It’s easy to grab takeout when you’re busy, but these recipes for low calorie dinners are as quick as fast food. With a little ingenuity, you can have a healthy dinner on the table in no time! These amazing recipes are quick, delicious, and low calorie – posing a challenge to the practice of getting fast foods as a convenient alternative.
Shrimp Po' Boy
When people think of shrimp po’ boy they automatically imagine rich, high-calorie sandwiches that are strictly forbidden for people on a low calorie diet. This low calorie dinner takes a traditional high calorie delicacy and transforms it into a low calorie treat. Moist grilled shrimp and creamy-dressed are piled onto a crusty bun in this exotic Louisiana offering. This goes well with corn.
Ingredients:
2 cups finely shredded red cabbage
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
1 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp
4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 whole-wheat hot dog buns, or small sub rolls, split
4 tomato slices, halved
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Procedure:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Combine cabbage, relish, mayonnaise, and yogurt in a medium bowl.
3. Toss shrimp with 2 teaspoons oil, chili powder, paprika, and pepper in a medium bowl. Place the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a small bowl. Dip a pastry brush in water, then in the oil and lightly brush the inside of each bun (or roll).
4. Place a grill basket (see Kitchen Tip) on the grill. Add the shrimp and spread in a single layer. Grill, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Open the buns and grill, turning once, until toasted on both sides, about 1 minute total.
5. To assemble the sandwiches, divide tomato and onion among the buns. Spread about 1/3 cup cabbage mixture down the middle of each and top with about 1/2 cup grilled shrimp.
Turkey & Tomato Panini
This is one of those low calorie dinners that would be welcome in any gathering – regardless of whether it is a party for dieters or not. Here you have a creamy spread full of Parmesan and fresh basil, turkey and summer-ripe tomato slices for a savory hot sandwich. It is good for a brunch with company but is also a totally amazing stay home lunch that allows you to enjoy a good meal without breaking your calorie limit.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 slices whole-wheat bread
8 ounces thinly sliced reduced-sodium deli turkey
8 tomato slices
2 teaspoons canola oil
Procedure:
1. Have four 15-ounce cans and a medium skillet (not nonstick) ready by the stove.
2. Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, Parmesan, basil, lemon juice, and pepper in a small bowl. Spread about 2 teaspoons of the mixture on each slice of bread. Divide turkey and tomato slices among 4 slices of bread; top with the remaining bread.
3. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 2 Paninis in the pan. Place the medium skillet on top of the Panini, and then weigh it down with the cans. Cook the Panini until golden on one side, about 2 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, flip the Panini, replace the top skillet and cans, and cook until the second side is golden, 1 to 3 minutes more.
5. Repeat with another 1 teaspoon oil and the remaining panini.