If you want to lose weight and stay in a calorie deficit, try these flavorful, simple-to-make Low-Calorie Recipes.
Looking to trim down this year? Weight loss ultimately comes down to consuming fewer calories than you burn, so having a repertoire of satisfying, low-calorie meals is essential.
Below are 51 delicious low-calorie recipes that are easy to prepare and full of flavor. Each entry includes basic nutrition information to help you track calories and macros.
1. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Craving Japanese takeout without the extra calories? These teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps deliver tender chicken coated in a homemade teriyaki glaze, served in crisp sweet gem lettuce and finished with sesame seeds. They’re high in protein and low in net carbs—an excellent choice for a light, filling meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 161
- Fats: 4.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 7.1g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 3.8g
Recipe
2. Egg Drop Soup with Vegetables
Source: twokooksinthekitchen.com
This comforting egg drop soup is enlivened with bright vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach. Rich yet light, it packs a large dose of Vitamin A and a good portion of daily fiber. Add rotisserie chicken or extra egg for more protein.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 236
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 4g
Recipe
3. Avocado Wrap
Creamy avocado, Greek yogurt, and a touch of pesto create a luscious base for crisp cucumbers and mixed greens. Fresh dill brightens the wrap, which stays satisfying while remaining light at about 244 calories.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 244
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 6.1g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 1.4g
Recipe
4. Pear Chips
Source: beyondthechickencoop.com
If you miss crunchy snacks, pear chips are a great substitute. Slice slightly underripe pears thinly and dehydrate until crisp for a naturally sweet, low-calorie treat that satisfies the desire for something crunchy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 101
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 17g
Recipe
5. Mexican Bean Salad
This hearty Mexican bean salad skips lettuce and focuses on colorful, satisfying ingredients—corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, beans, and jalapeños—tossed in warm spices. It’s filling and protein-rich, making it a great meal or side.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 287
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 4.7g
Recipe
6. Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
Source: rachnacooks.com
Cajun-spiced mahi mahi gets beautifully crisp in the air fryer while staying moist inside. Using minimal oil keeps this fish low in fat and calories, yet high in protein.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 201
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe
7. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Dates
If roasted Brussels sprouts aren’t your favorite, try them pan-fried in bacon fat until caramelized, then finished with sweet date syrup and crisp bacon. The result is savory-sweet and irresistibly comforting.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 251
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 7.6g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8.6g
Recipe
8. Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
Source: thismomsmenu.com
Enjoy classic Chinese flavors with minimal carbs. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce for a satisfying dish that’s low in carbohydrates and rich in protein.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 193
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Recipe
9. Tomato Basil Wrap
This no-cook wrap layers nutty pesto, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, mixed greens, dill, and basil on a low-calorie tortilla. It’s fresh, fast, and packed with Mediterranean flavor.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 277
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 3.5g
Recipe
10. Blackened Chicken Tenders
Source: thismomsmenu.com
Simple and bold: chicken tenders seasoned with blackening spices and seared in a high-heat oil. A hot cast-iron skillet gives a beautiful crust while keeping the interior juicy—just three ingredients for a quick, protein-packed meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 284
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe
11. Spicy Tuna Wrap
A creamy, tangy tuna filling gets a spicy kick from sriracha and a savory boost from soy sauce. Paired with carrots, avocado, and cucumber, this wrap is refreshing and satisfying.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 207
- Fats: 7.6g
- Protein: 8.5g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4.1g
Recipe
12. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Tender chicken strips, bell peppers, and onions tossed with homemade fajita seasoning and cooked in the air fryer make a quick, low-calorie dinner. Easy prep and minimal cleanup make this a great weeknight option.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 178
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Recipe
13. Spinach Feta Wrap
No oven needed: hummus, red bell peppers, feta, fresh spinach, garlic, and a low-calorie tortilla combine into a Mediterranean-inspired wrap that’s quick to assemble and full of flavor.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 270
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Sugar: 2g
Recipe
14. Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Creamy and fragrant, this Instant Pot cauliflower soup gets smoky notes from smoked paprika and a gentle heat from black pepper. Purée to a silky texture—this vegan soup is comforting without excess calories.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 120
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
Recipe
15. Chickpea Scramble Breakfast Bowl
A warm, spicy vegan scramble made with chickpea flour, mushrooms for umami, and fresh parsley for brightness. Chickpea flour is a protein-rich base that creates a hearty plant-powered breakfast.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 180
- Fats: 8.6g
- Protein: 6.8g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 5.7g
Recipe
16. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Source: hungryhealthyhappy.com
Ready in about ten minutes, this curry layers seven spices for depth and uses spinach for vitamins and antioxidants. Swap in kale if you prefer—this quick meal is ideal on busy nights.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 123
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
Recipe
17. Spicy Mushroom Wrap
Loaded with mushrooms, baby spinach, tomatoes, and chilies, this wrap balances heat with cooling Greek yogurt. Make it vegan by swapping in coconut yogurt.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 251
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 31g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 6.1g
Recipe
18. Spicy Broccoli Soup
Source: natalieshealth.com
Creamy and colorful, this soup combines broccoli with warming spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger. Nutrient-rich and comforting, top with seeds for extra texture and plant protein.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 148
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
Recipe
19. Chicken Salad Wrap
Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise keeps this chicken salad lighter while adding protein. Honey and Dijon bring balance; avocado and cherry tomatoes add texture and nutrients. Use a low-calorie tortilla to keep totals down.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 277
- Fats: 8.5g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Sugar: 2.9g
Recipe
20. Broiled Cod
Source: cookingwithmammac.com
Paprika, onion and garlic powder, and a squeeze of lemon brighten this quick broiled cod. A small pat of butter adds richness, but the fish stays lean and protein-packed—ready in about 16 minutes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 164
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe
21. Roasted Broccoli
Seasoned with garlic powder, sea salt, paprika, and pepper, then roasted until tender and slightly sweet, this broccoli is a simple, flavorful side that’s low in calories and nutrient-dense.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 123
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Recipe
51. Garlic Bok Choy
Source: theforkedspoon.com
Quick and vibrant, garlic bok choy is sautéed with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, shallots, and crushed red pepper for a fast side full of Asian flavor. It’s low-calorie, takes about 10 minutes, and pairs well with grilled fish or tofu.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 54
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe