Low calorie meals: 157 family dinners under 500 calories

327 calories/18g fat per portion

Made with ready-made filo pastry, protein-rich lentils and plenty of sweet roasted vegetables this low calorie meal is delicious simply served with a salad or steamed veggies.

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Pie

273 cals/16g fat per portion

Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s so easy to throw this spring chicken tray bake together. You can mix and match the vegetables in this recipe with whatever you have in your fridge.

Get the recipe: Spring chicken tray bake with green vegetables

426 cals/21g fat per portion

This hearty baked sausage and gnocchi gratin serves six people and is infused with fennel, chilli flakes and fresh herbs. Swap classic pork sausages for chicken or Quorn instead for a lower-fat option.

Get the recipe: Baked sausage and fennel gnocchi gratin

400 cals/10g fat per portion

This wholewheat spaghetti with roasted veg is really easy to make, packed with aubergines, drizzled in olive oil and flavoured with a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of fresh basil and mint.

Get the recipe: Wholewheat spaghetto with roasted veg

467 calories/11g fat per portion

Our Mexican stuffed chicken with red rice is packed with jalapeño peppers, spinach and Lancashire cheese. This mouth-watering recipe is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect served with fresh salad.

Get the recipe: Mexican stuffed chicken with red rice

384 cals/21g fat per portion

This low-calorie meal is infused with chorizo and is topped with crisp, golden filo pastry. Filo pastry is a much lower-fat option than shortcrust pastry.

Get the recipe: Chicken and chorizo filo pie

408 calories/13g fat per portion

If you’re looking for a risotto with a difference this butternut squash risotto with crispy sage and pancetta is the perfection option. The soft and sweetness of the butternut squash pairs perfectly with the salt pancetta.

Get the recipe: Squash risotto with crispy sage, and pancetta

315 cals/18g fat per portion

These stuffed peppers are so simple to make ready in just five easy steps. These sweet, refreshing peppers will keep you fuller for longer and count towards your five-a-day too.

Get the recipe: Stuffed peppers with couscous, courgette and mozzarella

423 cals/26g fat per portion

You can prepare this one-pot sausage and squash roast in just 10 minutes. All roasted together the sausages, squash and new potatoes are infused in paprika, drizzled in lemon and finished with creme fraiche.

Get the recipe: One-pot sausage and squash roast

314 cals/16g fat per portion

This wild muchroom risotto is bursting with flavour thanks to the garlic, almond milk and variety of mushrooms including porcini and chestnut.

Get the recipe: Wild mushroom risotto

487 cals/15g fat per portion

Our sage pork chops with vegetable pasta is a great source of protein which will keep you fuller for longer. The sundried tomatoes paste, sliced black olives and sage leaves give this dish plenty of flavour.

Get the recipe: Sage pork chop with vegetable pasta

429 cals/7.5g fat per portion

Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot tuna pasta puttanesca is a speedy mid-week option. You can use whatever pasta shapes you have in the cupboard. Top with grated cheddar and mozzarella and serve.

Get the recipe: One-pot tuna pasta puttanesca

382 cals/13g fat per portion

Our homemade baked beans serves four and will take only 20 minutes to prepare and cook. The mixed beans make this brunch option extra filling, making it ideal for dinner.

Get the recipe: Homemade beans on toast

321 cals/7g fat per portion

These filling sweet potato and courgette fish cakes are bursting with flavour thanks to the splash of lime juice and dusting of smoked paprika. Made with both sweet potato and baking potatoes, along with courgette these cod based fish cakes work out as two of your five-a-day per portion.

Get the recipe: Sweet potato and courgette fish cakes

257 cals/11g fat per portion

With a golden Cornflake coating, each chicken piece is tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Serve with salad and dip and you could even whip up some homemade chips or potato wedges too.

Get the recipe: Cornflake chicken dippers

313 cals/12g fat per portion

Each succulent chicken breast is stuffed with a spinach, shallot, mint and feta cheese mix which is bursting with flavour.

Get the recipe: Greek-style stuffed chicken and salad

407 cals/22g fat per portion

Each cauliflower is topped with a thick, rich tomato sauce and topped with plenty of cheese too. The pancetta and hint of Worcestershire sauce add a real depth of flavour to this family bake.

Get the recipe: Mini roasted cauliflowers with tomato sauce

390 cals/9g fat per portion

Made with three different types of greens; leek, asparagus and pea, this pasta recipe is topped with a little Parmesan for extra flavour.

Get the recipe: Leek, asparagus and pea pasta

204 cals/7g fat per portion

This lemon chicken and rice stir-fry is made with ginger and lemon infused chicken and quick cooked veggies like sugar snaps and sweetcorn. Drizzle in soy sauce before serving and watch it disappear in minutes.

