70 Good Friday Dinner Ideas

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Families are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this traditional tuna casserole that goes together in a jiffy. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. —Ruby Wells, Cynthiana, Kentucky

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Lemon-Batter Fish

Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan

No time to cook? Visit one of these chains that have Lent fast food options.

Simple Shrimp Scampi

This is an extremely easy recipe designed to impress your guests. It can serve as an appetizer for a large feast or a main course for a light meal. —Lisa Boehm, Deepwater, Missouri

Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California

Check out these other Lent dinner recipes that aren’t fish.

Orange Soy Salmon with Rice

Have a that looks as good as it tastes, in just 20 minutes! Tender salmon fillets get transformed with soy sauce, a hint of orange juice and a side of fluffy rice. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Tofu Stir-Fry with Brussels Sprouts

I love cooking with Brussels sprouts. This tofu stir-fry recipe is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight meal. Make a scrumptious hoagie by stuffing toasted rolls with this tasty mixture. —Joseph Sciascia, San Mateo, California

Air-Fryer Salmon Patties

Cooking salmon patties in the air fryer guarantees crispy, golden brown cakes in less than 10 minutes. This recipe calls for just five ingredients (not counting salt and pepper).

These Lent seafood recipes are constantly on our dinner table!

Vegetarian Enchiladas

I created this recipe one night when we were in the mood for enchiladas but didn't want the fat and calories of the traditional ones. I used ingredients I had on hand that day, and now this recipe's a family favorite! —Nicole Barnett, Northville, Michigan

Bombay Rice with Shrimp

This recipe was given to me by a co-worker whose family is from India. I have served it many times at family get-togethers and brunches, and even at an engagement shower for a friend. I enclosed this recipe with her gift. —Sherry Flaquel, Cutler Bay, Florida

Ravioli Casserole

Love lasagna but want something simpler to make? Try our ravioli casserole—all the cheese and sauce, and it's ready in no time.

Air-Fryer Fish Tacos

These crispy air-fryer fish tacos are good enough to challenge the best food truck. I love that the fish is deliciously guilt-free because it’s air fried instead of deep fried. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington

Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo

This easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana

Samosa Potpie

I reimagined samosas, the go-to appetizer at any Indian restaurant, as a delicious main-dish potpie. The heavily spiced potato and pea filling is surrounded by a flaky homemade crust. Serve with green or tamarind chutney. —Shri Repp, Seattle, Washington

In the mood for cozy dinners? Browse this list of the best recipes for Lent that’s full of comfort foods.

Baked Feta Pasta

There's a reason this baked feta pasta recipe went viral on TikTok! It's simple to throw together and incredibly creamy and delicious. —Sarah Tramonte, Culinary Producer

Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese

This copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe comes pretty close to the real deal. Serve it in a bread bowl to get the full cafe experience!

Curry Pomegranate Protein Bowl

This recipe is simple and beautiful. It uses a lot of unique flavors that, when blended together, create an out-of-this-world taste sensation. You can substitute other roasted, salted nuts for the soy nuts and can use warmed berry jam in place of the molasses. —Mary Baker, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Pasta and Veggies in Garlic Sauce

Big garlic flavor and a little heat from red pepper flakes help perk up this fresh-tasting pasta dish. It's wonderful with chicken and beef entrees. —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina

Tilapia Florentine

Looking for a way to get a little more heart-healthy fish into your family's weekly diet? You'll win them over hook, line and sinker with this quick and easy entree. Topped with fresh spinach and a splash of lemon, it's sure to become a favorite! Melanie Bachman - Ulysses, Pennsylvania

Avocado Tacos

These juicy, flavorful and healthy avocado tacos are for anyone who's a fan of avocado. Get ready, because tacos just got even better!

Potato-Lentil Stew

Jampacked with veggies, this main-dish soup equals a meal the whole family will love. Serve with a loaf of your favorite bread and dinner’s done! —Krista Goodwin, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Spanakopita Casserole

Spanakopita is the Greek name for this traditional dish featuring spinach and feta cheese. You can serve it as a side dish or meatless main dish. — Sharon Olney, Galt, California

Take a look at even more Lent casserole recipes that are so easy to throw together.

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo

I like to serve this lovely seafood Alfredo, featuring scallops and shrimp, with crusty Italian bread. Sprinkled with tomato and parsley, the dish looks as mouthwatering as it tastes. —Jimmy Spellings, Oakland, Tennessee

Fish Casserole

The first time I tried this meal-in-one dish, it was an instant hit at our house. Fish and rice are a tasty change of pace from traditional meat-and-potato fare. —Jo Groth, Plainfield, Iowa

Coconut Fried Shrimp

These crisp and crunchy coconut shrimp make a tempting appetizer or a fun change-of-pace main dish. The coating adds a touch of sweetness, and the tangy marmalade and honey sauce is excellent for dipping. —Ann Atchison, O’Fallon, Missouri

Crispy Baked Tofu

You'll never need another crispy baked tofu recipe! My version is nice and crisp on the outside while remaining super soft on the inside. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California

Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon

You won't need to fish for compliments from your dinner guests when you serve this spectacular honey mustard salmon! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Veggie Fajitas

For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas

Pretzel-Crusted Catfish

I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my books. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

South Seas Mango Halibut

This mango halibut recipe is marinated in aromatic spices, then stir-fried and combined with coconut milk and fresh mango. It'll transform a weeknight meal into a tropical delight! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pizza Caprese

One of my favorite pizzas is so simple to make and comes together so quickly. Pizza Caprese is simply heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and really good extra virgin olive oil. I could eat this every day! —Beth Berlin, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Our shrimp and broccoli stir-fry comes together so quickly, before you know it, you'll be diving into a steaming bowl of tender vegetables, plump shrimp and garlicky sauce over a bed of rice.

