Quick and Healthy Dinner Recipes Under 575 Calories
Dinner time can be one of the most hectic moments of the day, but preparing a nutritious meal doesn’t have to be daunting. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dinner that not only satisfies your taste buds but also aligns with your health goals. Below, we’ve compiled a list of quick and tasty recipes that each pack in 15 grams of protein and/or 6 grams of fiber, all while staying under 575 calories per serving. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the entire family, these meals will surely become go-to favorites.
Easy White Bean Skillet
Ingredients: Sweet onions, tomatoes, garlic, creamy white beans, spinach, Parmesan, whole-wheat baguette.
This recipe combines pantry staples with fresh greens to create a comforting, plant-based dish. The savory base of sweet onions, tomatoes, and garlic harmonizes beautifully with creamy white beans. Adding spinach not only boosts the color but also enhances the nutritional profile. A sprinkle of Parmesan serves up richly salty notes, making it a satisfying quick meal. Serve it with toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping—perfect for those busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup
Ingredients: Cabbage, cannellini beans, aromatic spices, lemon juice.
Transform humble ingredients into a cozy bowl of golden comfort! This soup features tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans simmered with aromatic spices. A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens every spoonful, contributing a light yet satisfying flavor. It’s an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, making it nutritious and perfect for a weeknight meal.
One-Pan Chicken Florentine
Ingredients: Chicken, spinach, cornstarch, cream.
This classic chicken Florentine is quick and uncomplicated, perfect for busy weeknights. The dish consists of tender chicken served alongside sautéed spinach, all creamed to perfection. Instead of cheese, this recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the sauce, allowing you to enjoy a lighter yet still indulgent meal that’s impressive enough for a dinner party.
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
Ingredients: Butter beans, broccoli florets, Cheddar cheese.
Inspired by the flavors of broccoli-Cheddar soup, this one-pan dish features butter beans for creaminess and protein. The vibrant broccoli florets complement the sharp Cheddar cheese, which melts in to create a thick, comforting meal. Ideal for scooping with crusty bread, it makes for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Arugula-Tomato Salad
Ingredients: Chicken thighs, balsamic glaze, arugula, tomatoes.
Juicy chicken thighs meet a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze in this mouth-watering dish. Coupled with a crisp salad of arugula and tomatoes, it’s not just easy to make but also full of flavor. This simple meal is perfect for romantic dinners, quick weeknight fixes, or anytime you seek something delicious without much fuss.
20-Minute Chickpea Soup
Ingredients: Chickpeas, cream cheese, cilantro, tortilla strips.
Need a dinner in a rush? This chickpea soup can be ready in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts into the zesty broth, ensuring a delightful and velvety texture. Garnished with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips, this one-pot meal is not just easy but also a crowd-pleaser.
Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
Ingredients: Pasta, sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, Parmesan, lemon.
Bright and flavorful, this Pesto Pasta is a quick dish that combines cooked pasta with sweet peas and juicy cherry tomatoes. Tossed with aromatic basil pesto, it’s well-rounded and incredibly versatile—great served warm or chilled. Sprinkle with Parmesan and squeeze lemon for an extra zest; perfect for potlucks or picnics.
Loaded Chicken Cutlets
Ingredients: Chicken cutlets, broccoli, cream cheese, cheese, bacon.
Turn your average chicken cutlet into a gourmet meal with this loaded twist. Chopped broccoli is mixed with a creamy topping and piled onto chicken cutlets for extra flavor and nutrition. This easy sheet-pan recipe requires minimal cleanup—just pop everything on a tray, bake, and enjoy!
Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes
Ingredients: Farro, chickpeas, fresh veggies, feta cheese.
This hearty grain bowl is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein and fiber. With farro acting as the base, it pairs well with tender chickpeas and fresh vegetables. Feel free to swap farro for quinoa or barley—both will work wonderfully!
Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli
Ingredients: Orzo, tuna, broccoli, Kalamata olives, lemon.
This dish is a delightful fusion of pasta and tuna salad. Featuring the crunch of fresh broccoli and the briny kick of Kalamata olives, it’s important to cook the orzo with precision for the best texture. Keep an eye on it as it can get soft quickly— drain a little early if need be!
Canned Tuna Rice Bowl
Ingredients: Tuna, brown rice, kimchi, cucumber, avocado, nori, Sriracha mayo.
A quick yet satisfying meal awaits you with this rice bowl. Flaky tuna paired with spicy kimchi makes a unique combination atop a base of warm brown rice. With the added freshness of avocado and crunch of cucumbers, this customizable dish comes together in minutes.
Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad
Ingredients: Fresh veggies, chickpeas, herb dressing.
Perfect for warm days, this refreshing no-cook dish is loaded with vibrant flavors. Tossed in a zesty dressing, crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas create a satisfying meal without the stove. This salad is a fantastic option for meal prep or when you need something quick.
Sheet-Pan Salmon with Bok Choy & Rice
Ingredients: Salmon fillets, bok choy, rice, miso glaze.
