We’ve put together some easy weight-loss meals to make getting dinner on the table a breeze on busy nights. These are no-fuss recipes that only take 30 minutes or less to prepare. Plus, each dish has less than 575 calories and at least 6 grams of fiber and/or 15 grams of protein per serving, so you can meet your weight loss nutritional goals and still have a tasty, filling meal tonight. Recipes like our Marry Me White Bean Soup or our Broccoli Cheddar Butter Beans are highly rated recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
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Marry me white bean soup
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Props Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This Marry Me White Bean Soup is inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken recipe with a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and parmesan. Here, those same flavors are transformed into a hearty, heartwarming vegetarian soup where white beans take center stage. Rounded off with basil and extra cheese, it is cozy, a real eye-catcher and is guaranteed to win hearts at the table.
20 minute chickpea soup
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Props Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
If you’re in a hurry, grab this creamy chickpea soup that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this savory soup, creating a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s also popular and well received during the week.
Broccoli Cheddar Butter Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
These Broccoli Cheddar Butter Beans are a comforting dish reminiscent of broccoli cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets add color while sharp cheddar cheese melts for classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick consistency that’s perfect for baking with crusty bread.
Chicken Florentine in a pan
Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Props Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.
Classic Chicken Florentine – creamy spinach served with sautéed chicken – is a quick and easy meal. This recipe uses cornstarch instead of cheese to thicken the cream. This chicken recipe is simple enough for everyday, but also elegant enough for a dinner party.
Balsamic chicken thighs with rocket and tomato salad
Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
This easy chicken dinner is a flavor-packed dish where juicy chicken thighs are cooked until golden brown and then coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. They are served on a crunchy rocket and tomato salad. It’s an easy dinner for two that tastes delicious and is quick to prepare.
Pesto pasta with peas and tomatoes
Ali Redmond
This Pesto Pasta with Peas and Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen peas and then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herby finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or picnics. A sprinkle of parmesan and a squeeze of lemon provide the perfect finishing touch.
Loaded chicken cutlets
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Lindsey Lower.
These stuffed chicken schnitzels are an easy all-in-one sheet pan meal. Chopped broccoli is mixed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded cheese, and bacon to create a savory topping that’s piled on top of the chicken and is a filling, vegetarian twist on classic schnitzels. The dish is made with minimal cleanup and is perfect for busy weeknights. A dollop of sour cream, more bacon and sliced green onions on top make it even more delicious.
Chickpea grain bowl with feta and tomatoes
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Props Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This Chickpea Farro Grain Bowl is a hearty dish packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and vegetables. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily substitute it with quinoa, brown rice, or barley.
Lemon orzo tuna salad with broccoli
Leigh Beisch
This pasta salad and tuna salad mashup gets a color and texture boost from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a salty bite. Be sure to monitor the cooking of the pasta carefully as orzo can go from al dente to mush in a minute. If in doubt, drain it a little earlier so that it softens even further in the lemon dressing.
Canned tuna rice bowl
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Props Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This canned tuna rice bowl is a quick, flavor-packed meal that combines a pantry staple and fresh ingredients. Flaky chunks of tuna are combined with spicy kimchi and served over warm brown rice, paired with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado and toasted nori. A drizzle of Sriracha mayonnaise brings everything together. It’s easy to customize and comes together in minutes – perfect for a filling weeknight lunch or dinner.
Lemon salmon rice bowl with feta, cucumber and tomato salad
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Props Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
This lemony salmon rice bowl is a fresh and filling meal that’s quick to prepare and flavorful. Grilled salmon is drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing that adds a special touch to the entire dish. It’s served on a bed of fluffy brown rice that soaks up the citrus flavors. As a side dish, a crisp salad of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese provides creaminess and a refreshing crunch.
Spicy chicken and cabbage stir-fry
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.
This stir-fry is a quick, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are cooked and then tossed with crunchy cabbage and a spicy chili-garlic sauce that adds just the right amount of heat. With just five ingredients, it’s proof that simple can also be tasty.
Protein-rich cheeseburger salad
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams, Props Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
This cheeseburger salad is a fun twist on a classic burger. It consists of a crunchy base of chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes. A melty cheeseburger patty is served warm on top, along with a spicy ketchup-mayo-pickle sauce that ties all the flavors together. Optional sesame seeds add a crunchy touch and are reminiscent of the traditional burger bun.
5-ingredient avocado and chickpea salad
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Props Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This avocado and chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that takes just minutes to prepare. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is filling. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking and minimal preparation required, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Protein-rich minced meat and sweet potato stir-fry
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Props Stylist: Gabriel Greco
This Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, hearty meal made with just five simple ingredients (not counting oil, salt, and pepper) for a flavorful one-pan dinner. Cook the sweet potatoes until tender, absorbing the savory flavors of the beef and vegetables. With no complicated prep or cleanup required, it’s a satisfying and stress-free option for any night of the week.
Protein-rich pasta salad
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Props Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This protein-packed pasta salad is a filling dish packed with plant-based proteins made from chickpea pasta and garbanzo beans, with an added kick from fresh mozzarella cheese pearls. Flavored with fresh vegetables and seasoned with zesty za’atar seasoning, this salad is perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a hearty dinner.
