These chain restaurant meals are under 500 calories without skimping on flavor.
Getting a good light meal for less than 500 calories isn’t as difficult as you might think. Many good restaurants recognize customers’ need for low-calorie options, with clean ingredients that still emphasize great flavor. These meals don’t have to be boring: in fact, they’re surprisingly delicious considering the calorie count. Just keep in mind that any sauces or condiments can be incredibly high in calories, so choose your accompaniments wisely. Here are five of the best chain restaurant meals under 500 calories.
Classic Olive Garden Lasagna
Garden of Olives offers a delicious Lasagna Classico on its lighter menu, containing only 500 calories. This dish features layers of pasta, Italian cheeses, and a homemade meat sauce made with pan-seared beef and Italian sausage. Lots of flavor for a reasonable amount of calories, this meal is a great option for anyone who wants a smaller option.
Cracker Barrel Homestyle Grilled Chicken Salad
Homemade grilled chicken salad at Cracker Barrel contains only 440 calories, a perfect light, high-protein lunch that won’t leave you uncomfortably full. This salad features smoker-grilled chicken over fresh greens, topped with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons and Colby cheese, and served with crackers. Keep all salad dressings in mind, even something innocent like Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette (260 calories!) will make a significant difference in the overall calorie count.
Noodles & Company Cavatappi with Basil Pesto
Cavatappi Basil Pesto in small format at Noodles & Company is 420 calories and is a great choice for those who want to enjoy delicious pasta without overdoing it. This dish features cavatappi noodles in a creamy basil pesto sauce, grape tomatoes and mushrooms, topped with parmesan and fresh herbs. Small Japanese Pan Noodles are also a great choice at only 320 calories: caramelized udon noodles in a sweet soy sauce, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, black sesame seeds and cilantro.
LongHorn Steakhouse Flo’s Filet
Flo’s Filet at LongHorn Steakhouse, there are 330 calories for a 6-ounce steak, coated in signature grill seasoning and seared to lock in the classic buttery flavor. The calorie count can easily stay low if you opt for sides like broccoli and a green salad without dressing. Dressing up is always how they get you!
Grilled Salmon Bonefish
The Salmon Plate Fish-bone grill starts at 460 calories. This fish is lightly seasoned, wood grilled and served with a choice of two signature sides. The Chilean sea bass is another great option starting at 220 calories, as is the 8 oz chicken breast which starts at 390 calories. All of these menu options are wood-grilled and keep in mind that your choice of side could increase the calorie count.
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