My husband, Dan, and I had a crazy-busy summer. We went on several really fun road trips and we ate a lot of unhealthy food that added a few extra pounds. So to get back on track and recharge our lives with healthy eating, we’re planning low-calorie dinners in advance and loading our weekly menu with 20-minute dinner recipes. Here are 4 meals on our menu this week:
1. Chili-Rubbed Steaks & Pan Salsa (recipe below) – Any cut of steak will work for this recipe, but we especially like the flavor and texture of rib-eye with these seasonings; look for steak that has been thinly cut. A cold ale, sweet potato fries and vinegary coleslaw can round out the meal.
2. Turkey & Fontina Melts – An elegant presentation of turkey layered with spinach and cheese, yet surprisingly quick to make. Round out the meal with a side of whole-wheat pasta, a salad and a glass of Pinot Noir.
3. Black Bean-Garlic Catfish – This dish is great for folks who are on the fence about catfish because the pungent black bean-garlic sauce balances the fish’s strong flavor. Serve with udon noodles or brown rice and sauteed broccoli with ginger broccoli.
4. Italian Vegetable Hoagies – This delightfully easy, and somewhat messy, sandwich packs a punch with sweet balsamic vinegar, artichoke hearts, red onion, provolone cheese and zesty pepperoncini. Serve with tomato and cucumber salad.
Get more ideas for easy low-calorie dinners.
Chili-Rubbed Steaks & Pan Salsa
8 ounces 1/2-inch-thick steaks, such as rib-eye, trimmed of fat
and cut into 2 portions
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 plum tomatoes, diced
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1. Sprinkle both sides of steak with chili powder and 1/4
teaspoon salt. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the steaks and cook, turning once, 1 to 2 minutes per side for
medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a plate, cover with foil and
let rest while you make the salsa.
2. Add tomatoes, lime juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to
the pan and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes soften, about
3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and any accumulated
juices from the steaks. Serve the steaks topped with the salsa.
Makes 2 servings
Per serving: 174 calories; 9 g fat (3 g sat, 4 g mono); 60 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrate; 20 g protein; 1 g fiber; 336 mg sodium; 421 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Zinc (27% daily value), Vitamin A (20% dv), Vitamin C (15% dv).
By Carolyn Malcoun
When associate editor Carolyn Malcoun came to Vermont to attend New England Culinary Institute, she knew she didn't want to work in a restaurant but knew that she wanted to do something in the food industry. Luckily she discovered EatingWell, where she's able to combine her love of food and writing.
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