10+ Under 500 Calories Healthy Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

10+ Under 500 Calories Healthy Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or enjoying small portions. You can enjoy plenty of delicious recipes that keep you satisfied while staying under 500 calories. These meals can help you maintain a balanced diet without feeling deprived.

A colorful array of fresh vegetables and lean proteins arranged on a cutting board, surrounded by measuring cups and spoons

When you choose recipes that are low in calories but high in nutrition, you’re on the right path to better eating habits. You can explore a variety of options, from hearty dinners to quick lunches, all designed to nourish your body and keep your taste buds happy. With the right ingredients and easy cooking methods, you can create meals that support your wellness journey.

1) One-pan Caprese Chicken

A colorful, sizzling pan of Caprese Chicken surrounded by fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, with a side of mixed greens

One-pan Caprese Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for a healthy meal under 500 calories. It’s packed with Italian flavors from fresh tomatoes, basil, and melted mozzarella.

You’ll start by searing chicken breast until golden brown. Then, you add halved tomatoes and fresh basil. This dish cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple.

As the chicken cooks, the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a tasty sauce. The melted mozzarella adds creaminess and flavor to each bite.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the pan.
  5. Top each piece of chicken with mozzarella.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!

2) Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans

A colorful plate with Spanish chicken, beans, and vegetables, all under 500 calories

This dish is a great option if you’re looking for a meal under 500 calories. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Tender chicken combines with beans for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The spices add a Spanish flair that makes each bite delicious. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner on busy nights.

Ingredients

  • 250g chicken tenderloins
  • 1 can (400g) beans (like white or kidney beans)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat (175°C or 350°F).
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
  3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in beans, bell pepper, and spices. Cook until heated through.

3) Vegan Aubergine Burgers

A table set with a plate of vegan aubergine burgers, surrounded by fresh vegetables and a calorie counter showing "under 500."

Vegan aubergine burgers are a tasty and healthy option for your meals. They are low in calories and packed with flavor. You can enjoy them at home or on the grill with friends.

To make these burgers, you will need fresh aubergine, flour, and plant-based milk. Adding spices and seasonings will enhance the taste. A zesty avocado vegan mayo makes a perfect topping.

These burgers cook quickly. Just grill or bake them until they’re golden brown. Serve with your favorite veggies for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 large aubergine (or 2 medium)
  • 100g plain flour
  • 150ml plant-based milk (such as soy or almond)
  • Spices and seasonings of your choice
  • Avocado for vegan mayo

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the aubergine into thick rounds.
  3. Mix flour and plant-based milk in a bowl.
  4. Dip the aubergine slices in the mixture.
  5. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
  6. Serve with avocado mayo and veggies.

4) Easy Chicken Tacos

A colorful plate of chicken tacos with fresh vegetables and a side of salsa, all under 500 calories

These easy chicken tacos are perfect for a quick meal. You can have them ready in about 30 minutes. They are tasty and packed with protein, keeping your meal under 500 calories.

To make these tacos, you’ll need some cooked chicken, tortillas, and your favorite toppings like salsa, cilantro, or guacamole. You can use an air fryer or bake them in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 6 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup low-fat cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Warm the tortillas in a pan for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and salsa.
  4. Add optional cheese and cilantro.
  5. Bake or air fry for about 10 minutes until heated. Enjoy!

5) Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

A colorful, thin-crust pizza topped with vibrant green spinach and artichoke hearts, surrounded by fresh ingredients and a light, healthy atmosphere

Spinach and artichoke pizza is a tasty choice that keeps your meals healthy. This pizza uses a mix of fresh spinach and artichokes, making it both flavorful and nutritious. You can enjoy it without worrying about the calories.

Start with a whole wheat pizza crust or use a flatbread for a lighter option. Top it with a creamy cheese sauce made from low-fat cheese to keep it under 500 calories.

Feel free to add some spices for extra flavor. Red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. You’ll love how satisfying this dish is!

