Debunking the myth that low-calorie meals are bland, I’m excited to share a collection of 25 delicious recipes, each under 300 calories.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner options, these dishes will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your calorie intake in check.
No need to sacrifice flavor for a healthy meal! So, dive into this culinary journey and discover the perfect recipe to fit your dietary needs.
Chorizo, Chickpea, & Sweet Potato Stew (346 kcal)
This rich and satisfying stew is a true delight, with its complex flavors of smokiness, spice, and savory goodness. Its comforting nature makes it the perfect meal for any occasion. To ensure your stew stays fresh for longer, consider storing it in eco-friendly glass containers that also happen to be airtight. Alternatively, if you prefer lighter containers, BPA-free plastic options are another great choice. For more nutritious and low-calorie meal ideas, check out our collection. Per serving, this stew provides a balanced mix of nutrients: 346 calories, 19g of fat, 14g of protein, 31g of carbohydrates, 7g of fiber, and just 6g of sugar.
Sticky Chicken Traybake (328 kcal)
This family-friendly recipe is a winner with its harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. The chicken thighs are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch, boasting an impressive amount of protein that’s perfect for growing kids. What’s more, this dish is incredibly quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish – making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners. A single serving provides a satisfying 328 calories, with a balance of 13g fats, 31g protein, 19g carbs, and 2g fiber, alongside a moderate 17g sugar content. If you’re looking for more recipes under 300 calories, feel free to explore further or simply keep reading for additional inspiration!
Healthy Hawaiian Chicken Noodle Bowls (342 kcal)
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food – noodle bowls filled with tender chicken, a colorful medley of vegetables, and a sweet Island twist from fresh pineapple. The secret to succulent chicken lies in the slow-cooked method using a crockpot. If you’re new to the world of slow cooking, don’t worry – investing in a reliable and affordable crockpot is easier than ever.
Per Serving: 342 Calories, 7g Fats, 29g Protein, 69g Carbs, 5g Fiber, and 21g Sugar
Spicy Southwestern Salad With Avocado Dressing (313 kcal)
If the idea of eating a salad makes you want to flee, this creamy, sweet, and spicy creation might just change your mind. The homemade cilantro dressing is the icing on the cake. Despite being a salad, it’s surprisingly easy to make – simply blend together avocado, Greek yogurt, water, cilantro leaves and stems, garlic, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth. Here are the details: per serving, you can expect 313 calories, with 9g of fats, 13.3g of protein, 50.8g of carbohydrates, and a significant amount of fiber at 16g. The sugar content is relatively low at 9.2g.
Egg Roll in a Bowl (325 kcal)
Looking for a delicious alternative to egg rolls? Look no further than this egg roll in a bowl. This innovative dish captures the same bold flavors as a traditional egg roll, minus the deep-frying process. The star of the show is nicely browned ground chicken, served alongside a crunchy coleslaw that’s been pan-fried with a hint of sesame oil, coconut aminos, and sambal oelek for an added kick. This harmonious combination results in a dish that’s both spicy and umami. Nutritionally, this dish is impressive, boasting 325 calories per serving, with 15g of fats, 32g of protein, 14g of carbs, 3g of fiber, and just 8g of sugar.
Crock-Pot Teriyaki Chicken (319 kcal)
When you’re craving Asian-inspired cuisine, I’ve got a solution that’s not only delicious but also healthier than takeout. Try making this Teriyaki chicken recipe, which is surprisingly low in calories. To make it even more guilt-free, serve it with cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice. For added convenience, use pre-packaged cauliflower rice, or save money by making it from scratch if you have the time. Here are the nutrition facts per serving: Calories: 319, Fats: 7g, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 28g, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 22g.
