Sticking to a low-calorie diet is an excellent way to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall health.
However, it can be challenging to find delicious and healthy recipes that won’t leave you feeling deprived or unsatisfied. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 32 low-calorie recipes that are easy to make and bursting with flavor.
From savory breakfast bowls and hearty soups to light salads and satisfying entrees, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your healthy meal rotation.
32 Low-Calorie Recipes
1. Breakfast Bowl with Poached Egg
Start your day with a high-protein breakfast bowl that’s bursting with flavor. Poach an egg and serve it atop a bed of steamed veggies, avocado, and quinoa.
2. Grilled Shrimp Salad
Pack in the flavors of summer with this healthy grilled shrimp salad. Toss together fresh lettuce, grilled shrimp, red onions, and cherry tomatoes and finish it off with a zesty vinaigrette.
3. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
This creamy and tangy dip is perfect for snacking on fresh veggies. Greek yogurt gives it a protein boost while keeping it low in calories.
4. Lentil Soup
Warm up with a satisfying bowl of lentil soup. This easy recipe is packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy choice that won’t leave you feeling hungry.
5. Portobello Mushroom Burger
Swap out traditional burgers for this vegetarian-friendly option. Portobello mushrooms make a hearty and meaty replacement for beef burgers and are low in calories.
6. Lemon Roasted Chicken
This easy chicken recipe is bursting with bold flavors. Roasting the chicken with lemon slices infuses it with tanginess while keeping it juicy and tender.
7. Avocado Mango Salad
This bright and flavorful salad is the perfect summertime dish. Toss together fresh avocado and mango with cucumbers, red onions, and cilantro and drizzle with a lime dressing.
8. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Pizza doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Swap out traditional wheat crust for a low-carb cauliflower crust and pile on your favorite healthy toppings.
9. Zucchini Noodles
If you’re craving pasta, but want to keep your calorie intake low, try swapping noodles for zucchini. Spiralize a fresh zucchini, sauté it in olive oil, and top with your favorite sauce.
10. Turkey Chili
A hearty bowl of chili is perfect for cold nights and is a low-calorie option for satisfying your comfort food cravings. Using turkey instead of beef keeps it lower in fat and calories.
11. Tuna Stuffed Avocado
This simple and satisfying snack is perfect for when you’re on the go. Stuff a halved avocado with canned tuna and top with fresh tomatoes and cilantro.
12. Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken
This refreshing and filling salad is perfect for summer. Toss together fresh veggies and chicken, and drizzle with a light dressing.
13. Broiled Salmon
Get your dose of omega-3s with this easy broiled salmon recipe. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and lemon, broil for a few minutes, and serve with a side of steamed veggies.
14. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and satisfying way to get your fill of protein and veggies. Cook quinoa and mix it with sautéed veggies and ground turkey, stuff into bell peppers, and bake.
15. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Get your takeout fix without the calories with this cauliflower fried rice recipe. Using cauliflower instead of rice and adding in veggies and protein makes it a nutritious choice.
16. Egg and Veggie Wrap
Wrap up your favorite veggies and scrambled eggs in a whole-grain tortilla for a healthy and easy breakfast option.
17. Tzatziki Sauce
Make your own tzatziki sauce to serve with grilled meats, veggies, or as a dip for fresh veggie sticks. Greek yogurt and fresh herbs keep it low in calories and high in flavor.
18. Chicken Caesar Salad
Swap out high-calorie Caesar salad dressings for a light and tangy homemade version. Serve with grilled chicken and fresh lettuce for a filling and healthy meal.
19. Stuffed Mushrooms
Make a healthy and delicious party appetizer with these stuffed mushrooms. Mix together cream cheese, chopped veggies, and Parmesan cheese and stuff into mushroom caps.
20. Veggie Scrambled Eggs
Start your day off right with a high-protein breakfast of scrambled eggs and veggies. Sauté your favorite veggies and mix them into scrambled eggs for a nutritious and filling breakfast.
21. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Make a healthy and colorful side dish with grilled veggie skewers. Thread your favorite veggies onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and grill for a few minutes on each side.
22. Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce
Roast spaghetti squash until the flesh becomes spaghetti-like strands, then top with a flavorful tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a low-carb pasta alternative.
23. Miso Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of miso soup. Combine miso paste with water, add tofu, seaweed, and green onions for a soothing and low-calorie soup.
24. Stuffed Bell Peppers (Vegetarian)
Create a vegetarian version of stuffed bell peppers by filling them with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices for a satisfying and low-calorie meal.
25. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Whip up a quick and flavorful chickpea and spinach curry using canned chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Serve over brown rice for a filling yet low-calorie dish.
26. Zucchini Chips
Slice zucchini into thin rounds, season with herbs and spices, and bake until crispy for a guilt-free snack.
27. Cabbage Soup
Enjoy a hearty bowl of cabbage soup loaded with vegetables for a low-calorie meal option that’s both filling and nutritious.
28. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Lighten up the classic eggplant Parmesan by baking eggplant slices instead of frying and layering them with marinara sauce and reduced-fat cheese.
29. Cucumber Gazpacho
Cool off with a refreshing cucumber gazpacho soup made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs for a low-calorie appetizer or snack.
30. Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Create a colorful and low-calorie stir-fry using lean ground turkey and an assortment of fresh vegetables, stir-fried with minimal oil and a flavorful sauce.
31. Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Marinate shrimp in a zesty cilantro lime sauce and quickly sauté for a light and flavorful seafood dish.
32. Cauliflower Mash
Swap traditional mashed potatoes for creamy cauliflower mash by steaming cauliflower and blending it with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Greek yogurt for a low-carb side dish.
Final Thoughts,
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
With these 32 low-calorie recipes, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Try incorporating these recipes into your weekly meal plan and see how easy and enjoyable it can be to eat healthily.
