After days of rich holiday dishes, sometimes you just need something a little lighter. These meals are fresh, simple, and satisfying — the kind of dinners that reset your palate without sacrificing flavor. From veggie-packed bowls to bright salads, brothy soups, and easy skillet meals, this lineup is perfect for the calm moments between celebrations.
1. Egg Roll in a Bowl
A lighter twist on a takeout classic — ground meat, cabbage, veggies, and seasonings cooked into a fast, flavorful skillet meal that’s satisfying without feeling heavy. Pair it with rice, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb meal.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl
2. Mediterranean Chicken Tacos
Bright, fresh tacos filled with seasoned chicken, crisp veggies, herbs, and a final crumble of feta. Light enough for an easy weeknight, but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Tacos
3. Easy Vegetable Soup
A cozy, brothy soup loaded with colorful veggies and simple seasonings. Nourishing, gentle, and perfect for a reset between holiday indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Soup
4. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Crisp lettuce cups filled with savory chicken and paired with a creamy homemade peanut sauce. Fresh, light, and fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
5. Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
A wholesome, balanced dinner made on one sheet pan — tender, seasoned chicken with roasted veggies. Low effort, light, and perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
6. Farro Salad with Shrimp & Roasted Veggies
Hearty farro tossed with roasted vegetables, herbs, and a bright dressing. It’s fresh yet satisfying, with tons of texture and wholesome flavor.
Get the Recipe: Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
7. Pasta e Piselli
A comforting but light Italian classic — small pasta, peas, and simple seasonings in a broth-based sauce. Cozy and kid-friendly without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
8. Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
Flaky salmon glazed in homemade teriyaki sauce, served over rice or greens with crunchy veggies. Fresh, balanced, and full of feel-good flavor.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
9. Ribollita
A rustic Tuscan vegetable-and-bean soup thickened with bread. Warm, hearty, and nourishing, yet naturally light enough for a post-holiday reset.
Get the Recipe: Ribollita
10. Mushroom Stroganoff
A creamy, comforting stroganoff made with mushrooms instead of beef. It’s rich in flavor but lighter on the stomach — perfect for a cozy evening.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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