40 Dishes Under 100 Calories Per Serving
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Calorie Crushers
Burning more calories each day than you take in can be part of a weight loss or management routine, but deprivation can be unhealthy — so it’s good to enjoy low-cal food to the fullest. These 40 dishes made from cheap, healthy whole foods combine a variety of textures and flavors for exciting meals and snacks. As a bonus, smaller portions lower a food budget.
Related: 26 Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget
Mary Shustack contributed to this story.
Zucchini Parmesan (52 Calories)
By omitting breading and unnecessary ingredients, the core of this simple dish shines through with enough calories to spare for a bit of marinara for dunking. Looking for other creative ways to prepare zucchini? Consider picking up a spiralizer, just one of the 24 Kitchen Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed.
Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms (79 Calories)
Working protein into a dish for less than 100 calories is a feat, but mushrooms are one of the best options. This snack or light meal is stuffed with healthy and low-calorie spinach and tangy feta that is satisfying on many levels.
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Hummus (80 Calories)
This creamy dip comes in handy when watching calories but still need to participate in social gatherings — a quarter cup of this hummus is well below 100 calories. Stretching that with low-calorie celery and cucumber stalks makes it feel more plentiful.
Jalapeno Pickled Egg (88 Calories)
Celery, Onion & Orange Salad (88 Calories)
Fried Cauliflower With Vegetables (100 Calories)
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie (81 Calories)
A treat that can be indulged in guilt-free — it’s a relatively nutritious cookie, and oat flour helps keep the glycemic index low, which is good for anyone with blood sugar issues.
Green Beans and Potatoes in Chunky Tomato Sauce (70 Calories)
Healthy Steak Stir-Fry (95 Calories)
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean bland, as this Asian-influenced dish — complete with protein in the form of boneless beef sirloin steak — attests. Those who like a bit of zip will delight in the flavor combo of ginger root, a dash of steak sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Those who love their veggies will savor the addition of broccoli and mushrooms, as well.
Curried Winter Squash (100 Calories)
Mini Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins (75 Calories)
If baked goods are your go-to splurge, you don’t have to feel shut out when watching your calorie intake. This recipe is lush with the creaminess of pumpkin and the salty-sweetness of butterscotch, and creates an ideal snack that’s less than 100 calories. More than 350 reviewers gave it an average of 4.5 out of five stars.
Kale Chips (58 Calories)
Salted Caramel, Low-Calorie Oatmeal (100 Calories)
Oatmeal isn’t always considered part of a low-calorie diet, but this recipe is a most-welcome interpretation of the breakfast staple, resulting in a 100-calorie oatmeal that brings something sweet to the table, too.
Shrimp and Mango Summer Dipping Rolls (75 Calories)
Shrimp, mango, and fresh mint combine so well, you may not crave those classic fried egg rolls. Indeed, this is a lighter take on that favorite appetizer, using airy rice paper and fresh ingredients that may leave you satisfied with just one. There’s even a complementary recipe for a lime juice and Sriracha-based dipping sauce that won’t tip the calorie count.
Keto Chicken Soup (100 Calories)
A chill in the air signals the time for a hearty bowl of soup, and this option makes an ideal 100-calorie lunch. Old-fashioned comfort is embedded in this healthy recipe that provides a modern kick, thanks to tomatillos, cilantro, and lime. The recipe creator also offers a number of ingredient tips to customize to your taste.
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad (100 Calories)
As this recipe’s description notes, “No mayo, no problem.” Probiotic-rich Greek yogurt gives this version of tuna salad a tangy touch further enhanced by Dijon mustard. Its flavorful spin makes it an attractive choice for a satisfying 100-calorie lunch.
Healthy Deviled Eggs (47 Calories)
Peaches and Cream Smoothie (84 Calories)
Grilled Pineapple Slices (92 Calories)
Bacon Brussels Sprout Skewers (75 Calories)
Low-Calorie Fruit Ambrosia (58 Calories)
Do you look longingly at a slice of cheesecake or a bowl of full-fat ice cream? Well, you can still enjoy a rich-and-creamy dessert with this clever recipe that’s fancy (and tasty) enough to serve guests. Fat-free yogurt, whipped topping and sugar-free pudding mix combine for a fluffy base that keeps you feeling far from deprived.
