9 Delicious Low-Calorie Recipes That Won’t Break the Bank

If you’re looking for delicious meals that won’t break the bank or your calorie count, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered nine tasty recipes that are budget-friendly and low in calories, perfect for anyone wanting to eat well without overspending. Get ready to whip up some healthy dishes that are quick, simple, and satisfyingly good!

Spaghetti Squash with Marinara

Spaghetti squash with marinara is a delightful and healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the tangy marinara sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal without the heavy calories. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a great way to sneak in more veggies.

Making spaghetti squash is simple and can be done in under an hour. Once roasted, the squash is scraped into spaghetti-like strands and topped with your favorite marinara sauce, making it a fun and wholesome option for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
2. Drizzle the inside of each half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
4. While the squash is roasting, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
5. Once the squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands.
6. Serve the spaghetti squash topped with warm marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Eggplant Parmesan Bites

Eggplant Parmesan Bites are a delightful twist on the classic dish, packed with flavor while keeping things light. These little bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, topped with a rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese that makes every bite irresistible. They’re simple to whip up, making them a great option for a quick snack or a tasty appetizer for gatherings.

What’s great about these bites is that they fit perfectly into a low-calorie meal plan without sacrificing taste. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, using just a few ingredients that you might already have at home. If you’re looking to impress your friends or just want a cozy night in with some comfort food, these Eggplant Parmesan Bites are the way to go!

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and slightly golden.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Top each eggplant round with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
5. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

This Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl is a fun and tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal. Packed with flavors and textures, it combines the freshness of veggies with hearty black beans and the lightness of cauliflower rice, making it a perfect budget-friendly option.

Simple to make and great for meal prep, this bowl can be customized to include your favorite toppings or whatever you have on hand. It’s a delightful mix of spicy, savory, and refreshing that will satisfy your cravings without weighing you down.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated or riced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the riced cauliflower and cumin, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn. Stir in the salsa until well mixed.
3. Assemble the Bowl: In a serving bowl, layer the cauliflower rice, followed by the black bean mixture. Top with avocado slices and garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately, or store in the fridge for meal prep! This bowl is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

This Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu is a tasty, colorful dish that’s easy to whip up in no time. Bursting with fresh veggies and protein-packed tofu, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Plus, it’s low in calories and budget-friendly, making it a win for both your taste buds and wallet!

The combination of crisp vegetables and tender tofu creates a satisfying texture, while a simple stir-fry sauce ties all the flavors together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and quick.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cubed
• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides.
2. Add Vegetables: Toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
3. Season: Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot. This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Cabbage and Carrot Slaw

This cabbage and carrot slaw is a fresh and crunchy side dish that is perfect for any meal. It’s light, zesty, and offers a delightful crunch with every bite. The combination of fresh cabbage and sweet carrots, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, makes it a refreshing addition to your table.

Making this slaw is incredibly simple and quick, requiring just a few ingredients. It’s not only low in calories but also budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for healthy eating without breaking the bank. Plus, it can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients

• 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
4. Let the slaw sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your vibrant and healthy dish!

Zesty Chickpea Salad

This zesty chickpea salad is a refreshing mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. With its crisp veggies and a hint of citrus, it’s both satisfying and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for those looking to eat healthy on a budget.

Easy to prepare, this salad can be whipped up in no time. Just toss together your ingredients, and you have a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine all ingredients.
4. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Lentil Soup with Spinach

Lentil soup with spinach is a comforting and nutritious dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of vitamins, making it a wholesome choice that’s also low in calories. The combination of earthy lentils and fresh spinach creates a deliciously satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time.

This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
4. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, with a splash of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potato and black bean tacos are a delightful combination that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the hearty black beans, making these tacos both satisfying and nutritious. They’re easy to prepare, which means you can whip them up even on a busy weeknight.

The tacos are filled with fresh ingredients, making each bite a burst of flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime, to enhance the taste. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank. Give these tacos a try for a delicious and low-calorie meal!

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer.
2. Roast the sweet potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
3. While the sweet potatoes roast, warm the black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, until pliable.
5. Assemble the tacos: fill each tortilla with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. Top with slices of avocado and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!

Savory Oatmeal with Eggs and Greens

Savory oatmeal is a delightful twist on the traditional sweet breakfast staple. This recipe combines creamy oats with a perfectly poached egg and fresh greens, creating a nourishing meal that’s satisfying and packed with flavor. It’s simple to make, making it perfect for busy mornings or a quick lunch.

The combination of the runny egg yolk and the earthy flavors of spinach and tomatoes elevates this dish, providing a hearty yet low-calorie option. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this savory oatmeal a try for a delicious breakfast that won’t break the bank!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (optional)
• Herbs or spices of choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Oats: In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Stir in the oats and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy.
2. Add the Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Poach the Egg: Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer. Crack the egg into a small bowl and gently slide it into the water. Cook for about 3-4 minutes for a soft yolk, then remove with a slotted spoon.
4. Assemble: Spoon the savory oatmeal into a bowl, top with the poached egg, and garnish with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil if desired, and enjoy!