Low-calorie dinners don’t have to be tasteless and boring. So much flavor can be packed into lean meats, fish, and nutritious veggies.
Herbs, spices, and dried seasonings are your friend here! Likewise, kitchen appliances such as your air fryer and Crock Pot can lower calories.
Beans and lentils are other good options for low-calorie dinners. Being protein-filled, they will keep you feeling full for longer.
Best Low Calorie Dinner Ideas
Browse below to discover new low-calorie dinners to add to your collection!
1. Boursin Stuffed Chicken
Source: thedizzycook.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 167
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Baked chicken doesn’t need to be boring. This creamy Boursin stuffed chicken is proof!
Using garlic and herb flavor Boursin means you have immediate flavor. This will be paired with fresh crunchy asparagus.
Serve your baked chicken with a freshly made salad to keep calories low.
2. Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce
Source: thedizzycook.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 204
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Chicken zucchini poppers are an excellent low-calorie snack. They are perfectly paired with a homemade creamy cilantro sauce.
Garlic, chives, salt, and pepper are the dominant flavors in your poppers. Do not skip the sauce, as this, paired with your poppers, gives the best taste.
3. Black Bean Tomato Soup
Source: alittleandalot.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 298
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fiber: 16g
- Sugar: 13g
Healthy black bean tomato soup is packed full of flavor. But it remains low in calories, so you get the best of both worlds.
The taste of your soup derives from a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, and stock. Dry white wine or vermouth can be added, too, if you wish!
Finish your soup with cilantro, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips. Crispy tortilla strips are a fun alternative!
4. Healthy Zucchini Turkey Burgers
Source: hauteandhealthyliving.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 188
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Ground turkey is a great choice when looking for low-calorie meat. Zucchini is a terrific pairing.
Combine these ingredients for your healthy burgers. Grated zucchini will help keep your patties juicy.
Lemon, herbs, and garlic add a refreshing zesty flavor. Try serving your burger in lettuce wraps to keep the calories low!
5. Rainbow Trout
Source: organicallyaddison.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 182
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.3g
Rainbow trout is an excellent alternative to salmon. Here you will have a delicious flaky, juicy piece of fish.
All the flavorings you need for your trout are pantry staples. These consist of refreshing lemon and garlic, while black pepper and paprika add spice.
Your baked rainbow trout pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
6. Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Source: cuisineandtravel.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 243
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
This creamy chicken wild rice soup is wholesome and flavorful. However, as you don’t use heavy cream, it remains low-calorie.
Instead, you will use regular milk and a starch thickener. You’ll be left with a velvet smooth soup base for your chicken, rice, and veggies.
Carrots, mushrooms, and sweet onions add nutrition. Fresh thyme elevates the flavor of your soup.
7. Low Carb Curried Riced Cauliflower with Shrimp
Source: livingsweetmoments.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 183
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
You will use a blend of spices to lift the flavor of bland cauliflower for this meal! Curry powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are your spices.
However, you can experiment with whatever you have in your pantry. Robust flavors in the cauliflower mean your shrimp only needs salt and pepper.
Chicken or beef make an ideal substitute if you don’t eat shrimp.
8. Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta
Source: cuisineandtravel.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 209
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
This pasta will take you right to the Mediterranean! A combination of spinach and sundried tomatoes are used.
Parmesan cheese adds a cheesy flavor to your creamy sauce. This pairs well with your crispy pan-fried salmon.
Wholewheat linguine is ideal for serving with your salmon and Tuscan sauce. To keep calories lower, you could do it with extra sautéed spinach.
9. Baked Chicken and Cauliflower
Source: neilshealthymeals.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 213
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Your ingredients here combine to create a luxurious, low-calorie dish. They will be cooked separately first. However, they all come together beautifully.
You’ll oven-bake your cooked chicken and cauliflower in a rich cheesy sauce. Adding extra cheese on top gives you an appealing golden crust!
Serve with nutritious salad greens and tomatoes on the side.
10. Pan Seared Shrimp
Source: theshortordercook.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 215
- Fats: 12.9g
- Protein: 24.6g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.1g
Pan-seared shrimp is an ideal low-calorie option for busy weeknights. It takes just minutes to cook and is versatile to serve.
Your shrimp are cooked in a flavorsome lemon butter garlic sauce. Red pepper flakes and paprika add a hint of spice.
Your shrimp will be excellent served as an appetizer. You could also do it with noodles or rice as a complete meal.
These scrumptious shrimp are the perfect low calorie food to add to salads or grain bowls!
11. Carrot Ginger Soup
Source: theforkedspoon.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 187
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 13g
Carrot and ginger are two ingredients that pair beautifully. This soup is perfect for when you need a comforting bowl of goodness.
