This easy little lineup of low calorie summer meals is perfect for keeping things light without overthinking it. Each one is made with fresh ingredients, simple steps, and just the right balance of comfort and ease. Summer has its own rhythm, and these recipes match it—quick to pull together, full of seasonal produce, and just right for everything from lazy dinners to beachside bites. No oven, no fuss—just feel-good food that fits right into sunny days.
Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles
You will never want to order takeaway Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles after you try out this delicious, healthy, and colorful recipe.
It’s one of our favorite quick and simple weekday night meals - it only takes 30 minutes to prepare and is only 394 kcal per portion!
To learn more: Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles
Mediterranean Green Beans
Mediterranean Green Beans (Zeytinyagli Taze Fasulye in Turkish) is a popular vegetarian/vegan dish that is cooked quite often in most Turkish homes during the summer.
This simple yet delicious dish can be made beforehand and usually served warm or at room temperature. All you need is green beans, ripened summer tomatoes, onions, and good-quality olive oil to cook this scrumptious summer dish. One portion is only 148 kcal!
To learn more: Mediterranean Green Beans (Taze Fasulye)
Indian Chickpea Salad
Indian Chickpea Salad (or Chana Salad) is a refreshing, delicious, and healthy side dish made with chickpeas, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
This protein-rich salad is super easy to make and ready in less than 10 minutes by simply tossing together a few ingredients. One portion is only 68 kcal!
To learn more: Indian Chickpea Salad (Chana Salad)
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers, also known as Shish Kebabs, are a fantastic way to bring the joy of grilling into your kitchen with minimal fuss. They’re quick to prepare, cook evenly, and deliver that delicious, slightly charred taste we all love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these skewers will become a favorite in no time. One skewer is only 173 kcal!
To learn more: Air Fryer Chicken Skewers – Shish Kebabs
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
These delicious Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi) are filled with aromatic stuffing made of rice, onions, pine nuts, currants, and various herbs/spices. You can serve them as a side dish as well as the main meal or an appetizer. The leftovers are great for a boxed lunch the next day or a picnic. One portion is only 190 kcal!
To learn more: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi)
Ratatouille
Traditional French Ratatouille dish is a delightful marriage of tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of garlic.
You can enjoy it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or meat, especially lamb, or as a vegetarian or vegan main course served over plain rice, couscous, or simply mixed with pasta. One potion is only 190 kcal!
To learn more: Traditional French Ratatouille Nicoise Recipe
Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Meatballs
Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs) is a healthy and flavourful Turkish dish made with fine bulgur, red lentils, onions, tomato & red pepper paste, and spices. These aromatic vegetarian meatballs are inexpensive and very easy to make. Just like Easy Meatless Cig Kofte, they are usually served as an appetizer, a healthy snack, or a part of a mezze platter.
To learn more: Mercimek Kofte (Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs)
Vegan Lebanese Moussaka
This deliciously healthy Vegan Lebanese Aubergine Moussaka, also known as Maghmour combines roasted aubergines and chickpeas in a tangy tomato sauce flavored with Lebanese spices.
Just like traditional Turkish Moussaka, this healthy and low calorie Lebanese aubergine dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors. One portion is only 325 kcal!
To learn more: Vegan Lebanese Eggplant Moussaka
Grilled Lamb Kofta
Grilled Lamb Kofta (Izgara Kofte in Turkish) is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey made with minced lamb and aromatic spices such as coriander and paprika. These extremely delicious and juicy lamb kofta kebabs are traditionally cooked over charcoal but you can cook them on a gas BBQ, on the stove, or even in the oven grill.
To learn more: Grilled Lamb Kofta (Izgara Kofte)
Turkish Sautéed Chicken
Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté) is a wholesome, simple, and healthy chicken dish full of Mediterranean flavors. It is made by sautéing chicken pieces with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of spices.
This delightful chicken dish ticks all the boxes for the ideal weekday meal and one portion is only 300 kcal!
To learn more: Tavuk Sote (Turkish Chicken Sauté)
Jane Hayward
Brilliant recipes. The colours and flavours are wonderful and I like that I can make them as hot or not so hot.
The whole presentation of Cooking Gorgeous is really appealing and following the recipes is easy to follow.
Thank you for your site. I am so pleased I came across it. Keep giving lovely meals please,
Ayla Clulee
Thank you so much Jane! I’m really happy you’re enjoying the recipes — more coming your way soon!