From beefy tostadas to apple-glazed chicken, these easy diabetic dinners use just five ingredients.
37 Easy Diabetic-Friendly Dinners with 5 Ingredients (or Less!)
Updated on Feb. 21, 2023
1/37
Walnut and Oat-Crusted Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I think this recipe gives you the most omega-3 fatty acid bang for your buck! —Cristen Dutcher, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 484 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 fat, 1/2 starch.
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2/37
Bacon and Spinach Pizza
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 slices
From the Recipe Creator:
Our go-to pizza is a snap to make using packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon. The kids don't even mind the spinach on top! —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 269 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
3/37
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
4/37
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the easiest way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
5/37
Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1 tablespoon glaze: 239 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
6/37
Spicy French Dip
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If I'm cooking for a party or family get-together, I can put this beef in the slow cooker in the morning and then concentrate on other preparations. It's a timesaver that never fails to get rave reviews. —Ginny Koeppen, Winnfield, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
7/37
Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard mixture: 224 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
8/37
Shrimp Ramen
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A package of store-bought ramen noodles speeds up assembly of this colorful broth with shrimp and carrots. My mother passed the recipe on to me. —Donna Hellinger, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
9/37
Crispy Dill Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 256 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
10/37
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 359 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/37
Pistachio Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple salmon gets its crunch from a coating of crushed pistachios, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add steamed veggies and rice and it's dinnertime! —Anthony Oraczewski, Port St. Lucie, FL
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked fish: 269 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
12/37
Honey-Garlic Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sauce on these honey garlic pork chops is so good, I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggie we have on the side. —Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
13/37
Thai Red Curry Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recreated a favorite red curry chicken dish from a restaurant, and now I cook it almost weekly for my family. On a busy night, frozen stir-fry veggies really speed things up. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
14/37
Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need much seasoning to add flavor to this tender beef roast. The mild blend of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 198 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
15/37
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
16/37
Peppered Pork Pitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Believe it: Cracked black pepper is all it takes to give my pork pitas some pop. With these, any weeknight meal is awesome. I like to fill them with caramelized onions and garlic mayo. —Katherine White, Henderson, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 380 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
17/37
Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
18/37
19/37
Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. —Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 241 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
20/37
Southwestern Pineapple Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick entree will instantly transport you to the Southwest. Salsa plays lively counterpoint to the juicy pineapple-sweetened pork chops.—Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup sauce: 274 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
21/37
Turkey & Apricot Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For these wraps, I combined the traditional Southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
22/37
Peppered Beef Tenderloin Roast
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A pepper rub gives this moist, tender beef a bit of a zippy taste. It takes just minutes to prepare, and the meat slices well. Lining the baking pan with foil makes it a breeze to clean up, too. —Denise Bitner, Reedsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 188 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
23/37
24/37
Grilled Basil Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cinch of a marinade gives the chicken lots of Italian flavor. Serve the chicken with a tossed green salad and garlic breadsticks, or put slices on a ciabatta roll along with lettuce, tomato and mozzarella cheese for a zesty handheld meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 231 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/37
Lemon-Garlic Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son James created these zesty chops spiced with paprika and cayenne. He keeps the spice rub in a jar to use with chops or chicken. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 233 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
26/37
Tomato & Garlic Butter Bean Dinner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On the days I get home late and just want a warm meal, I stir together tomatoes, garlic and butter beans. Ladle it over noodles if you're in the mood for pasta. —Jessica Meyers, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without pasta and cheese): 147 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
27/37
Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
28/37
Chili-Rubbed Steak with Black Bean Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Busy weeknights don't stop my husband from firing up the grill. This meal-in-one comes together fast. Try it with chimichurri and cotija cheese. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 3/4 cup salad: 367 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 762mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
29/37
Skillet Chicken with Olives
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. —Rosemarie Pisano, Revere, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without capers): 237 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
30/37
Baked Buffalo Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make this tangy buffalo chicken breast, I have to double this baked buffalo chicken recipe because it disappears so fast. Better to have leftovers, especially since they make great sandwiches and salads. —Beth Zimmerman, Willingboro, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 277 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 811mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
31/37
Rosemary Lamb Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 231 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 4 lean meat.
32/37
Curry Scramble
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 160 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
33/37
Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This entree is a fantastic way to savor fresh tomatoes, especially during the warm summer months. It’s quite simple, but the sweet, tangy tomato glaze is so good. —Karen Gehrig, Concord, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup tomatoes and 1-1/2 teaspoons glaze: 306 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
34/37
Apple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My “pickatarian” child is choosy but willing to eat this chicken glazed with apple juice and thyme. I dish it up with mashed potatoes and green beans. —Kerry Picard, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with about 1 tablespoon glaze: 204 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
35/37
36/37
Hoisin-Pineapple Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mouth waters when I think of this sweet and tangy glaze. It's a tropical treat at any time of year. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 2 tablespoons sauce: 349 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
37/37
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 392 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1011mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 23g protein.