Vegan Enchilada Casserole (310 kcal)
Ditch Taco Tuesday for a healthier twist – try this enchilada casserole instead! To make it, substitute quinoa for traditional corn tortillas. This swap not only reduces calories but also boosts nutrition. As an added bonus, the dish is naturally gluten-free. If you’re interested in giving it a go, all the necessary ingredients can be found [insert link]. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:Calories: 310Fat: 3gProtein: 12gCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 13gSugar: 10g
Instant Pot Red Posole (299 kcal)
In addition to the delicious Mexican dishes mentioned earlier, posole is another popular option worth exploring. For those unfamiliar with this traditional Mexican stew, it’s a hearty concoction made with chiles, an array of vegetables, meat, and hominy. Hominy itself is a unique food product derived from dried corn. The Instant Pot Red Posole recipe yields a dish that not only looks impressive but also boasts incredible flavor profiles. Savory, spicy, and bursting with vibrant veggies, this posole is a true delight. Nutritionally, each serving of this posole provides: 299 calories, 13g of fat, 23g of protein, 21g of carbohydrates, and 3g of dietary fiber, all without adding any significant sugar content.
Tofu Stir Fry (342 kcal)
Veggies are an excellent choice for those looking to shed a few pounds, boasting low calorie counts and impressive fiber content. Unfortunately, many of us fall short in our daily veggie intake. This mouthwatering tofu stir-fry offers a delicious solution to boost your veggie consumption. The combination of crispy-tender vegetables, nicely browned tofu, and savory noodles is not only pleasing to the palate but also provides a satisfying meal option.
The nutritional profile of this dish is equally impressive, with each serving containing 342 calories, 12g of fat, 3g of protein, 51g of carbohydrates, and 1g of fiber. Additionally, it’s low in sugar at just 4g per serving, making it a guilt-free choice for those looking to eat healthier.
Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken & Veggies (294 kcal)
Imagine having a delicious, takeout-quality meal in the comfort of your own home, with minimal effort and cleanup required. This sheet-pan dish fits that bill perfectly, requiring only 5 minutes of prep time before popping everything into the oven. The best part? You won’t have to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans afterwards. The roasted veggies are smothered in an Asian-inspired sauce that elevates them from ordinary to irresistible. With a nutritional profile that boasts 294 calories per serving, with 39g of protein, 23g of carbs, 4.5g of fat, 3.7g of fiber, and just 4.5g of sugar, this dish is not only convenient but also a nutritious option for a quick meal.
Meal Prep Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs With Cauliflower Rice (342 kcal)
There’s no denying the allure of meatballs and pasta, a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. What sets this dish apart, however, is its delicate balance of flavors, ensuring a delightful culinary experience without the guilt-inducing aftermath of excess carbohydrates. The crowning glory, of course, are the delectable meatballs – tender, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. And the best part? They freeze exceptionally well, making them a convenient addition to any meal. For more healthy freezer meals, please visit our resource page.
Thai Peanut Chicken Salad (346 kcal)
Looking to spice up your traditional chicken salad? This recipe is a game-changer. By incorporating crispy wonton strips, crunchy almonds, and tender chicken chunks, you’ll experience a delightful combination of textures. The sweetness of the carrots, the crunch of red bell peppers, and the snap of snow peas perfectly balance out the slight bitterness of the cabbage. And let’s not forget the creamy peanut sauce that brings everything together – it’s the perfect finishing touch. With this recipe, you can expect approximately 346 calories per serving, along with a healthy dose of protein (30g), fats (19g), carbohydrates (15g), fiber (4g), and sugar (9g) per serving.
Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas (321 kcal)
Canned chickpeas may be a convenient and low-calorie option, but they often lack the excitement of fresh ingredients. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great choice for those looking to boost their protein intake.
To elevate these humble legumes, you can add a depth of flavor by cooking them with some aromatics and spices. This simple recipe yields deliciously sweet, sticky, and saucy chickpeas that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The best part? It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days when you need a quick and nutritious meal.
