Here’s a collection of our top low-calorie meals, brimming with flavor and variety. From satisfying 500-calorie dinners to quick, low-calorie breakfast ideas, these recipes prove you don’t need to give up your favorite foods to eat lighter. You’ll find high-protein options like steak, comforting pastas, and vegetable-rich soups that make healthy eating feel effortless.
When planning Low-Calorie Meals lunches or dinners, it’s crucial to ensure your meals are well-balanced. “Incorporate colorful vegetables and fiber-packed ingredients, such as whole grains, to stay full and nourish your body with essential nutrients,” advises Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT, and Director of the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab. “Lean proteins are key for satiety, and a small amount of healthy fat, like avocado or olive oil, can make a big difference in keeping you satisfied.”
Scroll ahead for a selection of our favorite low-calorie recipes.
1. Chicken Banh Mi Smash Tacos
These tacos mix Vietnamese and Mexican flavors for a quick, tasty meal. Tangy pickled veggies add crunch to the savory ground chicken. Served on crispy tortillas, they are light but filling. The mild spice of the chicken goes well with the zesty veggies. This dish is colorful, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for busy nights and uses simple ingredients to create something special. These tacos are a Low-Calorie Meals option that still tastes great. They’re a fun and easy dinner everyone will love!
2. Mushroom Lover’s Soup
This soup is a cozy, creamy meal that won’t break your calorie limit. It uses mushrooms in three different ways: dried, pureed, and roasted. The dried mushrooms add depth to the broth, giving it an earthy flavor. The pureed mushrooms make the soup smooth and rich, creating a creamy texture. The roasted mushrooms on top give a nice crispy crunch. Together, these layers of mushrooms create a satisfying, flavorful soup. You can enjoy the comforting taste without worrying about extra calories. It’s a perfect dish for a chilly day. The balance of textures makes each bite interesting. It’s easy to feel full without overindulging.
3. Roasted Shrimp Scampi
This dish is quick, light, and full of flavor. Spiralized zucchini is used instead of pasta, making it healthier. Shrimp adds a nice, savory taste and plenty of protein. Crumbled feta gives the meal a creamy, tangy flavor. The combination of these ingredients makes for a delicious, satisfying dinner. It’s easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes. The zucchini soaks up the flavors from the shrimp and feta. This meal is light enough to keep you feeling good, but still filling. It’s a perfect dinner for a busy night. You get a tasty, nutritious meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
4. Herby Lentil and Burrata Salad
This salad is filling and healthy. It has protein-packed lentils that help keep you full. Creamy burrata cheese makes it rich and smooth. The dressing adds great flavor to the salad. Each serving is just over 300 calories, so it’s light but satisfying. The lentils give it a hearty feel, while the burrata adds creaminess. It’s a good meal that fills you up without being too heavy. The flavors all work together really well. It’s a great choice for a healthy, tasty meal. You get a lot of nutrients without overdoing it.
5. Escarole Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
This salad is light in calories but full of flavor. The preserved lemon adds a fresh, tangy taste. Creamy goat cheese makes it smooth and rich. Salty almonds give a nice crunch. The honey adds a little sweetness to balance the flavors. Escarole gives a fresh, slightly bitter base. All the ingredients mix together to make a tasty dish. It’s filling but not heavy, so it works as a side or a main. The flavors blend really well in each bite. It’s a simple but yummy salad for any meal.
6. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Try making fajitas on a sheet pan for an easy meal. Just mix your meat or veggies with spices and spread them on the pan. Bake everything in the oven, and you’ll have delicious fajitas in no time. Clean-up is easy—just wipe the pan! Add toppings like sour cream or guacamole if you like. This is perfect for a quick dinner or feeding a group. Using a sheet pan means less mess and no extra dishes. The oven does all the work for you. Fajitas on a sheet pan are simple and yummy. It’s an easy way to enjoy fajitas with little effort.
7. Seared Salmon with Charred Green Beans
For this recipe, you just need salmon, green beans, garlic, capers, and red chile. That’s it! First, cook the salmon. While it’s cooking, sauté the garlic and green beans. Then, add the capers and red chile for extra flavor. The garlic smells great, and the capers add a nice taste. The red chile gives a little spice. Everything comes together quickly. This dish is easy to make but tastes amazing. With just five ingredients, you get a healthy and delicious meal. It’s perfect for a quick, tasty dinner.
