47 Healthy Dinners with 300 Calories (or Less!)

Read Time: 23 mins

47 Healthy Dinners with 300 Calories (or Less!)1/47 Pork Chops with Nectarine Salsa 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My special pork dish has so much flavor and is a snap to prepare. A sweet, fruity salsa perfectly balances the spicy rub that coats the pan-fried chops. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 1 pork chop with 1/2 cup salsa: 246 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat,

Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch

1 fruit. 2/47 Oven-Fried Chicken Drumsticks 42 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Oven-Fried Chicken Drumsticks Recipe photo by Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe Nutrition Facts: 2 chicken drumsticks: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch. 3/47 Moroccan Lamb Lettuce Wraps Test Kitchen Approved Moroccan Lamb Lettuce Wraps Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 5 hours 25 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I am

a huge fan of both Moroccan lamb and lettuce wraps

a huge fan of both Moroccan lamb and lettuce wraps. This combination—with the creamy dressing and crunchy cucumber—makes a tasty slow-cooked dish. The wine and chili powder add even more flavor elements. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 2 filled lettuce wraps: 221 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch. 4/47 Parmesan Tilapia 92 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Jackie Alpers for Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband and

I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits

I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This one’s a hit with him, and we’ve served it at dinner parties too. It’s become a staple! —Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 fillet: 179 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 very lean meat, 1/2 fat. 5/47 Thai Shrimp Salad for 2 Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 35 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a deliciously different salad that blends

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat

grilled shrimp, a lean source of protein, with the low-calorie crunch of cucumber and onion. It’s tossed and dressed with Thai flavors of sesame, cilantro, lime and refreshing mint.—Annette Traverso, San Rafael, California Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 212 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat. 6/47 Grilled Halibut with Blueberry Salsa 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Grilled Halibut with Blueberry Salsa Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe

Creator: Give halibut a new summery spin

Creator: Give halibut a new summery spin. The salsa may seem sophisticated, but it’s really a cinch to prepare. —Donna Goutermont, Juneau, Alaska Nutrition Facts: 1 fillet with 1/3 cup salsa: 239 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch. 7/47 Pork Loin with Strawberry-Rhubarb Chutney Test Kitchen Approved Pork Loin with Strawberry-Rhubarb Chutney Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 20 min Servings 10 servings (1-3/4 cups sauce) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love

strawberry-rhubarb pie

strawberry-rhubarb pie, so I thought the same flavor combination could work as a chutney—and it does! This makes a delicious and festive accompaniment to a succulent pork roast. The chutney can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked pork with 3 tablespoons chutney: 243 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat. 8/47 Peanut Turkey Satay 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings

The peanut butter and soy sauce lend a nice Asian flavor

2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I found this recipe years ago and immediately served it to dinner guests. It’s easy and fun and takes only minutes to cook, but it makes a fancy entree for special occasions. The peanut butter and soy sauce lend a nice Asian flavor. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 skewer: 202 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch. 9/47 Feta Tomato-Basil Fish 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved JIM WIELAND FOR TASTE

He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip

OF HOME Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I rely on my husband for the main ingredient in this fuss-free dish. He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip. —Alicia Szeszol, Lindenhurst, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 241 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 660mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 10/47 Nectarine Chicken Salad 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to

The dressing is refreshingly tart

Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I’ve passed it on many times. Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 266 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 11/47 How to Grill Chicken Breasts 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe

Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat

From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy and tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. —Linda Coss, Lake Forest, California Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat. 12/47 Pork Salad 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Savory Pork Salad Recipe photo by Sonia Bozzo for Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Make an easy-going meal in a bowl

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable

by tossing together healthful veggies, pork tenderloin, fresh herbs and spices with a warm soy dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 229 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable. 13/47 Shrimp Fra Diavolo 7 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This quick shrimp fra diavolo is spicy, garlicky, saucy and loaded with delicious shrimp. Plus, with the addition

of spinach, you’re also getting a serving of veggies

of spinach, you’re also getting a serving of veggies. When you need a perfect low-fat weeknight meal that is easy to pull together, this is it. You can substitute arugula or kale for the spinach if you’d like. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 235 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat. 14/47 Zesty Steak Salad 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat

the Recipe Creator: Stir-fried steak and veggies give this hearty salad a cozy kick.Add any of your favorite salad ingredients like shredded cheese, croutons, mushrooms or cucumber. —Leah Carrell, Quitman, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 218 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat. 15/47 Chicken Jambalaya 11 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chicken Jambalaya Recipe photo by Kristina Vanni for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This is

a great easy chicken jambalaya recipe

a great easy chicken jambalaya recipe. It’s great to serve at parties and it reheats well after! —Lynn Desjardins, Atkinson, New Hampshire Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 285 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat. 16/47 Broccoli Tuna Casserole 20 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Broccoli Tuna Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 35 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I was in the Navy, a co-worker’s wife shared this recipe with me.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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