Low-calorie versions of delicious, filling dishes - 47 recipes


Votes: 9

Our chefs have prepared healthy recipes for delicious and filling dishes. Try lighter versions of meatloaf, chicken Parma, mac 'n' cheese, and mashed potatoes.


How to Cook - Low-Calorie Versions of Delicious, Hearty Meals - 47 Recipes

Lighter versions of familiar dishes


When you want delicious, filling foodIf you're on a diet but don't want to overload yourself with extra calories, sometimes the smallest changes can make all the difference in making healthier meals. Bake instead of fry, swap out ingredients for healthier ones, or add more protein and fiber to classic dishes—it's easy to make your favorite dishes low-calorie, low-fat, or even low-carbwithout sacrificing flavor. These recipes will show you how, starting with a creamy macaroni and cheese casserole that reduces calories and fat by adding cauliflower puree to the sauce.

Mac 'n' cheese "Three cheese"

Mac 'n' cheese "Three cheese"


A typical serving of restaurant mac 'n' cheese has over 900 calories. This version has just 403, with the same cheesy abundance.




Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan


Chefs have cut traditional Chicken Parma to 435 calories—it's lower in fat but packed with flavor thanks to a fresh tomato sauce and crispy breading.



Black Pepper Potato Chips with Onion Dip

Black Pepper Potato Chips with Onion Dip


Ellie Krieger's potato chips are baked instead of deep-fried. Serve them with a creamy onion dip made with low-fat Greek yogurt—you'll see that healthy eating doesn't mean giving up your favorite snacks.




Quesadilla with bacon, cheese, and jalapeño peppers

Quesadilla with bacon, cheese, and jalapeño peppers


For a delicious, healthy Tex-Mex-inspired appetizer, chefs use turkey bacon and low-fat cheese.



Baked beans with ham in a skillet

Baked beans with ham in a skillet


Perfect for lunch with friends, Ellie's baked beans feature smoked lean ham and a hint of sweetness from molasses instead of refined sugar.



Crab fondue

Crab fondue


Enjoy this hot, creamy dip without harming your figure. Simply replace the ingredients in the traditional recipe with cheese, milk, and low-fat mayonnaise.

Recipe: Crab fondue



Shrimp scampi in a light sauce

Shrimp scampi in a light sauce


Traditionally, shrimp scampi is prepared with plenty of butter. However, this version uses chicken broth, and Kalamata olives add an extra touch of flavor.



Filo pastry rolls with minced meat

Filo pastry rolls with minced meat


This is a delicious, compact snack without excess fat and calories—you won't even believe that one serving contains only 220 kcal!



Chicken and mushroom quesadilla

Chicken and mushroom quesadilla


Ellie fills a whole-wheat tortilla with chicken, mushrooms, fresh spinach, and cheese for a healthy, filling meal.



Frittata with potatoes and zucchini

Frittata with potatoes and zucchini


Using vegetables, egg whites, and turkey bacon, chefs created a light potato dish: one protein-rich serving contains only 255 calories.




Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole


This version of classic lasagna uses sweet potatoes instead of pasta sheets, and spinach adds vibrant color (and plenty of nutrients). The result is a filling and delicious main dish that's also vegetarian and gluten-free!



Low-calorie clam chowder

Low-calorie clam chowder


Now you can enjoy the same hearty New England chowder, with half the calories thanks to low-fat cream. There's just a touch of bacon, just enough to complement the vegetables.



Mini corn dogs in the oven

Mini corn dogs in the oven


Two of these corn dogs have 115 fewer calories than one full-sized deep-fried corn dog and only 50% fat.



Crispy "fried" chicken in the oven

Crispy "fried" chicken in the oven


Kat Cora's crispy baked chicken contains 100 fewer calories than the fried version and about half the fat. "It tastes just like fried chicken," says Kat.



Stuffed pumpkin boats with shrimp

Stuffed pumpkin boats with shrimp


Butter, lemon, garlic, and shrimp—a winning combination that pairs perfectly with baked spaghetti squash.



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Fish and chips in the oven

Fish and chips in the oven


This baked version of the favorite dish contains 144 calories and 12 grams of fat less than regular restaurant fish and chips.



Chicken curry soup with rice

Chicken curry soup with rice


Hearty chicken soup, seasoned with curry powder and fresh herbs, is just the thing when you want something cozy and warming without the extra fat.



Potato salad with cucumber and celery

Potato salad with cucumber and celery


This picnic salad version contains 280 fewer calories than the original recipe. The secret? Plain yogurt replaces most of the mayonnaise, and it's loaded with crunchy vegetables in addition to the potatoes.



Crispy crab cakes

Crispy crab cakes


These crab cakes are among the lowest in calories, yet they retain their juiciness and crispiness. Ellie Krieger uses high-quality crab meat instead of crab sticks.



Easy American Seven-Layer Dip

Easy American Seven-Layer Dip


With chili paste, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño, this layered dip is just as delicious as the original version, with less fat and calories.



Mashed potatoes with skins

Mashed potatoes with skins


Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, as well as carbohydrates needed for energy. Rachael Ray reduces the calorie content of this dish by using turkey bacon and yogurt instead of sour cream.




