No meat? No problem.
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Every year, we look forward to indulging in a big, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, and chocolate bunnies for Easter brunch. But before we get ahead of ourselves, many people will need to decide what to give up for Lent during the 40-day period between February 14 (Ash Wednesday) and March 28. It's often known as a time for Christians to fast, reflect, and exercise self-restraint. If you're anything like Ladd Drummond, that could mean giving up your favorite soda (Dr Pepper) or cutting back on sweets, but many others will opt for giving up meat.
In fact, going meatless for Lent is one of the more common ways to observe the holy season. Depending on your faith, you may give up red and white meat only on Fridays (like Roman Catholics) or abstain from all kinds of meat including dairy and eggs, for the entire 40 days (like those who are Orthodox). So, what can you eat during the period of Lent? Look no further than these satisfying Lent recipes! Here, you'll find lots of vegetarian ideas and seafood recipes that the whole family will love. There's no need to miss out on a tasty family dinner when you have these Lent-approved ideas for scrumptious shrimp recipes, new ways to make salmon, meatless main courses, and more.
1
Shrimp and Grits
You won't miss a thing with this comforting family dish. Even if you leave out the bacon, there's still plenty of Cajun seasoning and creamy grits to keep you satisfied.
Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits recipe.
2
Cabbage Steaks
These big slabs of cabbage are perfectly tender in the center with crispy edges and a garlicky, almond breadcrumb topping that makes them a total crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with mashed potatoes for a fun twist on a steak dinner.
Get the Cabbage Steaks recipe.
3
Black Bean Burger
A meatless burger might just surprise you—take Ree Drummond's word for it! "I gosh darn love a good meatless burger," she says. It's especially good when loaded with hearty beans and flavorful chili powder.
Get Ree's Black Bean Burger recipe.
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4
Air Fryer Salmon
This perfectly cooked, flaky salmon is ready in just 10 minutes! That means you have no excuse for making it even during the busiest of weeks.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
5
Sheet Pan Gnocchi
A rainbow of veggies accompanies pillowy soft gnocchi on this sheet pan dinner. Serve it up with peppery arugula and fresh basil for even more green color.
Get the Sheet Pan Gnocchi recipe.
6
Shrimp Scampi
The combination of butter, garlic, lemon, and shrimp is absolutely irresistible! Serve it over angel hair pasta and you'll have dinner ready in no time.
Get Ree's Shrimp Scampi recipe.
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7
Fish and Chips Salad
Grab your favorite frozen fish and fries to make this super easy salad. You'll add fresh butter lettuce, spring peas, and a homemade tartar dressing to brighten things up.
Get the Fish and Chips Salad recipe.
8
Portobello Mushroom Burger
You don't even need to make your own patties to make a meatless burger! This variation piles on savory mushrooms in place of the meat.
Get the Portobello Mushroom Burger recipe.
9
Vegetarian Enchilada Soup
If winter is still holding on strong when Lent starts, consider this comforting soup recipe your go-to! It's a fun twist on meatless enchiladas in soup form.
Get Ree's Vegetarian Enchilada Soup recipe.
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10
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna and egg noodles are the stars of this casserole dish. But there are other highlights worth noting, too—like the creamy sauce, colorful green peas, and crunchy potato chips!
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
11
Spinach Pie
This traditional Greek dish stacks creamy spinach packed with feta and herbs between lots of layers of flaky phyllo dough. Look for phyllo in the freezer section of your grocery store.
Get the Spinach Pie recipe.
12
BBQ Salmon With Cucumber Salad
Before you bake this salmon in the oven, it's brushed with a homemade BBQ sauce made with brown sugar, chipotle chiles, ground cumin, and molasses. It's the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Get Ree's BBQ Salmon With Cucumber Salad recipe.
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13
Cauliflower Steak
Don't get us wrong, cauliflower steak isn't trying to mimic a real steak at all. But it is a great way to serve up the veggie. You can top it with a drizzle of pesto, lemon wedges, or even ranch dressing!
Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.
14
Eggplant Parmesan
For a meatless version of chicken parm, try eggplant parmesan instead! It's layered with crispy eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Get the Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
15
Tuna Pasta Salad
This twist on tuna noodle casserole is great for a quick lunch during the week or even for dinner if you're hosting a cookout. It's filled with chunks of albacore tuna, crunchy fresh vegetables, and pasta.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
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16
Garlic Shrimp
Inspired by the classic small dishes of Spain, this shrimp recipe is a quick and easy appetizer. But you can also serve it for dinner over buttered noodles, rice, or even garlic bread for even more garlic flavor!
Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.
17
Beer Battered Fish
This recipe calls for thick filets of cod, but any white fish filet (like haddock, halibut, hake, or pollock) will work. Either way, it'll be tender and flaky on the inside and extra-crispy on the outside thanks to the beer batter coating.
Get the Beer Battered Fish recipe.
18
Spinach Lasagna
Adding spinach to your lasagna is a great way to get your family to eat their greens. After all, who can resist the cheesy layered and baked pasta dish.
Get Ree's Spinach Lasagna recipe.
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19
Baked Salmon
Honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice are the key ingredients in the marinade for this salmon. It's punchy, bright, flavorful along with plenty of fresh chopped parsley, dill, or chives to garnish.
Get the Baked Salmon recipe.
20
Seared Scallops
Scallops are delicate, but they're also full of briny flavor! Here, they're simply seared with garlic, butter, and lemon juice.
Get the Seared Scallops recipe.
