Low carb & low calorie recipes are fantastic choices for anyone looking to enjoy delicious meals without overloading on carbs or calories. They focus on incorporating plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied and energized. These recipes are ideal for maintaining a balanced diet, supporting weight loss, or simply living a healthier lifestyle.
Low Carb Low Calorie Recipes
With a variety of dishes from savory dinners to sweet treats, there's something for every palate, ensuring that eating healthily never becomes bland or boring. Whether you're a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, these recipes are straightforward, making it easy for anyone to whip up a nutritious meal any day of the week.
Healthy Zucchini Lasagna
This delightful Zucchini Lasagna transforms a classic favorite into a fresher, lighter alternative without losing an ounce of flavor. It cleverly incorporates vegetables into each layer, making it a sure hit for the whole family. Not only does it keep the essence of what makes lasagna a comforting choice, but it also introduces a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
- Zucchini, to replace traditional lasagna noodles
- Lean ground turkey or beef (optional, for those who enjoy a bit of meat in their lasagna)
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce (preferably a brand like Rao's, known for its great taste and no added sugar)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Optional additions for more flavor or nutrients: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, spinach, mushrooms, or butternut squash
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Roast
There's something truly special about the gentle simmer and inviting aromas of a chicken pot roast prepared in a slow cooker. This dish represents the ultimate in home-cooked comfort. Gather 'round the table for a heartwarming meal where every forkful offers juicy chicken infused with herbs and accompanied by tender vegetables. It's a fuss-free solution to busy schedules, providing a wholesome meal that's ready when you are.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves (alternative: garlic powder)
- Fresh thyme
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Kosher or sea salt
- Celery stalks
- Water
- Baby carrots
- Potatoes
Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo
This Slow Cooker Chicken Adobo is a mouthwatering feast, promising to whisk your taste buds away on a delightful journey with minimal effort. The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity, combining tender chicken with a perfectly balanced sauce that boasts tangy, savory, and garlicky flavors.
Ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Whole garlic cloves (fresh, minced for the best results)
- Vegetable oil (for browning the chicken before slow cooking)
- Bone-in chicken thighs and chicken drumsticks
- Birds-eye or Thai chilis
- Black peppercorns
- Dried bay leaves
- Sliced scallions (for garnish)
Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
Enjoy the rich, aromatic pleasures of Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken, where tender chunks of chicken breast soak up a heavenly sauce mix brimming with spices, tomato, and cream. This recipe takes the hassle out of sophisticated cooking, allowing your slow-cooker to meld flavors to perfection. Ideal for any day of the week, this silky, comforting dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice and naan for a meal that soothes the soul and delights the palate.
Ingredients:
- Chicken stock
- Tomato paste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Freshly grated ginger
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2” cubes
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
Enjoy the vibrant goodness of this Chicken and Vegetables Skillet, a dish that effortlessly marries health with taste. Each forkful is a festival of succulent chicken, crisp veggies, and aromatic spices, all cooked to perfection in a single skillet. It's a no-fuss recipe that delivers a nourishing, well-rounded meal ideal for those evenings when both time and energy are in short supply.
In just 30 minutes, you can present a dish teeming with color and flavor that promises to become a comforting staple in your culinary collection.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Chili powder
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Small head of broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
- Zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- Bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into 1-inch chunks
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Healthy Chicken Alfredo
Enjoy the creamy delight of this Healthy Chicken Alfredo, a truly delectable twist on a classic that doesn't skimp on flavor. Reimagined with low-fat milk and packed with over 44 grams of protein per serving, this dish treats your taste buds while honoring your health. Seared to perfection, the blackened chicken tenderloins lie atop a bed of fettuccine draped in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting, guilt-free pleasure is perfect for bustling weeknights and special occasions alike as sating comfort food cravings in the most nourishing way.
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenderloins (can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Unsalted butter (can use dairy-free butter)
- Frozen or fresh crushed garlic
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- Chicken broth (vegetable broth as alternative)
- Low-fat milk (or any plain milk, including dairy-free options)
- Fresh parmesan cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
- Fettuccine pasta (can use gluten-free pasta)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
Try the spicy, savory world of these Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls, where each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors. A perfect harmony of tender, buffalo sauce-infused chicken paired with the comforting texture of rice, and the freshness of diced vegetables, all drizzled with a homemade high-protein ranch dressing.
Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal prep for the week ahead, these bowls are a game-changer. They're not just any meal; they're a testament to how delicious, healthy eating can be with the right mix of ingredients, making them an absolute must-try for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine!
Ingredients:
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup Hot sauce (Frank's Red Hot recommended)
- ¼ cup melted ghee or butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ranch Dressing:
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (sub mayo for dairy-free)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt, + more to taste
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown or white rice, uncooked
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup Blue Cheese crumbles (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Thai Salad and Cauliflower Rice Wrap
Treat yourself to the Thai Salad and Cauliflower Rice Wrap—a delightful fusion of crisp vegetables and silky sauce all tucked into a wholesome wrap. This wrap is proof that healthful choices can be wonderfully tasty and satisfying. With a peppy dressing that ties together the fresh crunch of veggies and the soft pillow of cauliflower rice, this wrap offers a refreshingly light yet filling meal. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious lunch or a quick dinner, it's sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredient List:
For the Thai Salad:
- ½ medium head cauliflower
- 2 medium carrots
- ½ red bell pepper
- 1 cup red cabbage
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- Water
- 4 large high-fiber wraps
- Cilantro
- Fresh lime, for garnish
Easy Ground Beef Tacos
Let's try the ultimate comfort food with these Easy Ground Beef Tacos, a beacon of simplicity and flavor. Perfect for those hectic weeknights, this recipe brings together succulent ground beef, rich seasoning, and your favorite toppings in under 30 minutes. It's a hit for all ages, promising a protein-rich feast that's as versatile as it is delicious. Whether wrapped in soft shells or crowned atop nachos, these tacos bring a smile to any table.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80 or 85% lean recommended—15-20% fat, such as ground sirloin or chuck)
Homemade taco seasoning:
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Onion powder
- Coarse sea salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Ground black pepper
- Ground oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Tomato paste
- Water
Taco Toppings (suggested):
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce
- Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Diced onion
- Diced tomato
- Cilantro
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Salsa
One Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Noodles
Whip up a fuss-free delight with the One Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Noodles, bringing the harmonious combination of succulent chicken, tender noodles, and crisp vegetables all tied together with a sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze. This dish promises a feast of flavors and ease of preparation that's hard to resist. It's an all-in-one meal that not only saves time but elevates your dining experience with the very first bite.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
- Spaghetti (or noodles of your choosing)
- Low sodium chicken broth
- Matchstick carrots
- Snap peas
- Bell peppers
- Fresh green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Fresh ginger
- White wine vinegar
- Honey
- Low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos, or tamari for alternatives)
