Incredible Low Calorie Dinner Ideas Made on a Sheet Pan
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Searching for low calorie dinner ideas? These easy sheet-pan dinners are quick, delicious recipes for a busy weeknight. They’ll help you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle without the hassle!
Before losing 125 pounds, I ate a lot of ground turkey, cottage cheese, chicken breast, and salmon fillets, thinking it was healthy eating.
Now that I eat a plant-based diet and have lost weight, I ditched the meat and created these vegan dishes. These low-calorie dinners will help you reach your weight loss goals. Let me show you how to make these low-calorie dinner recipes.
Before I show you these incredible low calorie dinner ideas, please take a quick second to subscribe to my Intentionally Eat newsletter. It’s full of tips and vegan recipes to help you with your weight loss journey. When you subscribe, you’ll get a FREE acid/alkaline chart to show you which foods you should AVOID for optimum health.
😍Why you’ll love these low calorie dinner ideas
- Easy Cleanup: One pan means minimal dishes and a quick, stress-free cleanup at the end of the day.
- Time-Saving: These sheet pan meals are easy to prep, and you can cook everything together, making them perfect for fast days.
- Healthy & Balanced: These low-calorie meals pack nutritious veggies and plant-based lean protein into every bite.
If you like these low calorie dinner ideas, you will love these 300 calorie meals for one, these Alkaline Breakfast Recipes, and these low fat Tortilla Wrap Recipes.
📃Ingredients and Substitutions
These low-calorie recipes offer a great option for picking vegetables the whole family will love. The printable recipe card below includes the simple ingredients, quantities, and nutritional value information.
Low Calorie Dinner Ideas
Vegan Thai Stirfry Recipe
This stirfry is a great way to eat the rainbow. It’s full of red peppers, onions, eggplant, and tofu, with cilantro sprinkled for freshness. Drizzle a Thai sweet chili sauce and serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice for one of the best well-balanced meals.
- Tofu – Extra Firm
- Onion
- Broccoli
- Bok Choy or Cabbage
- Red Peppers
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
- Cilantro
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste, or use this Homemade Salt Substitute.
You can substitute the tofu for your favorite plant-based protein and the cilantro with parsley. Add a bit of sriracha for a little heat.
Cauliflower Vegan Fajita Recipe
These Vegan Fajitas are a flavorful, protein-packed meal that combines roasted veggies and beans for a satisfying, plant-based twist.
- Cauliflower
- Cannellini beans or your favorite beans like black beans, pinto beans, or even green beans
- Poblano Pepper or bell pepper
- Onion
- Copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
- Jalapeno – optional, but roasting makes them sweeter and more flavorful
- Pico de Gallo
- Corn tortilla or your favorite tortilla
Serve with vegan sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for healthy fats and extra flavor.
Vegan BBQ Recipe with Smoky Seitan & Carolina Gold Sauce
This vegan BBQ recipe features smoky seitan paired with a rich, tangy Carolina Gold sauce, onions, and sweet potatoes, and it creates a bold and flavorful plant-based easy midweek meal.
- Seitan
- Onion
- Sweet Potatoes
- Liquid Smoke
- Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Serve with a red cabbage slaw or this shredded brussels sprouts slaw for a complete meal.
💡Pro Tip – If you want crispy sweet potato fries, place them directly on the sheet pan without parchment or air fry them for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) after roasting.
Greek Tofu Recipe with Roasted Veggies
This Greek tofu recipe combines marinated tofu with roasted veggies and olives for a lower calorie Mediterranean diet recipe.
- Tofu – Extra firm
- Bell Peppers
- Onion
- Zucchini
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Kalamata Olives
- Greek Seasoning
- Vegan Feta Cheese
Serve with white rice, couscous, or orzo for a complete meal and a higher calorie intake.
🥄How to Make a Sheet Pan Dinner
Making a sheet pan dinner is simple and convenient. Here’s how you do it:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to around 375°F (190°C) or the temperature in the recipe. Prepare the Ingredients: Choose a combination of vegetables, protein (like tofu, tempeh, seitan, or beans for vegan options), and any seasonings or marinades. Use the recipes above for a guideline.
- Season or Marinate: Drizzle olive oil (if using), add your favorite herbs and spices, or marinate your protein and veggies for added flavor.
- Spread on a Sheet Pan: Cover the sheet pan with foil or parchment paper and arrange everything in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan. Make sure there’s space between items to ensure even cooking.
- Roast in the Oven: Place the sheet pan in the oven and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, according to the recipe’s instructions, or until everything is golden brown and cooked through. Stir or flip halfway through for even cooking. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve the roasted ingredients as-is or over grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous for a higher caloric intake.
Sheet pan dinners are customizable, quick, and perfect for easy cleanup!
💡Pro Tip: Cut vegetables and proteins into similar bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. This helps everything roast uniformly, avoiding overcooked or undercooked pieces.
Looking for more healthy recipes
Easy and Delicious Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
5 Ingredient Crock Pot Potato Soup
❓Others have asked…
What is a rimmed baking sheet
A rimmed baking sheet, also known as a sheet pan, is a flat, rectangular metal tray with raised edges around all four sides. The rim prevents liquids or food from spilling during cooking, making it perfect for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or preparing sheet pan dinners. The typical size is 18×13 inches, but smaller versions are also available. This is the one I have and love.
What to use instead of a baking sheet
If you don’t have a baking sheet for sheet pan dinners, you can use the following alternatives:
- Roasting Pan: With its high sides, it’s great for containing juices while roasting.
- Casserole Dish: Works well for smaller portions and ensures even cooking.
- Broiler Pan: Provides airflow and works similarly to a baking sheet.
- Oven-Safe Skillet: Cast iron or other oven-safe skillets can be used for roasting.
Just ensure whatever you use is oven-safe and large enough to spread ingredients in a single layer for even cooking.
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Recipe
If you like this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and tell me how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Incredible Low Calorie Dinner Ideas Made on a Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 8-16 ounces plant-based protein tofu, tempeh, seitan, or beans
- 4-6 cups vegetables
- 2-3 teaspoons your favorite seasonings The total of all seasonings should be approximately 2-3 teaspoons.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to around 375°F (190°C) or the temperature in the recipe.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Choose a combination of vegetables, protein (like tofu, tempeh, seitan, or beans for vegan options), and any seasonings or marinades.
- Season or Marinate: Drizzle olive oil, add your favorite herbs and spices, or marinate your protein and veggies for added flavor.
- Spread on a Sheet Pan: Cover the sheet pan with foil or parchment paper and arrange everything in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Make sure there's space between items to ensure even cooking.
- Roast in the Oven: Place the sheet pan in the oven and cook approximately 20-25 minutes, or until everything is golden brown and cooked through. Stir or flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve the roasted ingredients as-is or over grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous for a higher calorie intake.
Notes
Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese with a crippling back injury to 125-pound lighter –discover my transformation into a health coach!
Related Recipes:
How to Roast Zucchini and Squash
Vegan Black Bean Soup (Quick and Easy)
You will also love these 300 Calorie Meals for One!
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
