Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Real Cost of Healthy Food

      Today, more Americans than ever—a staggering 50 million people—are experiencing hunger. EatingWell examines the barriers to getting healthy food and what is being done to help. Read More Next
    • 15 Easy Citrus Vinaigrettes That Will Make You Love Salad Again

      Read More Next
    • 22 Comforting Irish Recipes That Are Perfect for St. Patrick's Day

      Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Healthy Main Dish Recipes Chevron Right
  4. 25 Restaurant Favorites with a Healthy Twist

25 Restaurant Favorites with a Healthy Twist

Updated March 01, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin

Instead of going out to eat, recreate your favorite restaurant dishes in your own kitchen. We put a healthy spin on classic dishes by swapping out rice for cauliflower or using half-and-half instead of cream to create a luscious sauce. Recipes like Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan and Oven-Fried Fish & Chips are reminiscent of your favorite meals but with a nutritious twist.

Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

General Tso's Chicken

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy version of a General Tso's Chicken recipe, we cut the fat and sodium in half from the original version by not frying the chicken and by using half as much soy sauce in this Chinese-takeout favorite. Serve with steamed baby bok choy or sautƩed spinach and steamed brown rice.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This riff on classic chicken Parmesan replaces the usual marinara with a luscious lemony cream sauce. We've lightened it up by using half-and-half instead of cream, with just-as-delicious results. Serve this lemony chicken dinner with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cauliflower Chicken Fried "Rice"

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Get an extra serving of vegetables and cut back on carbs by replacing rice with riced cauliflower in this healthy chicken fried rice recipe.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cauliflower Tortilla Beef Tacos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These full-flavor tacos are wrapped up in sneaky lower carb tortillas made from cauliflower. The trick is getting as much moisture out of the cauliflower before mixing it with the cheese and eggs.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oven-Fried Fish & Chips

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fish and chips are traditionally sold wrapped in paper to soak up all the grease--not a good sign. To cut the calories in half and reduce the fat, we coat the delicate fish in a crispy cornflake crust and then bake it along with sliced potatoes. Serve with: Coleslaw and malt vinegar or lemon wedges.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Fried Rice

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mixed frozen vegetables make this healthy fried rice recipe quick, easy and economical. If you don't have leftover cooked rice on hand, be sure to thoroughly cool your rice before adding it to the wok--if it's too warm, it creates too much steam and sticks to the wok. To quickly cool warm rice, spread out on a large baking sheet and refrigerate while you prep the rest of your ingredients, about 15 minutes.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This chipotle-flavored burrito bowl recipe is even better than takeout and just as fast. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthy dinner.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2016

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

BBQ Chicken Tenders

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These crispy chicken ā€œwings,ā€ made with boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, stay crispy with only a light coating of oil--no deep-frying needed. Serve as an appetizer or try them for dinner with crunchy vegetables and dip on the side.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Avocado cuts some of the sour cream in our quick crema loaded with cilantro, for a healthier taco sauce that takes these shrimp tacos to the next level. Shrimp cook up super-fast, making them the ultimate taco filling for a fast weeknight dinner that's also impressive and delicious enough for a weekend dinner party.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Best Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For a nutrient-packed twist, this healthy Caesar salad features spinach and kale in addition to romaine. But it's the Parmesan crisps that make this salad holiday-worthy. Serve it for Thanksgiving or any other special meal.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

General Tso's Cauliflower

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our lightened-up vegan version of this takeout classic is every bit as delicious and satisfying as the fried version. Plus, it pleases vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Green Pepper, Pineapple & Bacon

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sweet, spicy and super-easy shrimp-and-vegetable stir-fry starts with a very small amount of bacon in the wok, which creates drippings that add tons of smoky flavor to the vegetables and shrimp that go in next. Keep the salt in check by using reduced-sodium tamari sauce. To complete this easy healthy dinner, add cooked brown rice.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

SautƩed Shrimp with Mango Salsa & Coconut Cauliflower Rice

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Shrimp and rice get a tropical makeover in this healthy 400-calorie dinner. Instead of rice, we've combined riced cauliflower and coconut milk for light coconut rice topped with spicy shrimp and a juicy mango-avocado salsa to cool it all down. Squeeze on some fresh lime juice before digging in to take this easy meal to the next level.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Use-All-the-Broccoli Stir-Fry

