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Easy low-calorie meal ideas

We've given our favourite recipes a healthy makeover to make them lower in calories and 5:2 diet-friendly. From easy on-trend recipes such as courgetti and cauliflower-crust pizza, to healthy versions of classics such as lasagne, beef bourguignon and curry

January 4, 2019 at 9:18 am

Looking for low calorie meals? Try our low calorie recipes for healthier pasta, curries and stews as well as low calorie dinner classics such as colourful soups and vibrant salads.

Sweet potato and miso soup

This low-calorie vegan soup is velvety, wholesome and packed with plenty of umami flavour – perfect for a yummy lunch or light dinner served with a hunk of bread. Check out more of our soup recipes here.

Sweet Potato Soup Recipe with White Miso

Spring minestrone soup

Ready in under an hour, this low-calorie minestrone soup is packed with an abundance of spring veggies and topped with crispy pancetta. Check out more of our soup recipes here.

Moroccan veggie soup

Check out our easy Moroccan vegan soup recipe with lemons, chickpeas and plenty of spice. This low calorie soup serves four and ready in under an hour. More low calorie soup ideas here…

Baked feta with chilli and chorizo jam and chopped salad

Take your midweek meal up a notch with chilli and chorizo jam, we’ve used Tracklements in this low-calorie meal idea – it works perfectly by giving a smoky kick to creamy, salty feta.

Low calorie pad Thai

This recipe for pad Thai is packed full of authentic Thai flavours but without the high calorie count as we’ve used courgette instead of normal noodles. It’s really easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes and well under 300 calories, perfect for midweek.

Frying pan full of healthy Pad Thai with prawns

Chicken saag

One of your favourite recipes, our chicken saag recipe proves that you can eat healthily without having to miss out on your favourite foods. This comes in at under 500 calories and is ready in under an hour. Try our low calorie curry ideas here…

Low calorie beef bourguignon

Eating healthily doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself delicious food. This beef bourguignon is packed full of classic flavours and is low-calorie. You’ll forget you’re being virtuous.

Prawn aguachile salad

Check out our quick and easy prawn aguachile salad recipe. Aguachile’ means ‘chilli water’ in Spanish, referring to the fiery dressing. Traditionally, raw prawns would be used but we’ve used cooked here to cut down on time.

Miso shiitake ramen

In need of a healthy yet warming midweek meal? Try our low calorie, vegan miso shiitake mushroom ramen for an easy dinner for two. Check out our noodle soup recipes here for warming low calorie meals…

Vegan ramen recipe with shiitake mushrooms

Low calorie chicken and leek pie

A perfect easy and healthy supper for when you feel like you’ve overindulged! Chicken and leeks are cooked in a creamy sauce and finished off with golden ciabatta breadcrumbs for a clever and healthier alternative to pastry

Paprika chicken goulash

Check out this juicy chicken goulash recipe with peppery paprika. Serve this simple one-pot with tagliatelle or rice for an easy midweek family meal. Plus it’s low in calories, too.

Chicken and Paprika Goulash Recipe served in a wide black pan on a pastel white table with a filled small white bowl

Courgetti with pesto and balsamic tomatoes

Who needs pasta when you can have spiralized courgette? Try our easy ‘courgetti’ recipe, made with baby plum tomatoes, garlic, pesto, pine nuts and a lot of courgette noodles.

Courgetti Recipe with Pesto and Tomatoes

Low calorie lasagne

Our low-calorie lasagne is a delicious dinner recipe for six people. Serve with a green salad for a healthy version of this classic Italian dish.

Mango and prawn rice noodle salad

Check out our quick and easy noodle salad recipe with fresh king prawns, sweet and juicy mango and crunchy veggies. This super bright salad is low in calories and ready in 25 minutes – an easy midweek meal for the family.

Prawn Rice Noodle Salad Recipe with Mango

Low calorie lamb stew

Hearty, low-fat one pot for a filling family meal. Pearl barley adds bulk to an easy stew of lamb, veg and potatoes. Make in minutes then leave to cook for 1 hour. Serve the stew with leafy greens or crusty bread for the juices.

Penna alla norma

Check out this easy gluten free tomato pasta with aubergine topped with fresh basil. This simple recipe is veggie friendly and low in calories.

Chicken satay noodle salad

Check out our easy chicken satay noodle salad recipe with red cabbage, shredded carrots and roasted peanuts. This vibrant crunchy salad is low in calories and ready in an hour.

15-minute mushroom stroganoff

This super-quick and easy mushroom and tarragon stroganoff makes for a great, healthy midweek meal, ready in just 15 minutes and under 300 calories.

Easy Stroganoff Recipe with Mushroom and Tarragon

Cauliflower crust pizza

Cauliflower works as an alternative to flour in this on-trend, super light pizza base. The parmesan gives the cauliflower crust a deep flavour which you can then personalise with your own toppings.

Puy lentil bolognese

A great vegetarian alternative for when you don’t want to use a meat substitute but still want a substantial meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and healthy.

Healthier pizza

On a diet but craving pizza? This version has a thin and crisp base, a rich but light tomato sauce and is topped with creamy mozzarella, rocket and a little parmesan. And still only 360 calories for half a pizza!

Thai-style turkey burgers

Looking for a low-fat alternative to a beef burger? These healthy turkey burgers are kicked up a notch with Thai-inspired ginger and chilli. Serve with ciabatta and salad.

Spiced steak with sweet potato wedges

This is a quick and easy way to inject more flavour into your steak. Plus, serving with sweet potato wedges instead of chips cuts the calories to under 500.