Get the recipe: Lemon chicken and rice stir-fry

476 cals/28g fat per portion

Topped with smoked Parma ham, tangy sun blushed tomatoes and a light cheese spread, this cheese, tomato and ham deli tart can be on the table in just 35 minutes.

Get the recipe: Cheese, tomato and ham deli tart

360 cals/27g fat per portion

This mouth-watering sausage and spinach frittata is packed with sausages, red onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach and plenty of eggs. Serve with salad for a light yet filling dinner.

Get the recipe: Sausage and spinach frittata

402 cals/29g fat per portion

Substituting your meat for juicy aubergine is an easy way to reduce the calorie count in your lasagne. This open lasagne also has a lighter way of making the classic cheesy sauce.

Get the recipe: Open Mediterranean lasagne

433 cals/10g fat per portion

This flavour-packed spicy chorizo and prawn pasta is ready in just 30 minutes. Made with smokey chorizo pieces, tender king prawns and a rich tomato sauce, this delicious pasta dish is best served fresh.

Get the recipe: Spicy chorizo and prawn pasta

454 cals/28.5g fat per portion

This easy tray bake is a good way to cook chicken thighs. If the fat count is a little high for you, you can use lower-fat crème fraiche instead.

Get the recipe: Farmhouse chicken braise

490 cals/31g fat per portion

The homemade cheese sauce keeps the calorie count down in this recipe under 500 calories. This dish has heaps of fresh spinach but you could hide other veg in the sauce too for kids to up their five-a-day count.

Get the recipe: Cheese and spinach pasta bake

290 cals/17.0g fat per portion

Made with a hint of spice, this mouth-watering pork works out at only 290 calories per serving which means you can serve with homemade potato wedges or chips and salad and still be under the 500 calories limit.

Get the recipe: Spicy pepper pulled pork

383 cals/17g fat per portion

Not only is this dish light on the calories, but it also works out as under £1 a head for a family of four. With fresh spinach, flaked almonds and pearl barley, this warm chicken and barley salad is ideal for a hearty lunch.

Get the recipe: Warm chicken and barley salad

450 cals/22g fat per portion

This low-calorie recipe brings a lot of healthy ingredients together like lean minced beef, pinto beans and sun-dried tomato pasta. With thin tortilla wraps, this dish is light and full of flavour.

Get the recipe: Burritos

307 cals/2.5g fat per portion

Swapping beef mince for turkey is a quick and easy way to reduce the calorie and fat count in your meal. The extra veg in the mash topping is a good way to get the family eating their veggies.

Get the recipe: Turkey cottage pie with carrot and potato topping

400 cals/13g fat per portion

Macaroni and cheese may seem like a high calorie option but this clever vegetable macaroni cheese keeps the calorie count down. This dish is also hiding veg such as broccoli, cauliflower and leek.

Get the recipe: Vegetable macaroni cheese

75 cals/3.1g fat per portion

This salad boasts Mediterranean flavours like chorizo, sweet peppers and sun-blush tomatoes. Add a dash of white wine as a treat and your very low-calorie dish is complete.

Get the recipe: Chorizo and bean salad

305 cals/13.5g fat per portion

A lemon butter is all the accompaniment you need for this crayfish and pasta pairing. It’s simple, delicious and ready in just two quick steps.

Get the recipe: Pasta shells with crayfish

400 cals/17g fat per portion

This low calorie meal serves eight and will take 15 minutes to prepare. Each tortilla wrap is packed with minced pork, a variety of peppers and infused with garlic, cumin, and coriander all in a rich tomato-based sauce.

Get the recipe: Pork ragu enchiladas

484 cals/16g fat per portion

Bursting with minty flavour this delicious recipe brings together dried linguine, white breadcrumbs, dried chilli flakes and white crabmeat to make a very healthy and low-cal dish.

Get the recipe: Linguine with crab and mint

444 cals/12g fat per portion

Swapping your burgers for fish portions is a clever way of reducing the calories of the traditional dish. Wraps instead of buns is also a lighter option.

Get the recipe: Fish burger wraps

349 cals/8g fat per portion

Chunks of meaty tuna, green beans and a light cream cheese dressing, this pasta has subtle flavours but is super satisfying.

Get the recipe: Tuna pasta

461 cals/20g fat per portion

Sweet potatoes and lentils make this dish nice and filling. The salty halloumi packs this dish with flavour alongside the sweet peppers, fennel and fresh parsley.

Get the recipe: Turkish halloumi bake

307 cals/14g fat per portion

Packed full of Oriental flavour, this delicious dish is sweet and spicy in one. You can add as many vegetables as you like but this recipe includes butternut squash, soya beans and pak choi.

