7 Plant-Based Dinner Recipes Under 299 Calories (2024)

These recipes are surprisingly filling, and totally delicious, too!

7 Plant-Based Dinner Recipes Under 299 Calories (1)

There are so many benefits to eating more plant-based meals. Eating more fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and legumes is not only an ideal way to boost the nutrient density of your food, but these ingredients also tend to be less expensive than meat. They usually have fewer calories, too! Make weight loss easier than ever by preparing some of these plant-based dinner recipes under 299 calories.

Eating a few meatless dinners a week is a great way to get started with a plant-based diet. Remember that, unlike vegan diets, plant-based eating doesn’t require a strict commitment. It’s a really approachable way to change your diet, one meal at a time. You can totally be a burger lover and choose to eat a meatless burger as a healthier alternative from time to time! If you’re interested in how to get your family to eat more plant-based foods, try making one of our favorite plant-based dinner recipes under 299 calories. You’ll be surprised at how delicious these meals are, all in a low-calorie, easy-to-make, affordable package!

Here’s Your Plant-Based Dinner Recipes Under 299 Calories

1. Coconut Curry Cauliflower — 88 calories

There’s so much to love about this delicious curry recipe. It’s not only delicious, but it also has a shockingly low number of calories. We created it with all plant-based ingredients, and it will be ready to eat in 30 minutes. Serve the curried cauliflower over brown rice, or boost the protein content of this dish by serving it with quinoa.

Try the recipe: Coconut Curry Cauliflower

2. Balsamic Glazed Whole Roasted Cauliflower — 107 calories

Cauliflower is one of our favorite plant-based ingredients. The texture of a whole roasted cauliflower will satisfy meat eater’s appetites, and it’s available at a fraction of the cost of a steak or pork chop. Oh, and that sweet balsamic glaze? So tasty!

Try the recipe: Balsamic Glazed Whole Roasted Cauliflower

3. Plant-Based Slow Cooker Chili Recipe — 216 calories

This chili recipe is perfect for a no-fuss dinner. Just soak the beans overnight, throw the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and let it cook away while you’re at work. It’s so easy and delicious, making this one of those plant-based dinner recipes that you’ll make again and again.

Try the recipe: Plant-Based Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

4. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup Recipe — 242 calories

You won’t even miss the meat with all the complex flavors in this veggie-friendly tortilla soup recipe. It only takes 30 minutes to pull together, but you can easily meal prep this one for the week. We think the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Try the recipe: Vegetarian Tortilla Soup Recipe

5. Protein Packed Black Bean and Lentil Soup Recipe — 248 calories

This recipe is proof that plant-based recipes have plenty of protein to keep you feeling full for hours. The combination of lentils and black beans provides 13 grams of protein per serving. Between the beans and the chunky carrots, this soup also has a meaty texture that will satisfy the carnivores at the table.

Try the recipe: Protein Packed Black Bean and Lentil Soup Recipe

6. Easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Over Quinoa — 249 calories

This dinner recipe is one of our favorites for transitioning plant-based eaters. It tastes strikingly similar to the vegetarian dish that uses real cheese, but our version uses dairy-free Parmesan made from cashews. It’s comforting and familiar, but much healthier.

Try the recipe: Easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Over Quinoa

7. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl — 279 calories

We saved the best for last, but you will have to make one tiny adjustment to this recipe to make it fit this list of plant-based dinner recipes under 299 calories. Instead of using yogurt for the recipe’s yogurt dressing topping, use our recipe for dairy-free sour cream. You can modify this recipe using your favorite vegetables, so have some fun with it!

Try the recipe: Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

Enjoyed this post? Check out more:

  • 50 Slow Cooker Recipes Under 300 Calories
  • Grilled Sweet Potato Steaks with Balsamic Glaze
  • 15 Easy Meals Under 300 Calories
  • Skillet Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Potatoes | One-Pot Recipes

If you loved these recipes, take the 30-Day Plant-Based Challenge. Make sure to subscribe to our daily eNewsletter or follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for access to the newest plant-based recipes.

7 Plant-Based Dinner Recipes Under 299 Calories (2024)

FAQs

What are examples of plant based meals? ›

41 Easy Plant-Based Recipes You'll Make Again and Again
  • Green Bean Pasta with Cashew Pesto. ...
  • Thai Rice Salad Bowls. ...
  • Tex-Mex Pita Pizzas. ...
  • Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free), Plus Topping Ideas. ...
  • Sneaky Chickpea Burgers. ...
  • Lentil Vegetable Soup. ...
  • Kale Arrabbiata-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. ...
  • Hearty Vegan Red Bean Chili.
Oct 31, 2022

What are 5 plant-based foods? ›

Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, squash, bell peppers, cucumbers…the more, the merrier! Whole grains: many whole grains are a vital source of protein and fiber. Oats, quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, and bulgur are hearty and satisfying options.

What 5 foods do you eat that are plant-based? ›

Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.

What is the most filling low calorie food? ›

High-fiber foods not only provide volume but also take longer to digest, making you feel full longer on fewer calories. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains all contain fiber. Popcorn is a good example of a high-volume, low-calorie whole grain. One cup of air-popped popcorn has about 30 calories.

Is 300 calories a lot for dinner? ›

Yes, 300 calories can definitely be enough for a meal, as long as you choose your ingredients wisely. 300 calorie meals for weight loss must include nutrient-dense foods that will keep you feeling satisfied.

Will I lose weight if I eat 1 400 calories a day? ›

The estimated daily calorie needs suggest that, in order to maintain their weight, the average person will need to consume more than 1,500 calories per day. Consuming less than this may result in weight loss.

Is 200 calories enough for a meal? ›

Every day, to lose weight, you should eat between 200 and 400 calories for breakfast, 500-700 calories for lunch, and 500-700 calories for dinner. You should also incorporate a morning and evening snack for a total of about 400-500 more calories.

What food has 250 calories? ›

250-Calorie Optional Snacks
  • Tortilla Chips with Cheese. Spread a 1-ounce bag baked tortilla chips (or 18 baked tortilla chips) on a microwave-safe plate. ...
  • Apple with Peanut Butter. ...
  • Applesauce. ...
  • Banana and Chocolate Dip. ...
  • Pears Drizzled with Chocolate. ...
  • Raisin-Nut Cluster. ...
  • Frozen Grapes. ...
  • Pita and Hummus.
Jun 30, 2004

What happens if you only eat 300 calories a day? ›

Nutritional imbalances: Consuming such a low amount of calories can disrupt the balance of nutrients in your body. This can affect various bodily functions, including hormone production, immune function, and digestion [2].

What are the most common plant-based foods? ›

List of Whole-Food, Plant-Based Foods
  • Nuts and seeds.
  • Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, squash, and peas.
  • Fruits such as berries, apples, grapes, oranges, peaches, figs, bananas, and kiwi.
  • Whole grains such as oatmeal, buckwheat, quinoa, and rice.
  • Legumes such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils.

What are the 30 plant-based foods? ›

While it may seem ambitious, Rossi recommends aiming for 30 different plants a week from the super six: whole grains (think: quinoa, rolled oats, and sourdough bread), nuts and seeds (walnuts, pistachios, and pecans), vegetables, fruits, legumes (think: beans), and herbs and spices (cumin, cinnamon, and paprika).

Can you eat pasta on a plant-based diet? ›

Yes, pasta can be part of a vegan diet. Traditional pasta is typically made from wheat flour and water, and these ingredients are plant-based and considered vegan. However, when choosing pasta, it's essential to check the ingredients label to ensure there are no added non-vegan components, such as eggs.

Can you eat eggs on a plant-based diet? ›

In other words, plants were paired with protein sources, like eggs, to make a nutritious and well rounded meal. Eggs can and should be part of a plant-based diet, and these five suggestions showcase how easy it is to incorporate the incredible egg into your plant-forward dishes.

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