10 Simple & Delicious Low Calorie Meals You Can Make in Minutes
So, you’re craving something tasty, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen—oh, and it needs to be healthy and low in calories. No big deal, right? 😉 Well, guess what? You’re in luck! I’ve rounded up 10 super simple and delicious low-calorie meals you can whip up in no time. These meals are not only packed with flavor, but they’ll also leave you feeling full and satisfied without derailing your healthy eating goals.
Ready to level up your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
1. Garlic Shrimp & Veggie Stir-Fry
Why You’ll Love It:
Quick, flavorful, and packed with protein—this stir-fry is perfect for a speedy dinner after a busy day. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies, so you’re getting all the nutrients without the calories.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
 - 1 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
 - 1 cup broccoli florets
 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
 - 1 tbsp olive oil
 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
 - Red pepper flakes (optional)
 
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute.
 - Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
 - Toss in the veggies and soy sauce, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until tender.
 - Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional).
 
Dinner’s ready in under 15 minutes!
2. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Why You’ll Love It:
Craving pasta but don’t want the carbs? Zucchini noodles (or zoodles) are your answer. Toss them with some pesto, and you’ve got yourself a fresh, low-calorie dinner that’s anything but bland.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, spiralized
 - 2 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
 - 1 tbsp olive oil
 - Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
 
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the zoodles for 2-3 minutes until tender.
 - Toss the zoodles in pesto and top with Parmesan if desired.
 
A pasta-free pesto dream that’s light but satisfying!
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Why You’ll Love It:
Stuffed peppers are not only super easy to make, but they’re a fun way to pack in veggies and lean protein. Plus, they look fancy, so you can impress anyone you’re cooking for without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
 - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
 - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
 - 1 tsp chili powder
 - 1 tsp cumin
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
 - Brown the ground turkey in a pan with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
 - Stir in quinoa or rice and diced tomatoes.
 - Stuff the peppers with the turkey mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes.
 
Easy, flavorful, and healthy. What more could you want?
4. Egg White Omelette with Spinach & Mushrooms
Why You’ll Love It:
Omelets are a classic, but this one’s made with egg whites for that protein punch without the calories. Toss in some spinach and mushrooms, and you’ve got yourself a light but filling meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
 - 1 cup spinach, chopped
 - 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 
Instructions:
- Sauté mushrooms and spinach in a non-stick pan for 3-4 minutes.
 - Pour in the egg whites, season with salt and pepper, and cook until set (about 3 minutes).
 
It’s a simple, protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes!
5. Chickpea Salad Wraps
Why You’ll Love It:
These wraps are a plant-based powerhouse—loaded with fiber and protein. Chickpeas make the perfect filling, and when combined with fresh veggies, it’s a low-calorie meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
 - 1/2 cucumber, diced
 - 1/4 red onion, diced
 - 1 tbsp olive oil
 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 - Lettuce or whole wheat wraps
 
Instructions:
- Mash the chickpeas in a bowl until chunky.
 - Stir in cucumber, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
 - Spoon into lettuce or wraps and serve.
 
Quick, easy, and so delicious—you can even meal prep these!
6. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
Why You’ll Love It:
Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie, low-carb alternative to pasta. When paired with a rich marinara sauce, it’s like a healthier version of your favorite comfort food—without the guilt.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
 - 1 cup marinara sauce (low-sugar)
 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
 - Fresh basil (optional)
 
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
 - Slice the spaghetti squash in half, remove the seeds, and roast for 30-40 minutes.
 - Once roasted, use a fork to scrape the squash into noodles.
 - Top with marinara sauce, Parmesan, and basil.
 
Comfort food that’s actually healthy—who knew?
7. Cucumber & Avocado Sushi Rolls
Why You’ll Love It:
These homemade sushi rolls are light, refreshing, and packed with healthy fats. They’re a great way to enjoy sushi flavors without the calories of traditional rolls.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, julienned
 - 1 avocado, sliced
 - 1/4 cup rice vinegar
 - 1/2 cup cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice for fewer calories)
 - Nori sheets
 
Instructions:
- Lay the nori sheet on a sushi mat.
 - Spread rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
 - Place cucumber and avocado slices on the rice.
 - Roll tightly and slice into pieces.
 
These rolls are super light but still feel like a fun treat!
8. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love It:
Craving Chinese takeout? This cauliflower fried rice gives you that satisfying, savory flavor without the excess calories. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies and protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower (or riced cauliflower)
 - 1/2 cup peas and carrots
 - 2 eggs, scrambled
 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
 - 2 green onions, chopped
 
Instructions:
- Process the cauliflower in a food processor to make “rice” sized pieces.
 - Sauté peas and carrots in sesame oil for 2 minutes.
 - Add cauliflower rice and soy sauce, cooking for 5-7 minutes.
 - Stir in scrambled eggs and top with green onions.
 
This is one of those meals that’s super satisfying but won’t make you feel weighed down.
9. Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
Why You’ll Love It:
A classic Greek salad is always a great go-to, and adding grilled chicken makes it the perfect balanced meal. It’s fresh, light, and filled with healthy fats and protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast, grilled and sliced
 - 1 cup cucumber, chopped
 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
 - 1/4 cup feta cheese
 - 1 tbsp olive oil
 - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
 
Instructions:
- Grill the chicken and slice.
 - Toss cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta together in a bowl.
 - Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and top with grilled chicken.
 
A fresh and filling meal that’s ready in 10 minutes!
10. Lentil Soup
Why You’ll Love It:
Lentils are packed with fiber and protein, making this soup hearty and filling. It’s the perfect low-calorie meal that’s comforting and perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
 - 1 can diced tomatoes
 - 1 carrot, diced
 - 1 onion, diced
 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
 - 1 tbsp olive oil
 - 4 cups vegetable broth
 - 1 tsp cumin
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, garlic, and carrot until tender (5-7 minutes).
 - Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
 - Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are soft.
 
Hearty, healthy, and full of flavor—this soup is perfect for meal prepping too.
Conclusion
There you have it—10 simple and delicious low-calorie meals that are not only quick to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re in the mood for something fresh like a cucumber-avocado sushi roll or a comforting lentil soup, these recipes have you covered.
Which one will you try first? Let me know your favorite in the comments! 🙂 Happy cooking!
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