With the new year upon us, we are all looking to lighten things up a bit. Weight Watchers is a perfect way to lose weight and stay on track while not limiting yourself to certain “diet foods.” Weight Watchers is proven to be an effective way of staying on track with your healthy eating goals. Many people have had and continue to have success in this program. It gives you the freedom to eat all the foods you love, that is, if you have all the right tools. I have compiled a list of healthy Weight Watcher-friendly dinner recipes to help you achieve success! All of these dinner recipes are 5 or fewer WW points per serving. They are all so flavorful, you won’t feel like you’re missing out!
1. Baked Chicken Parmesan
This baked chicken parmesan is so light, crispy, and perfectly delicious. It gives you the feeling that you are eating fried food but without the guilt. These chicken breasts are baked, not fried, to a crunchy but tender golden brown. At only 4 WW points per serving, you’ll feel like you’re eating at your favorite Italian restaurant while staying on track.
2. Mushroom Pork Chops
At only 5 points, these mushroom pork chops are a perfect meal. With the cold weather, we are always looking for warm comfort food without the extra points. The mushrooms and thyme give it those earthy flavors you crave in a hearty dinner. Try this recipe from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures. You’ll be adding it to your weeknight menu.
3. Chicken Taco Casserole
Casseroles are always warm and filling but usually full of unnecessary calories and guilt. This chicken taco casserole fulfills that need for something substantial but each serving only has 1 Weight Watchers point per serving!
4. Mac and Cheese
At 5 points and only 5 ingredients, this Mac and Cheese is sure to please! This lightened-up version of a classic will have everyone begging for more. You won’t miss all the fat in this recipe because the use of the sharp cheddar and the panko crumbs gives it that extra toasty, delicious topping that makes it taste decadent. Try this simple recipe any night of the week!
5. BAKED BUFFALO CHICKEN TAQUITOS
Is there anything better than a crisp tortilla filled with spicy meat? These taquitos are perfect in every way. At 2 points per roll, these are a perfect dinner, snack, or game-day food. Top them with all the free WW toppings (e.g. celery, lettuce, tomato, etc.) to add that delightful freshness they beg to be paired with. For an added point you can dunk them in a fat-free ranch to really get that buffalo chicken vibe.
6. CHICKPEA AND FETA SALAD
I love a good Mediterranean salad. They are always full of protein and flavor. The texture of the chickpeas, lemony feta, and fresh veggies marry so well together. At 4 WW points per serving this salad is light but filling and so tasty! It also keeps well in the fridge for leftovers.
7. CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD
Recipes From a Pantry claims this as “easy” and it sure is! It is simple, fresh and delicious. It is full of protein and all the colorful veggies, you’ll think you are eating at an Asian-fusion cafe.
8. SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
At 3 points per serving, this southwest chicken salad is so flavorful and chock full of protein. The dressing calls for oregano and I suggest you use fresh chopped oregano. That, along with the lemon brings so much brightness to this dish and the warmth of the cumin, you seriously cannot go wrong. Use a rotisserie chicken for ease or swap beans if you prefer a different kind, but you will love this one, I promise!
9. SKINNY SESAME CHICKEN
This “skinny” sesame chicken is everything you want in Chinese food. Skip the take-out and the extra calories and additives and make this. The best thing about it is that you know what it’s in it and it’s only 3 Weight Watchers points per serving! Add as many veggies as you want and viola! Your weekend take-out just got replaced.
10. SLOW COOKER CHICKEN FAJITA SOUP
This soup is 1 Freestyle WW point per serving! On top of that, it’s an easy crockpot recipe. A match made in heaven. Healthy and easy!
11. SPAGHETTI SQUASH LASAGNA
This recipe is a tad labor intensive but oh, so worth it! At 2 points per half, these little squash lasagnas are delicious and hearty.
12. SWEET POTATO CHILI
This recipe suggests using the Instant Pot but you can just as easily make it on the stovetop. The cumin and chipotle peppers make this recipe! Its warmth from the spices, texture from the meat and beans, and the sweet silkiness of the sweet potato make this the perfect chili.
13. CHICKEN QUESADILLAS
There is nothing better than a crispy, cheesy quesadilla and this recipe does not disappoint! At 3 points per quesadilla, you’ll make this for lunch, dinner, or a snack! Add any toppings or light dip for an easy weeknight meal or a game-day staple.
14. EGGROLL IN A BOWL
Eggroll in a bowl; what a fun idea! It’s both nutritious and delicious. This recipe is quick and easy and claims to yield 0 WW points so this leaves room for a side if you please.
15. STUFFED PEPPERS
Stuffed peppers are seriously a comfort food. I’ll claim that because of the immense flavor and size of the portion. You feel like you are eating more than you should because of the size but they are full of yummy, warm goodness in a vitamin-rich shell. They are so good for you. Try this recipe, at only 1 Weight Watchers point and you won’t feel like you’re missing out.
16. BAKED GARLIC LEMON SALMON
This salmon is done in 20 minutes and is only 2 points per serving. You can’t go wrong with that! Salmon is rich in Omega-3’s and protein so pair this with any veggie for a meal chock full of health benefits.
17. SHEET PAN THAI CHICKEN
This one-sheet meal is perfect in every way. 5 points per serving, and full of flavor and color. The lime adds that brightness that any Thai cuisine begs for. It is so easy (after all the chopping of course) you’ll make this time and time again. Skip the Thai restaurant and the calories and give this recipe a try!
18. WEIGHT WATCHERS QUICHE
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! At only 2 points this quiche will fill you up and the best part is you can substitute any veggies you want. You could even add a light breakfast protein to it and still be under 5 points per serving. Easy and inexpensive, eggs are always the best way to go when you’re watching calories, points and bucks.
19. LEMON AND HERB SHRIMP
This is Shrimp Scampi, Weight Watchers style! It’s so simple but elegant. At 3 points per serving, you could double up on this and not even bat an eye, especially with the amount of protein in each serving. With it only taking minutes to prepare this could be a quick lunch or dinner any day of the week.
20. TURKEY HAMBURGER
When people hear ‘turkey burger’ it seems blase but I guarantee you will love this one! Anytime you are using ground turkey, you have to spruce it up a bit. This one calls for Worcestershire and Dijon, which kicks up the flavor so nicely you don’t miss the beef. This turkey burger is only 1 point which makes room for a light bun, or any other toppings you want. Try this recipe for the best substitute for its greasy counterpart, it tastes great and you won’t regret it afterward.
All of these recipes will have you feeling healthier, lighter, and better about your goals.