You don’t need heavy cream to make your soup smooth and creamy. Create this texture by using potatoes and blending your soup when cooked.
Serve your soup with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. However, it’s tasty and nutritious enough without anything else!
12. Vegan Minestrone Soup
Source: happykitchen.rocks
Per Serving:
- Calories: 106
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
This vegan soup is full of nutritious veggies. Whole grains and lentils keep it low-calorie too.
You can use any vegetables you have on hand for your comforting soup. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, and fennel all work well.
Canned tomatoes and flavorful stock provide your rich soup base. Garlic, chili, and a variety of herbs elevate this. Try serving your soup with vegan pesto!
13. Tex Mex Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Source: ifoodreal.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 291
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 17g
Tex-Mex style food doesn’t need to be unhealthy – it’s easy to make low-calorie. Here you will use spaghetti squash instead of tortilla wraps to cut calories.
You’ll mix black or red kidney beans with Mexican flavors for your tasty filling. Chopped onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, and chilies in adobo provide intense flavors.
Once you’ve oven-baked your spaghetti squash, you can use it as a vessel! Pile your filling inside, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.
14. Shirataki Noodles with “Peanut” Sauce
Source: iheartumami.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 57
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Shirataki noodles have no taste, so they are versatile for experimenting with flavors.
Your noodles will take on the flavor of your “peanut” sauce. This paleo sauce is made with almond butter but is still as tasty!
Serve your noodles and sauce with raw veggies. Crunchy sugar snap peas, juicy tomatoes, and zingy scallions are ideal options.
15. Mini Sheet Pan Tostadas
Source: wholesomemadeeasy.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 164
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Mini tostadas are an ideal low-cal party snack. Even try them as a fun addition to a Mexican platter for dinner!
For the quickest prep time, use shredded rotisserie chicken. This means you only need to crisp up your tostadas. Then quickly bake them once topped.
Your toppings include refried beans, shredded chicken, and shredded cheese. Using Monterey Jack will add to the Mexican vibe!
Finish your tostadas with your preferred toppings. How about sour cream, diced red onion, and hot sauce?
Loved how easy this meal was? Check out these other easy sheet pan recipes!
16. Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin
Source: whereismyspoon.co
Per Serving:
- Calories: 296
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 44g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
You’ll use a cast iron skillet for cooking your pork tenderloin. This leaves you with a tender, juicy piece of meat.
Your pork is coated in a flavorful dry rub. This consists of salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, and onion powder. Sweet, hot, and smoked paprika powders provide a light spiced flavor.
Pork tenderloin will be the ideal dish to serve for your holiday celebration. It looks incredible and tastes it too!
17. Air Fryer Oats and Beans Stuffed Bell Peppers
Source: cookingschooldropout.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 68
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
Stuffed peppers are an easy way to keep your meal low-calorie. You get a whole bell pepper for yourself, plus a delicious filling!
You’ll use red kidney beans and oatmeal stuffing for this recipe. Combine these with coconut yogurt, plus ground cumin and paprika for flavor.
Stuffed peppers are incredibly versatile. Try filling them with a meaty variation. Or substitute rice for oatmeal.
18. Teriyaki Soba Noodles
Source: myplantifulcooking.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 253
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
Teriyaki soba noodles stir-fry is a quick and easy midweek dinner option. A kick of spice comes from garlic and ginger, plus your teriyaki sauce.
You will use colorful veggies, including carrots and red bell pepper. Mushrooms add an earthy taste, and edamame adds a satisfying crunch.
Ramen, udon, or rice noodles work for this too!
19. Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Pomegranates
Source: theforkedspoon.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 191
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 12g
This nourishing butternut squash soup is ideal for serving over the fall months. Your whole family will devour this!
Your essential base ingredients are onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Sweet potatoes and apples add a sweet element. These are optional, however.
Choose your favorite toppings to complete your soup. Crispy bacon pieces and pomegranate arils are excellent choices!
20. Vegetarian White Chili
Source: plantbasedwithamy.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 63
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Vegetarian white chili features an array of wholesome, colorful veggies. However, this one is creamy rather than tomatoey, unlike regular chili.
You will also use white beans instead of red. Creamy almond milk and flavorful vegetable broth create the base of your soup.
Diced onion, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, and yellow corn kernels are the stars of your chili. You’ll season your dish with minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some white beans, and stir these in.
This chili is packed with amazing superfoods to boost your healthy diet!
21. General Tso Shrimp
Source: thefoodblog.net
Per Serving:
- Calories: 171
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
Is General Tso chicken one of your favorite Chinese restaurant dishes? Then you will love this General Tso shrimp, and it’s healthier!