Taco salad with beef and tomato dressing

Taco salad with beef and tomato dressing


For a healthy Tex-Mex-inspired dish, Ellie uses lean ground beef and baked tortilla chips. Black beans provide an additional source of lean protein.



Turkey and Vegetable Meatloaf with Glaze

Turkey and Vegetable Meatloaf with Glaze


Compared to a serving of restaurant meatloaf, Bobby Flay's recipe has 300 fewer calories and 65% less fat. Panko breadcrumbs give the dish a light, airy texture.



Beef Stroganoff with mushrooms

Beef Stroganoff with mushrooms


Ellie makes a low-calorie version of the favorite dish, using low-fat Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream typically added to beef stroganoff.



Oven-baked French fries

Oven-baked French fries


Ellie's baked fries will satisfy your cravings for your favorite snack without harming your figure.



Low-calorie mashed potatoes without milk

Low-calorie mashed potatoes without milk


Instead of an abundance of butter and cream, the mashed potatoes are tender thanks to the natural creamy texture of Yukon Gold potatoes and the addition of olive oil.



Individual pizza on English muffins for breakfast

Individual pizza on English muffins for breakfast


Pizza for breakfast? Ellie Krieger says it's a great source of essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and fiber—so go ahead and make it!



BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches


These aren't just diet sandwiches: they're made with store-bought grilled chicken, making them perfect for a quick weekday dinner.




Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros


Feta contains fewer calories than cheddar, while maintaining the same zesty, cheesy flavor.



Lasagna rolls with mushrooms and spinach

Lasagna rolls with mushrooms and spinach


Whole wheat pasta, part-skim ricotta, and mozzarella make a healthy swap without sacrificing your favorite flavor. This cheesy hot lasagna comes in individual rolls.



Onion rings in the oven

Onion rings in the oven


Use a sheet pan instead of deep frying and make healthier, crispier onion rings.



Whole grain pancakes with apples

Whole grain pancakes with apples


Ellie Krieger makes light and airy pancakes using whole-wheat flour, low-fat buttermilk, and regular flour.



Healthy Brownies

Healthy Brownies


Living a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean giving up cakes, especially when you can make rich, chocolate-flavoured brownies that are only 154 calories per serving.



Exquisite chocolate cake

Exquisite chocolate cake


Chefs have given a traditionally butter-heavy dessert a makeover: this light, diet-friendly cake has 180 calories.



Low-calorie strawberry shortcake

Low-calorie strawberry shortcake


This classic dessert may seem healthy, but the standard recipe contains over 800 calories and 56 grams of fat per serving. Find out how chefs created a cake with only 215 calories and 6 grams of fat.



Lemon Raspberry Cake with Citrus Glaze

Lemon Raspberry Cake with Citrus Glaze


By replacing butter with sour milk and vegetable oil, the chefs created a lemon cake that contains only 315 kcal.




No-Bake Banana Cream Pie

No-Bake Banana Cream Pie


Velvety vanilla pudding and sliced ​​banana on a graham cracker crust make this a special dessert with only 215 calories per serving.



Brownie Cheesecakes

Brownie Cheesecakes


Dense chocolate brownies topped with creamy cheesecake swirls—how can they possibly be part of a healthy diet? It's perfectly possible with this lightened-up version of this Food Network recipe: each serving is only 200 calories.



Reduced Fat Cheesecake

Reduced Fat Cheesecake


Chefs have "removed" 291 calories and 21 grams of fat from a slice of regular cheesecake—you'll see how in the recipe.



Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting


Ellie's recipe makes for a satisfying cupcake treat. She uses whole wheat flour, applesauce, and low-fat cream cheese.



Low-fat corn muffins

Low-fat corn muffins


The corn muffin has been "lightened" by 187 calories and 12 grams of fat. This recipe has another advantage: the muffins are made with raspberries.



Whole Wheat Brownies

Whole Wheat Brownies


Ellie's cakes have half the fat and calories of a regular recipe. The secret is replacing butter with vegetable oil and adding savory yogurt.



Low-fat chocolate pudding

Low-fat chocolate pudding


Chefs prepare a light version of the classic pudding: each serving loses an extra 96 ​​kcal and 14 g of fat.



Honey Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Honey Oatmeal Raisin Cookies


Ellie's oatmeal cookies are soft, sweet, and have a delightful texture. Compared to the traditional recipe, they have about half the sugar and saturated fat, fewer carbs, and more protein and fiber.



Chocolate cake with milk mousse

Chocolate cake with milk mousse


Ellie's Classic Cream Pie, unlike the original, contains twice the chocolate but only half the fat.



Tacos with ricotta and spinach

Tacos with ricotta and spinach


Each serving of this quick and easy weekday meal contains only 315 calories.



Breaded chicken fingers and crudité with blue cheese dipping sauce

Breaded chicken fingers and crudité with blue cheese dipping sauce


With just 279 calories per serving, these chicken fingers and creamy blue cheese dip make for a nostalgic meal that's a great choice.







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