Ingredients

  • 1 whole wheat pizza crust
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup low-fat cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Roll out the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
  3. In a bowl, mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
  4. Spread the mixture on the crust.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

6) Jerk Pork with Sweet Potato Mash

A plate of jerk pork with sweet potato mash, garnished with fresh herbs, sits on a rustic wooden table

Jerk pork with sweet potato mash is a delicious dish that is also healthy. The spicy and flavorful jerk seasoning adds a great kick to tender pork. This meal is satisfying and stays under 500 calories, making it a perfect choice for a light dinner.

Sweet potato mash offers a creamy and nutritious side. It balances the spices from the jerk pork. Together, they create a comforting and tasty meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 pork chops (200 grams each)
  • Jerk seasoning
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the pork chops with jerk seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  4. Bake the pork in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Boil sweet potatoes until soft, then mash with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve the jerk pork on a bed of sweet potato mash.

7) Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps

A colorful plate of orange beef lettuce wraps surrounded by fresh lettuce leaves, sliced vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds

Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps are a tasty and healthy option for lunch or dinner. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of savory beef and fresh citrus makes each bite refreshing.

For this recipe, you can use lean ground beef or bison. You will mix in fresh ginger and garlic for an extra kick. Wrap the mixture in crisp lettuce leaves for a nutritious meal that’s under 500 calories.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or bison
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 16 lettuce leaves (boston, bibb, or romaine)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
  3. Stir in soy sauce and orange juice, mixing well.
  4. Serve the beef in lettuce leaves, ready to enjoy!

8) Maple and Tamari Tofu

A plate of maple and tamari tofu with steamed vegetables, a side of quinoa, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on a wooden table

Maple and tamari tofu is a delicious, healthy recipe that’s easy to make. This dish combines sweet maple syrup with salty tamari for a great flavor boost. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty lunch.

You will need firm tofu for the best texture. Cut it into thick cubes and pan-fry until golden brown. The marinade of maple syrup, fresh lime juice, and tamari adds lots of flavor.

Serve this tofu with steamed vegetables or over noodles for a complete meal. It’s not only tasty but also packed with protein.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp salt-reduced tamari
  • 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
  • 250g firm tofu, cut into 1cm-thick pieces

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add a bit of oil and pan-fry the tofu until golden brown on both sides.
  3. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, lime juice, tamari, and ginger.
  4. Pour the mixture over the tofu and cook for a few more minutes.

9) Spicy Mozzarella Aubergine Traybake

A tray of spicy mozzarella aubergine bake surrounded by colorful, fresh vegetables on a rustic wooden table

The Spicy Mozzarella Aubergine Traybake is a delicious and healthy dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a filling lunch. The mix of aubergines, chickpeas, and mozzarella creates a satisfying meal.

You start by roasting halved aubergines. The rich flavor pairs well with spicy seasoning. Adding mozzarella on top brings a creamy texture that complements the dish.

This recipe is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. You can enjoy it warm and even save leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients

  • 2 aubergines, halved
  • 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • Spices of your choice (like chili flakes)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange the aubergine halves on a baking tray.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and spices.
  4. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
  5. Top with chickpeas and mozzarella, then bake for another 10 minutes.

10) Hoisin Salmon Noodles

A plate of hoisin salmon noodles surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs, with a calorie count displayed

Hoisin salmon noodles are a delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal under 500 calories. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. The salmon’s glaze is made of a sweet hoisin sauce that complements the noodles perfectly.

You can whip this dish up in less than 30 minutes. Start by cooking the salmon in a pan. Then, toss it with cooked noodles and your favorite vegetables. It’s simple and satisfying!

Ingredients

  • 1 salmon fillet
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 4 oz rice noodles
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and broccoli)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Then, cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
  4. Add hoisin sauce to the salmon and cook for another minute.
  5. Toss the cooked noodles and vegetables in the pan.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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