You Just Started a Weight-Loss Diet—Here Are 26 Recipes to Make First

Reviewed by Dietitian Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

If you’ve recently started a weight-loss diet, you might be overwhelmed thinking of recipes to help support your health goals. Luckily, these delicious recipes are all lower in calories and higher in protein and/or fiber, which can help with weight loss. Choose from easy morning meals like our Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Parfait, veggie-packed salads like our Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad and hearty entrees like our Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup. You’ll find plenty of tasty options to help you meet your health goals.

01 of 26

Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Parfait

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This quick and easy raspberry and yogurt parfait combines creamy strained (Greek-style) yogurt with fiber-rich fruit and crunchy toasted pecans for a gut-friendly start to your day. Layering the ingredients in a jar makes for a portable, pretty and protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes.

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02 of 26

Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This hearty broccoli-chickpea salad is packed with a satisfying texture and flavor from tender chickpeas, crunchy almonds, sweet golden raisins and tangy feta cheese. A mash of feta forms the base of the creamy, lemony dressing, coating every bite.

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03 of 26

Easy White Bean Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.

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04 of 26

Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

This cozy soup combines tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans with aromatic spices, plus a splash of lemon juice to brighten every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

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05 of 26

Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This cozy dish will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup—in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor.

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06 of 26

High-Protein Breakfast Casserole

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This high-protein breakfast casserole is the best way to start your day, packed with eggs, cottage cheese and veggies. Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and increases the protein content without overpowering the flavor. Earthy mushrooms, bell pepper and sautéed kale bring flavor to every bite.

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07 of 26

Marry Me White Bean Soup

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Here, the flavors of Marry Me Chicken (sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan) are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.

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08 of 26

Baked Lemon-Pepper Salmon

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

This baked lemon-pepper salmon is a bright, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The lemony salmon is infused with citrusy flavor, and a simple seasoning of lemon-pepper, garlic and salt. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad or fluffy brown rice for a complete meal.

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09 of 26

High-Protein Strawberry & Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Sue Mitchell

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Sue Mitchell

These overnight oats get a protein boost thanks to strained (Greek-style) yogurt, peanut butter and soy milk, which leads to 18 grams of protein per serving. We mix it up with chopped strawberries, but any berry or chopped fruit will pair nicely with this easy grab-and-go breakfast.

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10 of 26

Cannellini Bean & Herbed Ricotta Toast

Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh
Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh

Herbed ricotta toast gets topped with cannellini beans and roasted red peppers for a colorful, tasty open-face sandwich. Simple, quick and flavorful, it makes a great option for an easy lunch.

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11 of 26

Chickpea-Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

These lettuce wraps give classic tuna salad a fresh, flavorful upgrade. Mashed chickpeas add creamy texture and extra protein, while strained Greek-style yogurt gives the salad a light, creamy base. Everything bagel seasoning ties it all together with savory crunch.

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12 of 26

Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

These quinoa bowls feature chicken thighs, bell peppers and onions coated in a bold spice blend. Fluffy quinoa, brightened with cilantro and lime, forms a hearty base and a creamy, and a spiced yogurt sauce brings everything together.

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13 of 26

Easy Chickpea Salad Lunch Box

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

This chickpea salad is a fresh, no-cook lunch that’s perfect for busy weekdays. Chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing bite. It’s easy to prep multiple servings at once, so you can stock your fridge with grab-and-go lunches for the week.

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14 of 26

High-Protein Orange-Mango Smoothie

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This high-protein smoothie is a bright and refreshing drink that combines the tangy sweetness of fresh orange juice with the tropical richness of mangoes. A scoop of protein powder and strained (Greek-style) yogurt make this smoothie a satisfying breakfast. Using unflavored protein powder allows the natural fruit flavors to shine.

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15 of 26

Cheesy Bean Toast

Photographer: Diana Christruga.

Photographer: Diana Christruga.

This cheesy bean toast is perfect for using up leftover refried beans. We recommend using a larger piece of bakery bread for the ideal beans-to-bread ratio. Any salsa works well here—you can easily adjust based on your spice preferences.

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16 of 26

Sheet-Pan Chicken & Broccoli

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist; Joshua Hoggle

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist; Joshua Hoggle

This sheet-pan miso-garlic chicken and broccoli dinner is low in calories, but high in protein to keep you satisfied, a key combination if you’re trying to lose weight.

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17 of 26

Ginger-Dill Salmon with Cucumber & Avocado Salad

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

This ginger-dill salmon with cucumber and avocado salad is a light, refreshing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Tender, flaky salmon is infused with the unique combination of warm ginger and fresh dill, making it the perfect complement to the cool, creamy salad.

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18 of 26

Green Smoothie

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

This vibrant smoothie is a refreshing way to start your day. The spinach blends in seamlessly without overpowering the sweet tropical flavors. Banana adds a creamy texture, while mango and pineapple bring natural sweetness and a bright, sunny taste.

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19 of 26

Blueberry-Coconut-Walnut Baked Oatmeal

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

This blueberry-coconut-walnut baked oatmeal gets natural sweetness from banana and dates with bursts of juicy blueberries and a nutty crunch from walnuts. This hearty dish is perfect for meal prep or sharing at brunch, offering a nutritious start to your day. Serve it warm with a dollop of yogurt.

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20 of 26

York Peppermint Pattie–Inspired Overnight Oats

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Nicole Hopper, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Nicole Hopper, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

These minty York Peppermint Pattie–inspired overnight oats come together in just minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for meal prep because you can store it in jars, giving you a grab-and-go breakfast that’s worth waking up for.

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21 of 26

Garlicky Cabbage Soup

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Warm, hearty and nourishing, this soup is rich with the aromatic flavor of garlic and tender-sweet cabbage. Packed with veggies and a savory broth, this soup is perfect as a light meal on its own or as a starter.

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22 of 26

Roasted Potato Tzatziki Bowls

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Crispy, golden roasted potatoes are the centerpiece of these tasty bowls, accompanied by a tangy, herb-packed tzatziki sauce at the base. Loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onion with a side of chickpeas, these bowls deliver big on flavor and nutrition.

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23 of 26

Raspberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

This creamy raspberry-peach chia seed smoothie is the best way to start your day or recharge in the afternoon. Chia seeds add a healthy dose of fiber to keep you full and satisfied. The natural sweetness of frozen peaches combined with dates and the tangy brightness of raspberries makes every sip refreshing and satisfying.

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24 of 26

Cranberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong

These fiber-rich cranberry cheesecake overnight oats will elevate your breakfast into something special. Combining the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the rich, creamy flavors of cheesecake, these oats offer a delicious start to your day.

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25 of 26

Roasted Salmon & Broccoli Rice Bowls

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Gochujang, mayonnaise and honey combine to bring a spicy-sweet flavor to roasted salmon fillets. The honey allows the sauce to cling to the salmon while also providing a slight caramelization. Store-bought kimchi adds a nice tang to complete these weeknight-friendly rice bowls.

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26 of 26

Roasted Squash & Lentil Kale Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This squash lentil salad packs 11 grams of fiber and features plenty of kale, a powerful prebiotic food that helps support a healthy gut. This salad can be assembled in a Mason jar so you can prep it the night before for a healthy, grab-and-go lunch the next day.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/weight-loss-diet-recipes-to-make-first-11905426