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  5. 25 400-Calorie Dinners You'll Want to Make Forever

25 400-Calorie Dinners You'll Want to Make Forever

Alex Loh
Alex Loh Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD May 05, 2021
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
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Cabbage Roll Chicken Enchiladas

Turn to these dinner recipes when you want a meal that's delicious and healthy. These dinners are packed with protein, vegetables and whole grains or pasta to create a flavorful meal that clocks in at 400 calories or less per serving. Recipes like Cabbage Roll Chicken Enchiladas and Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Stew are so good that you'll make them time and time again.

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Cabbage Roll Chicken Enchiladas

Cabbage Roll Chicken Enchiladas
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This 5-ingredient dinner recipe uses two genius hacks to make dinner healthy and get it on the table in under an hour. First, swap in cabbage leaves for tortillas to cut the carbs and get an extra serving of vegetables. Second, use prepared ingredients--spicy refried beans and enchilada sauce--to add tons of flavor without a long ingredient list.

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Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Stew

<p>This Mediterranean stew is a healthy dinner chock-full of vegetables and hearty chickpeas. A drizzle of olive oil to finish carries the flavors of this easy vegan crock-pot stew. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a different twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale. Any way you vary it, this stew is sure to go into heavy rotation when you are looking for healthy crock-pot recipes.</p>
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This Mediterranean stew is a healthy dinner chock-full of vegetables and hearty chickpeas. A drizzle of olive oil to finish carries the flavors of this easy vegan crock-pot stew. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a different twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale. Any way you vary it, this stew is sure to go into heavy rotation when you are looking for healthy crock-pot recipes.

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Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
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Mounding a classic Philly cheesesteak mixture in a colorful bell pepper and melting cheese on top is an easy way to skip the bread and cut the carbs.

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Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas
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One sheet pan is all you'll need to whip up these zesty chicken fajitas. They're quick and easy to make and cleanup is even faster!

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Chickpea Curry (Chhole)

chickpea curry
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Made with convenient canned beans, this quick and healthy Indian recipe is an authentic chickpea curry that you can make in minutes. If you want an additional vegetable, stir in some roasted cauliflower florets. Serve with brown basmati rice or warm naan.

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Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled Fish Tacos
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Instead of deep-frying the fish for these fish tacos, we coat the fish with a flavor-packed chile rub and grill it instead. Make sure the fillets are no more than 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick so they cook quickly. Sometimes flipping fish on the grill can be tricky since the fish can stick to the grill or fall apart. The solution is to invest in a grill basket that easily holds 4 to 6 fish fillets and secures the fish in the basket for easy flipping. If you don't have a grilling basket, make sure the grill is hot and well oiled before adding the fish.

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Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta

<p>If you've ever wanted to make a meal out of warm spinach and artichoke dip, this creamy pasta is for you. And here's what's almost as good as the flavor of this comforting dish: the fact that this healthy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare.</p>
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If you've ever wanted to make a meal out of warm spinach and artichoke dip, this creamy pasta is for you. And here's what's almost as good as the flavor of this comforting dish: the fact that this healthy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

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White Bean & Veggie Salad

White Bean & Veggie Salad
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This meatless main-dish salad combines creamy, satisfying white beans and avocado. Try mixing it up with different seasonal vegetables.

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Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
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Cut down on carbs and amp up your veggie servings with this healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers and garlic. Everything is cooked in one wok or skillet, but in stages, so each element keeps its integrity in the finished dish instead of being all mushed together--it may seem fussy, but it's worth it and actually quite easy. Resist the urge to stir the cauliflower rice right away; letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes allows it to brown and develop sweet, nutty flavors. This better-than-takeout healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it's perfect for busy weeknights.

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Two-Bean Enchilada Casserole

<p>This classic and comforting Mexican dish is easy to make on a busy weeknight.</p>
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This classic and comforting Mexican dish is easy to make on a busy weeknight.

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Two-Ingredient-Dough Margherita Pizza

<p>You won't believe how quick and easy it is to make this healthy pizza. Thanks to a two-ingredient dough that combines self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, there is no need for a rise time. Just roll, top and bake, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in under half an hour.</p>
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You won't believe how quick and easy it is to make this healthy pizza. Thanks to a two-ingredient dough that combines self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, there is no need for a rise time. Just roll, top and bake, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in under half an hour.

