10+ Low Fat Recipes for Easy and Delicious Healthy Meals
Low-fat recipes let you enjoy tasty meals while keeping your fat intake down. Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier or watch your weight, picking low-fat dishes just makes sense.
These recipes focus on flavor and nutrition, not extra fat. That way, you can keep your meals balanced without sacrificing taste.
You don’t have to give up delicious food to eat low fat. Lots of simple ingredients and easy cooking tricks keep meals light, satisfying, and actually enjoyable.
When you reach for low-fat recipes, you get variety and support your health goals. It’s a friendly, no-fuss way to eat better.
1) Grilled Lime Chicken
Grilled lime chicken brings big flavor without the heaviness. Lime juice keeps the chicken juicy and adds a fresh, tangy kick.
It’s honestly so simple to make and goes with salads or steamed veggies. Marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours to let the flavors soak in.
Lime, garlic, and a little olive oil make it pop. When you grill it, the chicken stays tender and gets that tasty caramelized finish.
You probably already have these ingredients at home. It cooks fast, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Mix lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken breasts and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2) Mushroom Udon Noodle Bowl
This mushroom udon noodle bowl is a go-to low-fat meal for any day. It’s simple, filling, and packed with mushrooms and thick noodles.
The broth is light but doesn’t skimp on flavor—usually just veggie stock and soy sauce. Toss in fresh greens or scallions for extra color and nutrition.
If you want a creamy vibe without the fat, use lite coconut milk. It keeps things smooth and light.
Ingredients
- 8 oz udon noodles
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup lite coconut milk (optional)
- 1/2 cup spinach or bok choy
- 2 green onions, chopped
Cooking Instructions
- Cook udon noodles as the package says, then drain.
- Heat vegetable broth in a pot and add soy sauce.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in lite coconut milk if you’re using it.
- Add spinach or bok choy and cook until wilted.
- Put noodles in bowls and pour the broth with mushrooms over them.
- Top with green onions and serve warm.
Here’s a mushroom udon noodle bowl recipe if you want more details.
3) Baked Tofu
Baked tofu gives you a solid low-fat protein option. It crisps up in the oven without oil, and you can season it however you like.
Press out the water from your tofu first. Then cut it up and toss it with soy sauce, cornstarch, and your favorite spices.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get golden, tasty cubes.
This method works for salads, wraps, or just snacking. It’s way easier than it sounds.
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Your preferred spices (garlic powder, paprika, black pepper)
Cooking Instructions
- Press tofu for 15 minutes to get rid of extra water.
- Cut into cubes or slices.
- Toss with soy sauce, cornstarch, and spices.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange tofu on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let cool a bit and dig in!
4) Winter Citrus and Red Chicories Salad
This salad is bright and fresh, great as a meal or a side. The red chicories give a little bitterness, while citrus fruits like blood oranges and grapefruit add sweetness.
It’s a color bomb on the plate and tastes just as lively. Super low in fat, too.
Just a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt is all you need for dressing. That way, the flavors stay clean.
Ingredients
- 4 blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges
- 1 navel orange
- 1 ruby grapefruit
- 2 small heads of radicchio or red chicories
Cooking Instructions
- Peel and segment all the citrus, pulling out any seeds.
- Chop radicchio into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss citrus and radicchio in a big bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Mix gently and serve cold or at room temp.
Want more ideas? Check the Winter Citrus and Red Chicories Salad Recipe.
5) Banana Oatmeal Bread
Banana oatmeal bread is an easy, low-fat treat for any time of day. Ripe bananas and oats keep it moist and wholesome.
No added sugar or flour here, so it’s a lighter snack or breakfast. It’s naturally sweet from the bananas.
You can whip this up fast with just a handful of ingredients. The smell while it bakes is half the fun.
Skip the heavy fats and still get soft, flavorful bread. A little cinnamon won’t hurt, either.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash bananas in a bowl.
- Add eggs and mix.
- Stir in oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6) Mango Lime Sorbet
Mango lime sorbet is a cool, low-fat dessert for warm days. Sweet mango and zesty lime make a combo that just works.
You don’t need cream or fat for this—just blend mango with lime juice and a little sugar or syrup. Freeze until firm but scoopable.
It’s a light, healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Adjust the lime if you want more or less tartness.
Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced ripe mango
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ cup sugar or simple syrup
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Blend mango, lime juice, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Pour into a shallow container.
- Freeze for 3-4 hours until firm.
- Stir every hour to keep the texture nice.
- Scoop and serve cold.
Want the full details? Check Mango Lime Sorbet from Garden Of Eydie.
7) Healthy Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a warm, healthy pick that’s low in fat but high in protein and fiber. It fills you up without weighing you down.
Toss in carrots, celery, or tomatoes for more flavor. All you need are dry lentils, veggie broth, and some herbs.
Cooking it slowly really brings the flavors together. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet.
Check out this low-fat lentil soup with veggies for more ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a pot over medium and add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
8) Black Beans and Rice
Black beans and rice is a quick, low-fat meal that’s filling and packed with fiber and protein. You can make it with just a few basics.
Sauté onions and garlic in a tiny bit of olive oil. Add cooked or canned black beans and rice, then season with cumin or chili powder.
It’s easy to make for dinner or as a side. Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top for a bright finish.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked black beans (or canned, drained)
- 1 cup cooked long-grain rice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
- Cook onion and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add beans, rice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.
- Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring now and then.
- Take off heat and stir in lime juice before serving.
Need more tips? Here’s an easy recipe for black beans and rice.
9) Chicken Chili
Chicken chili makes for a low-fat meal that’s surprisingly quick to whip up. Lean chicken breast, white beans, and veggies like corn and peppers keep things light but satisfying.
You can throw it together on the stove or let it simmer in a slow cooker. Toss in spices like cumin and chili powder for a punch of flavor—no extra fat needed.
This chili’s easy to tweak, too. Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want it creamy but still healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in a pot over medium heat until they soften.
- Add chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken’s no longer pink.
- Pour in chicken broth, beans, and corn. Stir everything together.
- Let it simmer on low for 20–25 minutes.
- Pull out the chicken, shred it, and toss it back in. Give it a good stir.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt if you’re feeling it.
10) Grilled Salmon Fillet
Grilled salmon’s one of those meals that feels fancy but takes barely any time. When you grill it just right, the fish turns out moist and flaky.
Just brush your salmon with olive oil, sprinkle on your go-to spices, and toss it on the grill. In about 15 minutes, it’s done—just cook over medium heat until it flakes with a fork.
Simple seasonings like lemon juice, garlic, or fresh herbs really boost the flavor. If you want to get a bit extra, serve it with a salsa made from avocado, tomato, and lime.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Lemon wedges for serving
Cooking Instructions
-
Fire up your grill to medium heat, aiming for about 375°F (190°C).
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Grab each salmon fillet and brush on a bit of olive oil.
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Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder—don’t be shy.
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Lay the salmon on the grill, skin side down.
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Let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes apart easily.
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Serve it up with some lemon wedges.