Here it is: 100 of our best healthyish dinners under 500 calories a serve. And with everything from loaded noodle salads to cheesy chicken dishes, there’s no deprivation here!
One-pan Caprese chicken This super-easy one-pan dinner is ready in a flash, and low-cal -perfect!
Healthy Spanish chicken and beans Searching for healthy meal prep recipe ideas? This low-cal one-pan chicken and beans dish ticks all the right boxes.
Healthy quiche We’ve given the classic quiche a healthy makeover by swapping sour cream for high-protein yoghurt and adding nutrient-rich salmon. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch, dinner or when you’re entertaining.
Maple and tamari tofu with broccolini noodles Meal prep this healthy vegetarian dish ahead of time, then pull out of the freezer during the week when life gets busy.
Healthier chicken and carrot-noodle pad thai We’ve taken classic pad Thai and given it a healthier spin, packed with chicken breast, carrot noodles and loads of veg. It’s gluten free and low in calories and fat, too.
Ginger pork stir-fry with snow peas, cabbage and almonds Searching for healthy meal prep recipe ideas? This healthy pork stir-fry is low in calories and fat, and has over 2.5 serves of veg.
Healthy harissa chicken, lentil and kale tray bake Packed full of flavour, this healthy tray bake has over 3 serves of veg per serve and with added protein of chicken and lentils. It is a great winter dinner option that will impress all the family.
Mediterranean crispbread salad It might be loaded with flavour, but this hearty salad is easy to put together in just 5 minutes
Healthy chilli herb salmon tray bake Serving two people, this healthy meal prep recipe idea is packed with veg and flavour but low in calories.
17-minute turmeric chilli fried egg bowl This healthy vegetarian bowl has kale, chickpeas, egg and Greek yoghurt for a protein-packed weeknight dinner
Healthy feta and mint beef patties with grilled vegies and hummus Searching for healthy meal prep recipe ideas? These beef patties can be made ahead and frozen for 3 months or kept in the fridge for a day or two.
Healthy pork stir-fry with rice noodles and broccolini Get your noodle around this combo: lip-smacking South East Asian flavours in just 30 minutes – and it’s gluten free and low in calories and fat!
Healthy apricot chicken Revamp traditional apricot chicken with this nutritious, reduced fat and high fibre recipe.
Salmon tacos with papaya salsa Topped with fresh papaya salsa, these tasty tacos are under 500 calories per serve.
Creamy chicken and pea carbonara pasta This creamy chicken pasta is surprisingly low in calories as well as being quick, easy and gluten-free.
Miso roast pumpkin and beef noodle salad This low-cal and low-fat salad will fill ’em up.
Pepper pork, vegetable and basil stir-fry Pepper and basil add a big flavour punch without the extra kilojoules in this sizzling stir-fry.
Indian-spiced shanks and broccoli rice Our delicious Indian inspired spiced lamb shanks are full of flavour and the perfect winter warmer. Serve up with broccoli rice to soak up the sauce.
Chargrilled fish with green chilli, coriander and coconut relish A quick and easy South Indian style coconut chutney adds punch to this low-fat fish dish.
Sumac chicken with chickpeas, spinach and baba ghanoush For a light and healthy midweek meal, try this spiced chicken salad, served with pita bread and baba ghanoush.
Barley, chickpea and eggplant casserole with parsley pesto Ready in under an hour and loaded with veggies. Try our healthy barley, chickpea and eggplant casserole with parsley pesto for a light meal.
Spicy pork bulgogi Bring a touch of Korean barbecue to the dinner table with this sweet pork dish.
Piri piri fish with charred corn salad Turn up the heat on the barbecue and enjoy this winning fish dinner, ready in just 30 minutes.
Amaranth and quinoa stuffed peppers These colourful peppers are stuffed with vegetables, seeds and grains.
Grilled tofu with brown rice, Asian greens and chilli sesame dressing With a sticky soy chilli dressing and plenty of chargrilled tofu, this hearty vegetarian dish is sure to satisfy.
Spicy pork meatballs with carrot and coriander salad Spicy meatballs never looked so good, thanks to this 30-minute weeknight winner.
Rosemary steak with charred asparagus and white bean salad An easy gluten-free midweek meal for steak lovers.
Indian lamb cutlets with lentil, kale and cauliflower salad Get healthy with this hearty low-cal and gluten-free dinner.
Healthy salmon, potato and broccoli tray bake With delicious turmeric, chilli, mustard seed and coriander, this healthy spiced salmon and vegetable tray bake will be a new dinner winner.
Healthier chicken breast and zucchini linguine On the table in 20 minutes, this healthier creamy chicken ‘pasta’ dinner will be a hit with the whole family. It’s also low in calories and gluten free.
Warm wasabi beef and zoodle salad Searching for a healthy dinner idea? Try this Asian-inspired zoodle salad with spicy beef.
Wholemeal pasta with broccoli, chilli and kale pesto Enjoy this low fat pasta any day of the week, flavoured with a delicious kale pesto.
