In the realm of low-calorie meals, our preference lies in recipes that reduce calorie intake while maximizing flavor with nutrient-rich ingredients like seafood, colorful veggies, and whole grains. The key message here is that cutting calories doesn't mean sacrificing taste. Instead of eliminating dairy, carbs, and other calorie-heavy foods, we focus on including high-protein, fiber-rich, and healthy fat-containing components. This approach ensures a balanced and nourishing diet, recognizing that depriving our bodies of essential nutrients is neither sustainable nor healthy.
Here is a recipe that contains fewer than 300 calories but is packed with flavor:
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Salad:
- 100 g Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Two cups of mixed salad greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach, etc.).
- Half a cup of cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1/4 cucumber, sliced.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced.
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinaigrette dressing (approximately 30 calories)
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Method
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for approximately 6 - 8 minutes on each side or until it's fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Allow the grilled chicken to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Add the grilled chicken strips to the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad and gently toss the ingredients to ensure an even coating.
- Serve your delicious Grilled Chicken Salad immediately.
Calorie Count:
- Grilled Chicken Breast (100g): Approximately 120-150 calories (varies based on cooking method and size)
- Mixed Salad Greens: Typically, a serving contains around 10-20 calories.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Approximately 15-20 calories.
- Cucumber: Approximately 8-10 calories.
- Red Onion: Approximately 10-15 calories.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing (1 tablespoon): About 30 calories.
This Grilled Chicken Salad has approximately 193-245 calories, depending on the size of the chicken breast and the brand of dressing used. Enjoy your low-calorie meal!
