These main dishes are all 300 calories or less, so you can feel good about dinner tonight.
Our Best Dinner Main Dishes Under 300 Calories
Updated Feb. 13, 2024
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East Coast Shrimp and Lentil Bowls
If you have frozen shrimp, a few seasoning ingredients, bagged spinach and lentils on hand, you can make this dish in no time. It's so delicious—nobody needs to know that it's healthy too! —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
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Mushroom Tacos
Mushroom tacos are mighty tasty when made with well-seasoned portobello mushrooms, sweet red pepper and plenty of spices. Serve them with warmed tortillas and cheese, and everyone will be happy.
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Pasta Primavera
Craving pasta but want something light and fresh? Try pasta primavera! This easy recipe features crisp veggies and a creamy Parmesan sauce.
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Lentil Loaf
You will never miss the meat in this vegetarian lentil loaf. Sauteed vegetables, savory lentils and mushrooms, and melty mozzarella make for one seriously satisfying loaf.
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Chicken Jambalaya
Chicken jambalaya is a very tasty one-pot dish that doubles easily, reheats well and satisfies any craving you have for a meaty meal. This is a red jambalaya with tomatoes that requires little work outside of some chopping and sauteing.
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Stir-Fried Shrimp and Mushrooms
After a tiring but beautiful day of fishing, this is a fast and delicious way to serve our famous Key West pink shrimp. It's always a big hit with guests. —Jeanne Wolfort, Summerland Key, Florida
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Zucchini Crust Pizza
My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario
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Garden Pork Stir-Fry
From Mendota, Illinois, Kim Marie Van Rheenen shares her recipe for an easy all-in-one skillet supper that's brimming with fresh-from-the-garden flavor. It's a tasty way to make the most of seasonal produce--from your backyard veggie patch or the farmers market. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
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Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
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Grilled Kiwi-Chicken Kabobs with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
When guests bite into these juicy grilled kabobs, their eyes always widen with satisfaction. Our four kids are crazy about the spicy-sweet sauce. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Hoisin Turkey Lettuce Wraps
I'm married to a marathon runner, which means dinners need to be healthy but flavor-packed. These low-carb wraps are quick and easy. He loves the health aspect, I love the taste! —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
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Citrus Salmon en Papillote
Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
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Fresh Spring Rolls
Learn how to make rice paper-wrapped spring rolls that are fresh, crunchy and delicious. It is easier than you think!
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Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
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Italian Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini
I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
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Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
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Broccoli Tuna Casserole
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
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So-Easy Coq au Vin
Here’s my adaptation of the beloved French dish. I substituted boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lighter, easy coq au vin that still showcases the traditional and memorable taste. —Sonya Labbe, Los Angeles, California
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Mini Mediterranean Pizza
I was on a mini pizza kick and had already served up Mexican and Italian variations, so I opted for a Mediterranean version and came up with these. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
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Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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All-Day Red Beans & Rice
My family loves New Orleans-style cooking, so I make this authentic dish often. I appreciate how uncomplicated it is. And its smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
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Fish Tacos
A cool sauce with just a bit of zing tops these breaded fish tacos (that are actually healthy!). This recipe is a delicious guilt-free dish that doesn't break the bank. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington
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Lemon Mushroom Chicken
There's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
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Penne with Veggies and Black Beans
Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Southwest Vegetarian Bake
This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
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Southwest Turkey Stew
I prefer main dishes that let me stay on my diet but still eat what the rest of the family eats. My husband and our young children think this diet-friendly stew is a hit. —Stephanie Wilson of Helix, Oregon
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Vegetarian Stuffed Shells
When my aunt first told me about these shells, they sounded like a lot of work—but the recipe whips up in no time. Sometimes I add a little cooked bacon to the ricotta filling. —Amelia Hopkin, Salt Lake City, Utah
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California Roast Lamb
This recipe is very easy to make and requires little attention. It goes well with any rice dish, and it's perfect for just about any occasion. —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
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Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak
From the tenderest meat to flavorful vegetables, this slow-cooker pepper steak is a perfectly tasty weeknight meal that doesn’t require too much thought to throw together.
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Sweet Potato Stew
Beef broth and herbs complement the potatoes' subtle sweetness in this hearty stew that's perfect for fall. — Helen Vail, Glenside, Pennsylvania
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Ginger Honey Marinated Salmon
Ginger, garlic powder and green onion blend nicely for this marinated salmon. We've found it tastes even better when marinated in the fridge overnight. We also like to use this versatile mixture when grilling chicken! —Dan Strumberger, Farmington, Minnesota
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Pork Chops and Beans
This hearty combination of tender pork chops and two kinds of beans makes a satisfying supper from the slow cooker in summer or winter," assures Dorothy Pritchett of Wills Point, Texas.
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Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana
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Artichoke Chicken
If you love artichoke hearts, you'll love this easy artichoke chicken recipe! Chicken, artichokes and mushrooms bake in a savory rosemary-infused sauce that keeps the chicken breasts juicy and tender.
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Rosemary Garlic Shrimp
Delicate shrimp take on fabulous flavor when simmered in a chicken broth mixed with garlic and ripe olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Quick Pepper Steak
When I need a speedy skillet supper, this pepper steak comes to my rescue. The tender meat is slightly sweet, with a hint of brown sugar and molasses. —Monica Williams, Burleson, Texas
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Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
This slow-cooker beef stew recipe certainly satisfies when it's chilly outside. Each spoonful delivers tender bites of beef, creamy potatoes and chunky vegetables in a rich mustard-seasoned broth.
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Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry
With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. Check out our guide if you’re new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington
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Pastry-Topped Turkey Casserole
My friends tell me this is the best potpie they've ever had. Hearty and full-flavored, my comforting classic never lets on that it’s also low in fat and a good source of fiber. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
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Cod and Asparagus Bake
The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New JerseyOriginally Published: October 08, 2019