Healthy chilli con carne Ready in 40 minutes, this healthy Mexican beef chilli con carne is packed with vegies and served with natural yoghurt.
Sesame chicken with black rice, sugar snaps and broccolini For an Asian-inspired midweek meal, try this speedy sesame chicken, served on a bed of black rice.
Grilled chicken and vegetable barley bowl For a bowl full of goodness try this low fat, low calorie chicken and vegetable dish.
Healthy pork and black bean one-pot with green chilli salsa This healthy spicy pork dish is on the table in 35 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Chilli chicken, quinoa, baby pepper and snow pea stir-fry This easy-peasy stir-fry is super-healthy dishes and ready in just 15 minutes.
Roast chicken with chilli, lemon and rosemary rub This is hot stuff: top-value chicken pieces marinated in a delicious herb and spice mix.
Pasta salad with lentils, pesto & beans A fantastic food to include in vegetarian diets, lentils are a great source of protein.
Healthy beef stroganoff Give the classic beef stroganoff a healthy makeover with this better-for-you recipe.
Pumpkin felafel with chopped tomato salad This delicious meat-free felafel salad is packed with flavour, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Vegie sushi bowl For a easy vegetarian lunch, try this speedy ten minute sushi salad.
Salmon and crispy lettuce with pearl couscous Hot-smoked salmon adds a delicious smoky flavour to this super-speedy low-cal pearl couscous dinner.
Caprese salad with lemon and caper grilled chicken Liven up a traditional caprese salad with zesty chicken thigh fillets and crunchy sunflower seeds.
Salmon, chia and broccoli fish cakes Canned salmon is a budget-friendly and healthy addition to these gluten-free fish cakes.
Almond-crumbed pork with Asian slaw This low-calorie pork schnitzel makes a colourful family meal when served with the vibrant buk choy, red cabbage and apple slaw.
Chicken and papaya salad This quick low-cal salad is made from marinated chicken and fresh seasonal papaya. Papaya pairs well with chicken. The lime juice accentuates its sweetness.
Sticky beef and bean stir-fry This fast, low-fat stir-fry features lean beef mince cooked in sweet pineapple juice and oyster sauce for rich umami flavour.
Turmeric, lentil and lemon soup This healthy lentil vegetarian soup gets its lovely golden colour from turmeric, which contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Balsamic pork with celeriac mash Slow-cooking the onions in stock and balsamic makes a deliciously sweet sauce for this low-cal pork fillet without any added sugar.
Turmeric-spiced turkey and cauliflower lettuce cups Lettuce makes a delicious container for this quick and easy main. Turkey mince is a naturally low-fat alternative and the black beans provide healthy protein while making the meal more filling.
Summer greens, tomato and basil frittata Low-cal, gluten-free and vegetarian too, this frittata has it all.
Prawn, asparagus and noodle salad This easy Japanese noodle recipe makes a great mid-week, low-cal dinner.
Beef and vegetable pie This low-cal pie by Louise Keats is a great healthy alternative to a traditional meat-only pie.
Grilled steak with smoky cauliflower and white bean mash This quick and easy steak is a perfect low-cal gluten-free midweek meal. Mix up your cauliflower mash with some parmesan for an extra twist.
Roast mushroom and pork bake Dijon mustard adds flavour to the roasting juices and works well with pork in this low cal dinner idea.
Lamb leg and spiced ‘rice’ The spiced cauliflower ‘rice’ makes a wonderful low-cal and low-carb substitute for white rice, and absorbs all the delicious flavours added to it.
Chilli beef stir-fry with broccoli and peanuts We love a stir-fry that’s quick and easy, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Low-cal eggplant adds depth of flavour and contrast to the crunchy pak choy.
Salmon and fennel salad Due to salmon’s rich flavour and texture, a small portion is very satisfying in this healthy low-cal salad.
Indonesian chicken skewers and spicy coconut salad Lemongrass adds an aromatic depth of flavour to the marinade of these low cal chicken skewers.
Barbecued peach panzanella Barbecued peaches add sweetness and seasonal flavour to this low-cal summer salad.
Zucchini noodle salad with herbs, cashews and chilli dressing Raw zucchini noodles make a wonderful low-fat, low-cal and low-carb substitute for regular noodles, as well as providing vitamin C, potassium and folate
Black rice, tamari pork and roasted pumpkin salad The tender tamari pork tastes amazing with the golden pumpkin nuggets in this low-cal warm salad.
Greek vegetable and lamb tray bake A complete low-cal family meal in one pan. Fragrant dried oregano adds delicious Greek flavour that’s great with lamb.
Spicy prawn tacos with bean salad Using nutrient-packed vegies, such as beans and tomatoes, to bulk out these low cal tacos makes them just as delicious and satisfying as regular tacos.
Balsamic corned beef with parsley relish Served with lean silverside and vegies, this potato recipe is a great low-cal meal.
Spicy cauliflower and chickpea fritters This speedy weeknight dinner is perfect for meat-free weeknights – plus it’s low-cal and gluten-free!
