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10 Delicious Dinner Recipes Under 800 Calories

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1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

This juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon herb mix that adds flavor without excess calories.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Juice of 2 lemons
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    5. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

This light and refreshing dish is a perfect low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/4 cup prepared pesto
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
    2. Add spiralized zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
    3. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
    4. Remove from heat and stir in pesto, seasoning with salt and pepper.
    5. Serve warm, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

3. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

These colorful stuffed peppers are packed with protein and fiber, making them a filling meal.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
    • 1 cup cooked quinoa
    • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
    • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    2. In a bowl, mix together quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    3. Stuff each bell pepper half with the quinoa mixture.
    4. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
    5. Bake for 30 minutes, removing foil for the last 10 minutes. Add cheese if using, and bake until melted.

4. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

This simple, elegant meal is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 salmon fillets
    • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. On a baking sheet, arrange salmon and asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
    3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and asparagus is tender.

5. Chickpea Salad with Avocado and Feta

This hearty salad is both satisfying and nutritious, featuring protein-rich chickpeas and creamy avocado.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1 cucumber, diced
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
    3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
    4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

This vibrant stir-fry is loaded with colorful vegetables and protein-packed tofu, making it a great dinner option.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
    • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, etc.)
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
    2. Add cubed tofu and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
    3. Add vegetables, ginger, and garlic to the skillet, stir-frying for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
    4. Return tofu to the skillet and add soy sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
    5. Serve over rice or quinoa if desired.

7. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

These shrimp tacos are light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
    • 8 small corn tortillas
    • 2 cups cabbage, shredded
    • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    2. In a separate bowl, mix cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the slaw.
    3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
    4. Warm tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
    5. Assemble tacos by placing shrimp and slaw on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

8. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce

This low-carb alternative to spaghetti is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 medium spaghetti squash
    • 2 cups marinara sauce
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
    3. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper over the cut sides and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
    4. Bake for 30-40 minutes until tender.
    5. Once cooked, scrape the insides with a fork to create “noodles.”
    6. Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan and pour over spaghetti squash. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

9. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These hearty stuffed mushrooms are a satisfying option for a low-calorie dinner.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
    • 1 pound ground turkey
    • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
    • 1/2 cup onion, diced
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
    2. In a skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then add ground turkey, cooking until browned.
    3. Stir in spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking until spinach wilts.
    4. Place portobello mushrooms on a baking sheet and fill each with the turkey mixture.
    5. If desired, sprinkle mozzarella on top. Bake for 20 minutes.

10. Cauliflower Fried Rice

This healthy twist on fried rice uses cauliflower instead of traditional grains, making it low-calorie and low-carb.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 head cauliflower, riced (or 1 bag pre-riced cauliflower)
    • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
    • 2 eggs, beaten
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • 2 green onions, chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
    2. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
    3. Add riced cauliflower and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
    4. Push the rice to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling until cooked.
    5. Combine everything in the skillet, add soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Top with green onions before serving.

11. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

This flavorful grilled chicken is perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner option.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 chicken breasts
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • Juice of 2 lemons
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
    4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
    5. Remove from grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

12. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This protein-packed salad is both filling and refreshing, perfect for a quick dinner.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/2 cup diced red onion
    • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, and cover for about 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
    2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
    3. Drizzle with lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
    4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

13. Baked Cod with Lemon and Dill

This light fish dish is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor.

  • Ingredients:
    • 4 cod fillets
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 2 teaspoons dried dill
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    2. Place cod fillets in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
    3. Sprinkle dill, salt, and pepper over the fillets.
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Conclusion

Incorporating these 10 delicious dinner recipes into your meal planning can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. Each dish is designed to be satisfying and nutritious, proving that you can enjoy a delightful dinner while keeping your calorie intake in check.

Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply eat healthier, these recipes offer a variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy cooking and savoring these guilt-free meals!

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10 Delicious Dinner Recipes Under 800 Calories

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