Get the recipe: Thai curried noodles

499 cals/17g fat per portion

This Asian prawns stir-fry with jasmine rice is a quick and easy meal to make. With delicious teriyaki sauce and a fresh pack of stir-fried veg, this dish is a healthy mid-week meal and takes just 15 mins to make.

Get the recipe: Asian prawns stir-fry with jasmin rice

200 cals/10g fat per portion

This version of the Chinese classic is so low in calories you can add a serving of rice or noodles to it and still come in at under 500 calories.

Get the recipe: Beef in black bean sauce

238 cals/2g fat per portion

Leeks, courgette and carrots, this tagine takes three hearty root veg and gives them a lovely exotic flavour by combining them with warm Moroccan flavours. Couscous is a low-cal side alternative.

Get the recipe: Moroccan root tagine with couscous

316 cals/15g fat per portion

This low-calorie meal is packed with peppers, onions, chorizo, dried chillies and tender chunks of braising steak.

Get the recipe: Spanish beef

355 cals/24.5g fat per portion

This smokey cheese bacon and potato tart recipe is only 355 calories per serving. Made with ready-made shortcrust pastry, this tart is topped with potatoes, bacon, leeks and a creamy mustard infused filling.

Get the recipe: Smokey cheese bacon and potato tart

333 cals/12g fat per portion

These speedy 15 minute fish bites are ideal served on a bed of rice with a freshly made salad. You can use fresh haddock loin or monkfish tail as your fish bites.

Get the recipe: Tandoori fish bites

370 cals/20g fat per portion

This low-cal meal uses succulent chicken thighs, spicy chorizo sausage and a romano red pepper making it both a cheap and flavoursome meal under 500 calories.

Get the recipe: Women's weekly Spanish stir-fry chicken

377 cals/20g fat per portion

This tasty Moroccan chicken salad has a slight spice thanks to the harissa paste. Chunks of ciabatta as croutons, a handful or two of watercress and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar gives this salad plenty of flavour.

Get the recipe: Moroccan chicken salad

371 cals/25g fat per portion

Light and summery, this tomato tart would make a lovely dinner served with fresh salad. This recipe serves four and takes just five minutes to prepare.

Get the recipe: Tomato and pepper galettes

170 cals/7g fat per portion

At only 170 calories per portion, this classic Chinese dish is a family dinner well under 500 calories. The groundnut oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce and lime gives this meal a real punch of flavour.

Get the recipe: Chinese vegetable chow mein

384 cals/19g fat per portion

Serve your meatballs differently with this simple lemon meatballs tagliatelle. Opt for turkey mince when making the meatballs as its lower in fat than beef or pork mince.

Get the recipe: Lemony tagliatelle with meatballs

353 cals/6.5g fat per portion

This hearty vegetable tagine has a healthy dose of vegetables and protein thanks to the chickpeas. The slightly spiced Moroccan tomato sauce gives this dish plenty of flavour.

Get the recipe: Winter root vegetable tagine

400 cals/9g fat per portion

Pilaf is not only a great way to use up leftovers, its also a low-calorie meal option. Combine chicken with rice and vegetables for a filling, yet healthy meals.

Get the recipe: Chicken pilaf

353 cals/12g fat per portion

This one-pot Italian-style chicken with olives is infused with summer flavours. The sweetness of the olives, tomatoes and white wine make this dish irresistible.

Get the recipe: Italian-style chicken with olives

385 cals/20g fat per portion

The recipe includes succulent shredded ham and juicy medium-sized tomatoes. If you're cooking for veggies you can take out the ham and replace with a vegetable such as red pepper or onion and serve with a side salad.

Get the recipe: Tomato and sweetcorn flan

429 cals/13g fat per portion

This simple smoked salmon stir-fry takes 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Packed full of vegetables like ginger, red onion and Tenderstem broccoli and served with rice noodles makes this dish light and healthy.

Get the recipe: Smoked salmon stir-fry

381 cals/10g fat per portion

This succulent pot-roasted lamb with potatoes and rosemary is a great alternative to your Sunday roast dinner. It combines shoulder of lamb, sweet red onions and rustic in a meaty flavoursome stock.

Get the recipe: Pot-roasted lamb with potatoes

408 cals/10g fat per portion

The noodles make this chicken salad a filling dinner for the whole family. A punchy soy sauce and lime dressing brings it plenty of flavour without raising the calorie count.

Get the recipe: Chicken, pea and noodle salad

412 cals/22g fat per portion

Chilli beef noodles are quick and easy to make. All you need is rump steak, a mixed bag of stir-fried vegetables, fresh chillies and a collection of herbs and spices from your spice-rack. Cook in a wok and it'll be ready to eat in 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Quick chilli beef noodles

481 cals/26g fat per portion

Suitable for vegetarians, this delicious Woman's Weekly cheese and tomato bake is a great low calorie family meal. With white bread, sweet tomatoes, cheesy cheddar and a hint of pesto.

