45 Delicious Lenten Recipes That'll Make You Forget Meat

I'm a little late today, but here are 45 more recipes suitable for Lent and Fridays year-round for those of us who abstain according to the old rules.

From Woman's Day 

By Corinne Sullivan

Your family will crave these tasty fish, pasta, and egg dishes all year round.

For some, Easter Sunday involves a little more preparation than simply hiding Easter eggs and picking out an Easter ham recipe. In the 40 days leading up to Easter, many Christians celebrate Lent, which is a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and reflection. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and though Lent is observed in a number of ways, it typically involves two traditions: giving up a luxury for a period of 40 days and focusing on an abstinence from meat. Whether you're going meatless for Lent or just abstaining on Fridays, the best Lent recipes will ensure that you aren't missing your steaks and sausages at all.

The reason many Christians (particularly Roman Catholics) choose not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent is because Jesus died on a Friday, and abstaining from meat reminds them of that sacrifice. Likewise, those looking to give something up for Lent may choose meat as their luxury, either on Fridays or throughout all 40 days of Lent. If you're going meatless this year and in need of some good vegetarian meals and seafood dishes, then these meatless recipes for Lent will keep even the biggest meat lovers feeling full and satisfied until Easter.

1
Caponata Flatbread

This meat-free flatbread makes use of veggies like eggplants, tomatoes, and red peppers, which taste like heaven when scattered on a layer of ricotta cheese.

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2
Clams, Chile, and Lemon Spaghetti

This gluten-free recipe swaps traditional pasta for quinoa spaghetti, though you can also make it with traditional spaghetti if you prefer.

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3
Potsticker Stir-Fry

Since this recipe makes use of frozen supermarket veggies, you can whip it together in no time at all.

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4
Roasted Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Broccoli

Tender, juicy salmon is simply irresistible when paired with oven-roasted potatoes, broccoli, and onions.

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5
Corn and Zucchini Fritters

These corn-and-zucchini-based fritters are delicious and surprisingly easy to make.

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6
Coconut-Lime-Marinated Vegetable Noodles and Shrimp

The combination of coconut cream, veggies, and jumbo shrimp make for a pasta bowl that's anything but basic.

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7
Cod in Parchment with Orange-and-Leek Couscous

Fun fact: Cooking with parchment paper steams your food, which means it's much lower in fat compared to cooking with oil.

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8
Butternut Squash Stew

The perfect slow-cooker meal for Lent, this Mediterranean-inspired butternut squash stew is positively bursting with flavor.

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9
Shrimp Puttanesca

Looking for something light and refreshing? This tomato and shrimp pasta is sure to hit the spot.

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10
Quick Chickpea and Kale Stew

Chickpeas are rich in carbohydrates, which makes them the perfect creamy base for a blended stew like this one.

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11
Soba with Miso-Glazed Eggplant

Try using Japanese eggplants in this easy-to-make soba noodle dish, as they're slightly sweeter than regular ones.

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12
Thai-Spiced Salmon and Coconut Noodles

Sweet-and-spicy noodles with coconut broth and salmon are sure to be a hit any day of the week.

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13
Cauliflower Fried Rice

This lower-carb fried "rice" recipe will be ready faster than any takeout — and yes, it'll taste just as amazing.

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14
Spinach and Cheese Pita Pizzas with Tomato Salad

Use thick-cut, toasted pita as the base for these yummy spinach and cheese pizzas.

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15
Enchiladas with Pumpkin Seed Salsa

Want to enjoy pumpkin all year round? These meatless enchiladas are proof that you can.

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16
Lentil Broccoli Falafel Bowls with Jalapeño-Herb Tahini

A twist on a classic Mediterranean dish, this protein-rich bowl features a flavorful sauce that you'll want to put on just about everything.

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17
Beer Battered Cod and Roasted Potato Salad

Fish and chips are a Lent classic, and you'll love this beer-battered option paired with zesty potato wedges.

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18
Stewed Black Beans and Collard Greens

Want to make sure you're getting your daily nutrient fix? Beans and greens are one of the best ways to do it, and this recipe utilizes them both.

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19
Chickpea, Spinach, and Quinoa Patties

These chickpea and quinoa patties have as much flavor (if not more!) than a traditional burger patty, and they're also packed with more nutrients, keeping you fuller for longer.

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20
White Bean and Tuna Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Canned tuna fish is a great source of heart-healthy protein, and it makes a quick and easy addition to this tasty white bean salad.

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21
Crispy Fish Sandwiches with Honey-Lime Slaw

Just so you know, this "breaded" fish is actually completely gluten-free, since it's coated in cornmeal.

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22
Chickpea and Red Pepper Soup with Quinoa

Not only does quinoa cook fast, but it also has a delicious nutty flavor and a ton of protein, and it's the secret to making this soup shine.

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23
Salmon Burgers and Five-Spice Sweet Potato Fries

A food processor transforms salmon, soy sauce, scallions, and sesame oil into beautiful patties that cook up quickly on the stove.

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24
Tilapia with Sweet Potato Cakes and Chimichurri

Though many serve chimichurri with steak, it tastes just as delicious when spooned over tilapia with a side of sweet potato cakes.

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25
Stewed Peppers and Tomatoes with Eggs

Serve this tomato-based dish any time of day for a meal that's packed with flavor (and you can also make it gluten-free by swapping out the toast for corn tortillas).

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26
Sweet Potato Kale Frittata

Packed with tasty ingredients like kale, sweet potato, goat cheese, and onions, this skillet dish works for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you're craving something sweet and savory.

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27
Spring Vegetable Pizza

Snap peas, leeks, and asparagus lighten up this pizza for a fresh springtime dinner.

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28
Vegetarian Fried Rice

This Lent-approved fried rice only takes one pan to make and it's oh-so-tasty.

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29
Cheesy Shells and Greens

Thanks to a pinch of cayenne, this mac and cheese has just the right amount of kick to it.

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30
Roasted Cauliflower Salad

To make this salad even easier, you can roast the cauliflower ahead of time and then toss it with your greens once you're ready to eat.

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31
Seared Salmon with Spiced Sweet Potatoes

You can get your fix of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 with this fresh salmon and sweet potato recipe.

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32
Pea Fritters with Shrimp Salad

In addition to being on the lighter side, this fresh springtime dinner only takes 30 minutes to make.

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33
Kale Pesto Pasta

This delicious fiber-filled pasta is an easy way to get anyone to eat their greens.

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34
Lime Tilapia With Citrus-Avocado Salsa

Giving up meat during Lent is no problem at all when you can still enjoy this lime tilapia dish.

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35
Shrimp Bowls with Scallion Vinaigrette

This protein-packed dish features shrimp, avocado, broccoli, and quinoa, which will work to keep you full until your next meal.

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36
Creamy Broccolini Pasta with Chile Breadcrumbs

You can still enjoy tasty meals during Lent, and this creamy pasta with broccolini and breadcrumbs is here to prove it.

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37
Pistachio-Crusted Fish

Replace breadcrumbs with pistachios for a unique take on a classic breaded cod recipe.

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38
Vegetable and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells

These creamy stuffed shells have all the comfort of a baked pasta dish with the bonus of veggies packed inside.

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39
Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms

Swap white pasta for a whole-wheat version to make this tasty pasta a little healthier.

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40
Grilled Fish Tacos

You won't miss your beloved steak tacos during Lent, thanks to this zesty grilled fish option.

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41
Po Boy Style Shrimp Burgers With Cajun Spiced Tots

Shrimp burgers on challah bread buns might just have you swearing off regular burgers for life.

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42
Orecchiette with White Beans and Spinach

You can whip up this one-pan white bean and spinach pasta dish in just 20 minutes.

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43
Ravioli with No-Cook Tomato Sauce

Garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil give this traditional pasta dish extra flavor.

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44
Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Cutting carbs in addition to meat? This noodle-free lasagna is a must-try.

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45
Leek and Lemon Linguine

Leeks and lemon juice add lots of spring flavor to this fresh linguine pasta dish.

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