Recipe | Best Jackfruit Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.bytheforkful.com

    A rich tomato-based sauce that you can top over your favorite pasta to make the perfect meatless meal.

    22

    Chili Relleno Casserole

    Photo Credit: crinkledcookbook.com

    A versatile dinner idea that you can make the night before. Chili Relleno Casserole will make a satisfying dinner.

    23

    Vegan Eggplant Parmigiana (Air Fryer)

    Photo Credit: thedairyfreemenu.com

    Made in the air fryer to an easy dinner idea, this eggplant parmigiana is sure to be a hit with everyone in the family.

    24

    Vegan Cauliflower Lentil Loaf

    Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com

    Made from cauliflower, this vegan lentil loaf is a substitute for meatloaf that everyone in the family can enjoy.

    25

    Kale Salad with Cranberries, Pears and Apples

    This Kale Salad with Cranberries with crisp apple, juicy pear and crunchy pecans make this the perfect side dish to add to your holiday table, or as a healthy salad for lunch!

    26

    Italian Farro Salad with Feta - Perfect for Lunch or as a Side Dish

    Italian Farro Salad with Feta is made with wholesome and nutritious farro. It’s perfect as a a healthy lunch option or as a side dish!

    27

    Buttered Noodles - Our Kids Love This!

    You know the buttered noodles served at the restaurant Noodles & Co? You only need a few ingredients to make these at home!

    28

    Black Bean Taco Recipe with Homemade Guacamole

    Perfect for parties and get togethers, a warm and hearty supper at home, and even a field meal! Add a squeeze of lime juice and you're good to go!

    29

    Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Stew

    Photo Credit: www.fabfood4all.co.uk

    Vegan, delicious, and something everyone can enjoy, this slow cooker stew has a bit of a tangy flavor to it.

    30

    Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

    A classic in my family, we make this old fashioned tuna noodle casserole recipe at least a few for dinner during Lent. Oh, and don’t forget the crushed potato chips on top!

    31

    Quick, Easy Taco Rice Bowls (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    Photo Credit: delightfuladventures.com

    Healthy veggies, fresh veggies, and black beans make up this meatless version of taco rice bowls.

    32

    Roasted Sweet Potato and Broccoli Rice Bowls

    Photo Credit: aseasonedgreeting.com

    Simple and delicious, roasted sweet potato and broccoli rice bowls will make a delicious dinner idea for Lent.

    33

    Lentil Shepherd's Pie

    Photo Credit: nosweatvegan.com

    A filling dinner idea, this shepherd’s pie is made with a lentil filling that guests at the dinner table won’t be able to get enough of.

    34

    Harvest Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Cranberries

    You won't miss the meat in this protein packed salad. Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is like harvest in a bowl with tender squash, fluffy quinoa and an easy apple cider vinaigrette! 

    35

    Easy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

    My Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup cooks under pressure for only one minute. One minute is all it takes for a creamy and healthy soup that’s full of warmth and flavor.

    36

    Vegetarian Stuffed Spaghetti Squash - Gluten Free

    Photo Credit: www.eatingworks.com

    Loaded with veggies and cheese, this stuffed spaghetti squash is a healthy and delicious dinner idea for Lent.

    37

    Vegan Baked Spaghetti - A Cheesy Pasta Casserole

    Photo Credit: www.sunglowkitchen.com

    An easy to make comforting meal that’s made in just one dish, this healthy baked spaghetti will be a family favorite. 

    38

    Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff

    Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

    Packed with flavor, the blend of cremini and mushrooms is what makes this meatless mushroom stroganoff so irresistible. 

    39

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus with Orange Glaze

    Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus is made with wholesome, healthy ingredients. Even better, salmon with asparagus is ready in under 20 minutes!

    40

    Garlic Herb Buttered Cod | Low Carb & 15 Minute Recipe!

    Garlic herb buttered cod is ready on the stovetop in minutes! Topped with a flavorful butter sauce this meatless recipe is also gluten free!

    41

    Broiled Haddock with Parmesan, Fresh Tomatoes & Basil

    Simple Broiled Haddock is cooked with simple ingredients and topped with a flavorful fresh tomato and basil mixture. This entire meal is ready in under 20 minutes!

    42

    Instant Pot Butternut Squash Bisque

    Butternut Squash Bisque is comfort food at its best! Warm and velvety, butternut squash blended with the perfect blend of spices and a hint of sweet apple.

    made with love, Deanne

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    Welcome to This Farm Girl Cooks, my name is Deanne Frieders! This is the place I LOVE sharing recipes and ideas with busy home cooks. My focus is on simple, delicious meals your family will actually eat!

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