Get the recipe: Cheese and tomato bake

440 cals/27g fat per portion

For this recipe we’ve opted for Toulouse or chorizo style sausages but you can choose classic sausages like herby pork if preferred. The rich tomato sauce is complete with flageolet beans, celery, onion and chestnut mushrooms.

Get the recipe: Sausage, mushroom and bean stew

495 cals/15g fat per portion

This meaty beef and pepper stir-fry is quick, easy and can be made in 15 minutes. This stir-fry includes garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.

Get the recipe: Beef and pepper stir-fry

390 cals/25g fat per portion

This veg-packed tortilla is perfect for sharing as it can feed up to ten people. As its under the 500 calorie limit it can be served with a salad.

Get the recipe: Vegetable tortilla

196 calories/7g fat per portion

This garlic, ginger and chilli prawn dish is packed full of Asian flavours and is under 200 calories. It takes just three simple steps to make this low calorie family meal.

Get the recipe: Garlic, ginger and chilli prawns

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386 cals/11g fat per portion

We love the zesty corn salsa with this Mexican-style pork dish. This recipe from Woman's Weekly will be on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Get the recipe: Mexican-stye pork with corn salsa

390 cals/13g fat per portion

This classic chicken casserole takes 20 minutes to prep and serve six. The tender chicken chunks absorb all the juices and flavours from the stock. This hearty meal is packed with mushrooms, celery and carrot, which add to your five-a-day count.

Get the recipe: Chicken Casserole

323 cals/19g fat per portion

A warm bean salad is a nutritious alternative to a rice, potato or pasta side in this delicious Greek lamb dish from Woman's Weekly.

Get the recipe: Greek lamb with warm beans

300 cals/15g fat per portion

This split pea and vegetable curry is flavoured with cumin, coriander, turmeric and chillies. It's the perfect vegetarian option under 500 calories.

Get the recipe: Split pea and vegetable curry

360 cals/4g fat per portion

Butternut squash, pepper, and onion pack this risotto full of nutrients. Topped with Parmesan cheese, this risotto is ready in just three easy steps.

Get the recipe: Squash and pepper risotto

370 cals/7g fat per portion

This one pot dinner brings potatoes, chicken, lemon and Savoy cabbage to make one simple yet hearty low calorie dinner. Using chicken legs instead of breasts makes this dish a budget option too.

Get the recipe: Roast chicken with potato wedges

290 cals/6g fat per portion

The Thai sweet chilli sauce really gives this dish a kick of flavour. Carrots, red cabbage, king prawns and spring onions are all tossed together with egg noodles.

Get the recipe: Sweet chilli prawn stir-fry

240 cals/15g fat per portion

Each sweet red pepper is stuffed with streaky bacon pieces, onion, and hardboiled egg. Topped with breadcrumbs and Cheddar cheese. Delicious served as they are or with a side salad.

Get the recipe: Baked stuffed peppers

354 cals/18g fat per portion

Butternut squash, veggie mince and a Parmesan crust make this Quorn, squash and spinach lasagne a popular option for family meal times.

Get the recipe: Quorn, squash and spinach lasagne

486 cals/18g fat per portion

This sweet chilli pork with noodles is a low calorie meal that is just under the 500 calorie limit. The tender chunks of pork in this recipe are infused in coconut, soy sauce and chilli flavours.

Get the recipe: Sweet chilli pork with noodles

310 cals/1.5g fat per portion

Chunky butternut squash will bring extra flavour to your risotto, without raising the calorie count too much. This recipe avoids butter and cheese to keep low fat too.

Get the recipe: Butternut squash risotto

367 calories/13g fat per portion

Topped with olives, anchovies and onions, this French-style pizza is certainly full of flavour and is well under 367 calories per serving which means it could easily be served with a salad or new potatoes.

Get the recipe: Pissaladière

488 cals/10g fat per portion

This warming baked chicken dish is served on a bed of couscous with spinach and peas. This recipe counts as two servings of your five-a-day.

Get the recipe: Baked spiced chicken with couscous

350 cals/12g fat per portion

The rich Thai red curry based sauce is infused with coconut, lime with a dash of fish sauce. Opt for large cooked prawns to make this dish in just 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Thai prawn curry and noodles

227 cals/4g fat per portion

At only 227 calories per serving, this filling fish and pepper stew is ideal if you’re looking for something different to make for dinner. Infused with garlic, white wine, capers and fresh basil.

Get the recipe: Fish and pepper stew

400 cals/15g fat per portion

This one-pot chicken jambalaya is made with carrots, peppers and tomatoes and is flavoured by smoky paprika. This low calorie family meal serves four to six people.

