9 light but tasty recipes under 400 calories per serving, ideal for healthy eating without giving up

Saturday 31 January 2026 15:30 - Daniele Mainieri
9 light but tasty recipes under 400 calories per serving, ideal for healthy eating without giving up

Eating light without sacrificing taste is one of the most common challenges in the kitchen. People often associate low-calorie cooking with unsatisfying dishes, but the reality is quite different.

These 9 light and flavorful recipes under 400 calories prove that balance and pleasure can coexist in the same dish. With carefully chosen ingredients, clever cooking and thoughtful pairings, it is possible to bring satisfying, complete dishes to the table that are perfect for everyday life, without excess and without giving up.


Why recipes under 400 calories really work

Our brains are naturally attracted to solutions that promise benefit without giving up. Recipes under 400 calories meet this need perfectly: satisfying portions, complete flavors, and controlled calorie intake.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, balanced meals with good fiber, protein and quality fats help keep blood sugar stable and control hunger throughout the day. This explains why many light recipes, when well constructed, are also more satiating than much higher-calorie dishes.

The key ingredients of light and tasty recipes

The recipes under 400 calories that work best almost always have a similar structure. They typically include:

  • a lean protein source such as legumes, fish, eggs or white meat
  • plenty of seasonal vegetables, which increase volume and satiety
  • a small portion of good fats, such as extra virgin olive oil or dried fruits
  • whole grains or potatoes in controlled portions

This combination makes for complete, balanced and satisfying meals that are ideal for lunch or dinner even in the cold months.

Light recipes that don't sacrifice taste

These recipes under 400 calories prove that eating light can also be rewarding. Simple, flavorful, well-balanced dishes designed for people who want to cook with gusto every day without excess. Try them and discover how satisfying light eating can be.

Salmon, chickpea and orange saladRecipe Salmon, chickpea and orange salad

Want to try a new salad recipe? Try our combination of salmon + chickpeas + orange with a touch of fresh dill! A protein-rich dish that we love to take with us to work for a healthy and balanced lunch break. And when it comes to vinaigrette, you will...

Spelt and tuna salad: light, tasty and perfect year-round recipeRecipe Spelt and tuna salad: light, tasty and perfect year-round recipe

Spelt and tuna salad is a fresh, balanced dish that is perfect for any occasion. Great as a light lunch, meal to take to work or quick dinner, it is an ideal choice for those who want to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. In our version,...

Mexican chicken drumsticks with a delicious marinadeRecipe Mexican chicken drumsticks with a delicious marinade

Today we're traveling to Mexico with these delicious Mexican-style chicken drumsticks , for a meal that's super easy to prepare! :-) Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a marinade to die for, the whole family will love it, we guarantee...

Wholegrain rice with broccoli and shrimp! easy and balancedRecipe Wholegrain rice with broccoli and shrimp! easy and balanced

For a healthy, balanced and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, there's nothing like delicious brown rice with shrimps and broccoli ! Today we're presenting a classic version, but you can also add sauces to make this dish even...

Saithe with a tomato, lemon and cumin sauce - easy and tasty recipeRecipe Saithe with a tomato, lemon and cumin sauce - easy and tasty recipe

It’s decided, today we feed fish to the whole family! And rest assured, the recipe is very easy ;-) You just have to accompany your saithe with rice + vegetables and the trick will be done. You will have enough to serve your guests a healthy and...

Lentil, butternut, red cabbage, beet and parsley salad (perfect for fall/winter)Recipe Lentil, butternut, red cabbage, beet and parsley salad (perfect for fall/winter)

We love salads so much we had to make a fall/winter one! So we swap our raw vegetables for seasonal vegetables by combining red cabbage, beet and butternut squash with lentils and parsley. An easy to make, quick and vegetarian recipe . Eat...

Pasta e fagioli alla veneta: grandma's recipe creamy and full of flavorRecipe Pasta e fagioli alla veneta: grandma's recipe creamy and full of flavor

Pasta e fagioli alla veneta , also known as "pasta e fasioi ," is an iconic dish from the peasant tradition of northern Italy, rich in flavor, simple and incredibly creamy . Prepared with borlotti beans , vegetables and short pasta, this...

Easy express cantonese rice recipeRecipe Easy express cantonese rice recipe

An express Cantonese rice recipe to save time in the kitchen. Quick and easy, this dish can quickly turn into an excellent anti-waste recipe! If you have cooked too much rice in a previous preparation, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a...

Stuffed potatoes with smoked salmon and cream cheeseRecipe Stuffed potatoes with smoked salmon and cream cheese

Stuffed potatoes are a family favorite! Typically, we prepare them with ham or bacon and cheese. Today, we offer you a version with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Enjoy them hot or cold, and follow our step-by-step instructions below ↓













Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

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