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Spiralized broccoli stems transform into tender noodles in this lo mein-inspired vegetarian recipe. Serve on top of brown rice or buckwheat soba noodles.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Enjoy classic shrimp scampi lightened up with a white wine-butter sauce and zucchini noodles in place of pasta. The tomatoes add some sweetness and color, while the cheese contributes nuttiness and richness.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These crispy air-fried chicken nuggets are a quick kid-friendly dinner that parents will love too. The homemade nuggets are healthier than fast-food versions--and more flavorful, thanks to the cornflake coating. You can also cut the chicken into strips for air-fryer chicken tenders. Be sure to cook those 2 to 3 minutes longer, or until done.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kung Pao Broccoli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Broccoli florets soak up the flavors from Chinese five-spice powder--a combination of sweet spices including anise, cinnamon, cloves and subtly spicy Szechuan peppercorns. Serve over black rice.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Skillet Chicken Parm

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We skipped breading in this healthy one-dish chicken Parm recipe to save time. There's still plenty of gooey cheese, and the garlic, pepper flakes and oregano lend big flavor. Serve with pasta or in a hoagie roll with the sauce (there's lots of it) spooned on top. In sandwich form, it's easily wrapped in foil and eaten on the go. Excerpted from The Dinner Plan by Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion, published by ABRAMS Ā© 2017.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Pizza

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cauliflower rice, egg and shredded mozzarella combine to make an easy low-carb pizza crust. Top the gluten-free pizza with tangy Buffalo sauce, chicken and blue cheese for a flavorful dinner or game-day favorite. Fresh celery is added at the end for cool crunch.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Sausage Calzone

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A typical calzone packs almost 800 calories and 25 grams of saturated fat. In this healthier calzone recipe, we use lean chicken sausage to keep fat in check and add nutrient-rich spinach to bulk up the filling without adding calories. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oven-Fried Beef Taquitos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy beef taquitos recipe calls for baking instead of deep-frying, making the taquitos substantially healthier than what you'd get at a restaurant. One order of these little deep-fried, rolled-up tacos at a restaurant can set you back almost 1,000 calories and 60 grams of fat! Don't worry if some of the taquitos crack open while baking--they're still crispy and delicious. Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole and reduced-fat sour cream.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Carbonara with Broccoli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You've never had carbonara quite like this! Loaded with veggies, this spiralized veggie noodle recipe is a healthy copycat of a traditional carbonara recipe. Butternut squash gets spiralized into long, tender noodles for a lower-carb version of this creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Look for a squash with a large, straight neck to make the longest veggie noodles.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Classic Beef Burgers with Cauliflower Buns

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These juicy burgers skip the traditional bread bun in favor of a savory grain-free cauliflower bun that contains a bit of Cheddar cheese. A mixture of onions, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce gives the burger patties tons of flavor, and the addition of a tangy special sauce completes the package for a burger with serious personality. Note: If you would like to make these burgers gluten-free, be sure to check the ingredients for the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to make sure they're gluten-free.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizza

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't believe how easy it is to make this cauliflower pizza crust. Riced cauliflower combines with mozzarella cheese and a little egg to hold it together. The result is a delicious gluten-free crust that's crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Top with the classic flavors of pepperoni, onion, pepper and more cheese for a lower-carb pie everyone will love.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With this spaghetti squash and meatballs recipe, you can reduce the carbohydrates and increase the vegetable servings by skipping pasta and serving the Italian-seasoned turkey meatballs and quick, homemade marinara sauce over thin strands of cooked spaghetti squash instead. Cooking the squash first in the microwave and then in a skillet to cook off the extra moisture, gives the squash a more spaghetti-like texture.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 25 General Tso's Chicken
2 of 25 Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan
3 of 25 Cauliflower Chicken Fried "Rice"
4 of 25 Cauliflower Tortilla Beef Tacos
5 of 25 Oven-Fried Fish & Chips
6 of 25 Easy Fried Rice
7 of 25 Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl
8 of 25 BBQ Chicken Tenders
9 of 25 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
10 of 25 Best Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan
11 of 25 General Tso's Cauliflower
12 of 25 Easy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Green Pepper, Pineapple & Bacon
13 of 25 SautƩed Shrimp with Mango Salsa & Coconut Cauliflower Rice
14 of 25 Use-All-the-Broccoli Stir-Fry
15 of 25 Easy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
16 of 25 Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets
17 of 25 Kung Pao Broccoli
18 of 25 Skillet Chicken Parm
19 of 25 Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Pizza
20 of 25 Chicken Sausage Calzone
21 of 25 Oven-Fried Beef Taquitos
22 of 25 Butternut Squash Carbonara with Broccoli
23 of 25 Classic Beef Burgers with Cauliflower Buns
24 of 25 Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizza
25 of 25 Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
EatingWell

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Recipe Index
  • Jobs

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
© 2021 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

View image

25 Restaurant Favorites with a Healthy Twist
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.