Meatless Meals That Are Perfect for Lent

If you’re looking for satisfying meatless dishes for Lent, the six-week period leading up to Easter, these recipes are for you. Here you’ll find vegetarian favorites (think veggie-packed pastas and tacos), some of our top salmon recipes (as fish and shellfish are permitted during Lent) and even hearty, meat-free casseroles. Just because you're abstaining from meat doesn't mean your meals need to be bland — or difficult. There are great fish and seafood delivery services that will ship nationwide, taking the stress out of shopping. This 5-star dish couldn't be easier: Place the gnocchi and vegetables on a sheet pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle with pesto, then bake. You'll have a meatless family-pleaser on the table in just 35 minutes.

This simple baked salmon really hits all the right notes: It's tangy, sweet, savory, a little spicy and crunchy. Cooking a larger piece makes for a nice presentation. Topped with buttery golden breadcrumbs and parsley, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough to serve to guests.

What’s the secret to making a batter that won’t fall off your fish? Dredging the fish in rice flour first!

In this meatless take on a classic Roman pasta, extra egg yolks and olive oil help compensate for the lack of rich pork fat, while lightly fried sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, miso and liquid smoke each add a savory layer of umami to the sauce. It may not taste exactly like the original, but it's every bit as satisfying.

Ina’s buttery seafood gratin — filled with shrimp, halibut, lobster and vegetables — requires some prep work, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

This custardy quiche, with a crust made from scratch, is filled with shallots, artichoke hearts and feta.

This cheesy casserole will have meat eaters and vegetarians ready to dig right in. Layers of breaded eggplant, creamy ricotta, tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella make this an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Top vegetarian refried beans and roasted sweet potatoes with a refreshing pineapple salsa and chopped cilantro. You’ll never miss the meat!

Cod is a meaty fish with a mild flavor. Ina dresses it up with a white wine-lemon sauce and a buttery topping made with Ritz cracker crumbs, panko and garlic.

Spring vegetables brighten up classic pasta Alfredo, while lemon zest and chives cut the rich creaminess.

Make this easy fried fish sandwich once and you’ll forget all about the drive-thru. The homemade tartar sauce, infused with lemon zest and fresh tarragon, really seals the deal.

Toss romaine and tomatoes into this shrimp pasta salad with a creamy Caesar dressing. You'll have an incredibly refreshing yet satisfying dish in just 40 minutes.

The perfect one-pot meal: Salmon is brushed with a simple glaze and cooked to perfection atop broccoli florets. And thanks to the air fryer, it's ready in a snap, with no fishy smell.

Giada's secret to her velvety baked pasta is room-temperature ingredients. If the milk, cream and cheeses are the same temp, they’ll blend together easily and coat every bite of pasta (and broccoli!) in the most delicious way possible.