Delicious Dinner Recipes Under 700 Calories

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

This zesty grilled chicken is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a weekday dinner and pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, 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 them sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
5. Serve with your favorite side dishes.

2. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

These colorful stuffed peppers are filled with nutritious quinoa and black beans, making them a hearty yet light dinner option.

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper and place them in a baking dish.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the stuffed peppers.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

3. Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables

This quick and easy shrimp stir-fry is packed with protein and colorful veggies, making it a balanced meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and soy sauce, stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot over a bed of rice or quinoa if desired.

4. Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

These lean turkey meatballs are infused with spinach and herbs, providing a healthy twist on a classic favorite.

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve with marinara sauce and whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.

5. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

This simple baked salmon dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and pairs perfectly with roasted asparagus for a nutritious dinner.

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 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 the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place salmon and asparagus on a lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is flaky and asparagus is tender.
5. Serve immediately.

6. Vegetable and Chickpea Curry

This vegan curry is a hearty and satisfying dish, packed with protein and flavorful spices, perfect for a light yet filling dinner.

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chickpeas, curry powder, coconut milk, and salt.
4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

7. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

For a low-carb alternative to pasta, try this refreshing zucchini noodle dish tossed with homemade or store-bought pesto.

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, pesto, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.
4. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then serve immediately.

8. Cauliflower Fried Rice

This healthier take on fried rice uses cauliflower instead of traditional rice, making it a low-calorie, low-carb option.

• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, riced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add riced cauliflower and mixed vegetables, sautéing for 5-7 minutes.
3. Push the mixture to one side of the skillet, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble them.
4. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the cauliflower and vegetables.
5. Add soy sauce and stir until well combined.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

9. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

This simple yet elegant dish features succulent chicken breasts paired with fresh green beans, making it a perfect dinner option that is under 700 calories.

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them.
4. Add green beans to the dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and green beans are tender.

10. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

These colorful stuffed peppers are filled with nutritious quinoa and black beans, providing a filling and flavorful meal.

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the mixture into each halved bell pepper.
4. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and top with cheese if desired.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

11. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This light and refreshing salad combines succulent shrimp with creamy avocado, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cooked shrimp.
4. Drizzle with lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.

12. Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This healthier version of the classic Italian dish is baked rather than fried, keeping it delicious while staying under 700 calories.

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse and pat dry, then brush with olive oil and layer in a baking dish.
4. Spread marinara sauce over the eggplant, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

Exploring delicious dinner recipes under 700 calories allows for a satisfying and healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. With a variety of options, from hearty proteins to vibrant vegetables, anyone can enjoy a nutritious dinner that fits their dietary goals.

Incorporating these recipes into your weekly meal plan can lead to healthier eating habits and inspire culinary creativity. Enjoy the journey of cooking and savor every bite!

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