Navigating the line between a dinner that tastes delicious and one that's calorie effective is a very slippery slope — but it doesn't have to be. There are so many healthy ways to get enough nutrients and taste into one meal — it's just a matter of knowing what ingredients to use. And a little creativity never hurt either. From every different type of cuisine to the classic burger, there's the perfect low calorie dinner for every household. There's no reason to sacrifice taste just for the sake of saving a few calories. It can lead to someone feeling deprived of real food, and let's face it, it's just not fun. So, we're here to prove that there are plenty of recipes out there that cater to a calorie-budgeted diet.
And yes, we know that spending a lot of time in the kitchen preparing dinner is something of a pipe dream for most families, but making a low-cal meal doesn't mean it's going to take hours. Sometimes, a half hour is plenty of time to create something super healthy and delicious.Ā
A lot of times, low calorie dinners are extremely lacking in protein and aren't made to keep anyone full for more than an hour. However, there are calorie-saving ways to add in enough protein to keep that stomach happy for hours. But that doesn't mean we are piling on the meat. A lot of other natural foods have protein hiding away in them — and that will also help keep the calorie count down. Plus, if you're saving calories at dinner, that just mean there's more room for dessert, right?? So, with keeping all of this in mind, we rounded up 20 of the best dinners that fall under 500 calories and are sure to please everyone in the family.
Fried Rice With Bacon
Fried rice is about as simple as it gets, right? Well, it can also be super low-cal with the right ingredients. Can't get much better than some brown rice and bacon — especially when it's just 481 calories per serving.
Lentil Pasta With Arugula Pesto
Yuuuumm. At just 397 calories per serving, this amped up lentil "pasta" dish is going to keep you coming back for more.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger
A burger under 500 calories?? Sounds too good to be true — but it's not. This black bean burger tastes just as good as it looks at just 367 calories, and even includes our favorite power-food, avocado.
Shrimp And Arugula Salad
This shrimp and arugula dish might seem basic, but with the help of some fresh lemon juice, this salad is packed with flavorful surprises (and only 343 calories).
Roast Chicken Bowl With Quinoa And Kale
Bowls are all the rage right now, and for good reason. This chicken, quinoa, and kale bowl is jam packed with nutrients but the 379 calories per serving aren't an overkill.
Chicken Breast With Butternut Squash and Broccoli
It's so, so simple! You put the ingredients on a pan, and BAM, your 478 calorie dinner is done. We are loving the way this chicken, butternut squash, and broccoli mixture is looking.
Lemon Stir Fry With Chicken And Asparagus
We've all succumbed to the temptation of Chinese takeout, but now, thanks to this lemon stir fry recipe, you can make a meal just as good as the ones you have delivered — with less of the calories. The craziest part? It's only 268 calories a serving.
Shrimp Fajitas
Half the fun of making fajitas is that they are like a build-your-own meal, and with this recipe, it's even easier — and a lot more guilt free at just 397 calories
Chicken Breast With Potatoes And Cabbage
Another throw on the pan and cook recipe, this chicken with potatoes and cabbage meal is great for anyone who doesn't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. And it'll only cost 448 calories.
Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Veggies
Our stomachs are growling just looking at this honey mustard pork chop dinner. At 382 calories, it's packed with veggies, starches, and protein, so what more do we really need??
Vietnamese Pan Grilled Sesame Beef
This Vietnamese-style meal is a little more interesting — but still oh, so tasty. It comes in at 299 calories per serving, soooo ice cream for dessert??
Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon
Oh my god, yes. Salmon should be a part of any well-balanced diet, and this maple pecan crusted recipe is heavenly. It can be ready in 20 minutes and is only 205 calories per serving.
Vietnamese Spiralized Sesame Noodles With Scallops
Spiralized veggies are the new way to do noodles. Why waste calories on the extra carbs when super yummy vegetables are a bette alternative? Plus, they are super easy to spice up, like with this 220 calorieĀ Vietnamese sesame noodle with scallops meal.
Ham Steak With Apples
Savory and sweet all at the same time? Yes, please. This 219 calorieĀ ham and apple mixture is perfect for fall and super easy to make.
Seared Hanger Steak
We don't typically think of red meat as low-cal, but this hanger steak and veggie meal only comes in at 368 calories per serving.
Pizza Spaghetti
Pizza. Spaghetti. YES. Made with three different type of meat and a salt-free tomato sauce, this meal rounds out to about 354 calories of deliciousness per serving.
Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl
We all love going to Chipotle — perhaps a little bit too much. But now, we can make our own burrito bowls right at home thanks to this 452 calorieĀ quinoa burrito bowl recipe.
Bean Margherita Penne
This one might sound a little strange — but trust us. The flavor combination in this under 500 cal recipe with the beans and the tomatoes is the perfect combination of both Italian and Mediterranean vibes.
Five-Spice Turkey & Lettuce Wraps
Those P.F. Chang's lettuce wraps have NOTHING on this 276 calorieĀ nutrient-packed turkey version. They are super easy to make and will make it feel like a night out without ever having to leave the house.
Thai Chicken Stir-Fry With Basil And Cashews
Yum, yum, yum! Asian-inspired food is a lot easier to create at home than one might think, so give this 329 calorieĀ chicken stir-fry a try next time those Thai food cravings start coming in.
