How many calories do fajita veggies have? The answer depends on the preparation

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

A 1-cup serving of plain, oil-free cooked bell peppers and onions can contain as little as 25-40 calories, proving that plain fajita veggies are incredibly low in calories. However, the real number for how many calories do fajita veggies have hinges on how they are cooked and what's added to them, especially when dining out.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for fajita vegetables is not uniform and depends heavily on preparation, particularly the amount of oil and other ingredients used. Restaurant versions often contain significantly more calories than homemade due to excess fat and seasoning. Understanding the preparation method is key to controlling the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in fajita veggies is not fixed and depends almost entirely on the cooking method and added ingredients.
Low-Calorie Base: Plain bell peppers and onions are naturally low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Oil is the Main Culprit: Restaurants often add significant amounts of oil or butter to fajita veggies, drastically increasing the calorie content.
Homemade Advantage: Preparing fajita veggies at home gives you complete control over the amount of cooking fat, resulting in a much healthier meal.
Toppings Add Up: Condiments like cheese, sour cream, and guacamole can add substantial calories and fat to your meal.
Flavor without Fat: You can use cooking spray, broth, and a variety of spices to achieve delicious flavor with minimal added calories.

The Core Components: A Low-Calorie Foundation

The foundation of fajita veggies—bell peppers and onions—are naturally very low in calories and packed with nutrients. A cup of raw, chopped bell peppers and onions contains only about 30-40 calories. Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, while onions offer vitamin C and antioxidants. The cooking process itself does not significantly increase the vegetable's inherent calories. The calorie count rises only with the addition of fats and other ingredients during cooking and serving.

The Role of Cooking Fat

The most significant factor in a fajita veggie's calorie count is the cooking fat. While a small amount of healthy oil like olive or vegetable oil is fine, restaurant versions often use generous portions of oil or butter for flavor and sizzle. One tablespoon of olive oil alone adds over 100 calories to the dish. This is why portion sizes and cooking methods are so crucial for managing the calorie impact.

Common cooking fats and their calorie contributions per tablespoon:

Olive Oil: ~120 calories
Vegetable Oil: ~124 calories
Butter: ~102 calories

Calorie Comparison: Homemade vs. Restaurant

The difference in calories between homemade and restaurant-style fajita veggies can be stark. Here is a comparison of typical estimates for a single serving (approximately 1 cup) to highlight the impact of preparation:


Feature	Homemade Fajita Veggies	Restaurant Fajita Veggies (e.g., Chili's)
Cooking Fat	Minimal oil (e.g., 1 tsp) or cooking spray	Generous oil or butter
Seasoning	Salt, pepper, homemade spices	Pre-packaged seasoning, high in sodium
Sodium Content	Low	High (up to 1500mg or more per serving)
Estimated Calories (per cup)	50-90 calories	150-320+ calories

This table illustrates that while the vegetables themselves are healthy, the fats and seasonings added, especially at restaurants, are the primary sources of excess calories and sodium. A homemade batch, where you control the oil, is consistently a healthier, lower-calorie option.

How to Keep Your Fajita Veggies Low in Calories

For those looking to enjoy the deliciousness of fajita veggies without the added calories, consider these cooking tips:

Use cooking spray instead of oil: This can drastically reduce the amount of fat used while still allowing for a sautéed texture.
Dry sauté with a non-stick pan: Cook the peppers and onions in a hot, non-stick skillet without any oil. For moisture and to prevent sticking, add a small splash of broth or water.
Roast them in the oven: Roasting with just a light coat of cooking spray or a small amount of oil can yield a delicious, caramelized flavor without a lot of extra calories. Bake at a high temperature until tender.
Add other low-calorie vegetables: Bulk up your fajita mix with mushrooms, zucchini, or other low-calorie vegetables to increase the volume and nutrients without adding significant calories.
Control your toppings: While toppings like sour cream, cheese, and guacamole are tasty, they are calorie-dense. Stick to a dollop of Greek yogurt or fresh salsa to reduce calories.

The Calorie Impact of Different Fajita Veggie Varieties

While traditional fajita veggies consist of bell peppers and onions, there are many variations, each with a different nutritional profile:

Frozen Fajita Blend: Many supermarket frozen blends contain only peppers and onions, with nutritional information readily available on the package. These are typically low-calorie, similar to fresh, when prepared without oil.
Restaurant vs. Homemade: The data from Nutritionix and Eat This Much clearly shows the divergence. For instance, a Chipotle serving is listed at 20 calories (oil-free preparation), while a Chili's large order is 640 calories, likely due to oil and portion size. This emphasizes the importance of checking a restaurant's nutrition facts or opting for homemade.
DIY Control: By preparing your own fajita veggies, you have full control over ingredients. Using spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for flavor instead of fat allows you to keep the calorie count minimal and the flavor maximal. For more recipe ideas, check out sources like Nutrition.gov, which emphasizes healthy cooking techniques for vegetables.

Conclusion: A Matter of Choice, Not Cuisine

To answer the question, "how many calories do fajita veggies have?", the answer is that it's complicated, but the raw ingredients themselves are very low-calorie and healthy. A serving of plain bell peppers and onions is minimal in calories, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. However, the caloric load is directly tied to the preparation, specifically the quantity of oil or fat used, and the addition of high-calorie toppings. For a health-conscious meal, prioritize homemade versions where you can control the ingredients. By doing so, you can enjoy all the vibrant flavors of fajita veggies with a fraction of the calories found in a typical restaurant order, allowing for a delicious and guilt-free dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fajita veggies are a great option for weight loss, as long as they are prepared with minimal oil. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps promote fullness and aids digestion. Opt for homemade versions to control fat intake.

According to Nutritionix, one serving of Chipotle's fajita vegetables contains just 20 calories. They are cooked without added oil and are an excellent low-calorie addition to a meal.

The cooking oil or fat adds the most calories. A single tablespoon of oil adds over 100 calories. After that, toppings like sour cream, cheese, and guacamole significantly increase the caloric load.

No, the calorie difference between different colored bell peppers (red, green, yellow, orange) is negligible. The main nutritional differences are in their vitamin and antioxidant content, which are not calorie-related.

Yes, you can easily make fajita veggies without oil. You can dry sauté them in a non-stick pan, use cooking spray, or roast them in the oven. A splash of water or broth can prevent sticking during sautéing.

At a restaurant, you can request that your fajita veggies be cooked with minimal oil or steamed. You can also order sauces and toppings on the side so you can control how much you add.

Yes, a cup of frozen fajita vegetables typically has a similar low-calorie count to fresh vegetables, usually around 60 calories per 3 oz serving according to Eat This Much. Always check the package for the exact nutritional information.