The Best Eggplant Parmesan

I love eggplant and have many recipes that include it, but this one is my favorites. The cheeses and seasonings make the dish unforgettable. —Dottie Kilpatrick, Wilmington, North Carolina

Weeknight Skillet Spinach Pie

I love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. Because of this pie's flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish. Plus, I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, Ohio

San Francisco Cioppino

Traditionally, cioppino is made with whatever seafood was caught that day or whatever seafood is on hand. It began as a soup for the working class, but with how delicious it tastes, it's no wonder this dish made its way into high-end restaurants and hotels. Feel free to use whatever fish, shellfish and seafood you can find. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia

Green Bean Mushroom Pie

Fresh green bean flavor stands out in this pretty lattice-topped pie. A flaky golden crust holds the savory bean, mushroom and cream cheese filling. It tastes wonderfully different every time I make it, depending on the variety of mushrooms I use. -Tara Walworth, Maple Park, Illinois

Tofu Chicken Nuggets

These tofu chicken nuggets can be made ahead to use throughout the week. To mimic the taste (and texture!) of chicken, we also use a plant-based product called seitan. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rosemary Salmon and Veggies

My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Vegetable Potpie

We raised our daughters as vegetarians. I wanted to give them more options than just pizza and pasta, so when they were around 11 years old, I made this vegetable potpie recipe. It’s still a hit. —Mark Sirota, New York, New York

Tilapia & Lemon Sauce

Serve this lemon tilapia with any tossed salad full of your favorite vegetables and buttered bread. It's easy, quick and unique. And it's a big hit with company, too. —Susan Taul, Birmingham, Alabama

Baked Fish

This baked fish recipe is the opposite of fussy. Use fresh or frozen fillets for a quick and simple dish that pairs with almost anything for a perfect weeknight (or any night!) meal.

Salmon with Spinach Sauce

You won't have to fish for compliments with this tasty recipe. Poaching is a quick and healthy way to prepare an entree as delicate as fish, keeping it moist and tender while cooking. And the flavorful spinach sauce adds a pretty green accent to the pink salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper

This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We enjoy using zucchini or squash in the summer, and you can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Comforting Tuna Patties

My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington

Tuscan Portobello Stew

This is a heart-healthy, one-skillet meal that is quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. Vegetarian teachers and students alike appreciate this stew at school potlucks. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin

Give these slow cooker recipes for Lent a try this year.

Asparagus Tuna Noodle Casserole

I updated a traditional tuna casserole using fresh asparagus and asparagus soup. This is so different and so delicious. Use frozen asparagus when fresh is not in season. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Feta Tomato-Basil Fish

I rely on my husband for the main ingredient in this fuss-free dish. He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip. —Alicia Szeszol, Lindenhurst, Illinois

Almond-Topped Fish

A co-worker gave me this recipe, but I didn't try it until recently. What a mistake it was to wait! It's easier than dipping, coating and frying—and the flavor is outstanding. Once you've tried this tender fish, you'll never go back to fried. —Heidi Kirsch, Waterloo, Iowa

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe. It’s saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. —Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

You won’t have to fish for compliments when this is the catch of the day! Christi McElroy — Neenah, Wisconsin

Tuna Potato Supper

Tuna lovers will find this to be a real treat. My husband and I enjoy it as a nice change from the ordinary baked potato. Add a salad for a simple lunch or dinner. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan

Honey Walleye

My state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite recreational activity here. This recipe is a quick way to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley

Unlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie

It sounds silly, but the one thing I miss most in meatless meals is, well, the meat. That is, except in this mushroom shepherd’s pie. It’s a hearty vegetarian dish, and I guarantee you won’t miss the meat either. —Glen Warren, Keswick, Ontario

Easy Fish Tacos

Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California

Lemon-Parsley Tilapia

I like to include seafood in our weekly dinner rotation but don't want to bother with anything complicated (and it had better taste good or the family will riot). This herbed fish does the trick. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Meatless Chili Mac

I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Pan-Seared Salmon

Pan-seared salmon is an elegant, wholesome entree that requires little time or effort. Add a side salad or simple green, and dinner is served.

Seafood Enchilada

Quick-cooking seafood and mildly spicy chile peppers and salsa make this dish a flavor adventure that my family loves. I’ve made it with chicken instead of fish too. Just saute until done. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Shrimp & Cod Stew in Tomato-Saffron Broth

I love coming inside on a cold day and smelling this comforting seafood stew simmering in the kitchen. —Lydia Becker, Kansas City, Missouri

Tilapia with Jasmine Rice

This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. Your family will love this healthy and delicious dish! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina

Air-Fryer Fish and Chips

Air-fryer fish fillets are just as crispy as the deep-fried version. The cornflake breading creates a delightfully light and crispy exterior, while the fish stays nice and moist inside.

Walnut and Oat-Crusted Salmon

I think this recipe gives you the most omega-3 fatty acid bang for your buck! —Cristen Dutcher, Marietta, Georgia

Pierogi Casserole

A hearty casserole layered with mashed potato, cheese, and caramelized onion captures all the flavor of a pan of sautéed pierogi, but is far easier to make.

Citrus Salmon en Papillote

Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan

Creamy Pasta Primavera

When I think of springtime, asparagus comes to mind. This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of tender, crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon