15 Delicious Low-Calorie Dinner Recipes That Satisfy

Eating a satisfying dinner doesn’t have to mean consuming too many calories.

With the right ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can enjoy flavorful meals while keeping your calorie intake in check.

These 15 low-calorie dinner recipes are designed to be nutritious, filling, and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend evenings.

From lean proteins and fresh vegetables to wholesome grains and light sauces, these recipes show that healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying without compromising flavor or variety.

15 Delicious Low-Calorie Dinner Recipes That Satisfy

Low-calorie dinners can be both satisfying and delicious when planned carefully.

These 15 low-calorie dinner recipes provide a wide range of flavorful options, from light salads and lean proteins to veggie-packed stir-fries and soups.

They are easy to prepare, nutrient-dense, and perfect for anyone looking to manage calories without sacrificing taste.

Incorporating these meals into your weekly routine can help support healthy eating goals while keeping family dinners enjoyable.

Healthy, low-calorie meals don’t have to be boring—they can be creative, flavorful, and fulfilling.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a light, low-calorie dinner perfect for a healthy evening meal.

Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in lemon juice and herbs, grilled to perfection, and served over a bed of crisp greens with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for 20–30 minutes.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
• Arrange salad greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes on plates and top with sliced chicken.
• Drizzle extra lemon juice or olive oil if desired.

This salad is refreshing, protein-packed, and low in calories.

It’s a perfect, satisfying dinner for anyone looking to eat light and healthy.

Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp

Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful, low-calorie dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Tender shrimp sauté with garlic and olive oil, then tossed with spiralized zucchini for a light, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
• Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
• Toss in zucchini noodles and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
• Drizzle with lemon juice and serve immediately.

This dish is light, garlicky, and rich in protein.

It’s a healthy, low-calorie dinner that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Baked Cod with Lemon and Dill

Baked Cod with Lemon and Dill is a simple, low-calorie dinner packed with lean protein.

Flaky cod fillets bake with fresh lemon, garlic, and dill, creating a light and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place cod fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
• Brush mixture over the cod fillets.
• Bake 12–15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
• Serve hot with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

This baked cod is tender, flavorful, and very low in calories.

It’s a nutritious, satisfying dinner that’s ideal for healthy eating.

Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a high-protein, low-calorie dinner packed with vegetables and flavor.

Ground turkey cooks quickly with colorful vegetables and a light soy-ginger sauce for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add garlic and ginger, sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add ground turkey, cook 5–6 minutes until browned.
• Add vegetables and soy sauce, stir-frying 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

This stir-fry is colorful, filling, and low in calories.

It’s a healthy, protein-rich dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Cauliflower Rice Chicken Bowl

Cauliflower Rice Chicken Bowl is a light, low-calorie dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Grilled chicken is served over cauliflower rice with fresh vegetables and a light dressing for a balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Season chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Grill or pan-sear chicken 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
• In a separate pan, sauté cauliflower rice with 1 tablespoon olive oil for 3–4 minutes until tender.
• Arrange cauliflower rice in bowls, top with diced vegetables and sliced chicken.
• Drizzle with remaining olive oil or a light vinaigrette if desired.

This chicken bowl is filling, flavorful, and very low in calories.

It’s a simple, nutritious dinner perfect for anyone aiming for a healthy, light evening meal.

Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Asparagus

Lemon Garlic Tilapia with Asparagus is a light, low-calorie dinner that’s full of flavor and protein.

Tilapia fillets bake with fresh lemon, garlic, and olive oil alongside tender asparagus for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place tilapia and asparagus on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over fish and vegetables.
• Sprinkle garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly.
• Bake 12–15 minutes until fish flakes easily and asparagus is tender.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

This dish is light, nutritious, and protein-rich.

It’s a perfect low-calorie dinner for a healthy weeknight meal.

Grilled Veggie and Chicken Skewers

Grilled Veggie and Chicken Skewers are a colorful, low-calorie dinner packed with protein and fiber.

Chicken and vegetables are marinated in herbs and grilled to perfection for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Toss chicken and vegetables in the marinade.
• Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
• Grill 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is cooked through.
• Serve hot with a side of mixed greens.

