Lent Fridays can feel long when everyone’s hungry and you’re trying to keep dinner simple. I always reach for meatless meals that still feel familiar and filling, especially on busy weeks. These 15 easy recipes bring dependable comfort to your table without adding extra work to your day. You’ll have plenty of simple ideas that make Lent Fridays feel steady and satisfying.

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Sunshine Pasta Salad

Sunshine Pasta Salad is tossed together with cooked pasta and fresh ingredients for a bright, easy side. The pasta stays tender while soaking up a simple dressing that comes together quickly. This family favorite works for potlucks, picnics, or a light Friday dinner. Chill it for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to blend.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Pasta Salad
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries is oven-roasted until tender with caramelized edges. The squash pairs with cranberries and feta for a sweet and savory balance that feels special but easy. It’s a great addition to Lent Fridays or family gatherings. Spread the squash in a single layer so it roasts instead of steams.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries
Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart

Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart is baked until the crust turns golden and crisp around tender zucchini slices. A creamy spread adds rich flavor while keeping the prep simple and manageable. This easy recipe works for a light family dinner or as a homemade addition to a gathering table. Let the tart cool slightly before slicing so the layers stay neat.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart
Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots

Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots cook up golden and crisp with very little oil. The vegetables caramelize in the air fryer, creating tender centers and lightly crisp edges. This easy side dish keeps cleanup simple on busy evenings. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Moroccan Salmon with Peppers

Moroccan Salmon with Peppers is simmered in a tomato and pepper sauce until the fish flakes easily. The sauce cooks down to a rich, comforting base that pairs well with rice or couscous. This homemade dish brings variety to Lent Fridays while staying simple to prepare. Spoon the sauce over the salmon as it cooks to keep it moist.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Salmon with Peppers
Fresh Tomatoes and Pasta Recipe

Fresh Tomatoes and Pasta is tossed with marinated tomatoes and freshly cooked pasta for a light, homemade dinner. The pasta absorbs the simple balsamic dressing while mozzarella melts slightly from the heat. This easy meatless meal works well when time is short but you still want comfort food. Let the tomatoes marinate while the pasta cooks for the best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomatoes and Pasta Recipe
Roasted Acorn Squash

Roasted Acorn Squash is baked until fork-tender with lightly crisp edges. Parmesan, olive oil, and herbs create a simple, homemade side that feels special without extra effort. It’s a family favorite for holiday meals or quiet Friday dinners. Slice the squash evenly so it roasts at the same pace.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is baked until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Fresh zucchini soften into a creamy cheese sauce that feels like classic comfort food. This simple, homemade dish works well as a meatless main or hearty side. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it slices cleanly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe

Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon is seared in a hot skillet until the outside turns crisp and golden. The inside stays tender and flaky, making it a reliable main dish for Lent Fridays. This simple recipe cooks quickly and keeps cleanup manageable. Press the salmon gently with a spatula at the start to help the skin crisp evenly.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Sockeye Salmon Recipe
Pollock Fish Tacos

Pollock Fish Tacos are a quick family favorite that comes together in under 30 minutes. The fish is pan-seared until flaky and lightly golden, then tucked into tortillas with simple toppings. It’s an easy meatless main dish that keeps busy Fridays stress-free. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet before serving to keep them soft and pliable.
Get the Recipe: Pollock Fish Tacos
Ranch Flavored Carrots

Ranch Flavored Carrots are steamed until tender, then tossed in butter and seasoning for a simple side dish. The carrots stay bright and soft while picking up familiar ranch flavor. This quick recipe makes weeknight meals easier and keeps ingredients basic. Steam just until fork-tender to keep the texture from turning mushy.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Flavored Carrots
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles

Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles is sautéed in one pan and ready in about 20 minutes. The shrimp turn tender and lightly golden in a garlic butter sauce that coats the zucchini noodles. This easy, quick dinner keeps Lent Fridays light but filling. Pat the zoodles dry before cooking to keep the sauce from thinning out.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Easy Grilled Vegetables

Easy Grilled Vegetables are a simple, homemade side dish that cooks quickly right on the grill. Fresh vegetables are brushed with oil, lightly seasoned, and grilled until tender with lightly crisp edges. This easy recipe works well for Lent Fridays when you want minimal cleanup and familiar ingredients. Cut the vegetables in similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Vegetables
Oyster and Maitake Mushroom Pasta

Oyster and Maitake Mushroom Pasta is sautéed in butter until the mushrooms turn golden and tender. The sauce coats the pasta for a rich comfort food dinner without complicated steps. It’s an easy meatless option that feels hearty enough for the whole family. Cook the mushrooms in batches so they brown instead of steam.
Get the Recipe: Oyster and Maitake Mushroom Pasta
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is simmered in one pan for a quick and comforting meatless meal. Shrimp cook until tender in a creamy tomato and spinach sauce that feels like comfort food without extra steps. It’s a simple recipe that fits neatly into a busy weeknight routine. Serve it over rice or pasta to stretch the sauce for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach


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