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Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup

Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup
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In this healthy cauliflower soup recipe, roasting the cauliflower first adds depth and prevents the florets from turning to mush. A little tomato sauce and coconut milk give the broth a rich, silky texture. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, if desired.

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Simple Grilled Salmon & Vegetables

<p>Grilled salmon and veggies make for a colorful and balanced seafood dinner that's ready in just minutes. The grill turns the salmon flaky and moist while tenderizing the crispy pepper and onion pieces. Round out the meal with brown rice or quinoa.</p>
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Grilled salmon and veggies make for a colorful and balanced seafood dinner that's ready in just minutes. The grill turns the salmon flaky and moist while tenderizing the crispy pepper and onion pieces. Round out the meal with brown rice or quinoa.

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Beefless Vegan Tacos

<p>Take taco night in a new direction with these healthy vegan tacos. We've swapped crumbled tofu for the ground beef, without sacrificing any of the savory seasonings you expect in a taco. You can also use the filling in burritos, bowls, taco salads and to top nachos.</p>
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Take taco night in a new direction with these healthy vegan tacos. We've swapped crumbled tofu for the ground beef, without sacrificing any of the savory seasonings you expect in a taco. You can also use the filling in burritos, bowls, taco salads and to top nachos.

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Tinola (Filipino Ginger-Garlic Chicken Soup)

<p>Tinola, a comforting chicken soup seasoned with plenty of ginger and garlic, has countless variations throughout the Philippines. The soup calls for malunggay leaves (aka moringa), which can be found fresh or frozen at Asian markets. Bok choy is a good substitute. Feel free to increase the amounts of garlic and fish sauce for an even more flavorful soup. Serve this easy and healthy chicken soup on its own or with jasmine rice, quinoa or wild rice.</p>
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Tinola, a comforting chicken soup seasoned with plenty of ginger and garlic, has countless variations throughout the Philippines. The soup calls for malunggay leaves (aka moringa), which can be found fresh or frozen at Asian markets. Bok choy is a good substitute. Feel free to increase the amounts of garlic and fish sauce for an even more flavorful soup. Serve this easy and healthy chicken soup on its own or with jasmine rice, quinoa or wild rice.

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Air-Fryer Greek Turkey Burgers

Air-Fryer Greek Turkey Burgers
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Sharp raw garlic, fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese superbly flavor these turkey burgers. Since the patties are air-fried with very little oil, there's room to add a bit of olive oil to the meat to keep the patties from drying out. Serve with air-fried zucchini fries (see associated recipe).

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Chickpea & Potato Curry

<p>This fast Indian-style curry comes together with ingredients you most likely have on hand, like frozen peas and canned tomatoes and chickpeas. Plus, using these spices shows how simple it is to make a curry sauce for an easy vegetarian recipe. Serve with whole-wheat naan to sop it all up.</p>
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This fast Indian-style curry comes together with ingredients you most likely have on hand, like frozen peas and canned tomatoes and chickpeas. Plus, using these spices shows how simple it is to make a curry sauce for an easy vegetarian recipe. Serve with whole-wheat naan to sop it all up.

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Tamari-Ginger Meatball & Eggplant Casserole

<p>Eggplant soaks up the flavors of ginger, garlic and tamari in this Asian-inspired casserole recipe. A hot pepper in the topping adds a bit of heat, but opt for sweet if you prefer.</p>
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Eggplant soaks up the flavors of ginger, garlic and tamari in this Asian-inspired casserole recipe. A hot pepper in the topping adds a bit of heat, but opt for sweet if you prefer.

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Provençal Baked Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Mushrooms

<p>This easy healthy meal--which requires just 15 minutes of active time--is typical of southern France. You can use halibut, grouper or cod for this simple Mediterranean baked fish recipe, so just choose what looks best at your market. Look for herbes de Provence, an aromatic spice blend, at most grocery stores.</p>
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This easy healthy meal--which requires just 15 minutes of active time--is typical of southern France. You can use halibut, grouper or cod for this simple Mediterranean baked fish recipe, so just choose what looks best at your market. Look for herbes de Provence, an aromatic spice blend, at most grocery stores.

