On weeknights, dinners can’t be a long and drawn-out affair but with these low-calorie broccoli recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without the need for a lot of prep and cooking.

Low-Calorie Broccoli Recipes Quicker than Fast Food

So often, we lean on fast-food and all the nutritional disasters that come with it when we’re in a rush on weeknights. It’s quick, it’s convenient, and it tastes good enough that we can get on with our lives.  Unfortunately, making a habit out of it will only wreak havoc on nutritional and weight control goals.

Fortunately, when you know the right low-calorie broccoli recipes, you’ll not only be able to boost your nutrition game, but you’ll be able to do it in less time than it would take you to get done at the local drive through and get things served at home. You’ll save yourself time and frustration – not to mention money – and will set out a delicious meal packed full of vitamins, minerals and fiber while you’re at it.

Which Low-Calorie Broccoli Recipes Should You Choose?

The following low-calorie broccoli recipes are perfect for weeknights. Each one can be made in less than 20 minutes.  They’ll make sure you eat lots of veggies – because broccoli – and that you’ll savor every bite you take and every minute you saved in the kitchen.

Guilt-Free Broccoli and Cheese

This isn’t your typical frozen broccoli drizzled in processed cheese sauce. Instead, this recipe gives a low-calorie taste upgrade that is protein-packed to boot.

This low-calorie broccoli recipe is for one serving, so simply multiply the quantities by the number of people who will be eating to get the perfect amount. Each of these servings contains only 300 calories.

• 2 cups broccoli, steamed
• 1 prepared grilled chicken breast (go for quality here. It makes a difference)
• 1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan
• Minced garlic
• Freshly ground black pepper

Steam the broccoli until it is crisp-tender and use the package directions to prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken into thin strips and toss with the broccoli. Add minced garlic and cheese, tossing until well mixed. Spread onto a baking sheet and broil until the cheese browns.

Broccoli Quesadillas

This low-calorie broccoli recipe takes a classic Mexican dish and gives it a green veggie boost from three sides. The quantities below are for one serving, so be sure to multiply by the number of people who will be eating. Each serving is only 290 calories.

• 1 small tortilla
• 2 slices of mozzarella cheese (for a total of 120 calories or less)
• ½ cup broccoli, steamed
• Chopped cilantro, as much as you want
• Green salsa

Spray a small pan with non-stick cooking spray. Over medium heat, add tortilla to the pan, rapidly topping one half of the tortilla with the cheese, then broccoli, then cilantro.  Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Grill until cheese is melted and tortilla is browned. Serve with green salsa.

Chili Cheese Broccoli Crowns

This is a low-calorie broccoli recipe so good even kids will love it. Again, the quantities below are per serving. Simply multiply by the number of people who will be eating for the total you’ll need.  Each hearty, tasty serving is only 280 calories.

• ½ cup of prepared chili (choose an option with 130 calories or less per ½ cup)
• 2 cups broccoli, steamed
• ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Steam the broccoli and add it to a bowl. Top with the heated chili and sprinkle the cheddar on top.