Superfast Entrées Under 300 Calories

Updated April 14, 2011
Credit: Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro

These tasty, low-calorie meals are ready in less than 20 minutes and feature your favorite dinnertime ingredients like chicken, shrimp, fish, and pork.

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Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple-Brussels Sprout Slaw

Credit: John Autry: Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple-Brussels Sprout Slaw Recipe

Chicken cutlets are the key ingredient to making this meal extra speedy. The maple syrup creates a sweet glaze for the chicken that complements the apples and Brussels sprout in the slaw. This meal is great for the family and less than 300 calories.

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Snapper with Grilled Mango Salsa

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Snapper with Grilled Mango Salsa Tout

Enjoy a Caribbean-style meal without ever leaving the comfort of your home with this simple grilled snapper and salsa recipe. With just 250 calories, you'll adore the combination of flavors including sweet grilled mango, fresh mint, and avocado. Pair with a glass of cold white wine and serve at a summertime soirée.

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Seviche-Style Shrimp and Avocado Tacos

Seviche-Style Shrimp and Avocado Tacos Recipe

Start with cooked, peeled shrimp then combine with other fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice for tacos that are ready in a flash.

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Seared Steak with Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad

Credit: Jason Varney; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Seared Steak with Tomato and Blue Cheese Salad Recipe

For a finishing touch of color and light, herby flavor, garnish the dish with chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.

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Spicy-Sweet Pork Tenderloin

Spicy-Sweet Pork Tenderloin Tout

Ready in just 15 minutes and with only 170 calories, this Asian-inspired meal is sure to be a family favorite. The two-ingredient sauce is a cinch and gives the dish a huge flavor punch by combining the heat of the salsa with the sweetness of the raspberry preserves. Sprinkle cilantro on top and you’ll have a colorful, flavorful meal in no time. Take a look at the video for tips on preparing the recipe.

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Grilled Chicken and Spinach Salad with Spicy Pineapple Dressing

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Grilled Chicken and Spinach Salad with Spicy Pineapple Dressing Recipe

Make salad your main meal by adding grilled chicken and a spicy-sweet dressing featuring pineapple, habanero peppers, and orange juice. Top the spinach with jicama, bell peppers, and onion for an additional punch of nutrients.

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Spicy Mustard Shrimp

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Spicy Mustard Shrimp Recipe

Rated 5-stars by readers for having just the right amount of spice, this quick dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. The sweetness of the mango balances out the spice from the chipotle hot pepper sauce. Enjoy the shrimp while sitting on the porch during a cool summer evening.

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Falafel with Avocado Spread

Credit: Lee Harrelson

Falafel with Avocado Spread Recipe

We swapped chickpeas (a traditional falafel ingredient) in favor of pinto beans then mixed with cheese, crushed tortilla chips, green onions, cilantro, and cumin for a Latin twist on a Middle Eastern favorite. Because the falafel is pan friend instead of deep-fat fried, it is lower in calories and fat.

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Grilled Halibut and Fresh Mango Salsa

Credit: Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Grilled Halibut and Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe

Halibut cooks quickly on the grill, just 6 minutes, and pairs well with the fresh, summertime flavors of the mango salsa. Because the salsa is so versatile, you can sub the halibut for another firm white fish or chicken.

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Turkey Burgers with Special Sauce

Credit: Lee Harrelson

Turkey Burgers with Special Sauce Recipe

The reason everyone loves these burgers is the special sauce. What’s so special, you ask? The hints of orange and ginger give these turkey burgers a ton of flavor. One reviewer even said “the spices and special sauce made us not even miss the beef!” Serve with grapes for a light meal that’s perfect for the summer.

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Grilled Chicken and Tomato Salad

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine

Grilled Chicken and Tomato Salad Tout

Turn an arugula salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. This simple salad has pops of color from the multicolored cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion. Top with goat cheese and a light dressing of oil and vinegar for a quick and refreshing meal.

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Salmon Burgers

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Salmon Burgers Recipe

Give beef a break and try quick, simple salmon burgers. Combine salmon with red onion and fresh basil to make a hearty burger with less than 200 calories. Enjoy on toasted fococcia bread for a gourmet meal that’s ready in 10 minutes. Summer entertaining just got so much easier.

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Grilled Portobello-Goat Cheese Pitas

Credit: Randy Mayor; Jan Gautro

Grilled Portobello-Goat Cheese Pitas Tout

Open-faced grilled portobello pitas served with a side of fruit salad are a fast, fresh weeknight meal. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair well with the creamy goat cheese and fresh basil. Watch the video for tips on preparing the portobellos and pitas.

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