60 Meat-Free, Seafood and Veggie-Centric Suppers That Are Perfect For Lent

Lenten meals just got a major flavor boost.

We're officially in the Lenten season (which started on February 22 and goes until April 6, 2023), so if you're Catholic (or Lutheran too) and celebrate the 40 days of Lent, many of us are looking for meat-free, seafood options for dinner. So many find themselves in a rotating rut of pizza and fish, and things can get a bit boring, which is where these easy Lent recipes come in. They are sure to breathe new life into your meat-free meals over Lent!

Related: 40 Baked Fish Recipes Perfect For Lent

This collection is full of delicious meals you can use over the next month before Easter sneaks up on us. And there are lots of seafood dishes in the mix so you're not just making tuna fish, grilled cheese sandwiches, or ordering cheese pizza every Friday night.

Related: Classic Tuna Salad Recipe

Why Do We Celebrate Lent?

Lent is a significant season for Christians. It is the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday, commemorating the time Jesus spent wandering in the desert, which is also why many commit to giving up luxuries and fasting during this time. The idea is to remember Christ's sacrifice during his time in the desert. It begins Ash Wednesday and ends the night before Easter. It also includes Holy Week, beginning on Palm Sunday, leading up to Good Friday, and then Easter.

Related: Drawing a Blank? We’ve Got You Covered! 30 Things To Give Up for Lent This Year

Why No Meat During Lent?

Many believe the idea of giving up meat, but still eating fish, in the time of Lent came to be because meat was considered a luxury since it wasn't as readily available as fish. Others believe not eating meat, or warm-blooded animals, on Fridays is to recognize the bloodshed of the crucifixion of Christ, which occurred on Good Friday.

Related: 40 Best Easter Cookie Recipes

Easy Lent Recipes

To accommodate these traditions, I rounded up 60 pescatarian and plant-based recipes to switch up your Lenten meal routine. These are sure to please, and still super easy for our busy schedules. Try seafood pasta like Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, Tuna Macaroni Salad and Spicy Peanut Noodles with Shrimp. Savory soups such as Greek Lemon Rice Soup or Slow Cooker Tomato Veggie Soup. And vegetarian Black Bean and Green Chile Enchiladas for when you're craving meatless Mexican recipes for Lent.

Related: Classic Egg Salad Recipe

Exhausted by the time Friday night comes? Get help from your favorite kitchen appliances with Air Fryer Fish and Chips, Instant Pot Fish Taco Bowls and Slow Cooker Fish Curry. Love salmon? There are a few varieties including Teriyaki Glazed and Honey Mustard. Have a box of fish sticks sitting in the freezer? Spice them up with a Nashville Hot version that is sure to have you licking your fingers in no time!

Lenten food doesn't have to be boring or repetitive. There are so many options out there just waiting for you to explore and taste. By the time Easter rolls around, you will love these recipes so much, they just might become a part of your regular supper rotation year-round!

Up next, 100 Best Side Dishes For Easter Ham

Best Meals For Lent