You should be focusing on tire type more than just size. Tire size relates to load and type of road. 1.5” is fine for a light load and there are many light tires with decent puncture protection. When you say light I asume 150lbs or less.
No offense to bobfiets but the 1.75 Continental Travel Contact is a tough, thick tread and not so fast tire for light load. Continental had a 26” x 1.4” tire that was fast and light, not expensive. Can’t find it now but the Speed Contact looks similar. Here it is. SportContact/SpeedContact. If it’s the same Sport Contact as ten yrs ago the puncture resistance isn’t that impressive given its weight.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/continental-contact-speed-reflective-tire-26-inch?fltr=3750&sg=500

Schwalbe Supreme is a good tire if you were looking for a touring tire but for a light rider and light load I might look for something with better road feel. I weigh 220 and use it on the rear of my LHT with a 1.75” Panaracer T-Serv on the front. At my weight it gives me the fastest tires I need but still large enough for a load of groceries.

Maybe a Kojak or Marathon Racer would work well for you.

Just looked and Panaracer makes the T-serv in 26” x 1.5” and 1.25”. That’s the one, nice riding, durable enough and not Schwalbe expensive. That’s been a favorite tire for me in 700-32/35 as well. I’ve ridden through glass with them with no problem. For light touring use they’re almost ideal. Btw what is the total load on the tires going to be?

https://www.panaracer.com/lineup/urban_touring.html