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.
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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