Roast beetroot salad with savoury granola This easy beetroot salad uses savoury granola to add gluten-free crunch – plus, it’s low-cal!
Low-cal beef stroganoff This better-for-you beef stroganoff is low in calories but full of flavour. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Lasagne-stuffed capsicums We’ve combined classic beef lasagne and stuffed capsicums to create this easy dinner winner.
Broccoli and pea fritters Ready in 25 minutes, these budget-friendly vegetarian fritters are a healthy dinner option.
Better-for-you chicken cacciatore We’ve made a few tweaks to traditional chicken cacciatore, so it’s better for you but still loaded with flavour.
One-pan spring vegetable gnocchi This fresh 17-minute dinner uses seasonal ingredients, including asparagus and cherry tomatoes, so it costs less than $5 a serve.
Spiced vegetable and lamb fritter with cucumber salad This made-to-share giant sweet potato fritter is a healthy and budget-friendly dinner option for the family.
Sweet and sour crunchy pork salad Ready in 25 minutes, this Asian fried noodle and cabbage salad with pork fillet is perfect for entertaining or as a midweek meal.
Broccoli, bacon and quinoa fritter slice This recipe combines two of our favourite things – fritters and savoury slice – into one budget-friendly dinner winner. Plus, it’s loaded with 4 serves of vegies in each portion!
Healthier chicken satay stir-fry Using light coconut milk means this chicken satay stir-fry is still creamy but is way better for you! We’ve also added pumpkin and broccolini for extra veg.
Linguine with no-cook puttanesca sauce Twirl your fork around this fresh spring pasta that’s ready in 17 minutes or less.
Sichuan pepper Chinese vegies with cashews Set to sizzle, this easy vegetarian stir-fry is fast and flavoursome.
Lemon chicken noodle salad Flash-fried chicken strips and fresh lemon dressing puts a healthy spin on the much-loved Vietnamese noodle salad.
Kung pao spaghetti with prawns This punchy prawn pasta dish kicks plenty of weeknight dinner goals – it’s super-easy, ready in no time and packed full of flavour with a definite chilli hit.
Vegetarian kung pao cauliflower We’ve switched out chicken for cauliflower in this popular Chinese dish, so everyone can enjoy it.
Pork san choy bau salad This quick and easy take on traditional san choy bau is a delicious dinner option that is on the table in a flash!
5-ingredient hearty vego frying-pan pie If you’ve got a frying pan, you’ve got a pie. This meat-free pastry-topped dish is best served hot on cold winter nights.
Indian chana masala Budget tight? Short on time? Dinner is sorted with this quick and easy chickpea curry made with pantry staples.
Chow mein cabbage rolls Chow mein and cabbage rolls combine to create this budget-friendly dinner winner.
Mexican tray bake with eggs The addition of kidney beans turns this brekky fave into a satisfying main meal.
Lime and chilli prawn stir-fry Zest up your usual weeknight stir-fry with this super-speedy prawn and noodle version – it’ll be a new family favourite in no time!
Coconut chickpea curry with broccoli rice This hearty low-calorie coconut chickpea curry is packed with flavour and will warm you up on the chilliest of days. Start this recipe the day before serving.
Lentil meatballs with roasted cherry tomato sauce These vegetarian gluten-free lentil meatballs are cooked in a flavoursome cherry tomato sauce, and are low in calories to boot!
Fish saganaki with garlic toasts These Greek dish users fresh fish fillets to create a yummy hearty meal. Serve with green beans and garlic toast.
Easy superfood fried rice Throw together our superfood fried rice in just minutes for a quick midweek meal.
Haloumi ‘bacon’ and broccolini with sweet potato noodles Give this healthy vegetarian salad with sweet potato spaghetti a smoky bacon flavour by tossing cubes of haloumi in paprika.
Sweet potatoes with chicken and jalapeño slaw They say ‘eat the rainbow’ and that could not be more true of this colourful sweet potato parcel. Packed with protein-rich black beans, this dish is hearty but low in fat.
Quick and healthy chicken piccata bowl This lemony chicken piccata bowl ticks all the dinnertime boxes: it’s super quick, low in calories and fat, and tastes amazing to boot.
Quick lamb cutlets with salsa verde Create these gluten-free lamb cutlets in just 17 minutes. The chargrilled cabbage wedges make for a budget-friendly and easy side.
Zucchini lasagne roll-ups A vegetarian delight: the inclusion of cannellini beans in this modern lasagne makes for a hearty, high in fibre and protein rich dish that is meat-free.
Chicken patties with noodle salad Drizzle a zesty lime and sweet chilli sauce over these tasty chicken mince patties and rice noodle salad.
Cumin chicken and pumpkin with warm chickpea salsa Pump up the flavour of spiced barbecued chicken with a garlicky chickpea salad.
Baked chickpea and edamame felafels This hearty vegetarian main is a healthier version. The felafels are baked not fried and served on wholemeal pita breads with a light yoghurt dressing.