Your shrimp are quickly sautéed instead of deep frying. They aren’t battered or breaded like a restaurant or takeout version.
Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili sauce add a robust, spicy flavor to your General Tso!
22. Apricot Salmon
Source: plantbasedwithamy.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 256
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 21g
For this, you only need two items. These are apricot jam and fresh salmon. So simple!
All you need to do is spread the jam on your salmon pieces. Then you can bake them briefly in your oven. Finally, broil to make the jam caramelize!
Serve your salmon with a freshly prepared salad. In less than 20 minutes, you can have a tasty, filling meal.
Apricots are one of the best low calorie fruits for a weight loss diet!
23. Veggie Brown Rice Ramen Stir Fry
Source: lovefromthetable.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 291
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 51g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
Ramen noodles are a famous Japanese cuisine. Brown rice ramen noodles offer you a delicious nutty flavor.
This noodle pairs well with a sweet & salty stir-fry sauce. You will create this using brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
Tender veggies, but with a slight bite, complete your stir fry. A rainbow of bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas is ideal!
24. Bruschetta Chicken
Source: ihearteating.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 128
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
Bruschetta chicken is a fresh, easy recipe to add to your collection. It will soon become a one-pan favorite!
Your chicken will be seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. A light balsamic glaze will give your chicken an appetizing coating and flavor.
You will finish your bruschetta chicken with a light, refreshing topping. Make this with juicy tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, and olive oil.
25. Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks
Source: worldlytreat.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 257.94
- Fats: 15.48g
- Protein: 16.26g
- Carbs: 13.31g
- Fiber: 0.44g
- Sugar: 9.44g
Your entire family is guaranteed to love these honey soy chicken drumsticks. They’re an easy midweek meal option, baked in your air fryer.
Your drumsticks will be coated in a sticky, sweet glaze. The central ingredients for your marinade are garlic, honey, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.
These are also ideal for an outdoor summer gathering!
26. Zucchini Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Source: officiallyglutenfree.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 230
- Fats: 4.5g
- Protein: 4.5g
- Carbs: 9.5g
- Fiber: 1.85g
- Sugar: 0g
Zucchini noodles are a great low-calorie alternative to regular noodles. You probably also know them as “zoodles”!
You’re going to make a delicious peanut sauce for coating your zoodles. A light spicy kick will stem from the red Thai curry paste.
Using coconut milk for your sauce will produce a delightfully creamy texture!
27. Greek Chicken Kebab Bowl
Source: worldlytreat.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 272
- Fats: 14.7g
- Protein: 19.5g
- Carbs: 16.2g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 11.4g
This chicken kebab bowl is super easy to prepare. Juicy Greek marinated chicken will be perfectly paired with grilled rainbow veggies.
Your chicken marinade is super flavorful. Among your ingredients are lemon juice and oregano adding a light, fresh flavor. Smoked paprika, onion, and garlic add a spicy kick.
Drizzle your kebab bowl with a refreshing minty yogurt dressing!
28. Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Source: officiallyglutenfree.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 238
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 18.6g
- Carbs: 8.3g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 0g
These grilled chicken kabobs are ideal for a light summer dinner. You could also serve as an appetizer when entertaining.
Your chicken is skewered with a selection of rainbow veggies. Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are ideal.
Your marinade comprises garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, and lime juice. So, it’s lightly spiced with a hint of freshness!
29. Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Source: zucchinizone.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 205
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Zucchini boats are the perfect vessel for flavorsome buffalo chicken! These are ideal for a quick and easy midweek meal.
Using ready-cooked, shredded chicken makes your prep time quicker. Combine this with spicy buffalo sauce, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Also, add some onion for crunch.
A sprinkling of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, creates a perfect melt!
30. Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili
Source: ihearteating.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 168
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
This tasty chicken Frito chili requires minimal prep. Once everything is in your slow cooker, you can let it do its magic!
A rich, spicy, tomatoey base will hold hearty black beans and crunchy corn. Shredded chicken adds a delicate meaty taste.
Finish your chili by topping it with crunchy Fritos and sharp shredded cheese.
31. Pan Seared Salmon with Spinach and Fennel
Source: worldlytreat.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 280.35
- Fats: 25.9g
- Protein: 8.42g
- Carbs: 5.71g
- Fiber: 2.71
- Sugar: 1.85g
This salmon dish is perfect for busy days when you want something quick but tasty. The unique fennel flavor pairs superbly with your pan-fried salmon.
Your flaky salmon will sit on a bed of buttery, garlicky fennel, and spinach. Serve with a spoon of naturally sweetened dill yogurt.
Ready for a sweet treat? Follow up these low cal dinners with one of these yummy low-calorie desserts!