Get the recipe: Baked chicken jambalaya

335 cals/14g fat per portion

Ready in just 10 minutes, this chicken and spring onion pancakes recipe is a quick and filling dinner. The protein from the chicken and egg in the pancake mix will keep you fuller for longer.

Get the recipe: Chicken and spring onion pancakes

425 cals/17g fat per portion

This 425 calorie lasagne has a rich tomato sauce, layered with soft lasagne sheets and homemade cheese sauce. Top with more cheese and bake slowly for 2hrs.

Get the recipe: Lasagne

300 cals/12g fat per portion

These spicy lamb meatballs are stewed in a sweet sherry sauce infused with garlic, tomatoes, chilli flakes and onion. Cooking the meatballs in this way makes them extra tender and moist.

Get the recipe: Spicy lamb meatballs in sherry sauce

332 cals/7g fat per portion

This Spanish-style ratatouille is made with chunky veg such as aubergine, onion, peppers, and courgette. This recipe serves four and takes just 10 minutes to prepare.

Get the recipe: Spanish-style ratatouille

388 cals/18g fat per portion

Sandwiched between two soft buns, these tender burgers can be ready on the table in just 30 minutes. Serve with fresh salad leaves.

Get the recipe: Greek-style lamb burgers

381 cals/9.5g fat per portion

The fresh root ginger and cinnamon stick gives this dish a real warmth. This low calorie meal is sticky sweet thanks to the pineapple, plum tomatoes and drizzle of soy sauce to serve.

Get the recipe: Low-fat sweet and sour pork

489 cals/35g fat per portion

Our salmon fillets with minty pesto is perfect. The tender cut of salmon is topped with a light, homemade pesto which is ideal served alongside new potatoes and spinach leaves.

Get the recipe: Salmon fillets with minty pesto

467 cals/26g fat per portion

Sabich are sandwiches from the Middle East. They’re simple to make and packed with veg such as cucumber, spring onions, and tomatoes. Drizzle in lemon and served with a homemade tahini sauce.

Get the recipe: Sabich

264 calories/9g fat per portion

This Spanish paella salad takes just 20 minutes to make in total. It’s a low calorie meal that is made with tender king prawns. This recipe also uses a rice pouch however you can opt for your favourite rice instead.

Get the recipe: Paella salad

280 calories/20g fat per portion

This Gnudi with tomato sauce is a dish of pillowy ricotta dumplings served in a simple but richly-flavoured tomato sauce. It's filling yet low in calories and easier than making a pasta dough.

Get the recipe: Gnudi with tomato sauce

422 calories/9g fat per portion

Our hidden veg Bolognese is an easy way to get the kids eating more veggies. Carrots, onion, celery, courgette and tomatoes are chopped into small pieces and coated in a rich, tomato Bolognese sauce.

Get the recipe: Hidden veg Bolognese

376 calories/28g fat per portion

Our cauliflower, cabbage and chicken slaw is perfect for using up leftover roast chicken and makes a delicious low calorie meal. This recipe serves four and takes 10 minutes to cook.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower and cabbage and chicken slaw

307 calories/4g fat per portion

Each prawn is coated in a spicy peri-peri seasoning and served on a bed of mixed peppers and turmeric infused rice.

Get the recipe: Peri peri prawns and spicy rice

500 cals/5.5g fat per portion

It takes under an hour to make this delicious Green pea risotto recipe. You'll love the fresh flavours from the pesto as it's made wit peas, watercress and mint.

Get the recipe: Green pea risotto

118 cals/7g fat per portion

This delicious Masala Omelette recipe is a spicy twist on a classic omelette. It's a great speedy low calorie dinner taking just 10 minutes to cook.

Get the recipe: Masala omelette

257 cals/10g fat per portion

Our meat-free farro and roast vegetable salad with crispy chickpeas recipe is a hearty dish ideal for vegetarians.

Get the recipe: Farro and roast vegetable salad with crispy chickpeas

483 cals/10g fat per portion

It takes under an hour to make this delicious Soba noodles with spicy miso prawns recipe. This filling dish is just 483 calories per portion.

Get the recipe: Soba noodles with spicy miso prawns

332 cals/21g fat per portion

This mouth-watering aubergine parmigiana is layered with tender aubergine, infused with garlic and smothered in melting mozzarella.

Get the recipe: Aubergine parmigiana

346 cals/23g fat per portion

Roast butternut squash halves brushed with readymade pesto then top with tomatoes, streaky bacon, spinach and feta for a dinner that's going to get your family well on their way to the recommended five-a-day.

