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 is an example of a plant based meal? ›

Buddha Bowl: This is a popular meal option that typically includes a combination of cooked and raw vegetables, grains, and protein sources like tofu or chickpeas. You can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite veggies and a flavorful sauce.

How much should I eat on a plant based diet? ›

What are the plant-based diet recommendations? Eat mostly plant foods. Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of colourful non-starchy vegetables and fruits every day. Balance starchy vegetables, roots or tubers with non-starchy vegetables, fruits and legumes.

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.

What foods are under 300 calories? ›

Louis, share the healthiest low-calorie snacks to munch and crunch on at home or on-the-go.
  • Apple and Almond Butter.
  • Cottage Cheese and Tomatoes.
  • High-Protein Yogurt, Berries, and Walnuts.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs on Toast.
  • Whey Protein and Banana.
  • Turkey Half-Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread.
  • Shrimp co*cktail with Crudité
Jun 22, 2023

What happens if I eat 300 calories for a week? ›

Muscle loss: With such a low calorie intake, your body may start breaking down muscle tissue for energy. This can result in muscle loss and a decrease in overall strength and muscle mass [2].

What is the most filling low calorie meal? ›

Lunch and dinner options:
  • Salad with lean poultry or beans, vegetables, and quinoa.
  • Beef or lentil soup or stew with vegetables, peppers, and rice.
  • Whole grain sandwich or wrap with lean protein, leafy greens, and low-fat cheese.
  • Grilled or baked salmon with roasted vegetables and potatoes.
Nov 6, 2023

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 is the downside of a plant-based diet? ›

Some studies have shown that those on a plant-based diet are found to have lower plasma vitamin B12 levels and higher levels of vitamin B12 deficiency than those who consume animal products. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in DNA synthesis, and deficiency can lead to anemia and severe neurological dysfunction.

What are the 30 plant-based foods? ›

What could 30 plant points look like?
  • Green beans.
  • Beetroot.
  • Rocket.
  • Sweet potato.
  • Courgettes.
  • Carrots.
  • Mushrooms.
  • Red pepper.
Mar 3, 2023

What are plant-based foods to eat? ›

Fruits: berries, citrus fruits, pears, peaches, pineapple, bananas, etc. Vegetables: kale, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, peppers, etc. Starchy vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, etc. Whole grains: brown rice, rolled oats, farro, quinoa, brown rice pasta, barley, etc.

What foods can you eat on plant-based diet? ›

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 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.

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

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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