The eternal quest for light dinner recipes that won’t sabotage our diets! I mean, who doesn’t love a good meal that’s easy on the calories, right? As someone who’s always on the lookout for calorie counted meals, I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore some amazing light supper options that are not only diet friendly but also ridiculously delicious. So, what makes a great light dinner recipe? Is it the fact that it’s quick, easy, and won’t leave you feeling guilty? Or is it the combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more? Whatever your criteria, I’ve got five fantastic options that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Recipe 1: Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
This recipe rocks because it’s a masterclass in simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only light but also packed with flavor. I mean, who needs a lot of fuss when you can just throw some salmon in the oven with some lemon and herbs? It’s like a match made in heaven! But what really sets this recipe apart is the fact that it’s incredibly diet friendly, with a total calorie count of under 250 calories per serving. Talk about a guilt-free dinner option!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Top each fillet with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a light dinner that’s also calorie counted. The lemon and herbs add a brightness and freshness that complements the salmon perfectly. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes – what’s not to love? And the best part? It’s a diet friendly dinner that won’t weigh you down.
Recipe 2: Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
This recipe is a personal favorite of mine, and for good reason. It’s a light supper that’s packed with flavor and protein. I mean, who doesn’t love a good chicken breast? But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of spinach and feta, which add a delicious twist to the classic dish. And with a total calorie count of under 280 calories per serving, it’s a calorie counted meal that you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta, parsley, and garlic.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a light dinner that’s also diet friendly, with a delicious combination of spinach and feta that adds a tangy twist to the classic chicken breast. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of greens in. And with the calorie counted aspect, you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
Recipe 3: Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
This recipe is a light dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with protein and fiber. I mean, who doesn’t love a good quinoa bowl? But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of black beans, which add a delicious and diet friendly twist to the classic dish. And with a total calorie count of under 220 calories per serving, it’s a calorie counted meal that you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and cook the corn kernels until tender.
3. Add the black beans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and top with the black bean mixture.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a light dinner that’s also diet friendly, with a delicious combination of quinoa and black beans that’s packed with protein and fiber. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a busy weeknight. And with the calorie counted aspect, you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
Recipe 4: Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers
This recipe is a light supper that’s perfect for a summer evening. It’s easy, diet friendly, and packed with flavor. I mean, who doesn’t love a good shrimp skewer? But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of colorful vegetables, which add a delicious and light twist to the classic dish. And with a total calorie count of under 200 calories per serving, it’s a calorie counted meal that you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, cut into large pieces
- 1 onion, cut into large pieces
- 2 zucchinis, cut into large slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the shrimp and vegetables onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a light dinner that’s also diet friendly, with a delicious combination of shrimp and colorful vegetables that’s perfect for a summer evening. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. And with the calorie counted aspect, you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
Recipe 5: Lentil Soup
This recipe is a light dinner that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s comforting, diet friendly, and packed with protein and fiber. I mean, who doesn’t love a good lentil soup? But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of aromatic spices, which add a delicious and light twist to the classic dish. And with a total calorie count of under 250 calories per serving, it’s a calorie counted meal that you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a light dinner that’s also diet friendly, with a delicious combination of lentils and aromatic spices that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber. And with the calorie counted aspect, you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
In conclusion, these light dinner recipes are a game-changer for anyone looking for calorie counted meals that are also diet friendly. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor – what more could you ask for? Whether you’re in the mood for salmon, chicken, quinoa, shrimp, or lentils, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy a light supper that’s not only delicious but also good for you!
