50 Low-Calorie Meals That Seriously Pack In Flavor
Introducing our best dinners under 500 calories — plus, they're easy to make!
Look no further for delicious, low-calorie meals: We rounded up our healthiest dinner winners under 500 calories, including flavorful shrimp recipes, vegan dishes, vegetarian recipes and more. Find weeknight-friendly options that you can make in less than 30 minutes or centerpiece-worthy dishes packed with nutrients. Learn to love low-calorie foods (read: vegetables!) that you may not have appreciated before, thanks to recipes that put them front and center.
What's the secret to showstopping flavor without an abundance of cals? "Load up on colorful veggies and other fiber-rich ingredients like whole grains to help keep you full and provide a rainbow of nutrients," says Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos. "Lean proteins are also important to make the meal satiating. A little healthy fat, like avocado or olive oil, can go a long way to help keep you full too." Don't forget about seasonings — a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend or a dash of hot sauce can seriously elevate even the healthiest dish.
These recipes can be enjoyed solo, or with one or two healthy side dishes or healthy desserts (or both) for a heartier meal. Having a low-calorie weeknight dinner that fits with your diet plan just got easier.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Try fajitas on a sheet pan for easy prep and even easier cleanup.
Get the Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas recipe.
Seared Salmon with Charred Green Beans
Here's what you need for this recipe: salmon, green beans, garlic, capers and red chile. That's it!
Get the Seared Salmon with Charred Green Beans recipe.
RELATED: 15 Salmon Health Benefits, According to Nutritionists
Balsamic Chicken Caprese
Fresh mozzarella is lower in calories than many other cheeses, with less than 100 calories per 1-ounce serving.
Get the Balsamic Chicken Caprese recipe.
Best-Ever Marinated Flank Steak
Fresh orange and lime juice helps tenderize and season this steak without a ton of excess sugar or oil.
Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup
Instant noodles go gourmet in this veggie-packed soup. Store your ingredients (including bouillon base) in a mason jar and when you're ready to eat, just add water!
Get the Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup recipe.
Roasted Shrimp, Tomatoes and Spinach
Veggies and shrimp roast together on one sheet pan for a vibrant, one-pan meal.
Get the Roasted Shrimp, Tomatoes and Spinach recipe.
RELATED: 30 Delicious Sheet Pan Dinners
Pork and Scallion Kebabs with Herbed Couscous
Look to lean cuts of protein, like pork tenderloin, to keep you full without excess calories. Plus, the lemon-garlic marinade packs in a ton of flavor.
Get the Pork and Scallion Kebabs with Herbed Couscous recipe.
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken
Sweet, earthy acorn squash provides a similarly satisfying bite as starchier veggies, like potatoes — especially when it's caramelized alongside bone-in chicken breast.
Get the Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken recipe.
Easy Rice with Ginger-Soy Salmon and Broccoli
Forget dirtying another pot! With the correct amount of water, you can cook rice directly on the sheet pan.
Get the Easy Rice with Ginger-Soy Salmon and Broccoli recipe.
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
Salad for dinner? We say yes, when it's filled with protein-rich chickpeas and plenty of mozzarella.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes
Don't skip the sprinkle of almonds — it adds craveworthy crunch plus a host of nutrients, like hair-healthy vitamin E.
Get the Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes recipe.
RELATED: 6 Healthiest Nuts to Eat, According to Registered Dietitians
Broccoli "Steaks" with Spicy Tomato Jam
Not only is broccoli one of our favorite low-calorie foods, but it's also versatile. Seared in a skillet like steak and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, you'll never think of this green veg the same way.
Get the Broccoli "Steaks" with Spicy Tomato Jam recipe.
RELATED: 7 Impressive Broccoli Health Benefits, According to Registered Dietitians
Air Fryer Squash Soup
The even heat of your air fryer roasts squash, carrots and aromatics perfectly before blending.
Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.
RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Sheet Pan Fish and Vegetables
Whether you're sticking to a 1,200 calorie diet plan or just trying to incorporate more seafood into your dinners, this easy sheet pan fish is light, flavorful perfection.
Get the Sheet Pan Fish and Vegetables recipe.
Shakshuka
Try scooping up this rich tomato-and-egg stew with crusty bread, and then tell us you don’t love breakfast for dinner.
Get the Shakshuka recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
It's (vegetarian) taco night! With chili, coriander and cumin-spiced cauliflower as the filling, you won't miss the meat.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower Tacos recipe.
Moroccan Meatballs
These richly spiced meatballs get a fresh, flavorful topping of parsley and crumbled feta. Serve with couscous, or swap in a crunchy chopped salad for an even lighter dinner option.
Get the Moroccan Meatballs recipe.
Chicken Curry
White rice can totally be part of a healthy dinner, and this 220-calorie meal is proof.
Get the Chicken Curry recipe.
Fiery Pork Lettuce Wraps
Gochujang adds impressive heat to juicy pork tenderloin. Cool it down with crisp lettuce and cooked rice.
Get the Fiery Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe.
Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Set out a tray of healthy shrimp lettuce wraps made with veggies and fresh herbs for dinner tonight!
Get the Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps recipe.
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