Minimizing prep but maximizing flavor, this dish comes together simply on a sheet pan. The tender salmon absorbs the savory miso glaze during cooking, while fluffy rice soaks up all the delicious juices. An easy meal for a weeknight, it’s both nutritious and light.
Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Spinach & Ricotta
Ingredients: Spaghetti, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, ricotta.
Indulge in this cozy, five-ingredient spaghetti dish. The earthy flavors of mushrooms and spinach meld beautifully with creamy ricotta to create a sauce. Finish with a touch of lemon to brighten it up, making it a simple yet flavorful meal.
High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad
Ingredients: Iceberg lettuce, onions, pickles, cherry tomatoes, cheeseburger patty, sauce.
A fun twist on the classic burger, this cheeseburger salad brings all the familiar flavors without the bun. Juicy beef patties are served atop crunchy lettuce, drizzled with a tangy sauce—making for a satisfying, high-protein dinner.
5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad
Ingredients: Avocado, chickpeas, lemon, cilantro, onion.
Quick and nutritious, this salad combines creamy avocado and hearty chickpeas in just five simple ingredients. It’s super easy to prepare with no cooking required, making it an ideal option for a quick lunch or dinner.
High-Protein Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients: Ground beef, sweet potatoes, veggies.
This satisfying meal involves just five core ingredients, creating a hearty one-pan dinner. The sweet potatoes cook down beautifully while absorbing all the savory flavors from the beef, offering a hassle-free, stress-free cooking experience.
Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad
Ingredients: Chicken, broccoli, bacon, cheese, creamy dressing.
Protein-packed and satisfying, this salad combines tender chicken with fresh broccoli, topped off with crispy bacon and a creamy dressing. This is an excellent lunch or dinner option that keeps you full and energized.
Curried Butter Beans
Ingredients: Butter beans, red curry paste, assorted spices.
This hearty dish combines tender butter beans with aromatic red curry paste for a comforting, plant-based meal. Whether enjoyed alone or served over grains, it’s a flavorful option that’s easy to prepare.
Sheet-Pan Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus
Ingredients: Chicken, asparagus, balsamic glaze.
Simplifying dinner prep, this sheet-pan recipe allows the chicken cutlets to roast alongside tender asparagus. Coated in a tangy balsamic glaze, this dish is well-balanced and perfect for a quick meal.
Roasted Salmon & Broccoli Rice Bowls
Ingredients: Salmon, broccoli, Gochujang, rice.
Bring spicy-sweet flavors into your weeknight routine with this rice bowl. The salmon fillets roast to perfection while the Gochujang sauce provides depth and an exciting twist. Topped with store-bought kimchi, these bowls are a breeze to make.
Brothy Lemon-Garlic Beans
Ingredients: Beans, garlic, lemon, broth.
These brothy beans immerse in a comforting lemon-garlic broth, creating a dish that’s perfect for dipping crusty whole-wheat bread. Ideal for busy evenings, finish with olive oil or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.
Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet
Ingredients: White beans, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes.
Taking inspiration from the classic “Marry Me Chicken,” this vegetarian take uses white beans and spinach as the stars. Rich and flavorful, you’ll be tempted to soak up every last drop of sauce!
One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Broccoli
Ingredients: Salmon, broccoli, garlic, bell pepper.
In just 20 minutes, prepare a wholesome meal blending tender salmon with garlic-infused broccoli and bell pepper. Minimal prep and cleanup make this dish an easy entry into your regular weeknight rotation.
Sheet-Pan Salmon & Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients: Salmon, Brussels sprouts, garlic, lemon.
Cooked entirely on one pan, this salmon recipe delivers a flavorful punch while ensuring minimal cleanup. The zesty lemon and roasted garlic drizzle perfectly enhance the tender salmon and crunchy Brussels sprouts.
One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo
Ingredients: Orzo, white beans, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes.
This creamy orzo dish combines protein-packed white beans with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, all in a garlic-and-herb cheese sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and only requires one pot.
Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Butter Beans
Ingredients: Butter beans, garlic, Parmesan, broth.
This comforting dish is an easy choice for busy nights. Rich butter beans simmer with garlic and parmesan, creating a stew-like texture that’s delightful when paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients: Chicken, broth, noodles, ginger, garlic.
If you’re feeling under the weather, this soothing soup is a comforting remedy. Packed with tender chicken and warming spices, it’s quick to make and incredibly nourishing.
Lemony Salmon Rice Bowl with Feta, Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Ingredients: Salmon, brown rice, cucumber, tomatoes, feta.
Brighten your dinner table with these lemony rice bowls. Flaky salmon drizzled with lemon dressing over brown rice paired with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad creates a delightful and quick meal.
Open-Face Tomato & Burrata Sandwich
Ingredients: Burrata, tomatoes, jalapeño relish.
This vibrant open-face sandwich combines creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes to create a sumptuous dish. The spicy-sweet jalapeño relish adds bold flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese.
The beauty of these recipes lies not only in their simplicity but also in their ability to cater to various palates and dietary preferences. By utilizing fresh ingredients and pantry staples, you can navigate your dinner preparations with ease, ensuring that health and flavor are never compromised. So roll up your sleeves, delve into these delicious meals, and enjoy your dining experience without stress!