Get the recipe: Pesto-roasted butternut squash

353 cals/23g fat per portion

This one-pot wonder, spicy Caribbean sausages is infused with jerk seasoning, drizzled in olive oil and bejeweled with peppadew peppers.

Get the recipe: Spicy Caribbean sausages

288 cals/6g fat per portion

These chicken taco bowls are a great way of using up leftover chicken from your Sunday roast dinner. Bake your tortilla bowls in the oven, top with freshly made salad, chicken and drizzle in a homemade salad dressing.

Get the recipe: Chicken taco bowls

311 calories/16g fat per portion

This rich, sweet Italian red pepper soup is only 311 calories per serving, including the homemade cheesy flatbread.

Get the recipe: Italian red pepper soup with cheesy flatbread

490 cals/27g fat per portion

This hearty, filling New York kale and chicken Caesar salad is packed full of goodness. The kale based salads provides the nutrients, the chicken provides the protein and the cheese provides the calcium.

Get the recipe: New York kale and chicken Ceasar salad

457 cals/25g fat per portion

This Japanese-style salmon and vegetable curry is made in just 35 minutes. The vegetable curry is made with soft sweet potato, cauliflower and greens beans infused with teriyaki sauce and topped with a lime drizzled salmon fillet.

Get the recipe: Japanese-style salmon and vegetable curry

388 cals/18g fat per portion

This slow-cooked cheesy chicken bake is not only lower in calories, it's low in cost too using chicken thighs which are a much cheaper cut of meat. This bake is topped with plenty of cheese and even some crushed crisps too to give it extra crunch.

Get the recipe: Slow cooker cheesy chicken bake

410 calories/13g fat per portion

Pearl barley salad with steak and leeks is a healthy but hearty mid-week meal that is tied together with a rich and flavourful dressing.

Get the recipe: Pearl barley salad with steak and leeks

392 cals per portion

This Weight Watchers cheese and bacon gnocchi bake is great for those who are trying to be healthy. For the creamy sauce it uses low-fat spread instead of butter, skimmed milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. All the flavour, fewer calories!

Get the recipe: Weight Watchers cheese and bacon gnocchi bake

203 cals/9g fat per portion

This delicious Ramen soup is so simple to make and great for using up leftovers. Packed with plenty of veggies like aubergine, mushrooms and Tenderstem broccoli, this broth is healthy and bursting with flavour too.

Get the recipe: Ramen soup

198 cals/5g fat per portion

Chunks of sweet potato, peas and a homemade reduced fat cheese sauce makes this sweet potato pasta a low calorie option for the whole family. Ready in just three steps.

Get the recipe: Sweet potato pasta

339 cals/3.7g fat per portion

With skinless chicken breasts, granary breadcrumbs and low-fat spread, this dish is the perfect healthy family meal that comes with homemade chips all under 500 calories.

Get the recipe: Chicken kiev and chips

475 cals per portion

This Weight Watchers cottage pie is great for a quick and easy meal packed full of goodness without overloading on calories. The recipe serves four people and will take around 50 minutes to prepare and cook.

Get the recipe: Weight Watcher's cottage pie

409 cals/9g fat per portion

You can enjoy the creamy carbonara sauce and fresh lean back bacon without feeling guilty as its only 409 calories per serving. This recipe also uses reduced fat Parmesan and low-fat soft cheese to lower the fat content too.

Get the recipe: Lower-fat penne carbonara

436 cals/14g fat per portion

Tender pieces of chicken tossed with noodles and heaps of veg. Drizzle with lemon and serve at only 436 calories per portion.

Get the recipe: Lemon chicken stir-fry with noodles

473 cals/30g fat per portion

This vibrant roasted vegetables and feta salad is a light, summery dinner that the whole family can enjoy. This salad is perfect for using up leftover veggies from your Sunday roast.

Get the recipe: Roasted roots and feta salad

420 cals/11g fat per portion

This low calorie meal of fish stew is only 420 calories per serving. This stew includes fresh squid and king prawns.

Get the recipe: Fish stew

490 cals/14g fat per portion

Tinned crab (or tinned tuna or pink salmon) works really well in this light yet filling crab, lemon and chilli linguine pasta dish. It’s a simple dish infused with citrus lemon and warming chilli.

Get the recipe: Crab, lemon and chilli linguine

463 cals/25g fat per portion

The recipe includes fresh fish and gives you the option of choosing your own like salmon, cod, haddock, scallops and raw prawns. The creamy white wine sauce gives the pie a delicious flavour and the filo pastry gives it a crunchy topping.

Get the recipe: Filo fish pie

339 cals/13.5g fat per portion

Make this wonderfully fragrant Hairy Bikers Thai chicken and coconut curry in four simple steps. The rich Thai sauce is flavoured with basil, coconut, lime and Thai curry paste.