These skewers are colorful, flavorful, and satisfying.

They make a perfect low-calorie dinner that’s fun and healthy.

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Marinara

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Marinara is a low-calorie, high-protein dinner that’s hearty yet light.

Roasted spaghetti squash serves as a pasta alternative, topped with lean ground turkey in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cut spaghetti squash in half, remove seeds, and roast cut-side down for 30–35 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add ground turkey, cook until browned; stir in marinara sauce and basil.
• Scrape roasted squash with a fork into spaghetti-like strands and top with turkey marinara.
• Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil.

This dish is filling, flavorful, and low in calories.

It’s a healthy, protein-rich dinner perfect for weeknights.

Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Asian-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a light, low-calorie dinner packed with flavor and protein.

Ground chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then served in crisp lettuce cups.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and ginger; sauté 1 minute.
• Add ground chicken, cook 5–6 minutes until browned.
• Stir in soy sauce and shredded carrots; cook 2 more minutes.
• Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and top with green onions.
• Serve immediately as a light, handheld dinner.

These wraps are crunchy, savory, and low in calories.

They make a healthy, protein-rich dinner that’s quick and satisfying.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan (Light Version)

Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a low-calorie, vegetarian dinner that’s hearty and flavorful.

Sliced eggplant is baked until tender and topped with marinara and a light sprinkle of cheese for a guilt-free meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
• Arrange slices on a baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until tender.
• Spread marinara sauce over each slice and top with cheese.
• Bake another 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
• Serve immediately with a side salad.

This eggplant parmesan is flavorful, satisfying, and low in calories.

It’s a healthy, vegetarian dinner perfect for light evening meals

Garlic Lemon Chicken with Broccoli

Garlic Lemon Chicken with Broccoli is a light, low-calorie dinner packed with protein and flavor.

Juicy chicken breasts are sautéed with garlic and lemon, served alongside tender broccoli for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
• Steam broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Drizzle lemon juice over chicken and broccoli before serving.

This meal is protein-rich, light, and full of flavor.

It’s a simple, low-calorie dinner ideal for a healthy weeknight.

Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Bowl is a low-calorie dinner that’s both hearty and nutritious.

Ground turkey is cooked with spices and served over cauliflower rice with fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook ground turkey until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• In a separate pan, sauté cauliflower rice and diced vegetables 4–5 minutes until tender.
• Serve turkey over cauliflower rice and vegetables.
• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

This bowl is flavorful, filling, and low in calories.

It’s a healthy, protein-packed dinner perfect for weeknight meals.

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Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia is a light, high-protein, low-calorie dinner.

Tilapia fillets bake with lemon, garlic, and a touch of olive oil for a simple, flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place tilapia on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper; brush over fillets.
• Bake 12–15 minutes until fish flakes easily.
• Serve immediately with steamed vegetables or a salad.

This tilapia is light, tender, and protein-rich.

It’s an ideal low-calorie dinner for a quick and healthy meal.

Spaghetti Squash with Veggie Marinara

Spaghetti Squash with Veggie Marinara is a low-calorie, vegetarian dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.

Roasted spaghetti squash serves as a pasta alternative, topped with a rich, vegetable-packed marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cut squash in half, remove seeds, and roast cut-side down for 30–35 minutes.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté zucchini and bell pepper 4–5 minutes.
• Stir in marinara sauce and cook another 2–3 minutes.
• Top roasted spaghetti squash with vegetable marinara and serve hot.

This dish is filling, nutritious, and low in calories.

It’s a healthy, vegetarian-friendly dinner perfect for light evenings.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups are a low-calorie, protein-packed dinner full of flavor and crunch.

Ground chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and ginger, sauté 1 minute.
• Cook ground chicken 5–6 minutes until browned.
• Stir in soy sauce and shredded carrots; cook 2 more minutes.
• Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves and top with green onions.

These lettuce cups are savory, crunchy, and low in calories.

They make a light, healthy dinner perfect for weeknights or meal prep.