Low-Calorie Turkish Dishes: 12 Light and Delicious Recipes

17 November | 2025

Turkish cuisine is known for its rich flavors and satisfying dishes, yet it also offers plenty of light and healthy options.
For those who want to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste, here are 12 low-calorie Turkish dishes that combine tradition with a healthy approach.

1. Olive Oil Green Beans (Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye)

A classic, refreshing dish rich in fiber and natural flavor.
Calories: ~150 kcal per serving

2. Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası)

A nutritious and filling starter made with red lentils.
Calories: ~120 kcal

3. Bulgur Pilaf with Vegetables (Sebzeli Bulgur Pilavı)

A wholesome alternative to rice, packed with vitamins and minerals.
Calories: ~200 kcal

4. Grilled Chicken Breast (Izgara Tavuk Göğsü)

A lean protein option ideal for light meals.
Calories: ~165 kcal

5. Baked Zucchini Fritters (Fırında Kabak Mücver)

Baked instead of fried, dramatically reducing calories.
Calories: ~90 kcal

6. Baked Salmon with Vegetables (Fırında Sebzeli Somon)

A nutritious, omega-3–rich dish prepared with minimal oil.
Calories: ~250 kcal

7. Purslane Salad with Yogurt (Yoğurtlu Semizotu Salatası)

A refreshing, probiotic-packed side dish.
Calories: ~100 kcal

8. Grilled Vegetable Plate (Izgara Sebze Tabağı)

A light yet satisfying combination of eggplant, zucchini, peppers and mushrooms.
Calories: ~120 kcal

9. Light Kısır (Az Yağlı Kısır)

A bulgur-based salad loaded with fresh herbs and low in calories.
Calories: ~140 kcal

10. Lean Stuffed Vine Leaves (Az Yağlı Etli Yaprak Sarma)

Traditional, delicious and lighter when prepared with minimal oil.
Calories: ~170 kcal

11. Vegetable Soup (Sebze Çorbası)

A warm and nutritious option using seasonal vegetables.
Calories: ~90 kcal

12. Yogurt Chickpea Salad (Yoğurtlu Nohut Salatası)

Protein- and fiber-rich, perfect for a healthy lunch.
Calories: ~190 kcal

Low-calorie meals in Turkish cuisine offer a perfect balance of flavor, tradition and nutrition.
With the right ingredients and simple cooking methods, it's easy to enjoy healthy yet delicious dishes that suit any lifestyle.
These recipes show that eating light doesn't mean compromising on taste — it simply means choosing smarter combinations.