8. Balsamic Chicken Caprese
This protein-packed dinner is easy to make with just five ingredients: chicken breasts, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Start by cooking the chicken until it’s tender and fully cooked. While the chicken cooks, slice the mozzarella and tomato. Once the chicken is done, place the mozzarella and tomato slices on top. Add fresh basil leaves for flavor and drizzle balsamic vinegar over everything. The melted mozzarella and sweet balsamic vinegar make it extra delicious. It’s a healthy and simple dish with lots of flavor. This meal is perfect for busy days when you want something quick. With only a few steps, you’ll have a tasty dinner ready in no time.
9. Best-Ever Marinated Flank Steak
Fresh orange and lime juice make the steak soft and yummy. The juice helps tenderize the meat and adds fresh flavor. You don’t need much sugar or oil for this. The citrus keeps the steak light and tasty. It works fast, so you don’t need to wait long. The steak comes out juicy and full of flavor. It’s healthy, easy, and simple to make. With just a few things, you can make a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for any dinner!
10. Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup
Need an easy lunch for work or school? Try this make-ahead soup! It has vegetables, instant rice vermicelli, and a flavorful vegetable bouillon base. Prepare it ahead of time and pack it in a container. When you’re ready to eat, just add hot water. The soup is ready in minutes! It’s healthy, tasty, and quick to make. The rice vermicelli cooks fast, and the veggies add a fresh touch. This soup is great for busy days when you want something warm and filling. It’s an easy way to enjoy a homemade meal anytime!
11. Roasted Shrimp, Tomatoes and Spinach
Jammy roasted onions and tomatoes go perfectly with roasted shrimp and wilted spinach. This dish is light but satisfying, with less than 200 calories. It’s perfect for a quick lunch that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, making it super easy to prepare and clean up. The roasted onions and tomatoes add a sweet, rich flavor, while the shrimp is juicy and tender. The spinach wilts just right, adding a fresh, healthy touch. It’s simple, flavorful, and great for busy days. With only one pan, there’s less mess and more time to enjoy your meal. This recipe is proof that healthy food can be delicious and easy!
12. Pork and Scallion Kebabs with Herbed Couscous
Fire up the grill to make these lemony garlic pork bites. They are full of flavor and so easy to cook. The bright lemon and garlic seasoning makes the pork tender and tasty. Pair them with charred scallions for a smoky touch. Serve it all with herby couscous for a fresh and light side. Add some salty feta on top for the perfect finishing touch. The mix of flavors is delicious and balanced. This dish is great for a summer barbecue or quick dinner. It’s simple, fresh, and satisfying. Everyone will love these tasty pork bites!
13. Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken
Acorn squash is sweet and earthy, and it’s a great alternative to potatoes. It tastes just as good, especially when cooked with bone-in chicken breast. The squash gets even tastier as it caramelizes with the chicken. Its natural sweetness mixes well with the savory chicken. Roasting the squash brings out its great flavor, and the crispy edges are yummy. This dish is comforting but not too heavy. It’s healthy and filling. The squash and chicken go perfectly together. It’s an easy and tasty way to enjoy acorn squash!
14. Easy Rice with Ginger-Soy Salmon and Broccoli
Forget using another pot! You can cook rice right on the sheet pan with the right amount of water. Just spread the rice on the pan and add water. The rice will cook evenly and perfectly. It’s a quick and easy way to make rice with less mess. This method saves time and keeps clean-up simple. You don’t need extra pots or dishes. Once it’s done, the rice will be fluffy and ready to eat. It’s a great trick for busy days. It makes cooking rice so much easier!
15. Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
Salad for dinner? We say yes, especially when it’s filled with protein-rich chickpeas and lots of mozzarella. Chickpeas make the salad hearty and filling, while mozzarella adds a creamy, delicious taste. Together, they balance each other perfectly. You can add fresh veggies for extra crunch and color. A simple dressing can bring it all together, adding flavor to every bite. This salad is light but still keeps you full because of the protein. It’s a quick and easy meal to prepare. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. It’s a healthy, satisfying dinner option. Perfect for anyone looking for a tasty yet simple meal!
16. Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes
Smoky, flavorful chicken and jammy roasted vegetables make this skillet dinner a winner. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, giving it a smoky taste that pairs well with the rich, roasted veggies. Together, they create a satisfying and hearty meal. With only 325 calories, it’s light yet filling. Plus, it cooks in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The vegetables become soft and sweet, adding a wonderful depth of flavor. This dish is easy to make and requires minimal clean-up. It’s a healthy, flavorful dinner that won’t take much time. Quick, simple, and delicious — a great choice for any night!
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