Per Serving:
Calories: 321
Fats: 9.6g
Protein: 11.5g
Carbs: 49g
Fiber: 10.5g
Sugar: 9g
The Best Healthy Turkey Chili (336 kcal)
Indulge in this nutritious turkey chili that’s both satisfying and calorie-conscious. By opting for ground turkey instead of ground beef, you’ll enjoy a leaner alternative with significantly fewer calories. This bold and comforting dish is packed with lean protein, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a filling meal. Per serving, you can expect: Calories – 336, Fat – 3.7g, Protein – 31.8g, Carbohydrates – 46.7g, Fiber – 17.4g, and Sugar – 9.5g.
Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad (324 kcal)
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this quinoa salad, where sweet potatoes provide a welcome contrast to the earthy notes of kale and broccoli. The crumbly feta adds a tangy creaminess, while the quinoa itself boasts an impressive amount of high-quality plant-based protein. But what truly sets this dish apart is its abundance of nutrients, including antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol found in the kale. These compounds have been shown to offer numerous health benefits. With each bite, you’ll be savoring not only a delicious meal but also a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Per serving, this quinoa salad delivers: Calories: 324, Fats: 13g, Protein: 11g, Carbs: 42g, Fiber: 8g, and Sugar: 3g.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet (326 kcal)
A delectable fusion of flavors and textures awaits in this savory sweet potato casserole, where juicy ground turkey is paired with caramelized sweet potatoes and melted mozzarella cheese. The result is a delightfully messy dish that will leave you craving more.
To recreate this mouthwatering masterpiece, start by preheating your oven to the perfect temperature. I recommend using a cast-iron skillet, such as the one mentioned earlier, which not only distributes heat evenly but also boasts the added benefit of being oven-proof.
Per serving, you can expect:
Calories: 326
Fats: 15.3g
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 26.3g
Fiber: 4.2g
Sugar: 2.3g
Greek Chicken Power Bowls (347 kcal)
If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, you won’t want to miss out on these mouthwatering Chicken Power Bowls. Each bite is a taste sensation that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. The combination of crispy lettuce, tender and flavorful chicken cooked in traditional Greek style, fresh tomatoes, salty olives, crunchy cucumbers, and crumbly feta cheese is a match made in heaven. With its perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Per serving, you can expect: Calories – 347, Fat – 11.8g, Protein – 46.8g, Carbohydrates – 11.5g, Fiber – 3.4g, Sugar – 0g.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (329 kcal)
Eating plant-based meals has become a popular trend, and for good reason. A well-planned plant-based diet can have numerous health benefits. However, many of us may be hesitant to give up the rich flavors that come with meat-based dishes. This salad is here to change your mind. Not only is it visually appealing, but its refreshing and flavorful profile will keep you coming back for more. The addition of chickpeas provides a satisfying crunch. For those who like a little heat, feel free to add some jalapeno peppers to take it up a notch. Nutritionally, this salad packs a punch: per serving, it offers 329 calories, with balanced amounts of fat (8g), protein (12g), carbohydrates (46g), fiber (17g), and sugar (2g).
Garlic Butter Herb Steak Bites With Potatoes (275 kcal)
For a memorable date night, look no further than this delectable sirloin steak bite and potato dish. The combination of tender steak and fluffy potatoes in a rich garlic butter sauce is sure to impress. To elevate the experience, serve your meal on elegant dinner plates that not only add visual appeal but also stand up to the test of time. A date night doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special, and this recipe proves it. With each serving boasting a satisfying balance of nutrients – 275 calories, 13g of fat, 27g of protein, 12g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, and only 1g of sugar – you can feel good about treating your significant other to a night in.
20 Minute Skillet Sausage & Zucchini (288 kcal)
A harmonious blend of sausages, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers yields a dish that’s both straightforward to prepare and packed with flavor. The spices add an extra layer of complexity, making it essential to have the right tools for the job – namely, accurate measuring spoons. If you’re looking for rust-resistant and stain-proof options, I’d recommend checking out these particular ones. If you’re a fan of zucchini, you might also appreciate this recipe for zucchini bites. Nutrition information per serving: 288 calories, with 21g of fat, 15g of protein, 12g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, and 6g of sugar.