Get the recipe: Hairy Bikers' Thai chicken and coconut curry

492 cals/22g fat per portion

Hairy Bikers' Spanish-style chicken bake is a one pot wonder. Choosing flavoursome ingredients such as chorizo and red pepper replace the need for fats and oils in this tasty tray bake.

Get the recipe: Hairy Bikers' Spanish-style chicken bake

465 cals/25g fat per portion

This rich and warming chicken and mushroom pie is under 500 calories. This recipe uses a tin of mushroom soup for the sauce with a splash of white wine and pinch of tarragon for added flavour.

Get the recipe: Chicken and mushroom pot pies

321 cals/31g fat per portion

Wrapped in crispy filo pastry and made with a flavoursome ras el hanout mix, this nut roast is a great Sunday dinner option that the whole family can enjoy together.

Get the recipe: Sweet potato nut roast

199 cals per portion

This chunky butternut squash and spinach tortilla is a meal in itself. A peppery rocket salad would make a lovely accompaniment and would increase your five-a-day count too.

Get the recipe: Butternut squash and spinach tortilla

276 cals/11g fat per portion

These light yet filling fajitas are prepared in just 5 minutes. Rosemary Conley has chosen to use lean pork fillets in this recipe to keep the fat count lower too. Serve with low-fat yogurt.

Get the recipe: Pork and pepper fajitas

392 cals/18g fat per portion

Our low calorie chicken tikka masala serves four and takes just four steps to make. If you’re catering for vegetarians you could opt for chicken-style tofu pieces instead.

Get the recipe: Low-calorie chicken tikka masala

323 cals/5.7g fat per portion

Using Quorn mince not only makes Rosemary Conley's Quorn lasagne suitable for vegetarians, it is also lower in fat as Quorn is much less fatty than beef mince.

Get the recipe: Rosemary Conley's Quorn lasagne

428 cals/7g fat per portion

With only 1g saturated fat per portion, this Woman's Weekly recipe for low-fat fish and chips is oven-baked instead of fried for a healthier treat.

Get the recipe: Low-fat fish, chips and mushy peas

421 cals/13g per portion

Baby plum tomatoes, red onions and fresh broad beans makes this pasta dish a healthy choice that the family can enjoy together.

Get the recipe: Slow roast tomato and bean pasta

371 cals/14.8g fat per portion

A French bread base gives this pizza a thick, crunchy texture. This recipe is ideal for vegetarians with cherry vine tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and fresh olives.

Get the recipe: French bread pizzas

496 cals/27g fat per portion

Prep this hearty cottage pie by celeb chef James Martin in just five minutes. The tender beef mince is topped with a smooth sweet potato mash and finished with a light layer of Cheddar cheese.

Get the recipe: James Martin's cottage pie

234 cals/5.6g fat per portion

At only 234 calories per serving, this indulgent cheese-topped dish is infused with garlic and rich tomatoes. Finished with low-fat sour cream, this is a great dish for using up leftover chicken.

Get the recipe: Chicken enchiladas

435 cals per portion

This dish is packed full of vegetables such as chestnut mushrooms, baby spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes.

Get the recipe: Garlic mushroom pasta bake

342 cals/17.5g fat per portion

This creamy stuffed chicken breast is well under 500 calories a serving. The layer of ham adds a crisp, salty flavour to the tender chicken breast.

Get the recipe: Creamy stuffed chicken breasts

370 cals/10g fat per portion

These traditional Middle-Eastern falafels served with hummus and salad are low in calories and high in protein.

Get the recipe: Homemade falafels

365 cals/9g fat per portion

All you need to make this dish is some new potatoes, a tin of tuna and a few flavourings and you've got a filling family meal well under 500 calories.

Get the recipe: Tuna and potato layer

400 cals/5g fat per portion

Give your meal times a Spanish twist with this easy prawn paella. Ready in under an hour and only 400 calories.

Get the recipe: Chicken and prawn paella

457 calories/18g fat per portion

Miso is a Japanese paste made from fermented soybeans and our miso aubergine recipe is the perfect recipe to try it. You only need to use a tablespoon at a time.

Get the recipe: Miso aubergine with grain salad

247 cals/6.9g fat per portion

This comforting cottage pie by the Hairy Bikers is only 247 calories per serving. They opt for lean beef mince, heaps of veggies and a creamy half-fat crème fraiche leek and potato mash.

Get the recipe: Hairy Bikers' healthy cottage pie

311 cals/18g fat per portion

This salad includes fresh asparagus, new potatoes and crushed garlic, perfect for the summer. Instead of using a jar of pesto this recipe allows you to create your own which is much healthier and less fatty.

