Low-Calorie, High protein vegetarian Dinners for Summer.
Low-Calorie, High protein vegetarian Dinners for Summer.
Here are low-calorie, high-protein vegetarian dinner ideas perfect for summer — light, refreshing, and satisfying without weighing you down:
1. Grilled Tofu and Vegetable Skewers
Calories: ~300 per serving
Protein: ~20g
Ingredients:
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Firm tofu (cubed)
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Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes
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Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano
Instructions:
Marinate tofu and veggies for 30 minutes, then grill. Serve with a side of quinoa or a light tzatziki.
2. Chickpea & Avocado Summer Salad
Calories: ~350 per serving
Protein: ~18g
Ingredients:
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Chickpeas
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Diced avocado
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Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion
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Lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper
Tip: Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or feta for extra protein and creaminess.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
Calories: ~320 per serving
Protein: ~22g
Ingredients:
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Quinoa
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Black beans
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Corn, diced tomatoes, cilantro, spices
Instructions:
Stuff halved peppers and bake at 375°F for 25–30 mins. Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
4. Zucchini Noodles with Edamame Pesto
Calories: ~280 per serving
Protein: ~20g
Ingredients:
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Spiralized zucchini
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Edamame (blended into pesto with basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a bit of Parmesan)
Note: You can serve cold for a pasta salad feel.
5. Lentil and Tomato Gazpacho
Calories: ~250 per serving
Protein: ~17g
Ingredients:
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Cooked red lentils
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Blended tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, garlic
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Red wine vinegar, olive oil, basil
Serve chilled for a refreshing, protein-rich twist on classic gazpacho.
6. Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon & Mint Salad
Calories: ~330 per serving
Protein: ~21g
Ingredients:
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Halloumi slices (grilled)
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Cubed watermelon, mint, arugula
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Lime vinaigrette
Combo Tip: Salty cheese + sweet watermelon = summer bliss.
6. Grilled Halloumi with Watermelon & Mint Salad
Calories: ~330 per serving
Protein: ~21g
Ingredients:
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Halloumi slices (grilled)
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Cubed watermelon, mint, arugula
-
Lime vinaigrette
Combo Tip: Salty cheese + sweet watermelon = summer bliss.
1. Chickpea & Spinach Stir-Fry
🟢 250 kcal | 18g protein per serving
Ingredients:
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1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed)
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1/2 onion, sliced
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1 tsp olive oil
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt, pepper, chili flakes
Instructions:
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Heat oil, sauté onion and garlic.
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Add chickpeas, stir for 5 minutes.
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Toss in spinach, cook until wilted.
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Season and serve hot.
2. Cottage Cheese Salad Bowl
🟢 300 kcal | 25g protein
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup low-fat paneer or cottage cheese
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1 cup mixed greens
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1/2 cucumber, chopped
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1/2 tomato, diced
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1 tsp lemon juice, pepper, herbs
Instructions:
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Grill or pan-sear paneer cubes lightly.
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Mix with veggies and dress with lemon, herbs, and pepper.
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Serve fresh.
3. Tofu Scramble
🟢 280 kcal | 22g protein
Ingredients:
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100g firm tofu, crumbled
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1/4 bell pepper, chopped
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1/4 onion, chopped
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1/4 tsp turmeric, black salt (kala namak), cumin
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1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
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Heat oil, sauté onion and pepper.
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Add tofu and spices, cook for 5–7 minutes.
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Serve with whole wheat toast or on its own.
4. Lentil Soup with Veggies
🟢 220 kcal | 15g protein
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup red lentils
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1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, zucchini, spinach)
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1/2 tsp cumin, black pepper
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Salt, lemon juice
Instructions:
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Boil lentils and vegetables together with garlic and cumin.
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Simmer until soft (15–20 min).
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Add lemon juice and serve.
5. Greek Yogurt Parfait (Savory)
🟢 180 kcal | 20g protein
Ingredients:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat)
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1/2 cucumber, grated
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Mint, salt, cumin
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1 tbsp roasted chickpeas (optional)
Instructions:
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Mix yogurt with grated cucumber, salt, mint, and cumin.
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Top with roasted chickpeas or seeds for crunch.