45 Easy Lent Recipes for the Lenten Season

These easy Lent recipes will help you observe the 40 days of the Lenten season between Ash Wednesday and Easter. These 45 Lent recipes are delicious, healthy, and will keep you satisfied until Easter.

From seafood pasta, soups, and stews to meatless and vegetarian options, we’ve gathered the most delicious Lent recipes we could find.

What is Lent?

Lent is a period of 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter.

By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities.

Why Does Lent Last for 40 Days?

The number 40 is significant in biblical scripture:

In Genesis, the flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain.
The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the land promised to them by God.
Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the ten commandments on Mount Sinai.
Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.

What to Eat During Lent

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics often fast. Or they alter the way they eat, giving up foods they enjoy, like snacking and sweets.

Some will fast a meal or two a day.

On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent, many will abstain from eating meat like lamb, chicken, beef, pork, and ham. They replace it with eggs, milk, fish, grains, fruits and vegetables.

Lent Recipes

The following 45 easy Lent recipes and ideas are delicious and healthy meal ideas we love.

Fish Florentine

“This easy Fish Florentine recipe, made with a pan-seared firm white fish served on a creamy bed of spinach feels like something you would order out in a fancy restaurant!”
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Brazilian Salmon Stew (Moqueca)

“Salmon stew based on Brazilian style moqueca fish stew. Salmon marinated in garlic, lime juice, paprika and cumin, the cooked with onions, bell peppers, tomato, cilantro, and coconut milk.”
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Lentil Salad with Arugula and Feta

“This lentil salad with arugula and feta cheese makes a great lunch or light dinner! Toss with a sherry vinaigrette, red onions, dried currants, and chopped cilantro.”
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Puff Pastry Baked Eggs

“Whole eggs baked in puff pastry make for an easy and delicious breakfast. Topped with Italian-seasoned vegetables and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, this dish is prepped – and baked – on one single sheet pan.”
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Seafood Paella

“I mean, tell me this isn’t the most gorgeous Seafood Paella you’ve ever seen. And guess what – it’s crazy easy to make! Plus it feeds a crowd!”
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Easy Fish Chowder

“This quick and easy Fish Chowder is a no-recipe recipe. It’s delicious, extremely adaptable, light, and creamy. Made with cod, a handful of vegetables, and seasoning.”
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Mixed Vegetables and Farro Soup

“This thick, hearty soup is made with a colorful mix of carrots, peas, leek and onion. Mario Batali also adds borlotti beans and farro, which make the soup hearty enough to be a main course.”
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Easy Sheet Pan Fish with Vegetables

If you’re looking for a healthy and quick dinner during Lent, this is it!
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Pasta with Tuna and Arugula

“Quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious, pasta with wilted arugula and a sauce made of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and canned tuna.”
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15 Minute Spring Instant Pot Risotto

“This spring inspired Instant Pot Risotto combines fresh, green asparagus, sweet peas, earthy mushrooms, and creamy arborio rice in this easy-to-make dish Instant Pot dish. Filling, incredibly delicious… and perfect for the season.”
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Spring Pea Orzo

“Slivered almonds add protein to this tasty vegetarian pasta. Add the dressing to the orzo when the pasta is still warm so it soaks up all of the delicious flavor.”
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Angel Hair Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes

“Angel hair pasta tossed with summer zucchini and tomatoes fresh from the garden. The perfect meatless meal you’ll be craving again and again. Serve this with plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano!”
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Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon

“Easy Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon is one of the quickest dinners you can make. Not to mention, incredibly delicious.”
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