Looking for new low-carb dinner recipes? These delicious meals are all less than 400 calories per serving.
27 Low-Carb Meals That Are Under 400 Calories
Updated on Sep. 13, 2024
Avocado Crab Boats
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they’re always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
1/27
2/27
Kabobless Chicken and Vegetables
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As the primary caregiver for my grandma, I am trying to cook healthier for her. I am fascinated with Mediterranean cuisine. It is much easier to have chicken and vegetables off the kabob, which inspired this sheet-pan dinner. —Chelsea Madren, Fullerton, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
3/27
Rosemary Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 357 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/27
Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy, quick and family friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe is dairy free and comes together in about 30 minutes. The secret is the bright flavor-packed sauce. Serve over greens, store-bought slaw or cauliflower rice. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 230 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
5/27
Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes because it is customizable. If there’s a vegetarian in the family, leave out the bacon. You can also add your favorite veggies. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 high-fat meat.
6/27
Salad with Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon spinach salad is really healthy and super fast. It's an absolute cinch to make after a long workday. —Karen Schlyter, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
7/27
Moroccan Lamb Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am 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.
8/27
Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 246 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
9/27
Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup salad with 1 egg: 199 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 200mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
10/27
Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 274 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/27
Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1-1/2 cup zucchini noodles: 397 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 44g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
12/27
Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with brussels sprouts: 234 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/27
Artichoke Cod with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cod is a fabulous break from really rich dishes that take so long to prepare. I like to serve this dish over a bed of greens, pasta or quinoa. A squeeze of lemon gives it another layer of freshness. —Hiroko Miles, El Dorado Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/3 cup artichoke mixture: 231 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
14/27
Chicken Nicoise Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad makes it easy to eat what’s good for you. It’s versatile, so you can use asparagus in place of green beans and salmon instead of tuna, or add garden tomatoes. And if you follow the keto diet, you'll be happy to know this is a keto chicken salad. —Nick Monfre, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 289 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
15/27
Creole Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh summer vegetables are paired with lean pork and tasty Greek olives for a healthy and quick dinner that's great for family or friends. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1 cup vegetables: 247 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
16/27
Naked Fish Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after they've eaten this. I serve the dish with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/27
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 227 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/27
Turkey Medallions with Tomato Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a quick-to-cook meal using turkey medallions with a crisp coating. The turkey is enhanced by the bright flavor of a simple tomato salad. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 351 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
19/27
Citrus Salmon en Papillote
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 224 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
20/27
Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These fresh flavors blend like a dream. It's a snap to throw the wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 252 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
21/27
Chicken Veggie Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
22/27
Turkey Sausage Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I worked in the school library, my co-workers were my taste testers. They approved this healthy and happy spin on stuffed zucchini. —Stephanie Cotterman, West Alexandria, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 240 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
23/27
Spicy Mongolian Beef Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light and loaded beef salad even satisfies my meat-loving husband. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 396 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
24/27
Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 252 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
25/27
Asparagus Spinach Salad with Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available in the summer. This salad is one of our favorite because it packs in so much great produce, plus it's quick and easy on a warm summer day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 267 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
26/27
Classic Cobb Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
27/27
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