Get the recipe: Pesto, asparagus and potato salad

313 cals/7.7g fat per portion

Use lentils instead of meat with this lentil and spinach curry recipe to keep the calorie count low and under 500 calories.

Get the recipe: Lentil and spinach balti

431 cals/17g fat per portion

This spinach and corn lasagne feeds a family of four for just £5.20. Perfect for vegetarians this lasagne has a light cream cheese and mozzarella topping.

Get the recipe: Spinach and sweetcorn lasagne

371 cals/3.5g fat per portion

The recipe includes brown basmati rice, fresh salsa, kidney beans and tuna steak. It takes just 10 minutes to make in total.

Get the recipe: Tuna and brown rice salad

322 cals/8.3g fat per portion

Served on a bed of noodles, our velvety pork chunks are infused with soy sauce, garlic, root ginger and chilli.

Get the recipe: Pork stir-fry

418 cals/11.5 fat per portion

Swap chicken for tender strips of beef in this beef fajitas recipe. Fresh peppers and onion bulk the wraps up. Ready in just 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Beef fajitas

322 cals/16.8g fat per portion

With juicy asparagus and fresh ricotta cheese, this pizza is a flavoursome healthy option and is only 322 calories per portion.

Get the recipe: Asparagus ricotta pizza

322 cals per portion

This four cheese pizza is under 500 calories. The four cheeses include ricotta, gorgonzola, low-fat mature cheese and Parmesan.

Get the recipe: Quick four-cheese pizza

393 cals per portion

With lemongrass stem, garlic and fresh coriander, these skinless chicken kebabs are oozing with flavour. Serve with dried easy-cook rice and your meal is complete.

Get the recipe: Weight Watchers lemongrass and lime herby chicken kebabs

480 cals per portion

These homemade crispy cod nuggets with sweet potato wedges is a low calorie meal for the whole family. You can swap the cod for other fish instead like haddock or salmon.

Get the recipe: Crispy cod nuggets with sweet potato

161 cals/2g fat per portion

This 25 minute recipe serves three and is perfect for vegetarians. The Quorn keeps the calorie count low as does the heaps of fresh veg including peas, green beans and spinach.

Get the recipe: Quick quorn lunch bowl

179 cals/8g fat per portion

This scrumptious recipe for steak, chicory and orange salad is an ideal summer dinner. With tender sirloin steak and tangy orange, this meal is full of flavour.

Get the recipe: Steak, chicory and orange salad

107 cals/6g fat per portion

Cooked in just 15 minutes, this Spanish tortilla with artichokes works out at only 107 calories per serving. You can easily add stuff to this dish including diced chorizo, spinach or broad beans.

Get the recipe: Spanish tortilla with artichokes

295 cals/6g fat per portion

This scrumptious recipe for venison burger and chips swaps classic beef for venison instead which is an excellent source of protein.

Get the recipe: Venison burger and chips

331 cals/15.5g fat per portion

The light garlic topping makes this sea bass extra flavoursome. Serve with a side of cauliflower florets and peas.

Get the recipe: Sea bass with squash and stir-fry

277 cals/4g fat per portion

This recipe for stuffed chicken with spinach is a delicious low calorie meal. With a sweet honey and spring onion marinade, this succulent chicken breast is full of flavour.

Get the recipe: Stuffed chicken with spinach

371 cals per portion

Full of spice and chunky meatballs, this dish uses extra lean beef mine and you can make your own sauce, which contains less salt than using a jar. The sauce is made up of sweet chopped tomatoes, tomato puree and chilli con carne spice mix.

Get the recipe: Chilli con carne meatballs

381 cals/16g fat per portion

Our pumpkin soup recipe is as delicious and full of the earthy, sweet pumpkin flavour. Perfect for the autumn months, serve this soup with homemade breadsticks.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin soup

215 cals per portion

This delicious, quick-to-make Thai curry is low in fat and calories but big on taste thanks to the shallots, coconut milk, soy sauce and lime.

Get the recipe: Low-calorie Thai green vegetable curry

265 cals/14g fat per portion

Ready and on the table in just 10 minutes, this healthy family meal is full of fresh flavours and packed with veggies too such as red pepper, onion and bok choi. You can swap the prawns for chicken pieces or tofu instead for the veggie option.

Get the recipe: King prawn stir-fry

322 cals/16g fat per portion

This Slimming World lamb tagine takes just over an hour to make. Packed with flavour and vegetables. Turn this dish vegetarian if you don’t like meat or are trying to cut down.

Get the recipe: Slimming World's lamb tagine

129 cals/5.5g fat per portion

This delicious, low-fat, vegan-friendly soya bean and pea soup is packed with lovely flavours like spring onion, rocket and basil. It's also freezable which makes it perfect for making bulk.

Get the recipe: Soya bean and pea soup