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Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas

<p>This meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta. We've added a flavorful burst of sun-dried tomato tapenade to spread over the whole-wheat pita before nestling the scrambled eggs inside. If you can't find it, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well.</p>
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This meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta. We've added a flavorful burst of sun-dried tomato tapenade to spread over the whole-wheat pita before nestling the scrambled eggs inside. If you can't find it, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well.

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Instant Pot Lentil Soup

<p>This Instant Pot lentil soup is quick enough to prepare when you get home from work for an easy weeknight dinner. This vegetarian soup recipe is full of aromatic vegetables, brown lentils and fresh spinach. A splash of balsamic vinegar brightens the flavor, and a garnish of radish and parsley gives this comforting soup a fresh finish.</p>
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This Instant Pot lentil soup is quick enough to prepare when you get home from work for an easy weeknight dinner. This vegetarian soup recipe is full of aromatic vegetables, brown lentils and fresh spinach. A splash of balsamic vinegar brightens the flavor, and a garnish of radish and parsley gives this comforting soup a fresh finish.

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Zucchini Lasagna Rolls with Smoked Mozzarella

Zucchini Lasagna Rolls with Smoked Mozzarella
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This healthy riff on lasagna rolls uses strips of zucchini instead of lasagna noodles for a vegetable-packed dinner that's fun for the whole family. This is a great recipe for kids to help make--let them get their hands dirty rolling the zucchini ribbons with the cheesy filling. Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to quickly slice the zucchini into uniform thin strips--this will ensure easy rolling and even cooking.

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Indian-Spiced Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad

<p>Lime juice, ginger, jalape&ntilde;o and parsley are the stars of this curried cauliflower and chickpea vegetarian, main-dish salad.</p>
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Lime juice, ginger, jalapeño and parsley are the stars of this curried cauliflower and chickpea vegetarian, main-dish salad.

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Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Tacos

Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Tacos
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In this vegetarian taco recipe, cauliflower is tossed with a smoky-tangy sauce made with honey, lime juice and chipotles in adobo sauce before being roasted. Serve with more hot sauce, if desired.

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Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale

<p>You can make these three-ingredient tomato-simmered eggs with things you probably already have on hand in your freezer and pantry. To make these baked eggs more like eggs in purgatory, look for a spicy tomato sauce and don't forget some whole-wheat bread for dipping.</p>
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You can make these three-ingredient tomato-simmered eggs with things you probably already have on hand in your freezer and pantry. To make these baked eggs more like eggs in purgatory, look for a spicy tomato sauce and don't forget some whole-wheat bread for dipping.

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 25 Cabbage Roll Chicken Enchiladas
    2 of 25 Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Stew
    3 of 25 Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
    4 of 25 Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas
    5 of 25 Chickpea Curry (Chhole)
    6 of 25 Grilled Fish Tacos
    7 of 25 Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta
    8 of 25 White Bean & Veggie Salad
    9 of 25 Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
    10 of 25 Two-Bean Enchilada Casserole
    11 of 25 Two-Ingredient-Dough Margherita Pizza
    12 of 25 Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup
    13 of 25 Simple Grilled Salmon & Vegetables
    14 of 25 Beefless Vegan Tacos
    15 of 25 Tinola (Filipino Ginger-Garlic Chicken Soup)
    16 of 25 Air-Fryer Greek Turkey Burgers
    17 of 25 Chickpea & Potato Curry
    18 of 25 Tamari-Ginger Meatball & Eggplant Casserole
    19 of 25 Provençal Baked Fish with Roasted Potatoes & Mushrooms
    20 of 25 Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas
    21 of 25 Instant Pot Lentil Soup
    22 of 25 Zucchini Lasagna Rolls with Smoked Mozzarella
    23 of 25 Indian-Spiced Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad
    24 of 25 Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Tacos
    25 of 25 Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale

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    25 400-Calorie Dinners You'll Want to Make Forever
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